Lions head to England fired up for European redemption in Newcastle

The Lions will head into their next European Challenge Cup assignment with a burning sense of purpose after a heartbreaking loss to Benetton at Ellis Park this past weekend.

Having surrendered a commanding lead to the Italian visitors, the Johannesburg outfit was left stunned as the match slipped through their fingers — a result that immediately placed them under pressure in the competition.

With their European campaign beginning on a low in front of their supporters, every remaining fixture now becomes a must-win encounter if they hope to advance to the knockout stages. Yet their path ahead will be far from straightforward.

The Lions have travelled to England with a depleted squad, the result of mounting injuries and strategic rest for several senior players. For some teams, such circumstances might spell trouble, but the mood within the Lions camp is one of opportunity rather than concern.

The trip offers a crucial platform for several young and fringe players to stake their claim and prove their value on the European stage. Their next challenge comes in the form of the Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday (7.30pm kick-off), with conditions in northern England expected to be vastly different from the Highveld heat they are accustomed to. Cold, wet and physical — the environment will test the Lions’ resolve and tactics.

Flanker Jarod Cairns, one of the emerging voices in the squad, believes the team is travelling with renewed intensity and clarity.

Reflecting on the Benetton result, Cairns acknowledged the disappointment and the swift, honest response within the group. In the absence of key senior players, the lively flanker could take up a leadership role this weekend.

“It was a tough result for us against Benetton,” he said. “We came back, went to the drawing board and identified what we need to fix. We worked on it on-field. We are going to come out this weekend with a bit of a punch, and we know what we need to do there.”

According to Cairns, the reaction in the changing room after the final whistle was raw but necessary.

That emotional reckoning has become a rallying point for the squad. If the Lions are to rescue their European campaign, the shift in mindset — fuelled by accountability and hunger — will be as important as any tactical adjustment.

They expect the weather conditions to be vastly different from those of Johannesburg. “It will be the first time we will be there. It is UK weather and winter, so we expect a rainy and gloomy day. We heard stories from guys who have been there, and they say it is not easy. We will enjoy this journey, but also go out there to do our job.”

In a boost, the Jozi side have extended the contract of Springbok fullback Quan Horn for the next three seasons. He will be available for the side until 2028, following speculation that he might depart Ellis Park.

The Bulls, meanwhile, could be boosted by the return of winger Kurt-Lee Arendse following his concussion. However, the Loftus Versfeld side have kept things under wraps since their loss to Bordeaux on Saturday in Pretoria.

There has been no indication of who they will take to Franklin’s Gardens for the duel with Northampton Saints — a must-win clash to stay in the mix in the Champions Cup. Another loss and their campaign might be over before it has even properly begun.

In two attempts, the Bulls have not been successful against the Saints, and after their capitulation against Bordeaux, it is difficult to see them getting on a plane and fronting up in England in the expected difficult conditions. They will need key players to step up and deliver for more than 80 minutes to get the desired result.