Grounded Lions already focused on Connacht after Glasgow rout

The Lions were simply sublime in their 54-12 mauling of Glasgow Warriors on Saturday at Ellis Park.

It was a match in which they started fast and didn’t let up, not allowing Glasgow any chance of making a comeback.

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The Lions raced into a 19-0 lead in the 19th minute, thanks to a brace from the impressive Henco van Wyk and another try from Erich Cronjé.

Speaking after the match, coach Ivan van Rooyen said that his side won’t get carried away by easily beating the 2024 champions and will turn their focus to Connacht, who surprised the Stormers in Cape Town.

“I think it’s six or seven in a row now that they’ve won, and they just beat the Stormers,” van Rooyen said.

“Physically, they are a good team.

“They play with tempo. It’s a very tough challenge.”

Van Rooyen said that for now, the Lions will rest up until Monday before formulating their strategy and squad with Connacht in mind.

“We haven’t looked at next week as a squad,” said Van Rooyen.

“We have reviewed Connacht as coaches, and again, it’s another tough challenge.

“The bodies must rest now, and then Monday morning, we’ll plan for how we will play against Connacht.”

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Lions skipper Francke Horn agreed with Van Rooyen, saying the Lions must just prepare for the opponents ahead of them in their push for playoff spots.

“We know where we want to be, but if you look too far ahead, you can lose focus,” Horn said.

“Everything went into Glasgow, and next week everything will go into Connacht.”

While Van Rooyen will now focus on Connacht, he was proud of his charges for the way they dispatched Glasgow.

“I very clearly remember being 42-0 down at half-time last year,” Van Rooyen said.

“They were just way too good for us.

“They taught us a lesson in tempo, quick ball, and pressure.

“So, I’m really extremely proud of the hard work and the effort the guys put in.”

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connacht Francke Horn Glasgow Warriors Ivan van Rooyen Lions United Rugby Championship