Lions target All Blacks standard

Lions captain Francke Horn stated that his team aims to replicate their pre-season performance against the All Blacks in the upcoming United Rugby Championship season. The Lions led New Zealand 35-17 early in the second half at Ellis Park last month before falling to a 41-35 defeat. Horn highlighted that the display reflected the identity and high standards the team intends to uphold.

The Lions open their URC campaign against defending champions Leinster at Ellis Park on Saturday. The match serves as an immediate rematch of last season's quarter-final, in which Leinster defeated the Lions 59-10 in Dublin. Horn expressed confidence after a four-week preparation block, noting the team is excited to test their progress.