Lions aim to end disappointing season on a high against Ospreys

THE Lions will close out their underwhelming United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign this weekend with little more than pride at stake, as a disappointing season ends against the Ospreys at Ellis Park.

- MORGAN BOLTON

Saturday's clash (kick-off 5.15pm) is a dead rubber.

The Joburgers cannot break into the Top 10 — unlike previous seasons when they finished ninth and narrowly missed the quarter-finals — and victory for either side will have no bearing on the teams above them jostling for play-off placements.

It's a mediocre conclusion to a campaign that once held much promise. Back in late September, the Lions won four consecutive games and were considered dark horses. But in the 13 matches that followed, they managed just three more wins.

It’s a tough situation — largely self-inflicted — especially considering the talent within the squad. Costly home defeats and a repeated failure to close out tight contests have left a sombre and frustrating tone among the Lions faithful.