As vice-captain and Hurricanes lock Mark Abbott said afterwards: "It was pretty under par from us across the park. There were lapses in both defence and attack."
"Everyone is accountable. A few serves will be given in our reviews and nobody can stray away from it," Abbott said after pointing out the team had only been together for a week.
Philpott agreed this Saturday afternoon's assignment, Taranaki away, is likely to be tougher than the opening weekend draw.
"Taranaki will be very direct."
There were positives in the Magpies' performance. One was the never-say-die approach which resulted in two late tries to lock Geoff Cridge and wing Ryan Tongia which gave the hosts the bonus point for four tries.
Blindside flanker Hugh Renton had a huge work rate in his long-awaited debut for the Magpies. The son of former Magpies loosie, Paul Renton, made 15 tackles and was second to fellow Hurricane Tony Lamborn, the busiest Magpies defender with 16.
Philpott said it had been a long time since the likes of Renton, Cridge and Abbott played 80 minutes.
Former Samoa Sevens captain Fa'alemiga Selesele was again a key figure for the Magpies. First five-eighth Ihaia West made some memorable tactical kicks.
West's clever flick-on pass which led to second five-eighth Billy Ropiha's try in the 18th minute was spectacular.
Should Lewis Marshall get another start at fullback against Taranaki his defence will have to improve. He is likely to be used again if Chiefs outside back Sam McNicol fails to get the all clear from the effects of concussion.
Openside flanker Greg Foe, who captained the Lions in the absence of Brad Shields, produced a player-of-the-match display in his blazer game. He had the most carries in the game with 17 and during these carries gained 62 metres.
Hurricanes centre Matt Proctor gained the most metres for the Lions with 88.
- The Hawke's Bay Saracens were beaten 44-24 in the early curtainraiser, using the scoring system being trialled during the Heartland Championship. It includes six-point tries and two-point penalties.
The Saracens trailed 30-0 at halftime. Their best players were halfback Karl Hewitt, winger Mikey Vuicakau and substitute five-eighth David Neilson in the backs and prop Jarvy Aoake and No8 Danya Tulou in the pack.
Match highlights:
* Heartstopper: Bay of Plenty referee Brett Johnson failing to play advantage in the 15th minute when there was a good chance Magpies wing Ryan Tongia would have scored a try.
* Turning point: Lions wing Joe Hill's 65th minute try which was converted by Jackson Garden-Bachop to give the visitors a 29-12 lead. It was always going to be tough for the Magpies from there.
* Player of the match: Lions captain and openside flanker Greg Foe. Outstanding blazer game display in which he finished on top of the carry count with 17 and fourth on metres gained with 62.
Wellington Lions 36 (Alex Fidow, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Galu Taufale, Joe Hill, Greg Foe tries; Jason Woodward con; Garden-Bachop 3 cons, pen) Hawke's Bay Magpies 26 (Billy Ropiha, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Geoff Cridge, Ryan Tongia tries; Ihaia West 3 cons).
Halftime: HB 12-7.
