Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen eyeing Ellis Park ‘miracle’ against All Blacks

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is eagerly anticipating a "miracle" during his team's encounter with the unbeaten All Blacks at Ellis Park in the concluding tour match of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry on Tuesday evening. Despite the All Blacks' dominant performance in South Africa, the Lions have fielded a nearly full-strength team, bolstered by the return of fullback Quan Horn from South Africa and the debut of prop Boan Venter.

The URC team has had a slight advantage in preparation time, and Van Rooyen sees this as a significant benefit for their match against the formidable All Blacks. He acknowledges the immense significance of the occasion and expresses his excitement, despite his nerves, recognizing the opportunity to test his team's systems, individual skills, and overall performance.

The Lions' youthful squad, inexperienced in facing New Zealand opposition in Super Rugby, will face a formidable challenge from the All Blacks, who have showcased their skill, pace, and execution throughout their tour. Van Rooyen expects the All Blacks to revert to their usual game plans, rather than the ones they employed against the Boks during the Test.

He emphasizes the importance of physicality, tempo, and decision-making in the upcoming match, acknowledging the All Blacks' world-class breakdown work and physicality. Van Rooyen remains optimistic about the Lions' chances, emphasizing the privilege and excitement surrounding the opportunity to compete against a team of such caliber and experience.