Lions head to England fired up to achieve European redemption

THE Lions will head into their next European Challenge Cup assignment with a burning sense of purpose after a heartbreaking loss to Benetton at Ellis Park this past weekend.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

Having surrendered a commanding lead to the Italian visitors, the Johannesburg outfit was left stunned as the match slipped through their fingers - a result that immediately placed them under pressure in the competition.

With their European campaign beginning on a low in front of their supporters, every remaining fixture now becomes a must-win encounter if they hope to advance to the knockout stages. Yet their path ahead will be far from straightforward.

The Lions have travelled to England with a depleted squad, the result of mounting injuries and strategic rest for several senior players. For some teams, such circumstances might spell trouble, but the mood within the Lions camp is one of opportunity rather than concern.