'This is a sprint, not a marathon'

CHALLENGE CUP: LIONS MUST HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

- Ross Roche

Picture: Gallo Images

(HUYS)

Lions forwards coach Julian Redelinghuys believes they need to be ready for a mad dash to the finish line, and that every game counts, in the EPCR Challenge Cup competition that kicks off this weekend.

The first two pool rounds see the Lions take on Italian side Benetton first up at Ellis Park on Saturday, before traveling to England to take on Newcastle Red Bulls next weekend.

They then conclude their pool play in January with two more rounds against French opposition, as they host Lyon at Ellis Park, before traveling to France to battle it out with Perpignan.

To secure a home playoff, in the last-16 and quarterfinals of the competition, the Lions likely need to win three of their matches, or at least win two and draw one of their four pool games.