The Lions secured a 35-19 bonus-point victory over the Ospreys at Ellis Park on Saturday, following their dramatic 27-26 win over defending champions Leinster in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship. Coach Ivan van Rooyen was not satisfied with the performance, stating that it won't be enough against the Bulls next week. The Lions trailed 12-10 at half-time but responded emphatically in the second half, scoring five tries.
Captain Francke Horn said the pack effectively decided at the interval that they needed to take the game to the Ospreys. The forwards took control of the contest, helping turn the match in their favour. Horn mentioned that the team came in at half-time and said they needed to roll up their sleeves and make sure they got some maul tries. The Lions' forwards dominated the second half, scoring several tries.
Van Rooyen was particularly pleased with the way his players adapted after an untidy opening 40 minutes. He stated that the Ospreys are tough and have great character, and they will keep on coming back if you're inaccurate. The Lions lost some early lineouts, which prevented them from building momentum and applying their plans. At half-time, Van Rooyen simplified the game plan, telling the team to find a way to exploit the Ospreys' weaknesses.
The Lions will draw confidence from last season's 43-33 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria, but Van Rooyen expects a substantially different challenge this time. He mentioned that the Bulls have some real speed out wide and a good pack of forwards, which will make the match a very different challenge. Van Rooyen indicated that there are one or two things they can draw from last year's match, but they won't be blind to the fact that it's a new week and a different game.
The Lions could also have two returning Springboks available from the start, with scrumhalf Morné van den Berg and utility back Quan Horn both making second-half appearances against the Ospreys. Van Rooyen indicated that it would be no surprise to see both in the starting XV against the Bulls. The returns will create healthy selection headaches, particularly after Boeta Chamberlain and Nico Steyn impressed during the Lions' opening two matches.
Van Rooyen praised Boeta Chamberlain, saying he has been a breath of fresh air for the team, and Nico Steyn, who is probably playing the rugby of his life. The coach mentioned that it's good, healthy competition for the team. With nine points from their opening two matches, the Lions have made an ideal start to their campaign. However, Van Rooyen knows the next test will tell him far more about where his team stands.
Van Rooyen emphasized that accuracy will be massive in the upcoming match against the Bulls, as it's a typical derby with massive set-piece and huge physicality. He stated that the team will take the five points, but they've got to get better because next week is going to demand it. The Lions' coach is looking forward to the challenge and is confident that his team will be ready for the Bulls.
Key points
- The Lions must raise their game to compete against the Bulls in the Jukskei derby.
- The team will have to be more accurate and physical against the Bulls.
- The Lions could have two returning Springboks, Morné van den Berg and Quan Horn, available for the match against the Bulls.
