Blues in seventh heaven
The Blues ran in seven tries to write the rock-bottom Lions into the history books in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Last Updated: 08/05/10 5:05pm
The Blues ran in seven tries to write the rock-bottom Lions into the history books in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The visitors' 56-14 bonus point victory consigned the Lions to their 12th successive loss this season - 13 including last season's final round defeat - which is the worst record in Super League history.
Dick Muir's side had no answer to the Blues attacking force, with Joe Rokocoko notching a brace and other touch downs from Rene Ranger, Paul Williams, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson and Tom McCartney, while Brett also kicked five conversions and three penalties.
In response, the home side saw veteran Carlos Spencer notch two tries in this dead rubber, with Herkie Kruger adding a conversion.
But it was Pat Lam's wounded charges who flew out of the blocks following their disappointing loss to the Cheetahs seven days ago.
It took them only five minutes to break the deadlock when Benson Stanley spotted a hole in midfield before he offloaded to centre partner Ranger.
It was a pass that the former did not really need to make but Ranger was all to pleased to collect, with Brett's simple extras following.
Brett's inclusion was only a late call from the Aucklanders as he had been pencilled in on the bench in midweek due to a niggle.
However, the number ten ran out eager to make his mark and did just that with a score adding to 19 points from the kicking tee.
That aforementioned try was yet another example of why the Lions are now sitting with 12 defeats and no victories next to their name in 2010.
Ghosted through
It only took the Blues just a couple of phases from attacking lineout ball off Jerome Kaino before Brett spotted and duly ghosted through, with a conversion and penalty taking the arrears to 0-17 on the half-hour.
But then came a moment to savour for former Blue Spencer. From a lovely breakout from their own 22 by Tonderai Chavhanga, the Lions showed just a glimpse of what they can do as the wing's pass found Walter Venter who shipped it back inside to his full-back.
With the scores at 7-17 it needed the hosts to plug any holes in their defence if they were to sew any seeds of doubt into the Blues outfit.
It did not happen as once again the holes emerged for this time Mathewson.
A 40th-minute response from Spencer did bring the deficit back to ten points ar 24-14 but it was to be a short-lived semblance of hope for the few who made the journey out to Coca-Cola Park.
Further tries after the interval from Williams, McCartney and two for Rokocoko then made the scoreline embarrassing for the now record-breaking side sat at the foot of the Super 14 table, who have now also conceded more than 500 points in one season, while for the Blues it was a decent run-out before they meet the Chiefs.
