Lions refuse to be distracted by URC Play-Off scenarios

The Johannesburg outfit slipped from fourth to fifth on the standings following their 31-7 defeat to Leinster in Dublin last weekend. 

Despite remaining in a strong position to qualify, the congested nature of the table means the Lions still need at least one log point to guarantee a first-ever URC quarterfinal place.

Several teams remain in contention for the final top eight positions, but Roux says the squad’s focus remains solely on delivering a strong performance against an experienced Munster side.

"It sounds like a cliche, but we always take it week by week. We wanted to prepare really well and it's not like there's two rounds left for everybody. We wanted to do well against Leinster, we were very well aware of the fact that they are a brilliant side with British and Irish Lions players and All Blacks all over the place. The same applies to Munster because they are another quality side."

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Lions captain Francke Horn has echoed Roux’s message, insisting the team’s full attention is on the challenge awaiting them.

The Lions battled to impose themselves against Leinster’s aggressive defensive system last weekend, with the Irish giants once again benefiting from the influence of former Springbok assistant coach Jacques Nienaber.

Roux admits his side will need to sharpen up in the set pieces against Munster.

Munster currently sit fifth on the standings on 51 points, just two behind the Lions on 53 heading into the final weekend.

The final round of URC fixtures could still dramatically alter the play-off picture before the Lions even take the field on Saturday. 

The Johannesburg side could secure qualification on Friday night should Cardiff, Ulster, or Connacht fail to win their respective clashes against the Stormers, Glasgow Warriors, and Edinburgh.

However, should all three sides collect victories, the Lions’ meeting with Munster would effectively become a straight shootout for a quarter-final place. Horn admits he will be keeping a close eye on the Friday fixtures.

"I'll definitely be watching, I just don't know which game yet. Some of the other guys try to get away from the game and just focus on their own game the next day, but each to their own. We all just want to make sure that we are ready for our own game on Saturday."