Lions turn focus to Top 8 finish after URC SA Shield triumph

The Lions have been somewhat shy to outwardly celebrate their recent United Rugby Championship (URC) SA Shield victory, concentrating instead on recovery and, lately, knuckling down for a crucial four-game home stretch in the tournament. 

Currently seventh in the URC standings on 33 points, the Lions secured their first silverware in a decade at the end of February after beating the Stormers 24-10 at Ellis Park. By also previously beating the Bulls at Loftus and the Sharks twice, home and away, they collected enough points to lift the Shield.

Although many will argue it is a minor milestone when compared to the bigger URC picture, it remains a milestone nonetheless, and an important one for the Lions, who have had their credentials questioned over recent seasons. It certainly points to a strong team culture. 

On Tuesday, at training ahead of their URC clash at Ellis Park against Edinburgh on Saturday (kick-off 2.45pm), Van Rooyen could crack only a knowing smile when quizzed regarding the achievement, while remaining pragmatic about its impact, rightfully expressing belief that the next objective — securing a Top 8 finish — is now the only concern.

“We did celebrate a little bit,” Van Rooyen admitted of their Shield triumph. “Over the last two or three years, the talk has been that we have to be better against the South African teams and we are proud of that.

“The job is definitely not done and you can feel it. We are happy and we are preparing well. The Shield win, what it did probably do, it put us in a position where the Top 8 is more in our hands.

“In the last two or three seasons, we have needed other results to go our way. Currently, it is up to us.”

The Joburg-based outfit certainly have an opportunity to come good in their pursuit of a play-off spot in the competition after years of near misses. Starting with Edinburgh, they will also face the Dragons, Glasgow Warriors and Connacht at home, before tough away encounters against Leinster and Munster close their regular season campaign.

The importance of the upcoming home stretch, then, is not lost on Van Rooyen and Co.

“In an ideal world, you’d want to do the majority of the business before we leave for Ireland,” Van Rooyen said. “We don’t want to put ourselves in that position by going there and needing six, eight, or 10 points.”

“That means the home games will be important for us to put us in a position where we don’t have to go there and need miracles… We also can’t get carried away by chasing 15 or 20 points. There is a big focus on Edinburgh to start well, get the maximum in this fixture and then take it to the Dragons.”

With the Shield in hand, the vibe at the Lions could arguably not be in better health. While their squad mates enjoyed a sabbatical, Morne van den Berg, Haashim Pead, Quan Horn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Ruan Venter were in Cape Town, after being called up to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ first alignment camp for the year.

The feedback from Erasmus was more than positive, the Bok mentor declaring a week ago that, “when Lions players come into the camps, you don’t have to worry about their attitudes … All of the coaches here who have worked with them will tell you they have great attitudes.”

That positive reinforcement could also play a role in the Lions’ Top 8 push.

“We’ve been working so hard behind the scenes with the team in terms of culture and identity: What do we stand for? How do we want to play?” Van Rooyen said.

“Hearing that from Rassie — obviously, he doesn’t have to say it — means a lot for the whole squad: the coaches, the management, the players, juniors and seniors. It is a tag that you don't mind carrying, but it also brings responsibility.”