Lancaster plots Lions upset as Connacht aim to build on Stormers win in URC play-off push
UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Connacht players celebrate their victory over the Stormers on Saturday in Cape Town. They have set their sights on another URC upset ahead of facing the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
Image: BackpagePix
Connacht will look to fly in some reinforcements ahead of their final United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match against the Lions in Johannesburg this Saturday.
Following a deserved 33–24 bonus-point victory over the Stormers in Cape Town, the Irish club now has the Jozi pride in their sights as they continue their push for a URC top-eight spot.
They currently sit ninth on the URC table, just one point behind the Bulls. Another victory in their penultimate away league match could be pivotal in their quest to reach the play-offs next month.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster hinted that they may look to strengthen the squad after the gruelling contest with the Stormers, as they expect more of the same from the Lions, with altitude set to make things even tougher for the visitors.
Despite the thin air in Johannesburg, Lancaster confirmed they will continue their preparations in Cape Town before travelling up to Gauteng later in the week.
“We picked up a few injuries against the Stormers, so we might have to fly some players out, and they will either meet us here or up there,” Lancaster said after the victory.
“Now we have to go to Johannesburg and get the win. We are still in the fight, and if we win there, we have Munster at home. That is a huge interprovincial derby for us, and it is already a sell-out at the Dexcom Stadium. Then we have Edinburgh away to close things out.
“We will stay and train in Cape Town, and everyone has welcomed it. We like Cape Town and want to train here until Wednesday. Then we will travel up, have our captain’s run, and then the match on Saturday.”
Lancaster added that they may make some changes to the playing squad for this weekend and that he has full trust in his players to step up. They travelled to South Africa with 29 players, and he noted that the six who did not feature against the Stormers are now highly motivated to contribute.
“I will reward them for their efforts and try to keep the motivation and energy in the squad high as we push for another win.”