Lions target 'key areas' in Sharks game
SPOTLIGHT: Lions forwards coach Albert van den Berg has pinpointed key areas his team will need to dominate if they are to leave Durban with a United Rugby Championship win on Saturday.
The Johannesburg-based side is currently on a four-game winning run in the tournament.
In their last fixture, they held out a determined Edinburgh outfit at Ellis Park in Johannesburg for a 15-9 win.
However, the Lions have just one win from five starts in SA derbies.
Van den Berg says there are plans in place to try and right the wrongs against the Sharks.
“I think it is going to be a forward battle, especially in the scrums, line-outs and mauls,” he said.
“They [Sharks] got the ability with the kicking game to add onto that.
“We prepared well this week. We know what we are going to do against the Sharks.”
He added: “It looks like it is going to rain, which will make it a forward-dominated game. That is why we have to lay the foundation in the set pieces.
“If we can counter them there and make sure we can take care of the kicks, then we are in with a shout.
“They got a solid team with Ox [Nché], Thomas [du Toit] and Bongi [Mbonambi] in the front row, but it is always a challenge for us.
“We worked hard and we want to make sure that carries through to the weekend.”
Players’ Player of the Match for the match against Edinburgh: Vincent Tshituka 💪
• 80 minutes played
• 1 try scored
• 12 ball carries
• 2 defenders beaten
• 12 tackles made
• 1 breakdown stealBrought to you by @fillyleather!#LIOvEDI pic.twitter.com/V9SEVvgIkC
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) April 5, 2022
Van den Berg believes his team is well-equipped to deal with the conditions in Durban.
“I think for us it will be about how quickly we can adapt to the conditions there,” he explained.
“It sounds like it is going to be wet and it’s going to be a more forward game with regards to scrums and slowing the game down.
“The big thing for us is that we know we can play a high tempo game, but if the game slows down and if we can be in control of the ball then that will suit us.
“It is not going to take us out of our comfort zone. Yes, we want to play them on a pitch where we can run and enjoy an open game, but if that is the conditions we get then we have to take it.
“It is the same as going overseas to play against Leinster and Ulster. We played the Glasgow Warriors in the rain as well.
“We have to understand what is needed on the day and then make sure we can deliver.”
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