Fourie: Lions must roar against URC giants

16/04/2024 20:46

Jaque Fourie has called on the Lions to stand and deliver against the traditional Vodacom URC powerhouses to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.

Fourie believes that in order for the Lions to secure a place in the top eight, they need to win four of their last five games.

The Lions have a favourable run-in, with four of their remaining games coming at Ellis Park against European teams, while their final game of the season is against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

Last season saw the Lions narrowly miss out on the playoffs by just three points, but with more experience in the squad, defence coach Fourie believes they can finally secure a top-eight finish.

“It is now time for us to start pushing to finish among the top eight teams,” Fourie said on Tuesday.

“If you want to be one of the top eight teams in this league, you have to be able to beat a Leinster, a Munster and a Glasgow.”

Currently in 11th place, the Lions start their run-in against eight-time champions Leinster on Saturday.

Defending champions Munster, hunting a home playoff, will visit Ellis Park next week, before Cardiff and second-placed Glasgow Warriors take on the Johannesburg trek following a week’s break.

Last season saw a second-string Leinster side snatch a 39-36 comeback victory at Ellis Park with a penalty after the hooter.

With former Springbok defence guru Jacques Nienaber in Leinster’s ranks, Fourie is extremely wary of underestimating what may be a heavily changed side from the team that played in the Champions Cup playoffs.

“As a defence coach I know Leinster are probably the best attacking team in the URC and we want to measure ourselves against them,” Fourie said. “We also know that they focus more on defence these days.

"Leinster also have incredible depth and it doesn’t matter which Leinster team you play against, it will always be a good team.

“We have to have our structures in place and put them under pressure, because if you give them time and space, they will punish you.”

Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

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