Lions focused on taking chances in Dublin URC quarter-final showdown with Leinster

The Lions are acutely aware that they will not get a million scoring opportunities against Leinster this weekend in their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final in Dublin.

Therefore, they have made a concerted effort over the last two weeks of training to sharpen their attacking accuracy and put themselves in a position to convert opportunities when they arise.

It is a first-ever URC knockout match for the Johannesburg side and, while they are still awaiting the fitness of a few star players, they have entered the final stages of their preparation for the historic clash at the Aviva Stadium (9pm kick-off) in the Irish capital.

However, they are also wary of a wounded Leinster side, who were comfortably beaten by Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final this past Saturday. The Lions will look to take lessons from Bordeaux into their clash, while the learnings from their previous encounter against the defending champions must also shape their approach.

Scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys said after their round 17 meeting with Leinster that they had spoken about making the most of the chances they create. It was a tough 31-7 defeat, but the home side only managed to pull away in the final 10 minutes of the clash. That showed the Lions’ resolve in defence.

Bordeaux also produced a strong defensive display, but they took their chances on attack and put 41 points past the Irish side.

“Finishing the opportunities that you do create is really important,” commented Redelinghuys.

“Bordeaux managed to get opportunities, and they used them to score 41 points, where we could only score seven points against them (Leinster). So yes, converting those chances was a big focus point for us. When we do manage to create, which we can and did two weeks ago, now it’s about executing that and converting it into points.”

Flanker JC Pretorius, who is set to play his 50th match for the franchise, said they have a monumental task ahead, but they can look to the Bordeaux clash as a reference point in their quest to halt their opponents.

Should he be selected, he will come up against a couple of formidable Irish loose forwards who will look to disrupt the Lions’ attack, especially at the breakdown. They are also strong ball carriers, and the visitors must stop them from getting over the gain line. Pretorius’ ball-poaching ability will also be crucial on Saturday.

“I think Bordeaux made about 250 tackles in that game. I am not sure how many positive tackles there were, but that is how you put teams that want to play a quick game under pressure.

“It is by making the right choices at the right time and not falling into the trap of getting stuck in the breakdown when the defensive line needs you.”

The Lions believe remaining in Ireland following their last pool match against Munster a fortnight ago will give them the best possible chance against the champions. They have not had to deal with travel, they have trained in the conditions expected on Saturday, and the players have also had a couple of rugby-free days to switch off.

Now, it is about turning that into a complete performance to spring a surprise in the quarters and secure a place in the semi-finals.

“If I look at the training sessions, the players look sharper,” Redelinghuys added.

“However, the proof is in the pudding. But we are giving ourselves the best chance and, on the day, hopefully we can convert that into an opportunity.”