VIDEO: Bok on Lions' turmoil: 'At this stage the noise is loud'
VIDEO: As the calls become louder for Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen’s head after another dismal season, his players are still backing him and willing to fight for him.
The Lions suffered their fifth consecutive loss, and 12th in all competitions this season, in their 31-42 United Rugby Championship loss to Benetton in Johannesburg at the weekend.
It was another horror show of epic proportions for the men from Johannesburg.
The only consolation from that match was the one log point earned from the defeat, just the Lions’ second loss at home all season.
The last game the Lions won was an impressive showing against the Sharks on March 1 at Ellis Park.
Van Rooyen is still adamant they can make the URC Top Eight (and playoffs).
At a time in the competition when a team should reach its peak, the Lions are flailing, scratching their heads as to how to turn things around.
There are now just three rounds of action remaining before the quarterfinals are played.
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On Tuesday Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg sat down to face reporters.
He was open and honest about the mistakes and poor performance displayed over the weekend, not only by his teammates, but also by himself.
And when asked the tough question about what he thinks of those calling for the sacking of the coaches, Van den Berg was again forthright with his answer.
“To be honest, when it is not going so well, you stay away as far as possible.
“You don’t want those things to get into your mind,” the No. 9 said.
No way through⛔️@BenettonRugby‘s Giosue Zilocchi with a huge tackle!#BKTURC #URC | #LIOvBEN pic.twitter.com/aFS2tBscd2
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) April 19, 2025
“ But then it does filter through somehow, so you always hear it – somebody calling you, saying ‘What is going on there’?
“We know what is going on in the camp. We know the type of men who are leading us.
“We know who Cash [van Rooyen] is, what he stands for, and I am willing to fight for that,” Van den Berg explained.
“I am willing to fight for each and every coach, each and every player, and the beautiful thing is, they are willing to fight for us.
“So there is always going to be noise, and at this stage, it is loud.
“But inside here, in the union, we are tight and we are strong and we are willing to fight for each other.
“And I think that is the most important part of it.”
The Lions host the 12th-ranked Connacht at Ellis Park on Saturday.
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