Dragons totally destroyed as they're dumped out of Europe

The Dragons crashed out of the Challenge Cup as they shipped nine tries in a 60-10 hammering by the Lions in Johannesburg.

Filo Tiatia's side got blown away physically and had no answer to the Lions' pace and power. It is difficult to see where the next win is coming from for the Dragons who need to completely overhaul their squad over the next couple of seasons if they are to stand any chance of becoming competitive again.

It's true a six-day turnaround from last Sunday's defeat to Pau was ridiculous, especially with the game being played at altitude, but the Dragons were so far off the pace they weren't even second best.

Sam Francis and Will Reed exchanged early penalties but in reality the Lions dominated the first-half from start to finish with the Dragons not entering the South African side's 22 once. The Dragons could not cope with the pace, dynamism nor the physicality of the home side with No 8 Francke Horn crossing at the corner after a lovely long pass from Francis who also converted the try.

Tiatia's side were made to defend as if their lives depended on it and after a period of intense pressure Francis touched down under the crossbar for the Lions' second try. It was soon time for the Lions to score again and this time it was openside flanker Ruan Venter who brushed aside some weak tackles to score.

The Lions had the bit between their teeth and Springboks scrum-half Morne van den Berg was the architect of their fourth try as he sliced through the middle of the Dragons defence into the 22. With the Welsh clubs defence at sixes and sevens, a well-weighted pass from Rynhardt Jonker put Tapiwa Mafura over at the corner. Francis added the extras to give the Lions an unassailable 31-7 lead at the interval.

Horn