Do the Emirates Lions go all out in the EPCR Challenge Cup, or do they use this weekend’s fixture to try and increase their depth ahead of their home battle to make the top eight of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
While their loss to defending champions Glasgow Warriors wasn’t unexpected, the way they bent the knee, in driving wind, was not just disappointing, but underlined just how big a task they have to stay in the European cup competition this week.
Edinburgh may not be as imposing as Glasgow, but the Lions’ weaknesses away from home will be noted by Sean Everitt’s side and they will concentrate on using the Scottish weather to aid them as well.
But it wasn’t just the weather, it was the lack of fight at times, and the ease with which Glasgow scored their six tries that was a real concern. The Lions had promised a backlash after their dominated performance against Cardiff the previous week had ended in defeat, but it never came.
And while they were better with the gale force wind at their backs, it wasn’t much of a consolation as they never threatened Glasgow’s line and never looked comfortable on attack.
The coaching staff will probably make a lot of the fact they kept Glasgow scoreless in the final 40 minutes, but in essence the damage was already done.
Glasgow were cruising by that stage, with the bonus point already in their pockets and just needed to close out the game. The Lions inability to use their best weapon - their attack - with the wind at their backs showed increasing desperation and there is really a sense they will go in as massive underdogs this weekend in Edinburgh.
That may well suit the Lions as they are known for their backs to the wall performances at times, but it doesn’t distract from the real concern that the Lions are missing a trick despite having some of the rising stars of South African rugby.
CONCISTENCY NEEDED
At some point the inconsistency is going to bite them, and while they may not consider their EPCR Challenge Cup run as the most important thing, they have now wagered all their hopes on a top eight place on their home form, and will need to show more fight and consistency there.
Van Rooyen admitted Glasgow’s attack had hit them hard, but blamed the weather conditions for their inability to score points.
“We often gave them the ball for free and they made us pay. They are very good at keeping possession,” Van Rooyen said.
“Their attack is the best we have played against this year. They definitely outplayed us on attack. It was probably the worst weather conditions we have ever played or trained in
“At stages the wind was up to 80km/h. They utilised the wind well in the first half and we could not do the same in the second half. They delivered an attacking master class in that first half and our defence was not accurate enough. We could not deal with their attack.
“The conditions were tough. They used the wind better and we could not adapt quick enough.”
The Lions now stand at the precipice. Their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign will begin or end at Murrayfield this weekend. What happens in the rest of the URC for them waits to be seen. But one thing is certain, if they repeat their Glasgow performance, they may have a very early end to the season to look forward to.