In the harsh terrain of the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Lions rugby team finds itself at a crossroads, wrestling with a start that has seen their aspirations stumble at the blocks. A small beacon of hope appears as Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg returns, potentially the catalyst they desperately need ahead of their upcoming clash with Benetton.
Early setbacks on the URC tour
The Lions have faced a challenging opening tour, initially falling to Cardiff with a 33-20 loss and subsequently being edged out by Zebre in a 22-20 thriller in Parma. These results have set a concerning tone for their campaign, placing them perilously close to finishing their three-game opening tour without a win. Such a scenario would put a top-eight finish—a crucial target for URC playoff qualification—at risk.
The game against Zebre illustrated a tale of two halves. A lackluster first half saw the Lions trailing 12-3, their solitary points coming from a penalty by flyhalf Chris Smith. The Lions sprang into life in the second half, briefly taking the lead after capitalizing during a period when Zebre’s Samuele Locatelli was sidelined with a yellow card. Despite their improved performance, a late score by Zebre’s Matteo Nocera and a conversion by Marco Zanon secured victory for the hosts.
Soul-searching and strategic shifts
These losses underscore the importance of their final tour game against Benetton, a team that has recently had the Lions’ number in their encounters. With recent defeats by Benetton echoing in their minds, the Lions must face them in Treviso, knowing that every point counts in their quest for momentum.
Forward coach Barend Pieterse emphasized the need for improved execution and learning from past mistakes. “Krappie is here with us,” Pieterse noted, referring to Van den Berg. “He brings a lot of energy and new ideas from his time with the Boks, which will hopefully translate into on-field leadership and strategic advantage.” This key recruitment is aimed at addressing tactical aspects that have hampered their performances.
Lessons from past experiences
Drawing from their history against Benetton—where they were defeated in November 2023 and April 2024, as well as at Ellis Park this year—the Lions understand the nuanced challenges they face. Coach Ivan van Rooyen articulated the thin margins in the URC, emphasizing preparation and mental fortitude over dwelling on past results.
McDonald’s famous mantra “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” rings true for the Lions according to flyhalf Chris Smith. Despite the rocky start, Smith maintains that the team is building positive frameworks that can lead to successful outcomes if properly executed. “We’re close, and hopefully this weekend will be the turning point where we can start building some momentum,” he asserted, highlighting a commitment to foundational play and continuous improvement.
Looking towards the next chapter
Despite the rough start, there remains an air of optimism within the Lions camp. The upcoming match against Benetton represents not just another game, but a potential turning point in their season. With Van den Berg adding his flair and strategy to the mix, the Lions are poised to break the shackles of early setbacks and begin their quest toward a defining victory.
As players gather their resolve and focus on the task ahead, they are reminded of the unique nature of rugby—the unpredictability, the explosive sparks that can redefine an entire season with just one match. For the Lions, every scrum, every line-out, and every tackle is a step towards redemption.
