Lions coach pines for home after hiding

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Ivan van Rooyen says his Lions side learned the hard way in Saturday’s defeat in rainy Durban, but it won’t deter them from trying to “take teams’ legs away” back at altitude, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

An impressive run of four straight wins for the Lions was ended by a Curwin Bosch kicking masterclass and four tries in the Sharks’ 37-10 win at Kings Park in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

More accustomed to calling the shots in sunnier climes on the Highveld, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse was found wanting in the wet and heavy pitch underfoot on the South Coast.

The Sharks’ superior strategy also nullified the Lions’ high-tempo threat, the hosts pinning the visitors in their half for much of the encounter.

Van Rooyen says every effort was made in the buildup to Saturday’s clash to prepare for conditions, but the Joburgers will now look to home comforts to return to winning ways.

Speaking post-match on Saturday, the Lions boss said: “The Sharks were definitely a lot better than us tactically, and overpowered our kicking game. It’s one of the reasons why we spent so much time on our 20-metre line.

“We learned that we got to set up to kick on our terms. It was by the far the wettest game we’ve played this year, and I think we’re going to have multiple games like this going forward.

“Feeling this [conditions], and preparing for this, are two different things, so it was a massive lesson for Jordan and the boys. The Sharks are more adept in these conditions; with us back at altitude, we’re more adept at that.”

The Lions have a bye in the URC before welcoming Irish side Connacht and Italian outfit Benetton to Ellis Park on 23 and 30 April, respectively. Van Rooyen says both European teams’ style of play is similar and will play into the Lions’ narrative of ‘If it’s on, run it’.

“We’ve got two quality teams coming to Ellis Park, who both play an attractive brand of rugby, so we need to get back to the mindset of home,” the coach said. “Back at home, we can play our exciting brand and take opposition teams’ legs away.”

Highlights: Ruthless Sharks tame Lions

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Devin Hermanus