Selection continuity could give Lions clear run at historic URC playoff berth

The Lions’ early exit from the EPCR Challenge Cup may feel like a setback on the surface, but it could yet prove to be a turning point in their season.

With no distractions left on the calendar, the Johannesburg-based side can now channel all their energy, planning, and ambition into the United Rugby Championship (URC), where a Top 8 finish and a maiden play-off appearance are very much within reach.

Currently placed seventh on the URC log, they take on the Ospreys in Wales on Friday evening, and, with a short turnaround following their last game, the Lions will have plenty to do to keep their place amongst the top teams.

While they drew against Perpignan in the final Challenge Cup pool game, there were enough positive signs from that match to suggest they will be up for the duel in Swansea. The Lions showed improved defensive organisation, their set-piece was solid, and they played a good kicking game, elements that will be crucial away from home against an Ospreys side that thrives on physicality.

One victory in three matches at the Swansea.com Stadium suggests this will be a tight affair between the sides.

However, having the URC as the only competition to focus on will put the Lions in the best possible position to make the playoffs of the tournament for the very first time. They’ve come close over the last two seasons, but juggling squads across two competitions often disrupted rhythm and continuity at key moments.

Now, though, head coach Ivan van Rooyen can focus all his time, effort and attention on the URC and consistently select the same side, without having to rotate the squad to keep players fresh as it was in the past when they played in the knockouts of the Challenge Cup. That continuity could prove vital from as early as Friday as combinations begin to settle and confidence grows.

The importance of the Ospreys clash cannot be overstated. A victory will keep the Lions firmly inside the Top 8 on the log, while also building much-needed winning momentum ahead of a demanding run of local derbies — fixtures that often define a season.

Crucially, this winning momentum must be banked before the February break during the Six Nations. That pause could potentially disrupt form, especially for a team still looking for consistency at this level.

Heading into the break on the back of strong results would allow the Lions to reset without losing belief or intensity, rather than having to rebuild momentum once the competition resumes.

Friday night provides the Lions with the perfect chance to lay the foundation for a crucial stretch in the URC. If they have any ambition to reach the knockouts and seal a Champions Cup berth for next season, they must grab this opportunity to build up some winning momentum to carry them through the rest of the tournament.