VIDEO: Why Lions are a different beast now
SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has identified his team’s mental growth as the biggest positive of 2023.
The Johannesburg side ended the calendar year with a 35-13 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Challenge Cup last weekend which sees them sitting pretty in second place in Pool Two with nine points from two games.
The latest result means the Lions have won their last four games in a row in all competitions.
Their next game will be on January 6 against the Sharks in Durban and a victory there will see them crack the top eight in the URC.
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“I think there has been a helluva lot of growth in specific areas,” said Van Rooyen when he was asked to review his team’s performances in 2023.
“I think mentally has probably been the biggest growth for us.
“There is a lot to be excited about currently.
“Yes, there are still errors and work-ons like there will always be. However, I think a year ago we felt hope and potential and I think currently through the hard work of the players we are starting to feel that something is happening.”
Staying focussed
There has been a lot of outside noise about the slow growth of the Lions over the last couple of seasons, but Van Rooyen says that has all been blocked out.
“I think where we are currently is about focussing on us and what we want to do daily and weekly,” said the coach.
“I think the biggest focus is currently on us and that keeps us in the process. That’s one of the areas where we really improved – from whistle to whistle, clarity, understanding and execution.
“I think sending a different team to Perpignan and still getting a result shows where we are as a squad and a group.”
Meanwhile, Lions captain Marius Louw says his team is on course to achieve some of their goals next year.
“We are a team that is processed driven. I think we have grown a lot and our time of learning is past.
“It is now just about executing our plan.
“Looking forward, it is a good thing that we keep on winning and that is the main objective and get a home quarterfinal [in the Challenge Cup].
“That will be awesome for us.”
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