Ivan Van Rooyen © Gallo Pictures
Do the Emirates Lions go all out within the EPCR Problem Cup, or do they use this weekend’s fixture to try to enhance their depth forward of their house battle to make the highest eight of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Whereas their loss to defending champions Glasgow Warriors wasn’t sudden, the best way they bent the knee, in driving wind, was not simply disappointing, however underlined simply how large a activity they’ve to remain within the European cup competitors this week.
Edinburgh is probably not as imposing as Glasgow, however the Lions’ weaknesses away from house will probably be famous by Sean Everitt’s aspect and they’re going to focus on utilizing the Scottish climate to assist them as nicely.
But it surely wasn’t simply the climate, it was the dearth of combat at instances, and the convenience with which Glasgow scored their six tries that was an actual concern. The Lions had promised a backlash after their dominated efficiency in opposition to Cardiff the earlier week had led to defeat, however it by no means got here.
And whereas they had been higher with the gale drive wind at their backs, it wasn’t a lot of a comfort as they by no means threatened Glasgow’s line and by no means seemed comfy on assault.
The teaching employees will in all probability make a whole lot of the very fact they saved Glasgow scoreless within the remaining 40 minutes, however in essence the harm was already achieved.
Glasgow had been cruising by that stage, with the bonus level already of their pockets and simply wanted to shut out the sport. The Lions incapacity to make use of their finest weapon – their assault – with the wind at their backs confirmed growing desperation and there may be actually a way they may go in as large underdogs this weekend in Edinburgh.
Which will nicely go well with the Lions as they’re identified for his or her backs to the wall performances at instances, however it doesn’t distract from the true concern that the Lions are lacking a trick regardless of having among the rising stars of South African rugby.
CONCISTENCY NEEDED
In some unspecified time in the future the inconsistency goes to chew them, and whereas they might not think about their EPCR Problem Cup run as crucial factor, they’ve now wagered all their hopes on a high eight place on their house kind, and might want to present extra combat and consistency there.
Van Rooyen admitted Glasgow’s assault had hit them exhausting, however blamed the climate circumstances for his or her incapacity to attain factors.
“We frequently gave them the ball at no cost and so they made us pay. They’re excellent at holding possession,” Van Rooyen stated.
“Their assault is the most effective we’ve got performed in opposition to this yr. They positively outplayed us on assault. It was in all probability the worst climate circumstances we’ve got ever performed or skilled in
“At phases the wind was as much as 80km/h. They utilised the wind nicely within the first half and we couldn’t do the identical within the second half. They delivered an attacking grasp class in that first half and our defence was not correct sufficient. We couldn’t take care of their assault.
“The circumstances had been powerful. They used the wind higher and we couldn’t adapt fast sufficient.”
The Lions now stand on the precipice. Their EPCR Problem Cup marketing campaign will start or finish at Murrayfield this weekend. What occurs in the remainder of the URC for them waits to be seen. However one factor is for certain, in the event that they repeat their Glasgow efficiency, they might have a really early finish to the season to look ahead to.
