Lions turning on the style after hard discussions
SPOTLIGHT: Lions assistant coach Ricardo Laubscher says hard discussions about their problems has played a big role in their resurgence in recent weeks.
The Johannesburg-based side are on a three-game winning streak in the United Rugby Championship and the key to their success has been their ability to find a balance between their style of play and being accurate on the field.
“Over the last few weeks we talked a lot about just turning pressure into points,” said Laubscher.
“It’s been a big focus point for us and it was really pleasing thing to see the boys come out and convert those opportunities.
“Secondly, our tempo is something we have discussed especially against Ospreys (45-15), Cardiff (37-20) and the Munster (23-21) game.
“In the second half of the Munster game, we showed a lot of belief and character to come back and put that one away.
“From a performance point of view, I am happy with the style. We obviously have a few work-ons and we are happy just working on our finishing to convert those opportunities into points.”
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Despite their change in fortunes in recent weeks, Laubscher said there has been no talk of play-off spots.
“Not at all, we can’t afford to think about those things,” he said.
“The big thing for us is to make sure we handle what is in front of us and that is the next game.
“What we discussed in our meetings is just to work on our positives and sort out a few work-ons and what we can do is just focus on Edinburgh.
“They are a quality side with lots of internationals. We got to make sure that we prepare well for them.”
The Lions’ next opponents, Edinburgh, are coming off a 21-5 win over the Sharks in Durban and Loubscher believes the set-pieces will be a big factor in deciding who wins.
“Out set-piece is a big focus for us,” Laubscher explained.
“Just to have Notties [lock Reinhard Nothnagel] back as a line-out caller makes a big difference for us and also having a few other guys back from injuries.
“The set-piece will definitely be a point of difference in this game.
“They [Edinburgh] are a balanced side. If you watch the Sharks game, they were happy to play without the ball and defensively they put the Sharks under pressure.
“From our point of view, it’s just to make sure we improve week in and work out with the small things and just turning our opportunities into points.”
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