Lions coach reflects on errors following heartbreaking Currie Cup final loss

Once again, the Lions snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Last year in the final, they lost out to a 60m penalty from Sharks' bolter Jordan Hendrikse well after the hooter.

This time around, the Lions celebrated the victory only for the TMO to spot a cynical act in front of the poles. That set the stage for George Whitehead to chip over the winning penalty in the 83rd minute, cuing more heartbreak for the hosts.

The Lions' tears were ecstasy for the Griquas, who claimed their first Currie Cup title in 55 years. Speaking to the press after the match, Nkosi had many regrets.

"Our body height in the tackles was not low enough, and we were caught offside on occasions," said a bitterly disappointed Nkosi.

"Our tackle fight was also weak. We were not accurate enough, losing too many line-outs, we lost the aerial battle and gave away silly penalties [including one in injury time that gifted George Whitehead the winning kick].

"The challenge for us is that every game we must pitch."

The Lions now turn their attention to the United Rugby Championship, where they face a tricky three-match tour starting Saturday. They travel to Wales to face Cardiff, then Italy for clashes against Zebre and Benneton before returning to the Republic.

Another challenge awaiting URC coach Ivan van Zyl is personnel. Flyhalf Chris Smit is off to France, while Kade Wolhuter has been out of touch. Superstar prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is facing doping charges, while there are concerns at hooker as well with an injury to PJ Botha and questions around the future of Jaco Visagie.