VIDEO: Lions sharpening their claws for big guns
Growth under pressure is one of the biggest assets the for Lions, as they look to wrap up a three-match United Rugby Championship tour this week.
The Lions completed the first Welsh sweep with back-to-back wins over Ospreys (28-27) and Cardiff (31-18).
It was the impressive come-from-behind win at Arms Park this past weekend that had coach Ivan van Rooyen singing the praises of his team.
However, the challenge is only getting tougher.
After facing Edinburgh in their final tour match this coming Friday, the Lions return to South Africa for a series of challenging home matches – against Irish giants Ulster, Glasgow and the defending champions, the Stormers.
The Lions coach said that gaining bonus points going forward could be the difference between making the play-offs and not.
Van Rooyen pointed out that just two points separated positions three to five last year, while six points separated positions six and eight.
One additional win and some bonus points may well have placed the Lions within striking distance of a play-off place last season.
“We felt we did not manage enough bonus points last season,” he said.
“If you can get between three and five bonus points, it equates to an additional win.”
(Continue below …)
The Lions coach, Van Rooyen, said the most pleasing aspect of this season is how the team is ‘scrapping’ to get wins – in stark contrast to some of the implosions in the 2021-22 edition.
“I am really proud of the 80-minute efforts the guys are putting out,” Van Rooyen told @rugby365com in the wake of the Cardiff win.
He admitted the start to the campaign is different to season one.
The coach said the improved form is a combination of confidence and the hard work they did in pre-season.
“Our execution un pressure and our decision-making under pressure have grown immensely to this time last year,” Van Rooyen said, adding: “The decision-makers and game-drivers are making good calls.”
He added that a lot of aspects still need working on – such as the territorial kicking game.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
