Emirates Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said some of the players from the "alternative" group would get another opportunity against the Ospreys at Ellis Park on Sunday at 15:00 (SA Time).
Van Rooyen previously stated that their focus is on finishing in the top 8 of the United Rugby Championship which will automatically qualify them to participate in the Champions Cup for 2024/5.
Acknowledging the importance of developing talent in the Challenge Cup, he said there will be more opportunities for players to earn more playing time and showcase their abilities for future United Rugby Challenge games.
“We are also now in a position where we can rotate players. This was not the case in previous seasons.”
“We now have quite a few positions in which the difference between the front three players is very small. For the players it is probably not always nice, but it is a good position for us as a group."
“Yes, difficult decisions will have to be made later, but this is good for us.”
Questioned on the Montpellier loss, Van Rooyen praised the team’s character and fighting spirit.
“Yes, it’s not nice to lose, but if you look at the bigger picture, it’s good to be where we are at the moment."
“When you start winning, the players feel something special is happening and all this brings energy.”
