Mountain to climb for the Lions

The Lions already have a mountain to climb after a disastrous start to their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign, and they likely need at least 47 points out of a possible 75 to be in with a chance of making the competition playoffs.

- Ross Roche

Ivan van Rooyen's (right) side have picked up just one losing bonus point from their three losses so far.

In the past four URC seasons, the lowest points tally needed to make the top eight was 48, in seasons two and four, while in seasons one and three 50 points were needed to reach the knockouts.

If the mark is set at 48 points this season, which isn't a given, the Lions need a further 47 points to even be in with a chance.