Lions full of character, but too 'frantic' at home, says coach after Ulster heartbreak

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has praised his side's character after their heartbreaking 39-37 loss to Ulster in Johannesburg on Saturday but said they were too "frantic" when playing at home.

It was the Lions' first home game since their 31-15 loss to the Bulls on the opening weekend of the season, and since then, they have been hugely impressive by winning all three of their European tour matches against Ospreys, Cardiff and Edinburgh. 

There were further signs on Saturday, in 30-degree heat, that this Lions side is vastly improved from the one that finished 12th on the 2021/22 United Rugby Championship log, but basic errors at crucial times ultimately cost them. 

A seven-minute period on either side of half-time saw the Lions concede three tries and give away a yellow card, and while they somehow found a way to fight back from the resulting 18-point deficit that followed, they left themselves with too much to do. 

"I think we really worked hard and showed great character every time to come back, but we just gave it away too easily," said Van Rooyen after the match.

"There were one or two crucial errors ... we just felt we gave it to them really easily. Good character, but we weren't clinical and a little bit sloppy.

"There were glimpses of what we can do against a very good Ulster team. It's just about putting it consistently together."

Van Rooyen said finding the composure his side displayed on tour would be one of the biggest work-ons before next weekend's clash against Glasgow, also at home. 

"I almost feel that we're a little bit frantic at home," he said.

"Overseas, you're almost a little bit calmer and you have to build the innings otherwise you aren't going to be in the contest. Against the Bulls, and today, it just felt