Cash: First-half catnap, errors cost Lions

Yesterday at 12:15 PM

Coach Ivan van Rooyen lauded the Lions for a gutsy fightback but rued unforced errors and a 20-minute slump for sealing their fate at Kings Park on Saturday.

“We started off well in the first 20 minutes, then we went to sleep for the final 20 minutes before half time,” Van Rooyen said in a press conference following the Lions’ 25-22 reverse against the Sharks.

READ: Siya stars as Sharks clinch SA Shield

“In the second half there was a really good fightback from us. We upped the workrate and intensity and our intent was good. A penalty not kicked out and failing to deal with a kick-off was what made the difference in the game.

“We finished the game strongly, which I’m proud of, but I think the last 10 or 15 minutes before half time is what stopped us. You could see it.”

The Lions finished bottom of the SA Shield log, with a 2-4 record in South African derbies this season.

“Playing four South African derbies in a row is a serious challenge,” added Van Rooyen. “Physically, I think we have really moved forward and our work rate has improved tremendously.

“When we manage to keep possession our attack is really threatening, and our decision-making in defence is much better. Last week we showed we can also exploit the kicking game.

“The Sharks have Springboks all over the show. We knew they would come back stronger today and that it was a game where they could win silverware. You can never underestimate this Sharks team in Durban.

“If you take the emotion out of it we are really excited with where we are as a team. To be pretty average for more than 20 minutes today and lose by only three points to the SA Shield winners shows the hunger and ambition of this team. We have six URC games left to make it happen for us.

“The next two URC games against Cardiff and Glasgow are vital for us.”

The losing bonus point saw the Lions climb into the top eight, bumping Connacht to ninth, and they will be wary of the challenge posed by a tough two-match URC tour to Europe with a showdown against Cardiff in the Welsh captial (21 March) followed by a clash with defending champions Glasgow (29 March).

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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