Lions under pressure to break URC losing streak

IT is fair to say that the Lions will be under heavy scrutiny against the Scarlets on Saturday (kickoff 1.45pm) to record their first win of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season.

- MORGAN BOLTON

Many would argue that it has been an ignominious start to their campaign ~ the Joburgers losing their first three games of the tournament.

The Lions have already conceded 96 points this season, with 14 tries racked up against them in the process. In return, they have struck back with only half that tally in tries to record 55 points. They currently sit 15th out of 16 teams on the URC log - a position that reflects both their winless run and the defensive frailties that have plagued them in the opening rounds.

Their most recent defeat — a 41-22 loss to Benetton - exposed a layer of irritation from pundits and fans about the current form of the team, with previous patience replaced with resignation that it will be another unsuccessful season.

Perhaps sensing the underlying tone of questioning yesterday, while fronting up to the media at Johannesburg Stadium, attack coach Ricardo Loubscher insisted the team — from the coaches to the players - were grafting hard every day to rectify their early-season woes.