The ever-consistent Lions will look to continue their winning start to the 2018 Super Rugby season when they host the struggling, yet unfortunate Blues during Round 3. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2:15am (AEDT).
The Lions have been in two straight grand finals and while they lost both, the club are showing no signs of slowing down despite the revamped competition form at the start of the 2018 season.
While it would be fair to say the Lions haven’t had a big win over a strong club yet, they did beat the Sharks in a tight seven-point affair during the first round of competition.
They then ran up 47 points on the Jaguares to stamp their dominance at the top of the South African conference, being one of only four clubs to be undefeated, although three of those are the Rebels, Crusaders and Highlanders who have played one less game (or had at the time of writing).
It would hardly be a surprise to see them run up a similar score on the Blues, with the Auckland-based club struggling defensively over the first two rounds.
While the Highlanders and Chiefs aren’t exactly easy opponents to start the season against and the Blues were competitive, their defence was leaking like the Titanic, particularly in their opener.
The ‘Landers ran up 41 points on them in that first game, although the Blues only lost by seven. They lost their second game to the Chiefs by six, and while their defence was marginally better, conceding 27 is still far too many if they want to be winning on a consistent basis.
Prediction
This could be a bit ugly for the Blues. While they have hung tough in New Zealand during the first two rounds, a long trip across the Indian Ocean is going to be a step too far for them against a Lions outfit who will prove why they are favourites to top the South African conference yet again.
Lions by 14.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this Super Rugby match from 2:15am (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment below.
Preview written by Scott Pryde.
hein cloete
Guest
Loved this game. The spectators faces when the Blues scored the winning try was priceless.
hein cloete
Guest
No parking and no public transport.
James
Guest
and people complain that stadiums in NZ are too small with a small population
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Hey TM, It's a start but I'm pleased I did not stay up to watch live.... I'd never have been able to get to sleep! Lets see if they can perform consistently ... :)
Blessing
Roar Rookie
Something seems to have clicked with Akira Ioane. I wonder if spending time in the ABs environment was the catalyst. His work rate is noticeably up and the laziness seems to have subsided. He seems to be playing with such intensity and making the right decisions. Even the niggle is reduced, he does not engage in it as much. Could he be about to fulfil his potential? Fascinating.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Agree, looks interesting all over the board now. Very good that Lions and Saders lost today, it would have been kind of boring if those had cruised to the final.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Bring out the champagne mate. Epic comeback by the Blues and England lose in Paris.
Harry Jones
Expert
All conferences need to be competitive, for the conference system to thrive. This is good. Need playoff participants to be decided in last 2 rounds.
Harry Jones
Expert
Great win
Taylorman
Guest
Yeehooooo! The Blues just seem to love playing Lions teams! What a match.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
80' Try!!! What a game of rugby! The Blues snatch their first Super Rugby win to get their campaign underway. An unlikely victory hands the Lions their first loss of the season. Fulltime: Lions 35-38 Blues.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
Go BLUES!! Where are the pundits now?
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Enthralling stuff here I Johannesburg! It's a matter of who wants it more. Blues have the scrum!
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
76' Try!!!! It's raining tries here at Emirates airline park with the Blues scoring a try. Lions 25-31 Blues.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
What an exciting game! Why so few people at the stadium?
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Try!!! The Lions hit back immediately with a try by smith. Lions 35-22 Blues.
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
69' Try!!! Rieko dummies the Lions defense and breaks the line to register a brace. Blues are upping the tempo. Lions 28-22 Blues.
Deliberate slap down, completely ignored by referee
Vusi Gubeni
Roar Guru
Try!!! Great phase play off the scrum by the Blues for Rieko Ione to score in the corner. Lions 28-17 Blues.
Struggling to understand the referee’s interpretations at the tackle