VIDEO -'We are still alive': Lions bring out the calculators
SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes that his team will need another six points from their final two games to qualify for the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
The Johannesburg side stayed in the play-off race with a 34-13 bonus-point win over Cardiff at Ellis Park on Saturday.
With just two rounds left, the Lions are in 10th position in the standings. They are four points behind eighth-placed Benetton.
It will be a tough run-in for the Lions with matches against Glasgow Warriors (Ellis Park) and the Stormers (Cape Town Stadium) to come.
However, Van Rooyen said Saturday’s victory has given them hope.
“We are still alive,” Van Rooyen told reporters after the match.
“Looking at the other results, you don’t want to drop the ball.
“We probably need about 11 points out of the last three games, so yes there is a lot of work, but it’s five points.”
After watching Glasgow’s 34-40 defeat to the Bulls, Van Rooyen knows that a stronger performance is required.
“I think the players will feel the same,” said the coach.
“I think we can be more clinical.
“I think we have to sharpen up our tight phases.
“We saw what Glasgow could do against the Bulls – how they fought back.
“They are a proud team and they are leading the points table, so we know it’s going to take a huge effort from us. But we are alive and that gives us a chance and hope.”
Van Rooyen said Richard Kriel was the only real injury concern from that clash against Cardiff.
“Richard came off with a hamstring niggle. Hopefully, we pulled him off early enough.”
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