{
  "id": 9769978,
  "title": "Lions eager to rectify mistakes in URC opener against Leinster",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/lions-eager-to-rectify-mistakes-in-urc-opener-against-leinster",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T12:54:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/lions-rectify-mistakes-against-leinster/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Lions are keen to put behind them their struggles from the recent United Rugby Championship (URC) season and kick off the new campaign strongly when they face defending champions Leinster in their opening match at Ellis Park on Saturday at 1:30pm. Last season saw a breakout period for the Lions, with them reaching the URC playoffs and securing their first Champions Cup qualification. However, they finished the campaign on a losing streak, defeated by Leinster 31-7 and Munster 24-17 in their final two pool matches, before losing 59-10 to Leinster in the quarterfinals, ending a successful season on a low note. Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen expressed that the team has grown significantly over the past year, but admitted they learned a lot from those losses, feeling they have a chance to rectify those mistakes at the start of the new season. Van Rooyen stated that the system-wise improvements were evident, particularly in handling pressure, which was a valuable experience for the players. Leinster, as they typically do when they tour South Africa, have fielded a weakened squad, providing an ideal opportunity for the Lions to start the new season with a win at home. Van Rooyen expressed confidence in their home advantage against a depleted Leinster, as well as their upcoming fixture against the competitive Ospreys in round two. The Lions' challenging start to the season includes away matches against the Bulls and Glasgow, as well as a trip to Edinburgh in the Champions Cup.",
  "summary": "The Lions are aiming to start their new URC campaign on a high by beating the defending champions Leinster.",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}