Coach Ivan van Rooyen believes the Lions were denied a match-winning try at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night, but is as disappointed they didn’t adapt to conditions sooner.
The Pride fell agonisingly short in Cardiff, edged 20-17 by the hosts in a round 13 Vodacom URC match that ended with Sibabalo Qoma held up over the line. With every point crucial in the race for playoff spots and only five rounds remaining after this week, Van Rooyen admits his team let a big chance slip away.
“With the log being so tight, obviously every single point is big. We got one [but] we felt we did enough probably at the end of the game to get the win,” said Van Rooyen post-match.
“A couple of non-decisions or interesting decisions. We felt we scored [a try] so disappointed to not walk away with four points.”
The visitors led 10-7 at the break but struggled to adjust to the conditions, conceding a crucial intercept try by Harri Millard in the final quarter. Cardiff’s defence held firm with over 200 tackles, and used the wind to their advantage.
“They [Cardiff] probably played the wind a little bit better than us,” Van Rooyen added. “A couple of the kicks into the wind fell short. We didn’t manage to catch them out of the air which gave them double possession and then they could kick again.
RECAP: Lions come up short in Cardiff
“We didn’t adapt quick enough when we were against the wind. They adapted that second half better and tactically, that worked for them. We’re disappointed with that, not having the ability to catch the ball and then launch an attack or another kicking set onto them.
“Because when you got it right, with it being wet, cold and with the wind, possession wasn’t always the answer, territory was probably more important. I think we lost that in the bigger picture at the end of the game.”
Now the focus shifts to Glasgow, where the defending champions edged Munster on Friday. The Lions, currently seventh on the log, know they need to bounce back quickly.
“We are off to Glasgow today [Saturday], we’re leaving this afternoon. Also going to be cold, also going to be windy,” Van Rooyen said.
“Glasgow managed to get a win against Munster so now it’s important for us to get points again.
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“Yes, we’ve got four home games [after returning from tour], but we were disappointed with the result last night. We felt it’s an opportunity missed.
“So it’s important for us to get to Glasgow and get as many points as possible.”
Despite the loss in Wales, Van Rooyen saw positives in the Lions’ set-piece dominance and attacking potential.
“At set-piece I think we went forward… When we were a little bit more dynamic on attack we looked good. Disappointed with the try they scored. It was too easy.
“Not good enough defence from us with momentum but I think generally the defence was decent.
“It’s always tough playing away from home in these conditions. We didn’t adapt quickly enough and we are looking forward to a good week of prep in Glasgow.”
Photo: Roberto Bregani/Gallo Images
