Lions star's bold statement amidst difficult period

SPOTLIGHT: Star No.8 Francke Horn believes the Lions can be a surprise package in the not-too-distant future.

The Lions made headlines last week with revelations of a disconnect between players and coaches.

However, the franchise gave their fans a bit of hope with a 35-24 win over Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship this past weekend.

Horn, who returned from a lengthy lay-off after undergoing ankle surgery in December, was the star of the show in the victory.

The No.8 provided both drive in attack and resilience in defence and was rewarded with a try after scooping up a loose ball to race clear.

Speaking to reporters ahead of their Round 15 clash against the Bulls in Pretoria, Horn sees a bright future for his team and he wants to be a part of it.

"I am fully committed to the Lions and I am really enjoying my rugby," said Horn.

"Last weekend's game shows you that this team can still go forward.

"We had a lot of discussions and we are on the right path going forward.

"I think there is a lot to look forward to and I don't think it [success] is far away.

"If we take our opportunities and we stick to the plan, I think we can maybe be a surprise in the next six months."

The story continues below...

On those discussions ahead of the Glasgow fixture, Horn added: "Our backs were against the wall but we told each other that we have more than enough talent to still do the job and I think we showed it on Saturday.

"There were times when we played with 13 or 14 men, especially in the last 15 minutes with Glasgow throwing everything at it.

"We just decided we are not going to back down and this week things are a lot better.

"We know that one game is not going to make us a good team. We are going to have to back up this performance across the [Jukskei] river."

Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Bulls, there will be a spotlight on the Lions' poor record against fellow South African franchises.

The Lions have not won a South African derby this season. In fact, they haven’t won a derby since December 2021 when they beat the Stormers in Cape Town.

"A lot of people talk about the winless record. I don't think the players focus too much on that," said Horn.

"This week we have a strategy and a plan and I think if we can execute that then it can be a competitive game.

"It comes down to us as players to buy into it and stick to it."

@rugby365com