7 October 2026
10bet Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes utility versatility will form the core of modern rugby tactical planning. Forced reshuffling during their recent United Rugby Championship clash against the Ospreys showcased the squad's adaptability in the backline.
Springbok back Quan Horn shifted to the left wing after Erich Cronje sustained a first-half niggle. The unexpected tactical adjustment altered the coaching staff's initial deployment strategies for the fixture.
“It wasn’t necessarily pre-planned,” Van Rooyen noted. “If everything was fine, we wanted to see if we could get Boeta (Chamberlain) to 10, just to get him a bit of reps there, and then Quan to 15."
Further disruptions forced the technical team to alter their outside back configurations. An assessment protocols trigger meant the bench utility resources had to cover defensive channels out wide.
“Unfortunately, with Erich (Cronje) having a bit of a niggle, we had to move someone to the wing," Van Rooyen explained. "Both JC (Pretorius) and Siba (Mahashe) were active cover for the wing, but again, with Ruan Delport having to go for an HIA, we had to put Quan on the wing.”
Horn adjusted seamlessly to the physical demands of the touchline role. The coaching staff praised the player's immediate willingness to sacrifice positional preference for the system.
“The team guy that he is, he didn’t even blink to go there," said Van Rooyen. "I know he’s also an option there for potentially the Boks, so it’s all good development for him.”
The franchise aims to continue cross-training loose forwards into secondary backline capabilities. Broadening skill sets remains a key objective to counter in-game defensive pressures.
“I don’t want to use the word hybrid, but I believe it’s gonna be the nucleus of rugby going forward," Van Rooyen added. "Guys being able to play different positions, fulfilling different roles and whatever the team needs."
Strategic selection parameters will dictate whether the team selects line-breakers for spatial attack or powerful carriers for physical collisions. Position flexibility across both packs and backlines remains essential.
"Locks should be able to play seven," Van Rooyen stated. "Eights should be able to play six, and six should be able to play eight. We’re fortunate with someone like JC and Siba; we honestly believe they can play wing and centre if they had to for us.”
Incumbent outside backs Cronje and Kelly Mpeku continue to secure the defensive channels effectively. Their dual-position capabilities provide essential squad depth during intense campaign stretches.
“They’re just consistent with X-factor and toughness, and both of them can play centre,” Van Rooyen said.
The franchise also anticipates strong contributions from Daniel Kasende in the wide channels. The winger's acceleration and defensive work rate align with the team's tactical requirements.
“We were really excited to see Daniel Kasende as well, and we believe he’s in that frame of mind where there’s enough pace to hurt you and grit to be a game breaker," Van Rooyen concluded. "Aerially, they are both moving forward nicely, and we know they’re good defenders.”