Building blocks are now in place

The years of building are over. The Lions are now only interested in maturing and growing, and if all goes well, challenging for the United Rugby Championship title.

- Jacques van der Westhuyzen

Already this season we have heard the coaching staff and players say they are targeting a top four finish, not top eight or top 10, and they've also been heard using terms like “when we beat” rather than “if we beat” this team or that team.

There's certainly been a change in attitude and mindset and this week assistant coach Jaque Fourie stated it was heartening to see so many young leaders come to the fore for the Lions. He felt the time had come for the Joburg-based team to perform at the level expected of a team playing in the URC.