Gold: Lions fed off our mistakes

The Durban-based franchise were blown away in the first half where they conceded four tries and scoring none themselves to go into the break 0-27 down. 

"It was a very tough night [Saturday]," said Gold. "It was a very poor first-half performance by us, but credit must go to the Lions who took their opportunities and fed off the mistakes that we made. 

"We made a couple of critical errors in the opening gambit and the quality team that they are, they took advantage of that. 

"We knew what we wanted to do tonight, but we did not execute it well enough."

Despite their inability to contain a strong Lions team, Gold said his team did show show some positive signs after the half-time break.

"That first half was the worst half of rugby we played. What gives me hope is that at 0-27 down we had a conversation at half-time and we spoke about what could happen. 

"I think many teams in this competition at 0-27 down would have comfortably got 50 points against them. 

"The guys in the changeroom at half-time said they were not going to roll over and that’s where I do want to give the guys credit. 

"A guy like JP Pietersen was really outstanding in what was tough circumstances tonight, so I am happy that the guys never gave up," Gold added.

After losing to the Lions for the second time this year, Gold believes Johannesburg side is an example of how a team can rise from the bottom to become title contenders in just a few years.

"I think they are outstanding," said Gold. "This Lions story is so similar to the Bulls story under Heyneke [Meyer]. 

"A slow start, difficult conditions in the beginning and then the people in the group get backed and this what you can grow into. That is how great sports teams are formed."

Meanwhile, in injury news, centre Paul Jordaan's Super Rugby campaign might be over after he injured his knee in the first half. 

"He [Jordaan] took a bad knock early on and it looks like he's done something in his knee," said Gold.

@rugby365com