Lions must turn Challenge Cup disappointment into URC success

The Lions produced a brave performance against Perpignan at the weekend, but they will be terribly disappointed that a 20-20 draw was not enough to keep them in the Challenge Cup.

While making the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs for the first time in their history remains a priority, the Lions must ask themselves how they failed to reach the Round of 16, considering the quality of the teams in their pool. 

Against opponents such as the Dragons, Newcastle, Lyon, and Perpignan, the Lions managed just one win, one draw, and two losses. While they finished level on eight points with Perpignan, the French side advances to the knockout stage due to a superior points difference. Ultimately, the 26-18 home defeat to Benetton proved fatal to their European ambitions.

It is the first time the Lions have failed to make the play-off stage of the Challenge Cup since joining the competition.

The silver lining is that Ivan van Rooyen’s side can now throw all their resources into the URC. They are handily placed in the standings as the competition reaches the halfway stage, sitting seventh with 21 points from four wins and four losses.

Crucially, they have a game in hand over most teams above them, while eighth-placed Benetton (19 points) have also played one match more.

Despite the European exit, the Lions will feel confident about their recent form. Their forwards are gelling well and dominated a hefty Perpignan pack, particularly in the second half. With that in mind, they will be kicking themselves for not getting over the line, despite the atrocious conditions in France.

The Lions travel to Wales to face the Ospreys on Friday night and will be boosted by the return of Springboks Morne van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye from minor injury niggles. The squad’s depth is also improving, thanks to the emergence of Junior Springboks Haashim Pead and Batho Hlekani.

When the team returns from Wales, they face a golden run of home fixtures that will define their URC campaign. They must turn Ellis Park into a fortress for a stretch of games against the Sharks, Stormers, Bulls, Edinburgh, Dragons, Glasgow, and Connacht.

Cashing in at home is essential, as the Lions finish their campaign with a daunting fortnight away to Irish giants Leinster and Munster.