The Lions secured a 35-12 win over the Ospreys at Ellis Park, with captain Francke Horn acknowledging that the team was far from perfect but gained valuable momentum ahead of their upcoming derby against the Bulls in Pretoria. The win earned the Johannesburg side five points, with Horn emphasizing that the team's discipline and ability to grind out a result were crucial to their success. The Lions' scrum proved to be a formidable weapon, providing a platform for their second-half dominance.
The Lions had a sloppy first half, trailing 12-10 at the break, but transformed the game after half-time, dominating the set piece and scoring four tries to secure a bonus-point victory. Horn admitted that the team's first-half performance was a concern, particularly with the Bulls awaiting them next weekend. The Lions' forwards were praised for their efforts in the second half, with Horn highlighting the importance of patience and discipline in their scrummaging.
The introduction of Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg helped change the tempo of the game after the break, with his crisp passing and assured game management giving the Lions greater control. Horn also credited the replacements with adding further impetus, citing the energy and momentum they brought to the game. The Lions' defensive sets also looked solid, with Horn emphasizing the need for the team to sharpen up in the first half.
The Lions now have nine log points from their opening two games, having made an impressive start to a season in which they aim to build on last year's breakthrough quarter-final appearance. Horn stressed that the early log points are only the beginning, with the team targeting 10 points in the first two weeks. The Lions face a significant step up in intensity next weekend when they travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls.
The Bulls derby is expected to be a challenging encounter, with the Lions seeking to build on their momentum and secure a positive result against their rivals. Horn emphasized the importance of discipline and patience, particularly in the scrummaging, as the Lions look to overcome the Bulls. The team's forwards will play a crucial role in the encounter, with Horn praising their efforts in the second half against the Ospreys.
The Lions' upcoming schedule is demanding, with successive European away fixtures against La Rochelle and Glasgow Warriors following the Bulls derby. They will then return to Johannesburg for the URC return fixture against the Bulls on December 5. Horn acknowledged that the team still has work to do, particularly in improving their first-half performance.
The Lions' win over the Ospreys was marked by a dominant second-half performance, with the team's scrum and driving maul proving decisive. Horn praised the team's grit and determination, emphasizing that the win was an important lesson in how to win ugly. The Lions will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for the Bulls derby and their upcoming European fixtures.
Key points
- Lions captain Francke Horn praises team's gritty win over Ospreys ahead of Bulls derby
- The Lions' scrum proved to be a formidable weapon, providing a platform for their second-half dominance
- The team still has work to do, particularly in improving their first-half performance
