Lions take lessons despite Challenge Cup heartbreak

The Johannesburg side were eliminated after a 20-all draw with Perpignan at Stade Aimé Giral on Saturday night, a result that saw them miss out on a place in the round of 16.

With progression on the line, the Lions were forced to deal with difficult conditions in southern France, but Horn says the way his side handled the physical battle, particularly up front, showed encouraging signs for the weeks ahead.

"The positive outcome from the game is that we showed we can play in that kind of weather, and that we have a strong enough pack to dominate the set-piece."

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Both teams went into the final pool match level on six points, setting up a decisive, winner-takes-all contest.

The Lions looked in control after building a 20-10 lead heading into the final quarter, but they were unable to shut the game down as Perpignan fought back to draw level.

Horn admits the clash required a more pragmatic approach than they are used to at home.

"As captain, I feel as though we played really well according to the conditions and we had to obviously change the normal way we play when we're at home because of the wind and wetness."

The Lions laid a strong platform through their forwards, dominating the set piece with consistent scrum pressure and a driving maul that earned penalties and territory throughout the match.

However, that control was not reflected on the scoreboard as Perpignan remained dangerous with ball in hand, especially in broken play.

The Lions pushed until the final whistle in what was their first failure to reach the Challenge Cup play-offs since entering the competition.

The draw marked a rare early exit, but Horn praised his teammates for their resilience and commitment under pressure.

He also acknowledged that a few key moments late in the match did not go their way, but says the squad can take pride in their effort and use the experience as motivation moving forward.

The Lions now shift focus back to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, where they travel to Wales to face the Ospreys in Swansea on Friday night, with kick-off scheduled for 21:45 SA time.