Lions not 'star-struck' ahead of Sharks visit
The Sharks will not lack for star power when they arrive at Ellis Park on Saturday, for the resumption of United Rugby Championship hostilities.
Their hosts, the Lions, do not have a single member in the current Springbok squad.
In stark contrast, the visitors can call on the likes of Bok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi.
After two wins – in rounds one and five – the Lions currently occupy 11th place on the 16-team standings.
They are also the top South African team, with the Sharks unable to call on their international muscle for the opening month of the season.
The Lions, after a three-week mid-season break, now go into four rounds of domestic derbies – hosting the Sharks on Saturday, they are at home to the Bulls a week later, face the Bulls again in the return match of the Trans-Jukskei derby on February 5, before hosting the Stormers at Ellis Park on February 12.
The Lions’ backline, attack and skills coach, Ricardo Loubscher, said they are well aware of the enormity of the challenge that awaits them.
The former Springbok back, who was also an assistant backline coach at the national team during the Heyneke Meyer era, said there is a “lekker buzz” in the camp ahead of the resumption of URC hostilities.
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“A lot of work went in behind the scenes,” he said of the three-week lay-off since their (37-19) Round Five win over the Stormers in Cape Town back in December.
He admitted the stop-start nature of the competition is not ideal, but they have become accustomed to the COVID-enforced interruptions.
“We would have loved to have another game,” Loubscher told @rugby365com, adding: “We were very happy with the form and momentum we had.”
The seasoned coach said set-pieces are always an aspect that they work on.
“While there is always room for improvement, we were happy with our defence [against the Stormers].
“We want to get back to our fitness levels and we also spent a lot of time on the details of our attack – our shape off No.9 and No.10, as well as our kicking game.”
Loubscher added that he expects a “hell-of-a kicking game” from the Springbok-laden Sharks on Saturday.
He admitted it will require a massive effort against the Sharks, given the quality of the players at their disposal.
“We know we are up against a formidable team,” he said, adding: “You can look at the quality they have across the board.”
He admitted that they should not get caught up in the hype of the big names in the opposing team and rather focus on themselves.
“It will take a big effort, but we can’t focus on or single out individuals.”
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