Cash to Lions: Don’t forget Dublin massacre

Ivan van Rooyen wants the Lions to remember exactly what happened the last time they faced Leinster and use that painful experience as motivation when the defending champions arrive at Ellis Park.

The Lions were dismantled 59-10 by Leinster in the URC quarter-finals in Dublin at the end of May, bringing their breakthrough run in the competition to a brutal end.

But Van Rooyen does not want his players to forget that result.

“I don’t want the guys to forget that match against Leinster, because you have to use some of that as motivation,” he told Netwerk24.

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The Lions will get an immediate opportunity to measure their progress when they host Leinster in their opening URC match on 26 September.

Despite the heavy quarter-final defeat, the Lions enjoyed a historic campaign last season by reaching the competition’s knockout stages for the first time.

Van Rooyen believes starting the new season against the champions could be exactly what his side needs.

“It will be a different Leinster team, just as we will also be a different Lions team,” he said. “It is our first match of a new season and we will run onto the field with a new focus and energy. We are ready for the match.”

The Lions have also strengthened their squad in the off-season, with Springbok loosehead prop Boan Venter among their new recruits, alongside Boeta Chamberlain and former Bok loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

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The post Cash to Lions: Don’t forget Dublin massacre appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.