Coach Ivan van Rooyen remains optimistic that the Lions will qualify for the Vodacom URC playoffs, despite a disappointing reverse against Benetton at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The 42-31 defeat means the Lions will likely have to win all three of their remaining home matches — with other results going their way — to reach the knockout stage of the competition.

READ: Benetton blitz tames Lions

Benetton cruised to a bonus-point victory, capitalising on handling errors and poor discipline at key moments. It marked a fifth straight loss for the Lions and a major setback to their top-eight ambitions.

“We are still alive, but we need to be better,” Van Rooyen said post-match. “I still believe we can make the playoffs. It’s really close—most of the teams in the mix are playing each other.

“There were too many errors, especially in the first half. Benetton have 15-plus internationals, and if you make that many mistakes in your own half, they’ll punish you. They’re a quality team with a strong Six Nations core and talented players across the park.”

Discipline and breakdown efficiency have been consistent problems in the Lions’ recent slump. Van Rooyen admitted his team couldn’t match Benetton’s physicality at the ruck.

“We gave away a penalty more than eight times within three phases,” he said. “Our ruck reaction wasn’t consistent enough. When you’re chasing the game, time works against you. We’ve been fighting back, but it hasn’t been enough.

“At least we scored four tries and picked up one point. It’s disappointing, but the table is so tight that even that point might count. We’re now in a position where we need help from other results.”

The Lions’ afternoon was made worse by an injury to captain and No 8 Francke Horn, forced off in the first half and replaced by Sibabalo Qoma. The extent of the injury is still to be determined.

“At my last lineout I got hit and felt my leg get trapped,” said Horn. “I heard a click. We’ll know more after the scan next week.

“The next three games, I’m confident the boys will give everything. But under pressure, we have to be more accurate. That’s been our issue all season—too many basic errors.”

The Lions now face a crucial stretch of three must-win home matches against Connacht, Scarlets and Ospreys. Benetton, meanwhile, continue their South African tour with a showdown against the Stormers in Cape Town.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images