Lions Face Season-defining European Tour In Urc And Challenge Cup Battle

The Lions current mini-tour of Europe could determine the shape and direction of the rest of their season, as they strive to cling desperately to a play-off spot in the United Rugby Championship URC and push for honours in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

The Lions have two matches up north in the aforementioned championship the first on Friday against Cardiff kick-off 9.35 pm at Cardiff Arms Park, followed by a short hop to Scotland to face defending champions Glasgow Warriors a week later. Depending on whether the Lions are able to return positive results in those matches, the Joburgers following matchs priority a Challenge Cup round of 16 tie against Edinburgh will fluctuate.

After all, the latter may be their best route to silverware and teh Champions Cup this season.

However, the Lions have previously fielded a second-string side in away matches in the Challenge Cup this season. Now, at the business end of both tournaments, they will have to set clear priorities.

The Lions have taken their strongest possible 28-man squad to the UK, bolstered by the return of Springboks Ruan Venter, Quan Horn, and Henco van Wyk. The key decision for the coaching staff will be whether to go all out over the next fortnight to secure a Top 8 spot in the URC or to conserve their resources for Edinburgh.