MTN Lions still looking for their rythm as they go down to Stormers |
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January 27 - The MTN Lions lost their first warm-up match against the DHL Stormers at Newlands on Friday night, conceding three tries and scoring none in going down 28-6.
While the Lions did well enough in the scrums, their lineout was generally shaky and rhythm on attack was noticeably lacking. But then, to put right what is wrong and find cohesion is why warm-ups are played, and while Stormers coach Allister Coetzee would be pleased after a good all-round performance, Lions coach John Mitchell would not be too disheartened by the scoreline. He would undoubtedly have identified what till has to be worked on before the Super Rugby kick-off in six weeks’ time, and there was also much that was commendable from the Lions.
The Lions had a good opening stanza and were probably denied a score through a lost lineout, something that curtailed them in especially the first quarter. Two penalties to one remained the scoreline until the 32nd minute. Then a good line-out drive put Stormers prop Stephen Kitshoff over for a converted try, and with James’ second penalty shortly thereafter the sides went into the break at 13-6 to the Stormers.
While it must be said that fluency on attack was missing, the Lions’ inability to score a try could also be put down to some outstanding Stormers defence.
Gio Aplon’s individualistic unconverted try immediately after the break and a penalty for a dangerous Butch James tackle shortly after that put the Stormers firmly in charge on the scoreboard at 21-6, despite some good attacking Lions play that was off-set by equally good Stormers defence.
Then came Aplon’s second try after 56 minutes – and the Lions simply could not come back from 28-6 despite some glimpses of what they’re capable of.
Scorers:
Stormers: Tries: Gio Aplon (2), Stephen Kitshoff; Conversions: Joe Pietersen and Gary van Aswegen; Penalties: Joe Pietersen (2), Gary van Aswegen
Lions: Penalties: Butch James (2)
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