Lions have ‘confidence, momentum’ going into Racing 92 clash

How quickly things have changed for the Lions.

A few weeks ago they had their backs to the wall, with no one giving them a chance to win a rugby game, so poor was their form.

But, fast forward to this week and they will go into their European Challenge Cup match against Racing 92 as favourites at Ellis Park on Saturday.

This, after getting back on the right track with three wins in a row in the United Rugby Championship, against Glasgow, the Bulls and most recently, Benetton.

URC playoffs

With two URC rounds remaining the Lions are 11th with 38 points, three off the eighth-placed Sharks, so if Ivan Rooyen’s team win their final two games and other results go their way they could even sneak into the top eight and the playoffs.

But, first up is this weekend’s Challenge Cup match against the French side, who are seventh on the Top 14 points table.

“Like the national team and all the French sides, they’re dangerous,” said Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher of Racing.

“They have a massive kicking game, but they’re also prepared to run from their 22m area.

“It’s knockout rugby and you have to play to your strengths … the biggest mistake now would be to go away from what works for you.

“Ultimately in knockout rugby it comes down to decision-making.”

‘Buzz in camp’

No 8 Francke Horn added: “Knockout rugby comes down to set-piece dominance in the right areas of the field and then taking one’s opportunities. We’ve done that in recent weeks and that’s why we’ve won.”

Loubscher said the three wins to get back into the URC hunt had given the players the boost they needed going into this weekend’s match.

‘There’s a good buzz in the camp, and a lot of excitement,” said Loubscher.

“The guys took a lot of confidence out of the last few games, and there is some momentum.

“It’s important though to see this as just another game … but, also it’s a chance for us to take the next step in our game.”

The match on Saturday kicks off at 6.30pm. The Cheetahs are also involved in the Challenge Cup this weekend; their game against Toulon in France kicks off at 1.30pm, also on Saturday.