Lions maiden URC playoff dream within sight

The Lions are on a high following their 54-12 victory over top of the table Glasgow warriors this past weekend and now face a Connacht side who are on the back of an away win against DHL Stormers. 

Looking ahead to the weekend, van Rooyen says the Lions coaches have taken time to analyse their next test which stands in the way of their dream of qualifying for the quarterfinals in their fifth attempt. 

“We previewed Connacht as coaches and again, a very tough challenge. Physically a good team that plays with tempo. So the bodies must rest now and then on Monday morning we’ll plan on how we will play Connacht,” said van Rooyen 

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Captain Francke Horn says they will analyse the teams coming up and try to impose their structure onto them. The Lions last three fixtures will see them come up against Connacht at home before ending the regular URC season with away trips to Leinster and Munster. 

“We know where we want to be. But if you look too far ahead you can lose focus on the game at hand. I know this week everything went into Glasgow and I know now everything will go into Connacht,” said Horn 

“That’s how we’re going to approach every single week. Look at the opposition, make sure we know what they bring and then try and put our structure onto them.” 

The Lions will look to secure their sixth straight win and tenth overall when they host the Irish side at Ellis Park on Saturday.