Lions facing crucial games

We're only one week into the United Rugby Championship and the next two fixtures will likely prove crucial for the Lions' playoff hopes.

- Nicholas Zaal

After their 33-20 defeat to Cardiff in Wales, the Johannesburg side face both Italian teams on the road - Zebre in Parma on Sunday (4pm) and Benetton in Treviso next Saturday at the same time.

The Lions are once again targeting a first playoff spot after four poor seasons. They've said they can do this by winning all their home games and one or two away fixtures.

Those one or two away fixtures should be these.

Benetton have not been awful historically, but they have only finished in the top half of the table once in four seasons.