The Waratahs’ hopes are hanging by a thread after suffering a heartbreaking 29-28 loss to the Lions this morning.

The Waratahs was leading the charge after scoring three first-half tries to topple the Lions 21-19 at the breather.

The tough match between the two teams continued into the second spell where the tables turned, and Lions got the upper hand.

The Lions took the lead for the first time during the match after winger Courtnall Skosan scored a try for his side to put them ahead of the Tahs.

The Waratahs tried to get back on track but was too late as the Lions extended their lead with a penalty kick to maintain a one-point lead.

It was the Waratahs’ third straight loss to South African opposition too.

With five matches remaining, the Waratahs sit in 13th place in the overall standings and six points behind Australian conference leaders the Rebels who got their season back on track on Friday night with a hard-fought 30-24 win over the Reds in Melbourne.

In other Super Rugby matches, the Highlanders beat the Jaguars 32-27, and the Chiefs edged the Sharks 29-23.