The Lions are on the cusp of a historic United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off spot, with their fate firmly in their own hands as they prepare to face Leinster and Munster in Ireland.
Currently sitting in third place on the log, the Lions have a clear plan of action to secure a top 8 finish, and head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes that two wins should effectively seal their fate.
Recent Growth and Improvement
Van Rooyen attributes the team’s recent growth and improvement to the lessons learned from past shortcomings, including the 2021 season when they slipped up in crucial games at home.
According to Van Rooyen, there has been significant growth in the squad since those shortcomings, and even this season, when things did not go their way early on. The Lions struggled at the start of the campaign but pulled things together with some impressive performances both overseas and at home.
Key Factors Contributing to Success
Some key factors contributing to the Lions’ success include improved decision-making, enhanced ability to transfer pressure onto opponents, and consistent development of certain elements of their game.
As noted by Van Rooyen, the team’s resilience over the past couple of months will give them plenty of confidence heading into the final two clashes.
The Lions’ captain, Francke Horn, also praised the team’s defensive effort, which saw nearly 200 tackles made at Ellis Park in their recent 33-21 win over Connacht.
For more information on the United Rugby Championship, visit the URC official website or check out the Wikipedia page for the latest updates and statistics.
Here are some key stats and facts about the Lions’ URC campaign:
- Current log position: 3rd
- Remaining fixtures: Leinster (9 May) and Munster (16 May)
- Recent form: 6 consecutive URC victories
The Lions will be looking to build on their recent success and make history by securing a first-ever URC play-off spot.
