Lions searching for answers after Bulls derby demolition

Lions searching for answers after Bulls derby demolition

The Lions were left shell-shocked after a brutal 52–17 United Rugby Championship defeat to arch-rivals the Bulls at Ellis Park, a result that exposed major flaws despite recent signs of progress.

Hopes of completing a URC double over the Bulls - after November's win at Loftus Versfeld - quickly faded as the hosts were outplayed across the park, conceding eight tries and struggling to string together any meaningful phases.

Coach Ivan van Rooyen did not look for excuses, dismissing travel fatigue after both teams returned from European tours.

"We were sloppy," he said. "In the first half we probably didn't get through two or three phases. You make errors, you concede momentum - and when big guys like the Bulls get momentum, they punish you."

Errors at the set-piece and a lack of continuity kept the Lions under pressure throughout, while attempts to force a comeback only led to further mistakes.

Captain Francke Horn shared his coach's frustration, insisting the performance could not be blamed on preparation.

"There was nothing in the week that suggested this," Horn said. "But the slow start and pressure got to us. We lost five or six line-outs and barely put phases together."

He pointed to the Lions' final try, scored after sustained possession, as proof of their potential - and the source of his biggest frustration.

The defeat drops the Lions out of the URC top eight into 10th place. With a short break before the competition resumes, they will look to regroup ahead of crucial home clashes against the Sharks and Stormers.

"All of us will take this hard," Horn said. "We'll switch off, then come back and fix what went wrong."