‘Lions players willing to fight for coaches,’ says Bok scrumhalf

Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg says the Lions players fully back their coaching staff amid a difficult period which has seen the Joburg-based team lose five games in a row.

The Lions are down in 14th position in the United Rugby Championship and just about out of the running to finish in the top eight for a place in the quarter-finals. They have three regular season games remaining.

On Saturday at Ellis Park they lost to Italian side Benetton 42-31, their ninth loss of their campaign. They have won only six times in 15 outings.

The Lions are also out of the Challenge Cup competition.

‘We know the type of men leading us’

Asked how it felt to hear constant criticism on social media and for the coaches to be sacked, Van den Berg, who made his Springbok debut last year, said it was something the players tried to stay clear of. He added all the players backed the coaching team, including head coach Ivan van Rooyen.

“When things going bad, we try to stay away from social media, but it does filter through,” said Van den Berg on Tuesday.

“You get friends phoning or texting, asking what’s going on … but we know what’s going on in the camp, we know the type of men who are leading us, who Cash (van Rooyen) is, what he stands for.

“I’m willing to fight for that, for every coach, every player.

“The beautiful thing is they’re also willing to fight for us. There is always going to be noise, and at this stage it’s loud. But inside the union we’re tight, we’re strong and willing to fight for each other, and that’s the most important part of it.”

‘Trying too hard’

Van den Berg added each individual would need to take responsibility for their own role in the remaining three matches, all at home at Ellis Park. The Lions host Connacht this weekend before taking on Scarlets and Ospreys.

“The frustrating thing is seeing this pattern that’s developed over the last few games. I can’t say what it is, but it’s not a lack of willingness … maybe we’re trying too hard. But, we’ve spoken about it and want to rectify it. But also, the time has come that we stopped speaking about it, and started acting on it.

“Everyone has bought into what’s required, that we need cohesion and need to play as a team … so hopefully we can put our best foot forward and end the season on a high (in the remaining weeks). Maybe our best rugby is still in front of us.”