Lions bring back Ivan van Rooyen to deal with struggling Bulls in Currie Cup showdown

This Saturday’s Currie Cup encounter between the Bulls and the Lions may lack the historic gravitas of previous clashes between these two rivals, but it carries significant intrigue — both on and off the field — especially with the revelation that the “iffy” Lions have turned to senior coach Ivan van Rooyen for reinforcement.

Van Rooyen, the head coach of the Lions’ United Rugby Championship (URC) outfit, has reportedly stepped in to support the Currie Cup side, who are currently fourth on the standings with three wins and two losses. Despite a respectable position, there is growing dissatisfaction, particularly as the Lions have been fielding a side not far off their full-strength URC team.

According to Rugby365, head coach Mzwakhe Nkosi has been informed that Van Rooyen will be taking over with immediate effect — a move that underscores the urgency within the Lions camp.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are in a far more precarious position. With only 10 points from five matches and just two rounds remaining, they sit six points behind the Lions and face a must-win clash in Johannesburg.

Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo is under no illusions about what’s at stake.

“It would be a disaster if the Bulls weren’t in the semi-finals,” Nomlomo said. “We are expected to win games and competitions, and this competition has been no different.

“It’s always a tough battle against our neighbours. We are looking forward to the game, and it’s a match we have to get a result out of, with our aspirations of progressing further into the competition.”

The Lions, despite a 47-31 loss to the Cheetahs last weekend, have shown strong attacking intent and defensive steel throughout the competition.

“The Lions have been piling on points, and defensively, they’ve been sharp. They are one of the better sides in that regard — they do not leak many tries,” said Nomlomo.

“They’ve approached this year very differently from last year. They’re older, more composed, and playing far less rugby in their own half. They manage games incredibly well.”

For the Bulls, it’s all or nothing.

“We are putting everything into making sure we get a result,” Nomlomo added. “Mathematically, we can still qualify. We have two matches where we can get 10 points, which would take us to 20.

“They are going to impose themselves as much as they can, especially looking at our current squad. But we are still in the running for the playoffs. It’s a must-win match against the Lions.”