Flank Batho Hlekani says the Lions must be better than the Springboks when it comes to converting 22m entries into points when they face the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The world champions suffered a 33-16 defeat to the tourists at the same venue on Saturday despite dominating territory and possession for large periods.
The Boks entered the All Blacks’ 22 on 11 occasions but managed just one try.
The Lions are still in pre-season but have selected their strongest available team for Tuesday night’s clash, with fullback Quan Horn and prop Boan Venter (set to make his Lions debut) both released from the Bok squad.
Hlekani, who has been involved in Springbok alignment camps, knows the Lions cannot afford to squander opportunities if they are to claim a famous victory.
“We need to be physical against the All Blacks, along with the speed and intensity of the match,” the 21-year-old told News24.
“The training level at the Boks is very high, and there’s the pace of the match we need to keep up with.
“We need to make sure that when we get into the 22m, we must score because we can’t be wasting those chances.
“We saw what happened in the Bok match when the chances in the 22m aren’t used.”
MORE: Lions ‘bite the bullet’ for All Blacks
The highly rated youngster admits the Bok defeat hit him hard after he watched the Test from the stands at Ellis Park.
“I didn’t sleep well at all after Saturday’s result,” he said. “I was here at the match, and I hope the Boks will rectify their errors, but we also have our own match to play.
“I’m feeling so good about this opportunity, and when I woke up today [Monday], I’ve been thinking about the chance that’s come my way.
“I’ve never thought about getting the chance of playing against the All Blacks, so I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Batho: Lions can’t be wasteful like Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Flank Batho Hlekani says the Lions must be better than the Springboks when it comes to converting 22m entries into points when they face the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The post Batho: Lions can’t be wasteful like Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
