WATCH: These players have the X-factor says Loubscher
SPOTLIGHT: The six Lions players that were invited to the Springbok alignment camp all have the X-factor that they bring to the Lions every week and hopefully they can take it to the next level.
That is the opinion of the Lions’ backline and attack coach Ricardo Loubscher on the inclusion of Ruan Venter, Sanele Nobamba, Quan Horn, Jordan Hendrikse, Henco van Wyk and Morné van den Berg in the squad of 43 that assemble in Cape Town on March 4.
Loubscher, speaking to the media at Florida Hoërskool where the Lions held their training session on Thursday, said these players fully deserved it.
“A lot of credit must go to them, they are working really hard,” Loubscher said, indicating to the field where the backs were still at it, well after training was done.
“Look at them, they are still on the field. So yes, all credit to them. I think it is a great opportunity, just to get into a different environment, to get a feel for what it is like to be part of a Springbok set-up where the intensity is right up there.”
Loubscher has intimate knowledge of what happens at these Springbok camps and what players learn and experience at the highest level as he served as Springbok backline coach between 2012 to 2015.
“The preparation, the attention to detail, getting a feel of training with someone like a Pieter-Steph du Toit.
“I hope they are going to come back and all the intellectual property will filter through to our players, our squad. Who knows, maybe we will see five more players there,” Loubscher said.
“You look at the names they picked – Hencu, Quan, Sanele, Jordan, Morne, Ruan – these players have an X-factor that they bring to our team and hopefully they can take the same to the next level.
“We hope they will get an opportunity to take it further than just the alignment camp, but we are all excited, we are excited for them. And I think that is a step in the right direction for us.
“A lot of credit must also go to our recruitment system, our juniors, these boys played for us junior level. Ideally, that’s what we are looking for, for them to make the step-up from junior rugby, getting to the United Rugby Championship or the Challenge Cup squad.
“But we are excited, we actually can’t wait for the opportunity.
“That was our game plan from the start, to fast track those boys, give them opportunity, get exposure at this level and hopefully they can become great Springboks one day,” a smiling Loubscher concluded.
Well done to our very own Ruan Venter, Sanele Nohamba, Morne van den Berg, Jordan Hendrikse, Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn for being invited to the @Springboks alignment camp taking place next month.
#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/dvDbjMkMw7— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 20, 2024
