The Lions suffered a disappointing defeat to Cardiff in their opening match of the Vodacom URC at the Arms Park on Saturday night.
The hosts outscored their opponents by five tries to two in a 33-20 victory, having trailed 20-14 early in the second half.
Fresh from their Currie Cup final heartbreak, the Joburg-based side were second-best for large parts of the contest and struggled to adapt to Cardiff’s tempo and accuracy.
Cardiff’s backline looked far sharper, while the Lions were guilty of predictable one-off runners and a mountain of turnovers.
The hosts struck first through centre Ben Thomas before fullback Cam Winnett added a second try.
The Lions hit back when flank Ruan Venter crashed over, and flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela’s boot kept them within striking distance.
Cardiff lost Thomas to a red card in the first half, and Dobela narrowed the gap to 14-13 at the break.
Momentum swung the Lions’ way early in the second half when No 8 WJ Steenkamp powered over from a scrum to give them a six-point lead.
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But once Cardiff returned to a full complement, they dominated the closing stages.
Flank Alex Mann crossed, before replacement hooker Evan Lloyd grabbed a brace from rolling mauls to seal a win for the home side.
CARDIFF – Tries: Ben Thomas, Cam Winnett, Alex Mann, Evan Lloyd (2). Conversions: Callum Sheedy (4).
LIONS – Tries: Ruan Venter, WJ Steenkamp. Conversions: Lubabalo Dobela (2). Penalties: Dobela (2).
Photo: Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images
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