Amid a thrilling display of prowess that saw the Lions put eight tries past the Glasgow Warriors, it was the stellar defensive play that truly captured the heart of coach Ivan van Rooyen. The Lions' emphatic 54-12 victory at Ellis Park not only avenged last season’s defeat but also propelled them to fourth in the standings, keeping their playoff hopes alive with just three rounds to go.
The ghosts of a previous 42-0 halftime deficit haunted van Rooyen, who recalled the ordeal as a critical learning moment.
“I very clearly remember 42-zip at half-time last year. They were just way too good for us. They taught us a lesson in tempo, quick-ball, and pressure. So, I’m really extremely proud of the hard work and the effort the guys put in,”
he remarked, emphasizing the transformation in his squad’s performance.
The Lions' defensive strategy was pivotal, particularly in stifling Glasgow’s lineout within critical zones. Van Rooyen noted the importance of discipline, saying,
“If you’re going to give them entries there, it’s impossible to defend all of their options. So it was a big focus point not to give them penalties. Once they get into your 22, they’re almost impossible to stop. My takeaway is just a really proud defensive effort.”
The intensity from the get-go was another area Van Rooyen highlighted as crucial against a Glasgow team known for their explosive starts. “They’re the quickest team in terms of the first 20 minutes. If you switch off, you’re probably 20 or 30 points down. So that start was important,” he explained.
Team captain Francke Horn echoed the sentiment of maintaining focus, with eyes firmly set on the next challenge. “We know where we want to be, but if you look too far ahead, you can lose focus,” he stated. “Everything went into Glasgow and next week everything will go into Connacht.”
Looking ahead, Van Rooyen is bracing for a robust challenge against Connacht, a team riding a winning streak and fresh off a victory over the Stormers. “I think it’s six or seven in a row now they’ve won, and they just beat the Stormers,” he noted. “Physically they are a good team, they play with tempo. It’s a very tough challenge. We haven’t looked at next week as a squad. We have reviewed Connacht as coaches and again, it’s another tough challenge. The bodies must rest now and then Monday morning, we’ll plan for how we will play against Connacht.”
As the Lions continue their campaign in the United Rugby Championship, their blend of ferocious defense and strategic foresight under Van Rooyen’s guidance poses a clear threat to any contender.
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Amid a thrilling display of prowess that saw the Lions put eight tries past the Glasgow Warriors, it was the stellar defensive play that truly captured the heart of coach Ivan van Rooyen. The Lions' emphatic 54-12 victory at Ellis Park not only avenged last season’s defeat but also propelled them to fourth in the standings, keeping their playoff hopes alive with just three rounds to go.
The ghosts of a previous 42-0 halftime deficit haunted van Rooyen, who recalled the ordeal as a critical learning moment.
“I very clearly remember 42-zip at half-time last year. They were just way too good for us. They taught us a lesson in tempo, quick-ball, and pressure. So, I’m really extremely proud of the hard work and the effort the guys put in,”
he remarked, emphasizing the transformation in his squad’s performance.The Lions' defensive strategy was pivotal, particularly in stifling Glasgow’s lineout within critical zones. Van Rooyen noted the importance of discipline, saying,
“If you’re going to give them entries there, it’s impossible to defend all of their options. So it was a big focus point not to give them penalties. Once they get into your 22, they’re almost impossible to stop. My takeaway is just a really proud defensive effort.”
The intensity from the get-go was another area Van Rooyen highlighted as crucial against a Glasgow team known for their explosive starts. “They’re the quickest team in terms of the first 20 minutes. If you switch off, you’re probably 20 or 30 points down. So that start was important,” he explained.
Team captain Francke Horn echoed the sentiment of maintaining focus, with eyes firmly set on the next challenge. “We know where we want to be, but if you look too far ahead, you can lose focus,” he stated. “Everything went into Glasgow and next week everything will go into Connacht.”
Looking ahead, Van Rooyen is bracing for a robust challenge against Connacht, a team riding a winning streak and fresh off a victory over the Stormers. “I think it’s six or seven in a row now they’ve won, and they just beat the Stormers,” he noted. “Physically they are a good team, they play with tempo. It’s a very tough challenge. We haven’t looked at next week as a squad. We have reviewed Connacht as coaches and again, it’s another tough challenge. The bodies must rest now and then Monday morning, we’ll plan for how we will play against Connacht.”
As the Lions continue their campaign in the United Rugby Championship, their blend of ferocious defense and strategic foresight under Van Rooyen’s guidance poses a clear threat to any contender.