Lions dig deep in the Welsh rain to stay on URC course in gritty Ospreys stalemate

The Lions proved in Swansea that they are far more than a one-note attacking side, and that bodes well for the rest of their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign.

By varying their approach against the Ospreys and responding smartly to what the occasion demanded, the Johannesburg outfit showed a level of maturity — particularly in how to approach wet-weather encounters when they could not run everything.

That adaptability ultimately underpinned their hard-earned 24-all draw on Friday night. With three points in the bag from this tough away clash, the Lions can travel home with confidence restored and a top-eight URC spot secured for another round.

Yes, they had opportunities to take the Ospreys game by the scruff of the neck to secure a vital away win, especially after squandering a try-scoring opportunity at the death. In the context of their season, however, the three points should not be scoffed at.

A fortnight ago, they also drew against Perpignan and, with this latest result, finished their European mini-tour unbeaten. This is something that will bring invaluable momentum ahead of the return Jukskei derby against the resurgent Bulls in a week’s time.

Looking back at the Ospreys clash, played in tough weather conditions, head coach Ivan van Rooyen will know there are key areas that need improvement ahead of facing the Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday. It is the second meeting of the season between the two sides, with Gauteng bragging rights at stake. It is also a clash that could make or break their chances of bagging the South African Shield in the URC.

The wet Swansea conditions made life difficult, and the Lions enjoyed just 34% of attacking possession, even after dominating the opening 15 minutes. They were also forced to make almost double the number of tackles the Ospreys did and slipped off 36 of the 275 they attempted. Many of those missed tackles were regulation efforts and, against a Bulls attack in drier conditions, they could prove costly.

Discipline, first-time tackles and a high penalty count that resulted in two yellow cards are areas that should sit at the top of their to-fix list this week.

Although it was a collective effort, captain Francke Horn with his two tries, hooker PJ Botha, flyhalf Chris Smith and tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye were outstanding and the driving force behind the performance.