{
  "id": 14875535,
  "title": "Lions have to ‘level up’ against La Rochelle in Champions Cup opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/lions-have-to-level-up-against-la-rochelle-in-champions-cup-opener",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T05:16:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/lions-level-up-champions-cup/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Lions face a formidable challenge when they take on French heavyweights La Rochelle in their Champions Cup opener at Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Saturday evening. The Lions made a breakout season last year, qualifying for the Champions Cup for the first time by making the United Rugby Championship playoffs. However, they could face a tough task in their first match, as La Rochelle are former double champions. Following a heavy defeat to the Bulls at Loftus over the weekend, Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher admitted that they were not themselves, not good enough, and made too many errors. The Lions know they have to improve their defensive game and execution, particularly in the collision battle, which they lost badly against their Highveld rivals. They also have to be much better in the collision battle, where they were heavily beaten by the Bulls last weekend. Loubscher emphasized that the Lions' intent and execution must go up a level to challenge La Rochelle. The Lions have a game plan that they hope will trouble La Rochelle, focusing on their different attack and defence menus, but it all comes down to their intent in executing their roles and jobs.",
  "summary": "The Lions face an incredibly tough start to their inaugural Champions Cup campaign against former double champs La Rochelle in France.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lions face La Rochelle, former double champions, in Champions Cup opener",
    "Lions need to improve defense and collision battle execution",
    "Intent and execution must go up a level to challenge La Rochelle"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Overcoming recent defensive errors and collision struggles is essential for the Lions to prove their breakout season was no fluke against a highly decorated French opponent.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Five Stormers players to watch in Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/five-stormers-players-to-watch-in-champions-cup-opener-against",
        "published": "2026-10-16T04:24:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}