The Lions scored eight tries against the Glasgow Warriors, but it was their defensive effort that most pleased coach Ivan van Rooyen.
The SA Shield winners hammered the log-leading Scottish club 54-12 at Ellis Park on Saturday to move up to fourth in the standings with three rounds remaining.
Van Rooyen pointed to last season’s heavy defeat to the Warriors as a key driver behind the performance.
“I very clearly remember 42-zip at half-time last year,” he said. “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.”
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The Lions’ defensive work was central to their control of the match, particularly in limiting Glasgow’s lineout opportunities inside the 22.
“If you’re going to give them entries there, it’s impossible to defend all of their options,” Van Rooyen said. “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.”
He added that the early intensity was critical against a side known for fast 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.”
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Captain Francke Horn said the Lions’ focus remains week to week, with attention already on their next challenge.
“We know where we want to be, but if you look too far ahead, you can lose focus,” he said. “Everything went into Glasgow and next week everything will go into Connacht.”
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Van Rooyen expects a different test against an in-form Connacht side.
“I think it’s six or seven in a row now they’ve won, and they just beat the Stormers,” he said. “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.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
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The Lions scored eight tries against the Glasgow Warriors, but it was their defensive effort that most pleased coach Ivan van Rooyen.
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