Lions Aim for URC Playoffs with Must-Win Final Stretch: ‘We Won’t Give Up’

As the United Rugby Championship (URC) enters its final stretch, the Lions are gearing up for a crucial run of fixtures at home, knowing that nothing less than perfection will keep their playoff hopes alive. With just four regular-season matches remaining, the Johannesburg-based side is targeting a strong finish – and above all, the one ingredient they’ve lacked all season: consistency.

Lions Rugby In Search of Stability

It’s been another rollercoaster campaign for Ivan van Rooyen’s men, who have struggled to maintain form and rhythm. Currently sitting in 14th place on the URC log with 30 points from 14 matches, the Lions have lacked the ability to string together successive wins, often following a good performance with a disappointing one.

Now, with time running out, the mandate is clear – win all four remaining games, preferably with bonus points, to stand a realistic chance of sneaking into the top eight and earning a place in the playoffs. They’re currently six points adrift of eighth-placed Edinburgh, making every point vital.

Crucial Home Stretch Begins

The Lions kick off this make-or-break stretch with a clash against Italian side Benetton at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off at 1.45pm). It’s the first of four consecutive home fixtures, with Connacht, Scarlets and Ospreys to follow – all teams they must overcome if they are to stay in the hunt.

Assistant coach Barend Pieterse admitted that inconsistency has been the team’s biggest downfall:
“We’ve been up and down all season – a few strong performances followed by poor ones. If we want to break into the top eight, we simply have to correct that. From here, it’s about winning every week, one game at a time.”

Pieterse acknowledged that the current position isn’t ideal, but remains optimistic: “This is not where we hoped to be at this point, but we still believe we can turn it around. Bonus points along the way could make a big difference, and we’ll need a few other results to go our way too.”

Player Belief Remains Strong

Despite the uphill battle, the squad remains motivated. Star loose forward Ruan Venter echoed the sentiments from the coaching staff, saying the team is not ready to throw in the towel.

“All the players are still fully committed,” said Venter. “We know we’ve made things harder for ourselves, especially with the recent tour results. But we’re focused – we know what needs to be done, and we believe we can still do it. We won’t give up.”

Final Push for a Playoff Spot

With four fixtures left – all at home – the Lions have a golden opportunity to control their destiny. Winning all four, particularly with bonus points where possible, could see them sneak into the playoff spots if other results swing in their favour.

In a season defined by ups and downs, the final weeks will test the Lions’ resolve. If they can find the consistency they’ve been chasing, a spot in the URC playoffs remains within reach.

Also read: Barend Pieterse Urges Lions to Find Consistency in URC Playoff Push