No complacency for Lions ahead of Bulls derby

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REACTION: Following a dominant 60-10 victory over the Dragons in the Challenge Cup, the Lions turn their attention back to their United Rugby Championship showdown against the Bulls this coming Saturday.

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Head coach Ivan van Rooyen provided an inquiry update on some players who has been out for some time.

"Rabz [Maxwane] is unfortunately out for a while, he's been operated on last week.

"Kade [Wolhuter] started training with us last week, Richard [Kriel] trained with us since Thursday and Siba [Sibabalo Qoma] should be back this week." Said van Rooyen

The Lions got their Challenge Cup campaign back on track against the Dragons after a big away loss to Montpellier the week before.

Ivan Van Rooyen admitted that there were some 'harsh words' spoken post the match against Montpellier but that they're happy to have had a proper reaction against the Dragons.

"We spoke about [playing away] in the last few weeks to be honest, and that we know we're travelling and that we're away a lot," Van Rooyen said.

"Somewhere we're going to be back home and when we're home, let's make it count.

"We weren't happy with last week's performance against Montpellier.

"I don't think that was true to who we are and where we want to be.

"There were one or two harsh words in an attempt to get reaction and to get the game we want to play.

"And well done to the players, Francke [Horn] and everyone for a great reaction.

"Still a lot for fix next weekend going forward." Van Rooyen added.

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The Lions will resume their URC season at home against trans-Jukskei rivals the Bulls who came off an impressive Champions Cup home win against Stade Francias.

There were a lot of praise for the Bulls but in the same breath the Lions are confident that they're in a good space to clinch victory against their neighbours.

"Every game is about the way we want to play and what the opposition offers us," said Van Rooyen.

"The Bulls have class throughout their team, their scrum and lineout has been good this season.

"They have a certain way they want to play so we'll for sure won't get carried away after tonight's [Saturday] performance.

"We needed a good performance to get back onto the road and we know that next weekend [against the Bulls] is definitely a different challenge."

Francke Horne added: "We spoke the entire week on how we needed a good performance to get some confidence.

"I think we reasonably got it right, although there were patches where we were a bit scrappy.

"We can work on those small things, but the big issues we had regarding our game I feel has been addressed.

"We know the Bulls in a local derby are always tough and has it's own unique expectations.

"We will definitely enjoy this one [against the Dragons] but from next week onwards we'll work hard again for the next match [against the Bulls]

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