Van Rooyen: Lions must find another gear against Bulls
REACTION: Despite a perfect start to their Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) season, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is under no illusions about the task awaiting his team against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld next week.
The Lions made it two wins from two after outplaying the Ospreys 35-19 at 10Bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
After trailing 10-12 at the break, Van Rooyen’s men produced a strong second-half showing, outscoring their opponents by five tries to one.
Van Rooyen, who was pleased with the effort, applauded his side for “finding a way” after an error-ridden opening 40 minutes.
“The Ospreys are tough, they’re nuggety, they’ve got great character, and they will keep on coming back and keep on going if you’re inaccurate,” he said.
“We weren’t accurate enough, and the coaches and players were not happy at halftime, just with accuracy.
“It was a lot better in the second half, and I’m really proud of the guys for just finding a way. At halftime, we really simplified it and told the guys to find a way.
“I’m happy with the five points. In the past two or three seasons we did manage to slip up once or twice against them here, so we’ll take the five.”
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Shifting his attention to the Jukskei Derby against the Bulls next Saturday, Van Rooyen admitted they will need to find another gear.
“Accuracy will be massive. It’s a typical derby, so it’s going to be massive set-piece, and huge physicality.
“The Bulls have shown that they want to play a little bit more, which makes them as dangerous as there’s also opportunity.
“We’ve looked a little bit at the Bulls, but today’s performance won’t be enough against the Bulls next week.”
The Lions picked up a famous 43-33 victory against Johan Ackermann’s side in last season’s meeting in Pretoria.
Van Rooyen, however, insists last season’s result will count for little and expects a totally different challenge from a Bulls outfit hurting after their loss to Munster.
“Last year, when we played them there, it was part of their transition period.
“I think it will be very different this year. Even though they are travelling back, their squad depth is good enough to manage that.
“They’ve got some real speed out wide; they’ve got some good pack of forwards and grunt upfront.
“I think it will be a very different challenge. There’s one or two things we can draw from that, but we won’t be blind to know that it’s a new week, new opportunity and different game.”
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The Lions also welcomed back their Springbok stars against the Ospreys.
Scrumhalf Morné van den Berg and utility back Quan Horn joined the fray in the second half and helped the side over the line.
While the Lions managed without the duo in Round One, Van Rooyen suggested it would not be an unfair shout to have both of them in the starting lineup against the Bulls.
“Probably,” he answered when asked if both would start the match.
“I think Boeta [Chamberlain] has been a breath of fresh air for us; I think he’s been exceptional in the two games, and he can play multiple positions for us.
“Nico [Steyn] is also probably playing the rugby of his life, so it’s a good, healthy competition for us. I don’t think it’s an unfair expectation [to have them in the team]”.
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