Lions' golden opportunity to make URC history
OPINION: The Lions have a golden opportunity to make their own bit of history in the United Rugby Championship with a block of six consecutive home matches at Ellis Park lined up.
Ivan van Rooyen’s team have never made the URC play-offs despite coming close in previous seasons.
They are currently in 10th position on the URC table on 24 points, one point adrift from the Bulls, who are in seventh position.
They will welcome the Sharks, Stormers, Edinburgh, Dragons, Glasgow Warriors and Connacht to Ellis Park before jetting off to Ireland to face Leinster and Munster.
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It’s a familiar position they find themselves in. During the 2024/25 season, the Lions had an opportunity to break into the play-off picture with their final four matches being at home.
They missed out on making the quarterfinals after winning two out of the four and ending the season in 11th spot.
If the Lions can win their block of six home matches, they could afford to travel to Ireland, having already qualified for the play-offs without the pressure of entering a must-win scenario.
It won’t be easy; the Sharks have undergone a resurgence under JP Pietersen, and despite the Stormers’ latest slump in form, they’re still a formidable side who will push for a top-two finish.
Edinburgh on their day can upset anyone, and Franco Smith’s table-topping Glasgow Warriors have shown they can win at altitude, case in point, the 2023/24 Final at Loftus Versfeld.
But in saying that, Ellis Park is a daunting venue for teams, and if the Lions can hit their straps and play to their full potential, their long-suffering fans could look forward to a first-ever URC quarterfinal clash.
