URC v Super Rugby: Lions boss outlines unique differences

Last week Italy, this week Wales, next week Scotland and, finally, Ireland. That’s the challenge currently facing the Lions – playing against four teams from four different countries on their United Rugby Championship tour of Europe.

It is a very different prospect to what the Lions – and the three other South African teams, the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers – experienced in Super Rugby when they only had teams from Australia and New Zealand (and later on the Jaguares from Argentina) to deal with, all with a very similar style of play to the South African teams.

Now, in the United Rugby Championship, the South Africans are having to deal with teams from five different countries, who have a number of international players in their ranks and who are coached by men who may not be from that team’s nation.

Different philosophies

Lions boss Ivan van Rooyen admitted this week, ahead of the match against Scarlets in Wales on Friday, the different challenges would make the players better over time.

“The biggest thing about playing in Europe is not only the weather you’re going to experience (which is very different at times to what it’s like in South Africa) but the different coaching styles and philosophies,” said Van Rooyen.

“Last week we were in Italy (playing against Zebre), up against an Australian coach, with an Irish referee in charge; this week we’re in Wales with an Italian ref.

“It’s also eight degrees Celsius outside, the wind is pumping and there’s rain.

“This is part of the challenge… and we all have to adapt.”

Knowledge

While it’s a new test and experience each week, Van Rooyen said it was an “unbelievable experience” to be part of such a unique competition.

“It’s different every week, which forces us to learn and adapt, and all that knowledge gained will be priceless in future,” said Van Rooyen.

After this week in Wales, the Lions will move to Scotland for their next match against Glasgow Warriors before ending their tour with a clash against Ulster in Belfast.

Kick off on Friday in Llanelli against Scarlets is 8.35pm.