FRESH ERA STARTS WITH HOME VICTORY

CARDIFF overcame a 20-minute red card for Wales centre Ben Thomas to start life without Matt Sherratt with victory over the Lions at the Arms Park.

- BEN JAMES

Cardiff's Harri Millard is tackled by Angelo Davids of the Lions

(Picture: Huw Evans Agency)

Spending a quarter down to 14 men derailed Cardiff in Corniel van Zyl's first game in charge, letting an 11-point lead slip as the South African side took the lead in the second half.

However, the home side always had too much for the Lions.

The week had begun with players being informed that head coach Sherratt was leaving with immediate effect to take up a role with Steve Tandy's Wales.

The news probably didn't come as all that much of a surprise, given how long Sherratt has been linked with the job. But the concern would have been what effect this might have on the squad.