The Auckland Blues charged to a 56-14 victory over the Gauteng Lions, condemning them to the worst season in Super rugby history, in their Super 14 match at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Blues were slick on attack, especially in the second half when they scored five tries to complete an emphatic victory after the Lions had held them to 24-14 at half-time.
The defeat was the Lions’ 12th in succession, breaking the previous record of 11 in a row by the Bulls in 2002 in the then Super 12. The Lions have also conceded the most points in a season — 526 — to surpass the 500 the Bulls leaked in 2002.
The Blues twice opened the disorganised Lions’ defence with ease in the first quarter, with outside centre Rene Ranger scoring after midfield partner Benson Stanley’s break and flyhalf Stephen Brett sniping over too.
The Lions produced two superb tries in reply by fullback Carlos Spencer, who spent 10 seasons with the Blues, sandwiching a try by scrumhalf Alby Mathewson who exposed insipid defence by the home side.
In the second half, though, the Lions were lacklustre and an early Brett penalty gave the Blues momentum. The former Crusaders flyhalf was rushed into the starting line-up 20 minutes before kickoff after Daniel Kirkpatrick tweaked a knee during the warm-up. Brett kicked superbly, succeeding with nine of his 10 attempts at goal.
Spencer spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin after being yellow-carded for a trip and may face further disciplinary action after swearing at the assistant referee who reported his misdemeanour.
The Blues relentlessly piled on the tries in the second half, with wing Paul Williams and hooker Tom McCartney each scoring, before wing Joe Rokocoko capped a miserable afternoon for the Lions with two tries at the death. – Reuters