Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is eager for his side to carry momentum into their Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the DHL Stormers this Saturday in Cape Town.
The Johannesburg-based outfit broke a three-game losing streak with a dramatic 43-35 win over French side Section Paloise in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Ellis Park last week. The bonus-point victory, achieved in a 10-try spectacle interrupted twice by bad weather, sets the stage for an exciting South African derby.
Turning the Tide
Reflecting on the win against Pau, Van Rooyen praised his players for their resilience during a chaotic match.
“It was important for us to get the first win,” he said.
With the kick-off delays, the guys showed incredible character, and it’s something we can latch on to and build on going forward.
The Lions’ six-try haul ensured a strong start to their Challenge Cup campaign. With upcoming matches against Montpellier and the Dragons, Van Rooyen emphasized the importance of staying focused:
“A little bit of travel for us, but it’s important for us to get off to a good start, and getting five points [against Pau] was vital.”
Focus on Cape Town
Despite the Stormers’ injury woes and their recent defeat to Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup, Van Rooyen expects a fierce battle in Cape Town.
“The Stormers left behind quite a bit of their players [for the Harlequins game], so they obviously put a big focus and emphasis [on this match]. It’s a big South African derby just before Christmas.”
The Lions currently sit fifth on the URC table, eight places ahead of the Stormers. However, the Capetonians are known for their ability to rally in big games, making this encounter a must-watch.
Aiming for Consistency
Van Rooyen’s men will be keen to solidify their position in the URC standings while maintaining their strong start in Europe. With momentum on their side and confidence growing, the Lions are sharpening their claws for what promises to be a thrilling derby at Cape Town Stadium.