VIDEO: Lions to 'braai' in Italy
SPOTLIGHT: You can take the man out of South Africa, but you can’t take the braai out of the South African man.
And every South African, whether a rugby fan or not, knows all too well the truth behind that statement.
The Lions are currently in Italy preparing for their European Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Benetton on Saturday.
And while on-field preparation has been going very well, it appears to be the lack of ‘braai vleis’ that is leaving Lions veteran Willem Alberts and his fellow forwards with cravings for home.
*Watch the video below…
Meanwhile, it has recently been reported that Alberts has called time on his illustrious career and is set to retire at the United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
Alberts affectionately known as ‘The Bone Collector’ started his career at the Lions before joining the Sharks followed by a stint with Top 14 side Stade Français.
He returned to the Lions in 2020 and continued to demonstrate the skill and determination that had become his hallmark.
This Saturday the veteran hopes his experience of Europe, will help the Lions to overcome Benetton and book a spot in the quarterfinals.
“There is always a lot of emotions involved in rugby. I think for the last five years I’ve been playing my last season, so I am quite used to it by now,” Alberts said.
“I think since I’ve been back at the Lions I have helped the guys a lot with adapting to the European playing style so it’s definitely not for the once-off game, it’s been for the last three years. It has made a difference and you can see in the way we have adapted to the European competitions.
“We have to do our best and make sure we have more points on the board. ”
Reflecting on his career, Alberts said he is not a big ‘milestone guy’ but is determined to deliver nothing but the best for his team.
“Every game is your last game and in my case for the last five years, that is how it’s been going.
“But I just want to enjoy every single game when I get the opportunity. When you are at the end of your career it hits harder a bit, every time you walk onto the field you feel like it might be your last one.
“So you never want to walk off a field and feel I didn’t give everything for my team.
“I try my best and try to help the team wherever I can, whether it is playing or not.”
He added: “There have been a lot of enjoyable moments on and off the field. The highlight and the one I enjoy the most is definitely when they let me kick to poles.”
*Please note: a braai is the South African version of a barbeque
