Van Rooyen: Injuries will decide Lions’ next move
VIDEO: Injuries and niggles picked up during their demanding Irish tour will ultimately determine whether the Lions remain overseas or return to Johannesburg ahead of their looming United Rugby Championship quarterfinal.
The Johannesburg side ended their regular season with a hard-fought defeat to Munster, but still secured qualification for both the URC playoffs and next season’s Champions Cup.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted the squad’s physical condition would now shape their travel plans ahead of a likely playoff clash against Leinster in Dublin.
“Both options are still alive,” Van Rooyen said.
“We just need to assess the injuries and then make a good, informed decision on whether we stay here and prepare or head home to recover before coming back.”
Despite suffering a frustrating defeat to Munster in their final regular-season fixture, van Rooyen believes the demanding Irish tour may prove invaluable ahead of their away quarterfinal against Leinster.
The Lions secured a crucial bonus point in the defeat, enough to confirm qualification for both the United Rugby Championship playoffs and next season’s Champions Cup.
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The coach said facing top-tier Irish opposition in consecutive weeks against Leinster and Munster was ideal preparation for knockout rugby.
“These two fixtures against Leinster and Munster were exactly what you need going into a quarterfinal,” he said.
“You talk about quality opposition, tough conditions, and quality teams – that’s exactly what Leinster and Munster are.”
The Lions are now expected to face Leinster again in Dublin in the playoffs, potentially just days after the Irish giants contest the Champions Cup final.
“There are enough positives to get excited about the opportunity ahead,” Van Rooyen said.
“Leinster might be European champions by then, and you’re playing against them in Dublin.
“The energy and focus for that should look after itself. It’s about whether we can rise to the occasion and find a way to play our game against them.”
The injury situation remains a growing concern for the Johannesburg side after another bruising outing.
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Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter has already returned to South Africa following the knee injury he suffered against Leinster, with Van Rooyen admitting the prognosis is worrying.
“It doesn’t look good for Ruan, to be honest,” he said.
“It looks like quite a serious knee injury. He’s still seeing specialists and getting opinions, but it doesn’t look good. If you lose that type of player, it does leave a void.
“But that is why we have a squad. Now is the time for Siba Qoma to step up.”
The Lions also lost captain Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk during the Munster clash.
“Henco’s ankle is quite sore. Hopefully for him and for us it’s not too serious,” said Van Rooyen.
“Francke came off with a sore hamstring, but I probably took him off early enough so it’s not too bad.”
The incident in which a Munster player alleged that a Lions player had spat in his face could not be verified by the TMO, and Van Rooyen said they will deal with it if they find something in the review.
“It is not in our character to do something like that. I can’t see any of our players doing it deliberately.”
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