Lions losing their big roar

The Lions’ status as the leading South African Super Rugby side is waning fast.

After crashing to their second defeat in their last three matches, going down 49-35 to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, major questions were asked at the weekend about their alarming defensive lapses.

The defeat saw the Lions being overtaken at the top of the overall table by the Rebels, while in the South African conference the Stormers narrowed the gap to just six points, and the Lions still have to go on tour next month.

After trailing 7-0 early in the game, the Lions scored two tries through lock Marvin Orie and wing Sylvian Mahuza to take a 14-10 lead, but a blitzkrieg of 15 points saw the home team taking control by the break.

Twice the Lions fought back bravely in the second half to be within striking distance after replacements Malcolm Marx (two) and Lourens Erasmus scored three tries between them.

Despite taking their strongest available line-up to Argentina, however, the Lions were again found wanting as they fell to a third straight defeat at the Jaguares’ home ground, with the Argentine side securing their second victory of the season.

For the Jaguares, tries were scored by Bautista Delguy, Emiliano Boffelli (above, two), Ortego Desio (two) and Bautista Ezcurra.

The Lions will now have to fight off the dreaded jet-lag factor after flying back yesterday for their date with defending champions the Crusaders at Ellis Park on Sunday, which is followed by a meeting with Robbie Fleck’s revitalised Stormers.