Ivan van Rooyen to give Lions extended break ahead of crucial Ireland tour

The Johannesburg outfit has been in red-hot form, winning their last six URC fixtures on the bounce to move them up to third place in the standings and in a good position to qualify for the playoffs.

However, standing between them and post-season rugby is two tough games in Ireland and Leinster and Munster.

The two Irish sides are hot on their in fourth and fifth place respectively, with the Lions looking for at least one win to secure their position in the playoff places.

With such a crucial set of fixtures facing them, it is uncommon for a head coach to allow his players almost a full week of time off in the lead up but Van Rooyen believes it is important to get his squad in top shape for what will be a gruelling tour.

"We will take off until Thursday to sort out niggles and freshen up mentally, and then come in for a Lions session where we will focus on ourselves," Van Rooyen said.

"Friday, we will preview Leinster and have a session that focuses on them and on Saturday evening, we will fly out.

"There is also a SA Under-23 Cup game where we can look at some players to potentially add to the travelling group.

"We can easily speak about a six-week tour when we get together, but we are only looking at this as a two-week one.

"It is only about Leinster and Munster, and we must prepare for them as best as possible.

"Our first goal is to crack the Top 8, and if you get there, you can allow yourself to challenge for silverware.

"Munster and Glasgow showed that you can win the tournament away from home. So, if you give yourself that chance to reach the play-offs, then anything is possible."

The Lions take on Leinster on 9 May before tackling Munster a week later.