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Skipper Francke Horn hailed the Lions for their determination in a gutsy Vodacom URC win in Wales on Sunday, yet anticipates another tough contest against Zebre this week.
Ivan van Rooyen’s charges kicked off their three-week European tour with a 23-19 victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade. It was the Pride’s third win of the 2024-25 campaign and they now sit third on the standings.
Despite dominating possession and territory, the Lions had to dig deep to survive a yellow card to hooker Franco Marais and withstand a late Dragons surge.
Quoted post-match by The Citizen, Horn was pleased with the resilience of the Lions. “It was not a perfect performance, but it was a really good victory. It’s the first time this season that we have been behind twice and managed to win,” he said.
The visitors maintained a narrow 13-12 lead at half time, and while both teams traded tries in the second half, the final quarter was scoreless. The Lions’ defence proved crucial in the end, securing a late penalty to seal the game.
RECAP: Lions extinguish Dragons in Newport
“We just stayed in the fight, we kept to our structures, and in the end, it was a really good defensive set to get the penalty and win the game. So we are really happy with the four points,” Horn added.
“I am proud of the performance, especially in how we stuck together. It was also the first time this season that we struggled to get going. So for the guys to come together and say that we need to win this game was special and led to a great victory.”
The unbeaten Lions will travel to Italy for a round 5 clash in Parma on Saturday. Acknowledging Zebre’s recent victory over Irish giants Munster, No 8 Horn explained: “They are not an easy team at home [in Parma] at all.
“We will have to prepare really well and play to the best of our ability to make sure that we get another win.”
Photo: Chris Fairweather/Gallo Images