Lions face tough trip to Montpellier

The Emirates Lions hopes of making a massive impact in 2025 took a massive blow in December last year, and now they face a tougher task in trying to give themselves a chance in the EPCR Challenge Cup this weekend.

The Lions head to Montpellier - home of World Cup winning Bok Cobus Reinach - this weekend in the hopes of getting a victory that will give them a better seeding when the Challenge Cup gets to the playoff spots.

But the Lions’ form in recent times has not been encouraging.

Their losses to Leinster and Munster away, both without firing a shot, and their loss to the Ospreys compounded that, especially as the Lions decided to field an incredibly young side to face the Welsh competition, and lost badly for the decision.

Add to that the loss to the Stormers in their last game of the season and the team is now on a four game losing streak, sitting in fourth place in their Challenge Cup pool (out of 6) and have dropped to 11th on the Vodacom United Rugby Championship log.

In the meantime they have also lost lock Ruben Schoeman for the next five matches after his red card and disciplinary record saw the book get thrown at him for an illegal cleanout.

LIONS IN DANGER

As they start 2025 the Lions are in danger of squandering their good start to the season and turning the year into just another disappointment for the Johannesburg squad.

Part of the problem has been injury related and their hesitance to back their own system away from home, often looking as if they have been more intent on damage control than looking for an upset win.

The trip to Montpellier will also be a difficult one. The French club have won both their games in the competition thus far and are at the top of the same pool. They are experiencing a good season in the Top 14, where they sit fifth at the moment, and will want to continue the momentum forward this weekend.

For the Lions, who have traditionally not travelled well in icy weather, the good news is that two of their stars are expected back - Richard Kriel and Henco van Wyk - who missed the last few games, should be back in the reckoning for the starting role.

HOPING FOR SANELE'S RETURN TO FORM

They also will be hoping that there is a return to form for Sanele Nohamba, who was a big part of their highlights reel last season and was named URC player of the year. Nohamba’s form has faltered, attributed in part to the death of his father by defensive coach Jaque Fourie, and while he has played, he has not been able to attain the same heights as last season.

The Lions further have to make a decision at 10, where young Sam Francis was handed the reins against the Stormers, while Kade Wolhuter has been their go-to man in their games in the Challenge Cup.

Wolhuter has been injured more than once this season, and his frailties, as well as the inability to control the game with the boot, has been a concern for Lions fans.

But this is a new year, and the time off will come as a reset for the Joburg side.

The big question now is will they emerge more confident and back their game plan, or will their hesitancy be their downfall in 2025?