The great disappointment for the Lions this past year, was a heart-breaking Currie Cup final loss to the Sharks. The championship seemed secured with the Lions leading 14-13, and the clock ticking over into the 81st minute.
But a dreadful tactical error by the Lions conspired against them as they lost 16-14. The Joburgers had little time to wallow in their despair; they quickly began the United Rugby Championship (URC) 2024/25 season against Ulster.
Any regret was quickly forgotten as they dispatched the Ulstermen 35-22, followed by Edinburgh 55-21. They would go on to beat both Dragons and Zebre, before suffering their first defeat of the tournament to Leinster. Nonetheless, the Lions’ Currie Cup Player of the Year, Jarod Cairns, revealed last week it was difficult losing out on the Currie Cup but that the subsequent recovery is proof of the team’s resilience.
“It was tough,” he admitted. “I didn't sleep that night but we had to bounce back immediately because we went straight into the URC. We played Ulster and Edinburgh and we had unbelievable games. A lot of okes had to get out of that mindset and just move on.”
That mental fortitude will be important this season, if the Lions are to reach their stated objective of a Top 4 finish. After four wins in five games, it was certainly one of the positives highlighted by head coach Ivan van Rooyen.
“There has been a great fight and great character,” the coach agreed. “The biggest difference currently is that we are finding a way to win.
“The Zebre game was in really tough conditions … We could barely move or run. We weren't great in that game, to be honest. To manage that scrap and find a way to win also gives us a bit of confidence.
“We know we can score long distance tries – that is who we are and we have those kinds of players. Getting more consistent plays of set-pieces has been a big focus for us, especially for when it is wet and cold so that It is not just a platform to play off but rather an opportunity to change the game.”
“Against Leinster away,” Van Rooyen continued, now looking at a handful of negatives so far this season, “it was raining and we felt we were under a little bit more than we were.
“We had one or two unforced errors there. Maybe we should have reapplied kicking pressure to Leinster and not try to overplay. There was about 15 minutes left and in the score there was only a four point difference.
“We felt the urge to play and gave the ball to them and from there they scored. The game management and balance between real pressure and perceived pressure.”
On Saturday (kick-off 9.35pm), the Lions travel to Limerick to face a beleaguered Munster. Last season, the Irish giants outplayed the Lions at Ellis Park, using clever tactics to control both possession and territory.
The visitors are preparing for similar atmosphere which greeted them against Dragons, Zebre and Munster, and will have to rely heavily on their mental strength, if they are to walk away from Thomond Park with a precious victory.
Said Cairns: “We are expecting similar conditions when we go over.
“What we learnt is that we must play in their half and win the territory game. We must give ourselves a bit more time on the ball … We had unbelievable fight against Leinster and the score did not reflect how the game went and I think we learnt a lot while we were there.”