Lions look to bounce back from heartbreak

THE Lions face the arduous task of overcoming the disappointment of losing their second consecutive Currie Cup final, as they prepare for their opening United Rage Championship (URC) clash later this week.

- MORGAN BOLTON

The dismay of losing to the Gri-quas in a tightly contested 25-24 final this past weekend will have to be quickly forgotten and cosigned to the past, if the Joburgers are to make a winning start to the franchise tournament against Cardiff Rugby on Saturday (kickoff 8.45pm).

That, however, will be easier said than done.

The truth is that the Lions were the overwhelming favourites to lift the coveted Cup against a determined Griquas, marking their shock defeat all the more bitter. No doubt compounding that dejection is the likelihood that the matchday 23 that lost the final — the second in as many seasons — will be largely similar to the team that runs out at Cardiff Arms Park this weekend.