The Lions players know they made things difficult for themselves by not getting wins in their final United Rugby Championship (URC) matches overseas, but they are still motivated to achieve four wins from their home matches ahead of the playoffs.
While they do not have their fate entirely in their own hands as they need some results to go their way in the final rounds, 20 points to get them to a season tally of 50 on the URC log will give them a chance to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.
Starting this Saturday against Benetton at Ellis Park (1.45pm start), the Johannesburg side will pull out all the stops as they aim for the first five points needed in their quest.
Currently in 13th place with 30 points, they are six points behind their Italian opponents in seventh, and the opportunity is there to close the gap.
Still alive. Still dangerous. 🦁
The Emirates @LionsRugbyCo need a big win at home to stay in the hunt — and Emirates Airline Park has been nearly untouchable this season.
@Vodacom #URC | #LIOvBEN | #RaceToTheEight pic.twitter.com/opcIxbZNMk
Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter said they are still motivated and know what is needed over the next four clashes.
“Benetton are playing well this season. They were in the Champions Cup and are performing in the URC,” he said about their opponents.
“We know they like to run the ball. So, they’ll give us pictures that probably go well with our style of play.
“We can expect a lot of ball in play on the weekend, and it will be a fast-tempo game.
Do you like your team's odds of making the Play-Offs? 👀
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) April 16, 2025
With four rounds to play, every point is more important than ever in the #RaceToTheEight!@Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/45Rekk4128
“It suits them, but at Ellis Park, it suits us too. It’s an exciting prospect, and we are looking forward to it.”
Should the Lions be successful against their Italian visitors, they will not only do themselves a favour, but also the Stormers, looking at those top eight spots.
It will also bring some much-needed winning momentum ahead of their clash against Connacht next weekend.
The #RaceToTheEight goes up another notch with three HUGE fixtures that could change the picture of the Play-Offs 💥
Who’s stepping up when it matters most? 👀@Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/xUcNgUo2If
Venter added that his focus is entirely on the Lions’ cause and how he can contribute to the team for the rest of the season.
There is the prospect of more Bok caps this season for the one-Test loosie as well, but he feels all his attention must be on his franchise.
“I can only speak for myself: I believe if we are successful as a union, the other things will take care of themselves,” he said.
“That (getting to play a Bok Test again) should not be your thought process. If I am here (at the Lions), I am committed to being here.
“I am fully focused on turning this season into a successful one (for the franchise) and meeting our goals.”