The Lions begin their two-match tour of Scotland against high-flying Edinburgh in the capital on Friday in the fourth round of the URC.
To Win
Edinburgh | Draw | Lions
Handicap
Edinburgh | Lions
Match context
It’s difficult knowing what to expect from the Pride following the tragic death that occurred in their camp during their Challenge Cup trip to La Rochelle last week. Despite many assuming that that Pool 2 clash would be called off, the players bravely opted for the match — their competition debut — to go ahead, and they went on to produce a stoic performance before ultimately succumbing 31-14 to Ronan O’Gara’s two-time European champions.
They now brace for this trip to Scotland and will be required to dig deep once again if they want to maintain the pace in the top-half of the URC. They lie seventh after successive opening home wins over Leinster and the Ospreys were followed up by a disappointing 57-15 Jukskei derby defeat at Loftus Versfeld. In spite of all the heartache they’ve endured over the past week, they’ll need to recalibrate quickly or avoid slipping further down the ladder ahead of a gruelling run of fixtures to come.
Edinburgh top the standings with three wins from three and have looked much closer to realising their undeniable potential this term after several seasons of mediocrity. While their recent 17-27 home defeat to a strong Toulon team in the Challenge Cup will sting, they’ve already beaten Ulster and Zebre away in the URC and claimed a home win over the Stormers to head into this fourth-round duel high on confidence and with optimism at an all-time high.
The Joburg franchise leads the head-to-head battle between the clubs three to two, with the last result ending 54-17 in favour of the Lions in March. Cash van Rooyen’s men also claimed a 22-19 victory at this venue back in 2022 and will be hoping for a similar outcome this weekend.
The expected return of Duhan van der Merwe out wide will boost the hosts, who will be aiming to keep their URC momentum going and continuing setting the pace at the summit of the log.
Players to watch
Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh)
The Canada-born hooker scored for Edinburgh a little after halftime in their tie with Toulon, and while that action was ultimately in vain, the 26-year-old will have another important role to play come Saturday. The score came in a slick lineout play in tandem with flanker Tom Currie down the touchline, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more trickery employed against the Lions.
With rain expected at Hive Stadium, Ashman’s dart-throwing also needs to be pinpoint if his team are to put themselves into a strong position, while his battle up front against the Lions’ heavies will also set the tone.
Boan Venter (Lions)
The 29-year-old Springbok loosehead racked up over 100 appearances for Edinburgh before opting to return to South Africa at the start of this season. Lions assistant coach and former Bok front-ranker Julian Redelinghuys made mention in the build-up to this clash that Venter has provided the side with some valuable intel about the players, coaches and environment at Hive Stadium, which should certainly work in their favour this weekend.
Edinburgh started 20-year-old tighthead Ollie Blyth-Lafferty in their defeat to Toulon, and one would think that Venter will be salivating at the prospect of inflicting some pain on the youngster at scrum time should he be selected again. If Venter can get some ascendency at the set piece, the Lions will be in a good place.
Tactical overview
With wet conditions expected, much will depend on set piece accuracy and playing for territory which will work in Edinburgh’s favour on Saturday. Their knowledge of the Hive Stadium pitch will come in handy, while their early URC season momentum will also be a big boon for the table-toppers.
Butch James recently sung Lions pivot Chris Smith’s praises in the media, and rightly so given how consistent the 32-year-old has been in the colours of the Joburg club. Smith will again be an important figure with his kicking for goal and out of hand set to go a long way to determining how competitive his team are on the day.
Given the Lions’ penchant for playing attacking, ball in hand rugby, this game may prove difficult for them, while their defensive nous needs to be much improved from their display against the Bulls to get a win here.
Prediction
Edinburgh to get the win on the board against the Lions.
