PEEL'S SIDE STILL CHASE OPENING WIN

THE Scarlets remain winless in the United Rugby Championship as they slipped to defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

(Picture: Huw Evans Agency)

Dwayne Peel's side were crippled by injuries with 13 players on the sidelines which meant they had to draft in two emergency loan signings who both started in locks Harvey Cuckson and Alex Groves.

As a result it was no surprise to see them well beaten at Ellis Park as they struggled to cope with the Lions' power and set-piece dominance.

The Lions scored four tries courtesy of Quan Horn, Franco Marais and Morné Brandon (2) while Chris Smith and Gianni Lombard kicked nine points between them.

All the West Walians could muster was a penalty try and a score from Joe Roberts. Sam Costelow kicked six points.

The Lions won the first half 5-3 and would have been further ahead if it wasn’t for a series of tremendous turnovers from Scarlets back-rower Jarrod Taylor.