Lions playing with a lot more 'freedom after' internal turmoil
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Just a month ago the Lions found themselves facing one of the biggest internal crisis.
Rugby365 reported that in February there was a major disconnect between players and upper management.
There were also reports of a rift between senior coaches and CEO, Rudolf Straeuli, and Tracy van Ginkel, the manager of Contracts and Operations at the Lions Rugby Company.
Amongst their biggest grouses was Straeuli’s ongoing “interference” and involvement in training schedules, game plans and selection.
However, with the team claiming a Challenge Cup quarterfinal spot it could be perceived that the off-field drama has been dissolved.
#⃣ICYMI How Emmanuel Tshituka’s ban will impact on the @LionsRugbyCo‘s @ChallengeCup_ #quarterfinal#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍
🔗https://t.co/ppmFBxgWtr pic.twitter.com/8toInELjje— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) April 5, 2023
Since the exposure of internal issues, the players have been producing incredible performances – recording United Rugby Championship wins over Glasgow Warriors (35-24), Bulls (29-25) and Benetton (32-28).
And last weekend marched to their fourth consecutive win when they beat Racing 92 (51-28) in the Challenge Cup Round of 16 at Ellis Park.
“It actually helped us in a positive way,” defence coach Jaque Fourie said when asked about the impact of the off-field drama.
“I personally don’t focus too much on the things happening off the field, I’m here to work with the players.
“I think after all that stuff came out, we rallied together and said we can either go one way or stand together and start performing.
“So we decided to remove all the shackles because we have nothing to lose. And in the last four games, the guys played with a lot more freedom and enjoyed themselves.”
Lions scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba revealed the players decided to focus on rugby, which is their main thing.
“From a player perspective, we decided to let the main thing stay the main thing and that was to play rugby,” Nohamba said.
“And from the coach’s side, it was about coaching rugby.
“So that was our emphasis and obviously the people behind closed doors will sort out what was happening.
“And the rest of it just falls into place.”
#SquadAnnouncement: @LionsRugbyCo bring in some big names in absence of Emmanuel Tshituka#rugby #news #Sports @GlasgowWarriors https://t.co/hKNsYyA6P6
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) April 4, 2023
The Lions are determined to produce another win over Glasgow Warriors when the two teams meet this weekend in the Challenge Cup quarterfinals.
“This is knockout rugby and Glasgow has been playing very well,” Fourie said.
“But we’re not going to Glasgow to compete, we’re going there to win.”
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