After the Lions roared back with a vengeance at Ellis Park, trouncing the Sharks 34-22, coach Ivan van Rooyen couldn't help but beam with pride over his squad's grit. The Joburg warriors collected a cool five Vodacom URC log points, shaking off their previous slump and charging full steam ahead in their season. Van Rooyen candidly acknowledged the game wasn't picture-perfect, but the results spoke volumes.
"Not the perfect performance, but we were clearly bitterly disappointed after the last performance against the Bulls, so to walk away with five points – really proud, really happy,"
van Rooyen reflected on the turnaround. This victory was a stark contrast to their earlier bruising by the Bulls, particularly at the set-piece, but this time the Lions showed marked improvements, pressing the Sharks into uncomfortable corners.
"I think we were a lot better and a lot more effective there today. We had the ability to put them under a bit of pressure. I felt there were some really good solutions today, so I’m really proud of the players," he added, highlighting the tactical tweaks that paid off. The Lions' lineout, previously a sore point against the Bulls with five losses, was on point this time, setting the stage for their backline to dazzle.
The victory keeps the Lions well in the game for the SA Shield, though Van Rooyen remains cautiously optimistic, focusing staunchly on the team's processes. The upcoming match against the Stormers poses a new challenge, with the Cape Town squad hungry to rebound after their double defeat to the Sharks.
Van Rooyen is wary of the wounded Stormers, "The Stormers, after playing the Sharks twice, didn’t get the wins. We know how proud they are and the quality that they have. If you’re not going to be 110% ready for the Stormers, then they can absolutely tear you apart."
Lions captain Francke Horn also weighed in, underscoring the team's resolve to bounce back strong. "We’re all proud men in the change room. We know that the performance against the Bulls wasn’t up to our standards. We just said that’s not what we want to stand for," Horn stated. He praised the team's vibrant display, "We want to be a team that has energy, that has hunger and that plays a good brand of rugby. I think at stages today we really showed that."
As the Lions prepare to host the Stormers next, the atmosphere in the locker room is charged with determination. There's a sense of urgency to rectify past missteps and continue riding the momentum from their latest win. With their sights set on maintaining high standards, the Lions are not just playing games; they're making statements.
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After the Lions roared back with a vengeance at Ellis Park, trouncing the Sharks 34-22, coach Ivan van Rooyen couldn't help but beam with pride over his squad's grit. The Joburg warriors collected a cool five Vodacom URC log points, shaking off their previous slump and charging full steam ahead in their season. Van Rooyen candidly acknowledged the game wasn't picture-perfect, but the results spoke volumes.
"Not the perfect performance, but we were clearly bitterly disappointed after the last performance against the Bulls, so to walk away with five points – really proud, really happy,"
van Rooyen reflected on the turnaround. This victory was a stark contrast to their earlier bruising by the Bulls, particularly at the set-piece, but this time the Lions showed marked improvements, pressing the Sharks into uncomfortable corners."I think we were a lot better and a lot more effective there today. We had the ability to put them under a bit of pressure. I felt there were some really good solutions today, so I’m really proud of the players," he added, highlighting the tactical tweaks that paid off. The Lions' lineout, previously a sore point against the Bulls with five losses, was on point this time, setting the stage for their backline to dazzle.
The victory keeps the Lions well in the game for the SA Shield, though Van Rooyen remains cautiously optimistic, focusing staunchly on the team's processes. The upcoming match against the Stormers poses a new challenge, with the Cape Town squad hungry to rebound after their double defeat to the Sharks.
Van Rooyen is wary of the wounded Stormers, "The Stormers, after playing the Sharks twice, didn’t get the wins. We know how proud they are and the quality that they have. If you’re not going to be 110% ready for the Stormers, then they can absolutely tear you apart."
Lions captain Francke Horn also weighed in, underscoring the team's resolve to bounce back strong. "We’re all proud men in the change room. We know that the performance against the Bulls wasn’t up to our standards. We just said that’s not what we want to stand for," Horn stated. He praised the team's vibrant display, "We want to be a team that has energy, that has hunger and that plays a good brand of rugby. I think at stages today we really showed that."
As the Lions prepare to host the Stormers next, the atmosphere in the locker room is charged with determination. There's a sense of urgency to rectify past missteps and continue riding the momentum from their latest win. With their sights set on maintaining high standards, the Lions are not just playing games; they're making statements.