Lions rue missed chances in narrow defeat to Stormers

ONE or two missed moments ultimately proved costly for the Lions, but head coach Ivan van Rooyen was full of pride in his side after their narrow 34-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

The Johannesburg outfit pushed their hosts all the way to the final whistle and were still hunting a potential draw in the dying moments of the contest. That late surge was halted deep in Stormers territory when Springbok eighthman Evan Roos produced a crucial turnover under his own posts, stopping the Lions’ momentum and effectively sealing the win for the home side.

The visitors had plenty to be encouraged by, particularly after a strong first-half showing in which they enjoyed much of the territory and possession. Their tempo and physicality troubled the Stormers early on, allowing them to dictate large spells of play and keep the pressure firmly on the hosts.

However, the second half told a different story.