'Switched on' Lions await WP
Speaking to rugby365, ahead of the Currie Cup Final showdown with Western Province, the Lions captain admitted that his team was not in the right frame of mind against the Free State Cheetahs last week.
After putting a less-than-impressive first half behind them, the Lions rallied to beat the Cheetahs 43-33 and secure the right to host the Final at Ellis Park.
"It is great to be in front of our home fans," Kriel said, adding that it will be very different from last year when they had to travel to Cape Town and perform in front of the hostile Newlands crowd.
"The guys are looking forward to beinf in front of their own fans this time round," he said.
The Lions, unbeaten in 11 matches this season, also beat Province 62-32 in their league encounter three weeks ago.
However, Kriel said that run will be meaningless on Saturday.
"That [11 straight wins] has helped us arrive here undefeated.
"However, in a Final that counts for nothing. Both teams have an equal chance of pulling off the victory.
"This time it is simply the team that wants it most that will get the victory."
He admitted last week's semifinal win was a 'scratchy' performance.
"We were a bit rusty last week," he told rugby365, adding: "The guys had a break the week before [when a mostly second-string selection faced Griquas].
"With a break like that comes responsibilities.
"I feel the team just didn't take that responsibility to be switched on and up for the game [against the Cheetahs].
"We almost learnt a very expensive lesson.
"The players' mindset is much better this week. They saw what happens when your mindset is not right.
"We just were not good enough on defence or attack.
"I believe the players learnt a valuable lesson from last week."
He said there was plenty to work on this past week.
"Our play at the breakdowns last week was not on par and our ball control left a lot to be desired,: he said, adding: "Your set pieces are always important in a play-off match – these games are decided by those aspects.
"In finals ball retention and set pieces are the key."
He also spoke of the strength of the Province set pieces and the role that will play.
"In the scrums they are doing very well with a player like [Stephen] Kitshoff there.
"It is going to be a titanic battle on Saturday.
"With their exciting back three they could be a big threat if their forwards get quality possession for the backs.
"I feel it will be a very exciting game."
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
