Lions to use Bok legend's 'weapon' to topple Leinster
SPOTLIGHT: The Lions have found their identity this season, and they are ready to put on display in Leinster’s cauldron in Dublin on Saturday.
That’s the message from assistant coach and Springbok legend Jaque Fourie.
Ivan van Rooyen’s team have won their last six United Rugby Championship games, and they are now in third position in the standings with 53 log points. Leinster have the same total; however, they are fourth due to an inferior points difference.
Since their 17-52 defeat to the Bulls on January 31, the Lions have been on a steep upward trajectory with a brilliant attacking flair that has destroyed teams.
However, there is a part of their game that has played a key role in this turnaround, and it falls in Fourie’s department of defence.
The story continues below…
“I think from the Bulls game, when we came back that Monday, we had to change a few things and it’s just got better and better,” said the 2007 World Cup winner.
“We are hitting the right strings at the right time.
“You can really see that it means something for these guys when they go on the field and how they work for each other, so I am tremendously proud of them.”
It’s that work rate on defence that has seen opposition teams crumble at Ellis Park, with the Lions waiting to feed on any opportunity.
“We are using our defence as a weapon to go and score tries,” Fourie added.
“The more we stay connected and the more we go up and put teams under pressure defensively, the more we are going to get the ball back.
“Even our loosies are absolutely dangerous with ball in hand, and we are going to punish teams.
“For us, it’s all about putting teams under pressure and getting the ball back and then converting that pressure into points.”
The story continues below…
It’s that part of the Lions’ game that has formed an identity within the squad.
“We’ve now had four or five unbelievable games at home. There’s a lot of confidence, and that is stuff you need when you face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium,” Fourie explained.
“It’s not only that. I also think we found our identity.
“We know how we want to play on Saturday, and we know what we need to do to beat Leinster.
“It’s just about fine-tuning things at training and rocking up on Saturday and putting in a good performance.”
@rugby365com
Register your interest to receive priority updates on RWC27 ticket releases. Don't miss out, stay in the loop!
