The Lions have already shifted focus to their next Vodacom URC clash, against the Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park on 18 April.
The Pride’s 42-26 home win over the Dragons saw them finish round 14 in fifth position on the log. And next up are the log leaders.
“If Glasgow bring the A team, you’re playing a Test match. If they bring the B team, you’re playing 16 internationals instead of 23,” said Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen. “That’s how we will prepare.”
The Lions were pushed throughout by the Dragons, who disrupted their rhythm and forced them into a different type of contest.
“They’ve got this ability to be really physical. I think their defensive breakdown is absolutely world-class,” Van Rooyen said. “They’re able to get you out of your rhythm and disrupt you.
“Tonight was a little bit more of a street fight where you have to roll your sleeves up and make sure you get quick ball and get momentum. But also well done to us to eventually just find a way.”
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Captain Francke Horn pointed to a shift in execution late in the match after a tight contest in the opening hour.
“In the last 30 minutes or so, I think it was a mature performance in terms of every guy sticking to their job, sticking to the structure,” he said. “Then it went back to Lions rugby where we stayed direct first and then the space opened up wide.”
The Lions’ depth again came to the fore, with Nico Steyn scoring twice in the absence of Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg.
“I think Nico had a good performance, it’s healthy when competition internally is good,” Van Rooyen said. “I’m really happy for both Nico and Haashim [Pead] stepping up.”
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Having failed to reach the EPCR Challenge Cup playoffs, the Lions will use the break to reset before hosting Glasgow.
“Rest, recovery, refocus and realignment is just as important as playing,” Van Rooyen said. “Then it’s important for us to have 10 days of really hard, good prep for Glasgow.”
Horn said the approach remains unchanged despite their lofty position on the log.
“It’s human to have a look at the log, but the chat the last few weeks has been game by game,” he said. “Glasgow in three weeks’ time, that will be our next focus.”
Photo: Gallo Images
The post Lions preparing for Glasgow ‘Test match’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Lions have already shifted focus to their next Vodacom URC clash, against the Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park on 18 April.
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