The Lions believe they are better prepared for the challenge awaiting them in Dublin after tough lessons against Leinster and Munster. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
The Joburg-based outfit have remained in Ireland for their first-ever Vodacom URC quarter-final next Saturday after securing a historic top-eight finish.
While proud of the achievement, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen said the group believe there is still far more to come as they prepare to take on Irish giants Leinster.
“We’re satisfied and proud, but there’s also a sense of realisation that if we were a little bit better … we had a great opportunity against Leinster and Munster,” said Van Rooyen.
The Lions pushed Leinster hard for almost 70 minutes in Dublin before fading late, while Munster’s physical breakdown work proved decisive in Limerick.
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Assistant coach and former Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn said Irish teams remain among the toughest opponents in world rugby.
“To play in Ireland, you just have to look at the quality of their teams. It’s a [Leinster] Test team we play against,” said Steyn.
Defence coach and former Bok midfielder Jaque Fourie added: “You play against a side with 800 or 900 Test caps. They’ve played together for Leinster and Ireland for a long time, so you have to play really, really well to beat them.”
Steyn added that very few teams have enjoyed success there.
“One doesn’t come to Ireland and win easily. We looked at the last last five or six years and only about five or six teams have come here and won.”
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The Lions coaching group said they had learned important lessons in the defeats to Leinster and Munster, including how Leinster’s aggressive rush defence had caught them unawares.
The Lions squandered golden chances against both teams and that has been a big focus for the coaching team in the build-up to next weekend.
Backline coach Ricardo Loubscher said: “The opposition teams put you under tremendous pressure and there are far less chances away from home
“Your finishing away from home must be spot on.”
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Leinster are overwhelming favourites, and Van Rooyen and his team are under no illusions of the challenge that awaits them.
“No one gives us a chance and I think that actually makes it good for us,” he said.
“Ten to one they will pick an even stronger team for the quarter-final, but we have big expectations and are massively excited for next weekend.
“We see it as an opportunity as a group to take the next step forward. It’s a chance to make history against a Test team.”
Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images
