Lions send a warning - "we're getting better every game"

While much of the focus after their win over the Cell C Sharks has been on the postponed match this weekend against the Vodacom Bulls, the Xerox Lions have sounded a warning towards the Carling Currie Cup crown this season – we’re getting better with every game.

Coach Ivan van Rooyen sounded the call after the match against the Sharks, where the Lions have now won four on the trot and are gaining the sort of momentum that every team wants ahead of a playoff round of games.

While their squad system will be tested over the next few rounds, with two games in four days in January, the amount of confidence the team is currently showing bodes well for them as the competitions’ league stage draws to a close.

The way they dismantled the Sharks attack will do them well when the crunch games come along, even though the Sharks were missing much of their vaunted tight five for the game.

“The guys were really consistent on attack and defence. It seemed that the Sharks wanted to put a lot of pressure on our defence and to disrupt us there, but the key was to stay patient.

“I really felt that we executed the one or two chances we did well. We did put them under pressure and defensively I was proud of the guys. Individually they put their hands up.

“We are getting better every week and I am proud of that,” Van Rooyen said.

The Sharks win also showed that the Lions are not a single-minded entity, and while they had to dig deep to breach the Sharks defence, it showed they can play an ugly, tight game when needed if they need ot.

“It is really difficult to play this big expansive game against the Sharks, they have some exceptional outside backs who make some good reads and put you under pressure on attack. I can’t say this is the DNA going forward, but I feel the guys handled the pressure going forward.

“If you are going to look at the Sharks defence across the board, they’re not going to concede the most tries in the competition, they are really good defensively. That’s why I’m proud of the patience and the way the guys are willing to work.”

And while few may have noticed it, the shift to move Wilhelm van der Sluys to the blindside flank was more than just cover for Vincent Tshituka, there was a bigger picture involved.

“The Wilhelm decision is a little more focused on the bigger picture, and probably focused a bit more on European rugby. We have been saying it every week, we are trying to put the guys into different scenarios and under different types of pressure, so well done to Wilhelm. He stood up nicely and did well, he is a quality player. He has played in Europe before, and played for the Exeter Chiefs, and has worn a few different t-shirts, more than other guys.

“We’re happy, happy for him. It is evident that the guys are really going to put their bodies on the line and work hard for the Lions team. And that is exciting.”

And the Lions’ opposition in the next few weeks will be wary of this. A team with confidence is a dangerous one.