Lions gave Sharks perfect practice for semi's says Mongalo

REACTION: The Lions have given the Sharks the best possible preparation for the semifinals, says Joey Mongalo after his team won a hard-fought battle in Durban on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mongalo was clearly a relieved man after the Sharks were trailing 0-14 early in the first half, but he praised the leadership in the team to pull things together and grind out the win.

“It was the best possible practice we could’ve asked for. It was highly stressful but they gave us the perfect preparation for the play-offs.

“I don’t think it can be tougher than 14-0 down and playing against a very desperate team that was playing to stay alive in the competition,” the Sharks coach said.

Currie Cup table after 13 rounds

He praised captain Reniel Hugo for staying level-headed when the chips were down.

“[Hugo] is probably one of the best leaders I’ve ever met. When things get tough on the field, I know that he and I think alike and he has a way – with his quiet leadership – to get the team going.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Luckily we have a few guys who help him lead the team,” Mongalo said.

Referring to their theme for the season, Desperate Men, Mongalo said the team showed desperation to get the victory.

“We didn’t play much rugby in the first half and we still managed to get the score to 14-14.

“At halftime, I gave the players the challenge to decide how they wanted their season to go.

ADVERTISEMENT

“So it was in their hands to decide the right thing.”

 

 

Join free

Top 10 inspiring Lions speeches

United States of Rugby | Episode 1 – Welcome to Dawgtown

Top 10 Best Lions Tries of the 2000s

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kubota Spears | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Final | Full Match Replay

Saitama Wild Knights vs Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Bronze Final | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 42 | Investec Champions Cup Final Review

Spain's Incredible Rugby Sevens Journey to the World Championship Final | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 14

The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

Write A Comment