'It doesn't make me sleep better' - Why Cash is staying wide awake
REACTION: The Lions are entering their crucial Northern Hemisphere tour with a newfound sense of self-belief, as captain Francke Horn and the coaching staff reflected on a win over Connacht that has firmly placed their United Rugby Championship (URC) destiny in their own hands.
After years of being the competition’s “nearly men,” the Johannesburg-based side is finally shedding the skin of inconsistency. The victory keeps their playoff hopes alive at a critical juncture.
“To be honest, the feeling is different from the last two or three years. It is in our hands,” coach Ivan van Rooyen reflected.
“Currently, it is in our control where we are on the log. It doesn’t make me sleep better, but it gives us confidence in our preparation. Six months ago, the team said they were spiralling out of control, but we have grown.”
Lions crush Connacht with powerful performancehttps://t.co/k59XGXPO1G
— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) April 25, 2026
The transformation is evident in the team’s mental fortitude. While past seasons were marked by a lack of depth and late-game collapses, captain Francke Horn praised the collective effort that has seen the Lions climb into the Top Eight.
“It was a 23-man effort,” Horn said. “Every time the bench comes on, they lift the intensity. The coaches do a lot of work during the week to make sure we see the picture, but it is the responsibility of the players to make sure we stick to the plan and execute.”
The road ahead remains steep. The Lions will enjoy a brief recovery period to manage several “niggles” before shifting their 100% focus to a blockbuster clash with Leinster.
“The competition is so healthy; anyone can still win it,” the coach noted. “The last two or three years, we just weren’t good enough. Hopefully, this year is different.”
The squad will finalize their touring roster after a final preview on Friday before flying out on Saturday evening, knowing that for the first time in years, they aren’t just along for the ride, they are genuine contenders in the hunt for silverware.
