Lions' popular excuse a 'thing of the past' says Bok prop

The age-old excuse of a ‘young group’ has been dismissed by Lions captain Asenathi Ntlabakanye as a thing of the past ahead of their vital United Rugby Championship fixture against the Scarlets at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based side has struggled to get into their rhythm thus far following losses in their first three outings against Cardiff, Zebre, and Benetton.

“The excuse of ‘a young group’ is a thing of the past,” the burly prop told reporters after training on Wednesday.

“We have been together for quite some time now. I think it’s time to get to grips with each other and to start performing for each other and the coaches.”

Injuries have forced the Lions to recruit Eddie Davids, Leon Lyons, Janco Uys, and Dylan de Leeuw on loan deals to add some depth up front.

This is something Ntlabakanye is excited about as the new players are integrated into the squad to bolster and perhaps change the fortunes of the recent Currie Cup finalists after their difficult start to their URC campaign.

“The guys who just came in are gelling nicely with the team, and we just had our first unit session with them.

“It’s nice to see new blood in the camp and guys who are ready to challenge for positions.

“It’s time to get back on the horse and start playing some good rugby again,” he stated.

In order for the Lions to improve on the road, their home form needs to be up to scratch as a momentum-builder as they look forward to two consecutive home games.

“Coming back home to sunny Johannesburg and the altitude has not been too kind to us, so we have been trying to adjust to that,” Ntlabakanye joked.

The Springbok tighthead quickly added that it was a relief to finally be home.

“It is good to be back home after three weeks away. Both teams are under pressure this weekend – Scarlets just got beaten by the Stormers, and we were beaten by Benetton.

“We’ll need to rectify that at home, and the prep has been good [this week]. Obviously, confidence is not something you can talk of; it is something that you go out there and show.”

The 26-year-old, one of the leaders in the team, says he and his teammates have set a higher standard after their early-season struggles up front.

“As the tight five, we pride ourselves on stopping and gaining momentum. That was not the case last week.

“As the tight five, we have to look at each other. For us as a group in general, we have to step up.”