Batho Hlekani was tireless against Munster for the Lions on Saturday night. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
The Lions knew by late Friday night that they had qualified for the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-finals, and there was perhaps a bit of that mentality on display when they lost to Munster 24-17 the following evening.
There were arguably a bit too many inaccuracies, a bit more of a casual approach, and a lack of ruthlessness, especially when playing against 13 men in the first half for a healthy seven minutes or so. on Saturday night at Thomond Park. In that respect, the Lions found themselves playing to the dictates of their hosts, instead of imposing themselves.
There was good evidence of the way they wanted to play – the Joburgers were brutal, if not clinical, in the first six minutes of the game, but thereafter seemed to lose their structure and system as they began to play into the hands of a keen Munster, who revelled in the broken play.
There is no doubt that the past week has been a taxing one for the Doornfontein-based team.
The verdict on Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s doping case, the serious injury to teammate Ruan Venter and last week’s loss to Leinster will have tested their mental fortitude. The loss of Ntlabakanye, a leader within the Lions squad, would have been especially acutely felt.
With Top 8 qualification secured before the game, they could perhaps be forgiven for exhaling in relief and playing to their emotions and instincts rather than muscle memory and discipline. At this stage of the season, however, head coach Ivan van Rooyen and Co will be unimpressed by their first-half performance, and their lack of control, especially at line-out time during the first stanza.
There were also moments of questionable decision-making and game management, like kicking when holding onto possession would have been preferred. It was particularly frustrating during the first-half period the Lions had a two-man advantage and then again in the final 10 minutes of the clash where they enjoyed more possession and territory.
It will be doubly concerning as the Lions will need cool heads and maturity when they are on the road for their quarter-final in a fortnight’s time, when they face defending champions Leinster in Ireland. Their inability to command the pitch and finish off a plethora of chances against a desperate and understrength Munster will give the team much to ponder as they prepare for a truly titanic play-off ask.
They could also perhaps count the cost of more injuries, with Francke Horn pulled off during the first half, and Henco van Wyk also limping off the field during the second stanza.
Nonetheless, the Lions can still be proud of making next season’s Champions Cup; and the URC play-offs for the first time in the tournament’s history by finishing seventh in the standings. It’s just a pity that it could have been that much higher and arguably much easier for them if they had been more efficient against a Red Army that was there for the taking.