The Lions need fullback Quan Horn to be on top of his game on attack and defence in their Challenge Cup knockout clash against Edinburgh on Friday evening.
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The Lions have it all to do in their Challenge Cup playoff match against Edinburgh in the Scottish capital on Friday evening.
Bouncing back from that drubbing a week ago in Glasgow will be tough, but they have the players in the team to do it.
They also have a good win record over their hosts at the Hive Stadium (9pm kick-off) and although the Lions have downplayed it, it should give them some momentum.
Independent Media looked at five players who could be instrumental in the Lions’ challenge for a place in the quarter-finals...
Morné van den Berg
The nippy Springbok scrumhalf will have to provide some direction on the attack for his side. They hardly looked like the Lions in his absence and could not really string proper attacking phases together.
Van den Berg should change that in Edinburgh, but his tactical kicking must also be on point as it will play a crucial role in relieving pressure and gaining territory.
It’s a tough test for the nine, but he has shown that he can swim when thrown in the deep end.
Jarod Cairns
Breaking down the Edinburgh breakdown will be the job of the Lions’ fetcher. He makes a welcome return in the No 6 jersey as a replacement for JC Pretorius.
He must make a nuisance of himself and slow down the possession of Edinburgh.
Cairns is also a strong and elusive ball-carrier, so having him as another runner could aid the Lions as they go in search of possession on the front foot.
If he gets going over the ball at the rucks and with it in hand, it will aid his side’s cause.
Edwill van der Merwe
Get the ball into the flying winger’s hands. When he touches the ball, something exciting is bound to happen.
But his team must get him into space if they want the Springbok speedster to ask questions of the defence.
His prowess under the high ball will be vital too, and if Van den Berg, flyhalf Gianni Lombard and fullback Quan Horn can tee the ball up for him, he’ll chase them down to compete in the air with opponents.
Ruan Venter
The bulldozing runs of the loose forward will be crucial to keep his side on the front foot when they have the ball in hand.
He must do the hard running up the middle and get over the gain-line to set up the quick rucks for the backs.
Probably more crucial will be his tackling and how he leads the physical charge of the Lions when they are in defence mode.
He will have to take on the big boys of Edinburgh and tackle them backwards to put pressure on the home side.
Quan Horn
Another player that must make a step up for his side. Since his return from injury a couple of games ago, the Springbok fullback hasn’t set the world alight like he did before he spent a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
Horn is a vital cog in the Lions’ attack and when he is having an off-game, the backline feels it.
He must lead the charge from the back, especially when the opportunity to counter-attack presents itself. His kicking from hand could also prove pivotal.