Friday night time’s EPCR Problem Cup conflict in Edinburgh affords the fearless Lions an ideal alternative to bury final week’s Glasgow humiliation and discover redemption, writes MARK KEOHANE.
It is going to be a case of do or die for the three South African groups that includes within the EPCR playoffs this week, because the Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions spring into motion in spherical 16, the place quarter-final spots will likely be up for grabs.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that whereas the Lions face a well-known URC opponent, knockout rugby transforms desperation into an additional participant on the sphere.
The Pleasure received’t lack confidence towards Edinburgh, having crushed the Scottish outfit earlier this season at Ellis Park, however Keohane wonders whether or not Ivan van Rooyen’s fees received’t be carrying any emotional harm.
Their backs are towards the wall after three successive losses within the Vodacom URC, and the workforce possible nonetheless hurting from a 42-0 mauling by the Glasgow Warriors.
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“For the Lions, the problem of Edinburgh is redemption. They get to erase the humiliation of a shutout towards the Glasgow Warriors every week in the past,” he writes.
“Edinburgh are a well-known foe from the United Rugby Championship, however on Friday night time it’s a case of identical face, however totally different competitors.
“That is no league match. Knockout rugby is a unique beast to taking part in for league factors.
“The Lions received’t worry Edinburgh. The query is how a lot psychological scarring from the 42-0?”
Keohane additionally highlights the Sharks’ success final season, the place regardless of a disappointing URC marketing campaign, the lads from Durban received the Problem Cup to grow to be South Africa’s first European membership cup champions.
Whereas the Bulls face unbeaten Bayonne on Saturday earlier than the Sharks sort out Lyon on Sunday, Keohane believes each groups will triumph in the event that they’ve choose full-strength lineups.
Photograph: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Photographs
