The Lions' hopes of a late-season surge were dashed on Saturday as they slumped to a 42-31 defeat against Benetton at Ellis Park, ending their playoff aspirations in the United Rugby Championship.
Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse says the team remains optimistic about turning their season around as they prepare to host Benetton in a must-win United Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park Stadium this weekend.
Bulls co-captain Elrigh Louw has returned to full match fitness and has been reinstated in the matchday 23 as the Pretoria outfit prepare to face Benetton in Treviso on Friday night.
The Bulls booked their place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals with a 30-23 victory over Benetton at Loftus Versfeld.
Director of Rugby Jake White said the Bulls aren't looking past Benneton as they head into the business end of the United Rugby Championship.