Johannesburg - The Lions sunk to their third successive defeat this season in Vodacom Super Rugby as they were defeated 41-32 by the Blues.

The Lions also suffered their 17th consecutive Vodacom Super Rugby defeat.

The home side enjoyed a 25-17 lead at halftime, but had no answers for the pace of replacement Rene Ranger who scored two quick tries to put his team back in front.

The Lions also squandered at least four try-scoring opportunities and learnt why it is foolish to attack from your own goal line.

Despite another spirited fight back at the end, it was still not enough as the Blues showcased their superior pedigree.

Stand-out players for the home side were eighthman Warren Whiteley, centre Doppies la Grange and fullback Jaco Taute.

The last time the Lions won a Super Rugby match was on May 8 2009 when they beat the Highlanders.

Scorers:

Blues: Tries - Rene Ranger (2), Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Alby Mathewson. Conversions - Luke McAlister (4), Stephen Brett. Penalty - McAlister. Dropped goal - McAlister

Lions: Tries - Jano Vermaak, Warren Whiteley, Doppies la Grange, Josh Strauss. Conversions - Elton Jantjies (3). Penalties - Jantjies (2)

Teams:

Lions - 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Josh Strauss, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco van der Merwe (c), 4 Wikus van Heerden, 3 Patrick Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Subs: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Kevin Buys, 18 Dries van Schalkwyk, 19 Cobus Grobbelaar, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Burton Francis, 22 James Kamana.

Blues – 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Luke McAlister, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino (c), 5 Ali Williams, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Daniel Braid, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Rene Ranger.