The Lions will face the Ospreys (Wales) in a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) clash on Friday at 21:45 (SA Time).
Both teams are battling for playoff positioning midway through the 2025-26 URC season. The Lions are coming off mixed results, including a narrow win against the Sharks, but have struggled in Europe and sit around the playoff borderline. The Ospreys have had an inconsistent campaign with only a few wins, but they benefit from home advantage and recent European Challenge Cup qualification. This fixture is key for both sides to climb the table.
Lions forwards coach Wessel Roux has emphasised focusing on performance over standings calculations after their recent European exit.
“The Ospreys understand the weather and are playing at home. It’s colder, wet, and windy. We haven’t played on the pitch before, so conditions are obviously more difficult and different. But they are a quality side.”
“There’s a lot of uncertainty in Welsh rugby at the moment. I think everybody wants to fight and put their best foot forward. They’ll be an absolutely hungry side to make a statement.”
Roux emphasised that set-piece and general dominance up front will be crucial, taking the current weather conditions into account.
“If we get 22m entries and we can have a possible maul, to either score a try or get a penalty, the pack must be up for that. The kickers get a feel for the wind, but our role is to make sure the pack is ready when those opportunities come.”