VIDEO - Lions boss on Currie Cup title: 'We have to temper our expectations'
REACTION: Winning the Currie Cup will be nothing short of amazing for the Lions, however, head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi encourages his team to contain their excitement as the tournament reaches its business end.
The Lions have been in fine form in the Currie Cup and their 38-21 bonus point win over Cheetahs in Bloemfontein solidified their credentials as contenders.
The side outscored the defending champs by six tries to three in Bloemfontein, securing the crucial five points.
“The match had a quarterfinal feel to it in terms of what the business end is going to look like for both teams.
“So it was important that we take the five points and we happy with it. With the performance, there are one or two things we didn’t like.
“We are a young group and it showed on the field.”
He explained: “The second half was challenging. We were 24-7 up and any score would’ve buried the game.
“But we gave them easy 22-metre entries and we have a good maul stop. Today [Saturday] was the first time we conceded a mauling in six or seven games, so I was worried, to be honest.
“We have learned one or two things and got to work on it.”
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The Round Eight win keeps the Johannesburg-based side within touching distance of the unbeaten Bulls, who are on top of the log.
The two sides will meet on Friday at Midstream College in Olifantsfontein – a match that could easily decide who finishes top of the standings.
And while one would urge the young Lions to stick to their winning formula, Nkosi concedes it’s the perfect time to introduce some new ideas.
“Phiwe Nomlomo and the Bulls are going well.
“The game will give us an opportunity to try one or two things before we head into the play-offs.”
With the United Rugby Championship starting on September 20, a lot of the teams are discarding their Currie Cup ambitions and putting a lot of focus on the Northern Hemisphere tournament.
Nkosi is confident that for the first time in years, the Lions can certainly be a challenge in both tournaments.
“We want to be competitive in the Currie Cup
“But we know we have to build depth for the URC,” said Nkosi.
He added: “We are fortunate that we can learn and blood players while winning. It does not always happen for us as a franchise.
“I think two years ago we came to Bloemfontein and took like 50 points, so we are fortunate to be on the good side of the scoreboard.
“I think heading into the URC as Currie Cup champions will mean a lot to the people of Joburg and the young men in the team.
“But we have to temper our expectations.
“We have the Bulls next week and there is a URC to prep for, so we might give one or two guys an opportunity.”
