Player ratings: Own worst enemy
The defending champions showed plenty of heart to fight their way back into the match, but they were held back by some basic errors that were punished by the home team.
The Cape side had their backs to the wall from the start and battled to put enough pressure on the Lions with vital mistakes costing them dearly.
The visitors needed their big players to step up if they were going to win, and they were ultimately let down by a string of errors.
We rate the Western Province players:
15 Cheslin Kolbe
Disappointing from the fullback who made some good runs later on in the game with one spectacular catch in particular catching the eye, but his kicking was not accurate and he was exposed on defence.
5/10
14 Dillyn Leyds
Did not manage to get his hands on the ball very often and his defence was not great as the Lions ran rampant down his wing.
5/10
13 Johnny Kotze
Outplayed by his opposite number, and although he worked hard he was not able to stand out with limited opportunities.
6/10
12 Juan de Jongh
Some questionable decision-making from the captain who did not seem sure if he wanted to kick for the corner or take the points. Solid as ever on defence and showed some flair with the ball in the second half but not able to follow through.
6/10
11 Seabelo Senatla
Some good stepping when he got the chance, but was kept relatively quiet by the Lions defence who did not give him a lot fo room to move.
6/10
10 Robert du Preez
Bit of a horror show for the young playmaker whose kicking and handling let him down pretty badly, although he did manage to score just before half-time.
4/10
9 Nic Groom
Looked distraught when he was pulled off after a disappointing outing. Made too many basic errors and got exposed by his opposite number.
5/10
8 Nizaam Carr
One of the shining lights, he tackled like a demon and was very threatening when he got a chance to run as he showed in finishing his try.
7/10
7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe
Bit of a mixed bag as he was held up in the tackle and handed off, but did manage to get over for a try from a maul.
6/10
6 Rynhardt Elstadt
Provided some brute force, but did not manage to make an impact at the breakdown. Made some big tackles but not much else besides.
6/10
5 Ruan Botha
Good in the line-outs, managing to get his hands on some Lions ball. He also got over the gainline regularly when he took it up.
6/10
4 Jean Kleyn
Got through plenty of work on defence and did not let his team down, but did not manage to stand out either.
6/10
3 Wilco Louw
Very strong in the scrums and carried the ball up well, he looks a bright prospect for the future.
7/10
2 Mbongeni Mbonambi
His line-out throwing was not accurate enough, and although he got around the park well it was not his best game as he did not have many opportunities to run in space.
5/10
1 Steven Kitshoff
His last game for Province and while he showed some characteristic power in the scrums he was not able to impose himself as he would have liked.
6/10
Replacements:
16 Michael Willemse (On for Mbonambi, 64 mins)
Added some urgency on defence and got around the park well.
6/10
17 Oliver Kebble (On for Kitshoff, 53 mins)
Some powerful scrums, but was perhaps fortunate not to be shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
6/10
18 Chris van Zyl (On for Kleyn, 57 mins)
Put his body on the line, but was shown a yellow card right at the death.
5/10
19 Jurie van Vuuren (On for Elstadt, 69 mins)
Did not get many opportunities and knocked the ball on to signal the end of his team's hopes.
5/10
20 Jano Vermaak (On for Groom, 51 mins)
Made a noticeable impact when he came on, his service was good and his linespeed on defence put the Lions under pressure.
7/10
21 Kurt Coleman (On for Du Preez, 53 mins)
Looked far more composed than the player he replaced and his kicking game got Province back in the game.
7/10
22 Huw Jones (On for Kotze, 57 mins)
Some impressive runs and made his tackles in a decent showing.
6/10
By Michael de Vries
