Lions Aim to Build on Historic URC Playoff Berth Ahead of Leinster Quarter‑Final
The Johannesburg‑based Lions have secured a place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs for the first time in franchise history, a milestone that coach Ivan van Rooyen describes as a “proud moment” after a season filled with challenges and incremental progress.
Although the Lions fell 24‑17 to Munster in their final regular‑season match, the Gauteng side had accumulated enough league points to finish inside the top eight and qualify for the knockout stage. According to the official URC standings, the Lions ended the league phase with 52 points, enough to edge out Edinburgh and claim the eighth seed (URC, 2024).
Coach Ivan van Rooyen’s Perspective
Van Rooyen, who has been with the Lions since 2019 and brings over a decade of professional coaching experience in South Africa’s Currie Cup and Super Rugby circuits, emphasized that reaching the playoffs was a pre‑season objective.
“Of course it was a goal from the start to reach the playoffs,” he said. “I think we’ve gradually gotten better. It’s such a long season with so many challenges and ups and downs, so it’s a proud moment for us to be at the end of the normal season and be in the top eight.”
The coach highlighted the need to convert scoring opportunities, a point that proved costly against Munster.
“Against Munster we had a few chances to score a try or two more but we just didn’t get it done. And in the attacking zone we lost a few line outs and then you can’t apply that attacking pressure. We’re talking about a tough opponent and tough conditions when we play Leinster and Munster away from home.”
Van Rooyen acknowledged lapses in decision‑making and game management but pointed to positive signs.
“Our decision making can still improve a little bit and our game management was really good at times and at times we put ourselves under pressure there. Our one‑on‑one shots have been good at times, too, and sometimes we’re just not fast enough – and then they get going, and once these teams get to you, it’s difficult to stop them.”
Key Takeaways from the Munster Encounter
The Lions’ try scorers against Munster were wing Quan Horn and centre Kelly Mpeku, showcasing the team’s ability to finish when presented with space. However, the side conceded 14 points from turnovers and missed tackles, areas Van Rooyen identified for improvement.
He noted that the team’s line‑out and maul attack were inconsistent, leading to lost possession in critical moments. “Probably our lineout attack and our maul attack let us down a little bit against Munster,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Van Rooyen expressed optimism about the upcoming quarter‑final.
“Like I said, it was always just not good enough to capitalize on [opportunities] but there are enough positives to really be excited about this opportunity. I think in both games there were some good glimpses of good physicality, momentum and quick balls at times – because they can put you under so much pressure in these conditions.”
Quarter‑Final Showdown: Lions vs. Leinster
The Lions will face four‑time URC champions Leinster at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 30 May 2024. Leinster enters the match as the top seed after amassing 76 points during the league phase, a record that underscores their domestic and European pedigree (Leinster Rugby, 2024).
Van Rooyen framed the challenge as both a test and an opportunity.
“To be honest I think playing against Leinster at the Aviva creates its own pressure, but in terms of an absolute win to get the starting position and progress [to the Champions Cup] this pressure is now ours. The only question now is: can we rise to the occasion and play our game against Leinster?”
URC Quarter‑Final Fixtures
- May 29: Glasgow Warriors v Connacht
- May 30:
- QF2: Leinster v Lions (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
- QF3: Stormers v Cardiff
- QF4: Bulls v Munster
As the Lions prepare for their maiden playoff appearance, the focus will be on sharpening decision‑making, tightening set‑piece execution, and maintaining the physicality that has earned them respect throughout the season. If they can harness the momentum built over the campaign, the upset against Leinster could become the next chapter in the franchise’s growing story.
