The Lions have set their sights significantly higher after making history in the URC last season, with scrumhalf Nico Steyn revealing their new target.
The 24-year-old says a home semi-final at Ellis Park is what they’re playing for this season. The Joburg-based side reached the URC playoffs for the first time last season, eventually bowing out in the quarter-finals after a heavy 59-10 defeat to Leinster in Dublin.
“It was our goal last season to finish among the top eight teams so that we could play in the knockout rounds. But now that we have achieved that, we want more,” Steyn told the media on Thursday.
“We don’t just want to finish among the top eight again. Earlier this week we said to each other that we want to play in a home semi-final.”
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The Lions could hardly have asked for a more intriguing opening to their campaign, with Leinster visiting Ellis Park next Saturday in a repeat of last season’s quarter-final clash.
Steyn’s stock has risen dramatically since last season. The 24-year-old was called up at short notice to the South Africa A squad for their match against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha earlier this year.
“It actually came as a big shock to me. I only received the message on Saturday evening that I had to join them the following day. I was over the moon about the opportunity,” he said.
The experience left a lasting impression on the Lions scrumhalf and gave him an opportunity to train alongside some of the country’s established stars.
“It was wonderful to be part of that group before the match. Everyone knew what the plan was, who was going to play where and what the objectives were. The match was really special and it lit a fire in me.”
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Photo: Gallo Images
The post Steyn reveals Lions’ big URC goal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Lions have set their sights significantly higher after making history in the URC last season, with scrumhalf Nico Steyn revealing their new target.
The post Steyn reveals Lions’ big URC goal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
