The Emirates Lions slumped to a disappointing 42-0 whitewash at the hands of the defending Vodacom United Rugby Championship champions Glasgow Warriors, underlining just how far off their challenge is at the moment.
The only positive that the Lions could take out of the game was the fact they kept Glasgow scoreless in an error-ridden second half, mainly because of a gale force wind at their backs, the same wind that propelled the home side to their big lead in the first half.
But in essence the match delivered a verdict of the Lions' chances for the rest of the season, as they failed to match the Warriors in terms of passion and intensity and often paid the price for this failure.
The defending champions silence the Emirates Lions in a clinical performance 🤝#VURC pic.twitter.com/nKUaqiP93l
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 29, 2025
There was little to write home about for the Lions, who were hoping for a brave performance after losing to Cardiff last weekend despite dominating every part of the game.
Part of the problem is that even if the Lions manage to sneak into the top eight for the first time since the inception of the URC, they are likely to face one of the top sides away from home, and on this performance any sort of upset would be unlikely.
The Lions will be kicking themselves. After a solid start to the season they have slumped into mediocrity and if they aren’t contemplating change at the top, it would be a travesty.
The congestion at the top of the log means the Lions can still sneak into the top eight on the back of four home game wins, but on this performance, few would give them a chance against any team in the top four.
At some point though, the Lions are going to have to address the elephant in the room, especially if they don’t qualify for the top eight.
It will be the same story as every othes season, despite changing the assistant coaches and keeping the head coach in tact.
LIONS OFF THE PACE
As with many games this season this Lions team has only flattered to deceive, and this against the background of a massive win against Glasgow last season at Ellis Park.
It started with Nathan Macbeth - ironically a discard from the Lions last season - who scored from close range and was followed by a brace by winger Jamie Dobie, who showed up the poor defence with a double burst of tries of his own.
George Horne was at the end of a strong attacking movement for try No 4 and was followed by Adam Hastings as the home side pressed ahead their advantage.
History Made! 🎉🔥
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 29, 2025
George Horne becomes @GlasgowWarriors ' all-time top try-scorer, etching his name in the record books! 🏆⚔️#BKTURC #URC | #GLAvLIO@Vodacom #URC | #GLAvLIO pic.twitter.com/WtjiWvC1wo
The final try of the seven-try first half was scored by hooker Grant Stewart, who capped a perfect half for his side.
The second half only served to underline the Lions going through the motions. They had a few good runs, but nothing that could be converted into points.
And when the final whistle blew, it was almost a relief that the scoreline wasn't blown out into bigger numbers and that they had kept Glasgow scoreless in the second half.
But it was also a testament to how far off the pace of the champions the Lions are and with just four league games left, what a massive mountain they need to climb.
SCORERS
Glasgow Warriors - tries: Nathan Macbeth, Jamie Dobie (2), George Horn, Adam Hastings, Grant Stewart. Conversions: Hastings (6)