Stalwarts implore Lions to stop purring against SA teams in URC: 'It's actually sad to see'

Two Lions legends firmly believe that the franchise can't deny it has a problem playing against fellow South African teams in the URC.

The men from Ellis Park haven't won a local derby since early December 2021 when they beat the Stormers in Cape Town in the match now considered the Capetonians' turning point, an issue brought into focus by last weekend's 8-40 drubbing at the hands of the selfsame opponents.

As a result, senior stalwart Jaco Kriel and scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys both agree that the Lions need to now use a newfound penchant for performing well overseas to cultivate a winning culture against local sides again.

Kriel and Redelinghuys know perfectly well how invincible the Lions once were on home soil, going on a 20-match unbeaten streak against the Stormers and co in Super Rugby between May 2015 and June 2018.  

For the latter, who was an integral figure in the start of that run until a neck injury forced his premature retirement at the end of 2016, the Lions' "curse" is good for neutrals but obviously not the franchise.

READ | Lions name squad for 'tough' European tour: 'We need to be more consistent'

"It's a question we really have to ask ourselves," said Redelinghuys, ahead of Friday night's meeting with Munster in Cork.

"It's been a year since we've beaten a SA team in the URC. Unemotionally, it's a nice thing for neutrals because, especially if you look at where our local teams finished in the tournament last year, it shows you're playing against very good teams.

"Yes, we play in a tough conference or shield. But the reality is that we're part of it and have shown at times that we belong. So, to me, I think it's a mental thing."

A trip to Musgrave Park grants the Lions the opportunity to play away from