'Backs to the wall': Lions show some fight during difficult period
REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted that every game has become a “fight” for his team as the United Rugby Championship enters the business end.
After a difficult week, which included reports of a disconnect between players and coaches, the Lions rallied to produce a much-need 35-24 bonus-point win over the Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“There were one or two good conversations in the week,” said Van Rooyen.
“The only way we can do our talking is between the four white lines.
“I am really proud of the players. Their effort was special today [Saturday]
“There is some relief that we beat a quality Glasgow team here at home.”
Tries from Sanele Nohamba, Francke Horn, Manuel Rass, Edwill Van Der Merwe and Ruan Venter put the hosts in a commanding position, but their ill-discipline could have proved costly.
Van Der Merwe (illegal play in the tackle) and Quan Horn (deliberate knock-on) both received yellow cards before Ruan Dreyer (dangerous clear-out) was shown a red and Glasgow responded as Tom Jordan and Thomas Gordon added to earlier tries from Eli Caven and Carl Forbes.
With two backline players off the pitch due to those yellow cards, Van Rooyen praised his team’s work rate around the park.
“I am immensely proud. When you lose your outside backs, there is a lot of work that needs to happen on the inside to be ok defensively and on attack,” Van Rooyen explained.
“The forwards and the inside backs had a massive work rate and a massive effort from Marra [captain Marius Louw] and Manny (Rass].
“At one stage it felt like we were playing with 10 or 11 forwards – just carrying the ball up trying to get us momentum and trying to get us the quick ball so it’s a massive effort from the guys and I am really proud of that.”
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#ICYMI: The Lions Rugby Company and MyPlayers have issued a joint statement on the now notorious survey that was conducted at the Johannesburg franchise. 👇#Lions #SouthAfrica #URC #ChampionsCup https://t.co/OkC1dxqr3M
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) February 26, 2023
Next up for the Lions will be a derby match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
The Johannesburg side has failed to beat a fellow South African franchise so far this season and Van Rooyen will be looking to carry some momentum into that clash.
“We are at a place currently where we know every game is a fight and the only way we are going to fight better is when our backs are to the wall,” said Van Rooyen.
“We know we have to fix our record against South African teams.
“There is a lot of positives and momentum that we should take out of this [Sharks] game.
“For Loftus next week, sleeping in your own bed at night before the game does make a difference, so it is important for us to prepare well again this week and make sure that we identify what is working for us and identify what we need to fix.
“If we can capitalise on the momentum, I think it is going to be a great game next weekend.”
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