Bolstered by a brand new wave of optimism from their new Springboks, the Lions consider that they cannot solely break into the Vodacom URC playoffs, however seal a house semi-final. DYLAN JACK stories.
Ivan van Rooyen was simple when requested about what the final word aim could be for the Lions within the upcoming season, throughout a Vodacom URC Media Spherical Desk.
“A house semi-final, we’ll take that,” Van Rooyen answered.
“I feel we’ve seen the final couple of seasons, regardless that two away groups have gained it, if you’re at dwelling, you are feeling you will be at your finest there.
“We’re going to be daring and courageous this season. We really feel we’re in a spot the place we are able to actually begin kicking on. So yeah, we would like prime 4.”
The Lions have endured a few near-misses over the past couple of seasons, being denied by a solitary win from securing a first-ever place within the Vodacom URC playoffs in 2023-24.
Through the low season, the Johannesburg-based facet has seen Edwill van der Merwe, Ruan Venter, Quan Horn and Morne van den Berg make their Check debuts for the Springboks.
The quartet are the primary Springbok debutants to have come via on the Lions since Aphiwe Dyantyi burst onto the scene in 2018.
Van Rooyen says that this has added a brand new sense of perception on the Lions, that particular person kind will likely be rewarded with a inexperienced and gold jersey.
“Perception within the squad is very large, feeling how proud they’re, but in addition coaching with them day-after-day, seeing that if he can develop into a Bok then I can possibly additionally.
“The chat within the group isn’t just how proud they’re, but in addition that vitality of something is feasible now. We went on a bit little bit of a run between 2013 and 2015 on the Lions, going from one or two Boks to about 16. Will probably be good if we are able to get there once more.”
Van Rooyen added that having a squad that’s on comparatively the identical degree of expertise will likely be key to the Lions turning their earlier inconsistencies round.
“Expertise performs a job there. 60% of our squad has bought between 40 and 60 caps. They’re throughout 23 or 24 years previous, so there’s a pleasant little bit of maturity that’s taking place there for us,” Van Rooyen defined.
“I additionally suppose we’ve bought a extra athletic squad this 12 months. We will flip up bodily but in addition with depth and repeated efforts. We’re enthusiastic about that.
“We had extra consistency final season. We missed out by one win, however we had seven dropping bonus factors. If we are able to flip these into wins, particularly at dwelling towards the South African groups, then positively.”
Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Pictures
