{
  "id": 12143835,
  "title": "‘There’s work to be done,’ says Lions captain Horn ahead of Bulls showdown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/theres-work-to-be-done-says-lions-captain-horn-ahead-of-bulls-showdown",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T12:03:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/work-to-be-done-lions-captain-horn/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lions captain Francke Horn has acknowledged that there is still significant work to be done as the team looks to build on their promising start to the season, as they prepare to face the Bulls in the cross-Jukskei derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The Lions have earned nine points from their opening two matches in the United Rugby Championship (URC), with victories over defending champions Leinster and Ospreys. However, Horn noted that both of these wins were achieved after trailing at the half-time interval. He emphasized that the team's first-half performance will need significant improvement, particularly ahead of the upcoming match against the Bulls. \"We need to sharpen up in the first half,\" Horn stated. \"The forwards showed tremendous effort in the second half, with strong scrums, mauls, and good work from the players coming off the bench.\" Horn also commended the defensive efforts, stating that they have been solid in the latter stages of the matches. Following the Bulls' game, the Lions will travel to France to take on La Rochelle in their first Champions Cup match, aiming to continue their winning streak.",
  "summary": "The Lions have got their URC season off to a winning start but face a huge challenge against the Bulls at Loftus next up.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lions captain Horn acknowledges need for improvement in first half",
    "Team earned nine points from first two URC matches",
    "Strong second-half performance noted, with Horn praising defense"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}