The 10bet Lions will kick off their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign this Saturday afternoon with a blockbuster clash against Irish heavyweights Leinster at Ellis Park at 13:30 SAST.
Following a breakout campaign last season that saw the Johannesburg franchise secure an historic first-ever quarterfinal appearance, the Lions enter the new term with both a point to prove and a massive score to settle.
It was Leinster who unceremoniously dumped Ivan van Rooyen’s men out of the playoffs with a 59-10 thrashing in Dublin just months ago, a memory that has burned bright throughout a brutal and demanding pre-season.
While a grueling warm-up window saw the Lions push a powerful All Blacks XV to the absolute limit in a 41-35 thriller at Ellis Park, captain Francke Horn emphasised the need for focus during the pre-match build-up.
“I think our pre-season has been very successful, but the proof is in the pudding on Saturday,” said Horn.
“We had a good build-up to the All Blacks XV match, which allowed us to test what we had been doing in pre-season and see what still needed work,” he added.
“I am really excited about where we are as a team heading into the season. It’s going to be a big match against Leinster, but the boys are prepped and ready to go.”
The match against the All Blacks XV gave the Lions massive confidence after nearly beating the touring side.
The Lions famously led 35–17 early in the second half before a late comeback secured a 41–35 win for the visitors with a heartbreaking try at full-time.
“We want our supporters to expect performances like the one against the All Blacks XV,” explained Horn. “After all, we expect that of ourselves."
"I wouldn’t say we set the benchmark there, but we gave a good indication of our identity as a team and how we want to play this season."
"If that attracts supporters to Ellis Park and fills the stadium, it would be wonderful. The onus is on us as players to produce good performances week in and week out.”
Horn admitted that starting their campaign at altitude on the Highveld presents a golden opportunity, provided the team executes its game plan effectively.
“Everyone has something special at home, and obviously we are at altitude, but we still have to make altitude work for us,” said Horn.
“If we are sloppy or fail to impose our game, Leinster will take control and altitude won’t help us. It’s an advantage, but we still have to use it.”