How Lions can tame Bulls to keep challenge going
The Lions will head into this weekend’s home United Rugby Champioonship clash against the Bulls buoyed by the weekend’s 60-10 mauling of the Dragons, which salvaged their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen’s charges blitzed the Welsh visitors by nine tries to one at Ellis Park on Saturday, while the Bulls were also rampant in their 48-7 Champions Cup win over Stade Francais at Loftus earlier in the day in the Champions Cup.
Here, Rowan Callaghan discusses five things the Lions will have to repeat if they hope to secure a URC win over their northern neighbours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxV-UaG9xuMGive the ball air
The Lions showed that they have the X-factor players who can capitalise on the opportunities when they give the ball air. The elusive Quan Horn has looked full of running since the fullback’s return for the Montpellier clash, while wingers Edwill van der Merwe and Tapiwa Mafura are equally tricky customers in full flight.
Yet, the Lions were also impressive in the supporting running lines, as there always seemed to be a backup player on the shoulder of the ball carrier. If they can build on that on Saturday, then the Bulls will be in for a torrid afternoon.
Come and experience the vibe this Saturday#LIOvBUL #ForOurCity@vodacom #URC | #HitsDifferent pic.twitter.com/4j4V00tbuA
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 20, 2025
Finish strong
The Lions showed no signs of letting up at any stage during their Dragon-slaying feat, a last-minute chip-and-chase that that led to a Manuel Ras try proof of their durability. The Bulls, by contrast, have shown a lingering tendency to drop off the pace in the latter stages of matches.
Despite dominating most of Saturday’s game, their final addition to the scoreboard came in the 50th minute. The Lions will, therefore, feel that will have the edge should it be a close contest at the end.
Show great defensive organisation
The Paula Latu try in the 54th minute was the only time the Dragons crossed the Lions tryline. The Lions also dominated the scrums and line-outs and will have to do so again to create go-forward ball and space for their dynamic backs.
Hooker PJ Botha was steady with his line-out throws and in general play, while the locks made a nuisance of themselves on opposition throws. Props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Juan Schoeman put in real shifts. However, they will be coming up against an equally impressive Bulls scrum, boasting the likes of Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp.
Play it again, Sam
Much of the build-up to the clash against the Dragons was focused on the return from injury of Springbok flank Ruan Venter and star centre Henco van Wyk. Both lived up to the hype with Venter, in particular, displaying his usual combination of pace, power and precision.
Van Wyk and centre partner Rynhardt Jonker (who was named Player of the Match) struck up a solid midfield combination and their chemistry, attacking flair and defensive ability will once again be key. Rising flyhalf star Sam Francis also showed great maturity, ability to read the game and game-breaking ability. Lions fans will be crying for more of the same.
Share the load
One noticeable feature of Saturday’s match was that the try-scoring load was shared around the pride. There were seven different scorers ‒ a mix of backs and forwards ‒ who got on the scoresheet.
This demonstrates the fact that Lions played an expansive game and did not rely on one or two start to get the job done. Skipper and No 8 Francke Horn’s brace was particularly memorable as he dotted down in each corner, a sidestep or two thrown in for good measure. Another similar performance from the hard-running skipper will set the tone for his team.