As the Lions gear up for a pivotal showdown against Munster at Thomond Park, the team is ditching playoff calculations to focus squarely on victory. With a win this Saturday, the fifth-placed Lions can clinch a spot in the top eight and secure their first Vodacom URC playoff appearance, leaving sixth-placed Munster in the dust.
Captain Francke Horn and forwards coach Wessel Roux are all about keeping their eyes on the prize. "Our goal has always been to make the top eight," Horn asserts. "If we win this weekend we do that, so it’s basically as straightforward as that. A win makes sure we’re in the top eight – then you don’t have to worry about who plays where and who has to lose that spot."
"We try to keep focused on the things that we can control."
Roux shares this sentiment, emphasizing the futility of overanalyzing the standings. "I think it puts unnecessary pressure to try to do the maths and permutations and try to work out positions," he mentioned, advocating a focus on controllable factors.
Despite a tough 31-7 defeat against Leinster in Dublin, Horn believes that the scoreline didn't reflect the Lions' performance for much of the match. "The first 65 or so minutes we stayed in the fight, we played good rugby and put Leinster under pressure," he recounted. Acknowledging minor slip-ups, he mentioned, "Individuals have already put their hands up and said we need to be better there."
Looking ahead to the Munster game, Horn highlighted the adjustments made in response to Leinster's effective rush defense. "We already have our plans for Munster and how we want to force our game onto them," he declared, anticipating a fierce contest from a desperate Munster side.
Roux pointed out the importance of set-pieces and kicking strategies, areas where Leinster had previously outplayed them. "We are really focused on creating a good set-piece platform and also having an upper hand when it comes to lineouts and mauling," he explained, aiming to provide the backs with a solid foundation to launch attacks.
As the match approaches, Horn is clear about the team's resolve. "We are going full out for the win this weekend and then the top eight will take care of itself," he stated, adding, "I won’t say we are desperate – that can put shackles on your performance – but we are going into this match extremely positive."
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As the Lions gear up for a pivotal showdown against Munster at Thomond Park, the team is ditching playoff calculations to focus squarely on victory. With a win this Saturday, the fifth-placed Lions can clinch a spot in the top eight and secure their first Vodacom URC playoff appearance, leaving sixth-placed Munster in the dust.
Captain Francke Horn and forwards coach Wessel Roux are all about keeping their eyes on the prize. "Our goal has always been to make the top eight," Horn asserts. "If we win this weekend we do that, so it’s basically as straightforward as that. A win makes sure we’re in the top eight – then you don’t have to worry about who plays where and who has to lose that spot."
"We try to keep focused on the things that we can control."
Roux shares this sentiment, emphasizing the futility of overanalyzing the standings. "I think it puts unnecessary pressure to try to do the maths and permutations and try to work out positions," he mentioned, advocating a focus on controllable factors.
Despite a tough 31-7 defeat against Leinster in Dublin, Horn believes that the scoreline didn't reflect the Lions' performance for much of the match. "The first 65 or so minutes we stayed in the fight, we played good rugby and put Leinster under pressure," he recounted. Acknowledging minor slip-ups, he mentioned, "Individuals have already put their hands up and said we need to be better there."
Looking ahead to the Munster game, Horn highlighted the adjustments made in response to Leinster's effective rush defense. "We already have our plans for Munster and how we want to force our game onto them," he declared, anticipating a fierce contest from a desperate Munster side.
Roux pointed out the importance of set-pieces and kicking strategies, areas where Leinster had previously outplayed them. "We are really focused on creating a good set-piece platform and also having an upper hand when it comes to lineouts and mauling," he explained, aiming to provide the backs with a solid foundation to launch attacks.
As the match approaches, Horn is clear about the team's resolve. "We are going full out for the win this weekend and then the top eight will take care of itself," he stated, adding, "I won’t say we are desperate – that can put shackles on your performance – but we are going into this match extremely positive."