Lions hoping scar tissue has healed as they prepare for URC opener against Leinster

The Johannesburg franchise had the unenviable task of travelling to Dublin to face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship quarterfinals last year. It didn't go well and they found themselves on the wrong end of a 59-10 shellacking.

Now, the Lions get to face the champions on their home turf and in the opening round of the season.

"Well, you would have had to play them somewhere," quipped van Rooyen on RugbyPass.

"Game one at home will be a challenge for us. I don't think it's too soon. Obviously there's still a bit of scar tissue from the quarterfinal, but the best way to get back on the horse is to jump back onto it.

"It's going to be a tremendous challenge for us, but one we are looking forward to."

The proud Lions had a proper hit out against the All Blacks during Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. They dared to dream when they were 35-17 up deep into the second half, but the relentless waves of All Black attack breached the dam wall.

On Saturday, they will face a similarly well-organised outfit in Leinster, also known for their multiphase attack.

"Leinster are quite good at getting the opposition to play out of their system," continued van Rooyen.

"Their superpower is to get you out of your structure, so it will be important for us to get back into momentum and re-apply the pressure.

"Their defensive system is really good, so if you are 50/50 on attack they get the upper hand, so there's a big challenge for us ahead."