Cash rues Lions' impatience

31/03/2024 06:00

The Lions paid the price for inconsistency in their loss to Ospreys on Saturday, and coach Ivan van Rooyen expects better in a crucial Challenge Cup clash next week.

The Lions could not repeat last week's bonus-point victory in Connacht, and poor handling and a lack of execution was punished by Ospreys in a 36-21 loss in Swansea.

The visitors scored three tries courtesy of PJ Botha, Quan Horn and Richard Kriel, all of which Jordan Hendrikse converted, but they conceded five tries as the Welsh capitalised on a stream of errors.

The result is a blow to the Lions' URC playoff hopes as they slipped out of the top eight with five rounds to go to the playoffs.

RECAP: Sloppy Lions stumble in Swansea

However, they have little time to wallow prior to a last 16 clash in the EPCR against Benetton in Treviso next Saturday.

Speaking post-match, Van Rooyen told reporters: "In the second half we cleaned up [on attack] and got a bit of front-foot ball, but obviously [the result] was still disappointing.

"Even in the first half there were three, four clear-cut opportunities; maybe impatience from our side, one or two more phases, one or two more rucks and we could've created better opportunities.

"We didn't clean the breakdowns out well enough and we allowed them to get in there. We weren't good enough today and we need to take a good look at ourselves and there'll be a focus from us to be better.

"When we get it right we look formidable and it's about being more consistent in key areas."

Photo: Huw Evans Agency/Shutterstock

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