Asenathi Ntlabakanye says the Lions must finish off their opportunities in the red zone if they aim to topple the defending Vodacom URC champions in Glasgow on Saturday.
Ivan van Rooyen’s men will have to be sharp defensively in the round 14 clash at Scotstoun Stadium to contain the Glasgow Warriors’ dangerous backline, but a more clinical approach in attack could make all the difference.
The Pride were left frustrated last week after a 20-17 defeat to Cardiff, where missed opportunities proved costly. Ntlabakanye, who powered over for the Lions’ first try, acknowledged that finishing remains a key work-on.
“Last week was a missed opportunity, we reviewed our game and we played really well,” said the 150-kilogram tighthead prop on Thursday during a Lions conference co-hosted by winger Richard Kriel.
“Just being clinical at the finishing stages, that’s been a work-on this week – finishing opportunities when we get into those zones.
“Here in Europe it’s a bit different, there’s a lot of things that factor into [the outcome] that if you don’t really capitalise the home team knows how to play the conditions. So we need to be better in that aspect.”
ALSO: Lions brace for Scotland challenge
With just five points separating the 12th-placed Lions from the top five on the overall standings, a win on Saturday would be a major boost in the playoff race.
Glasgow, fresh off a hard-fought victory over Munster, could be bolstered by the return of their Scotland internationals, and Kriel expects to be tested defensively.
“Glasgow is a great attacking team with Coach Franco [Smith] as head coach, and the brand of rugby they play,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to test ourselves and we’re very excited. It’s a great challenge for us.
“We’ve seen it against their opponents they’ve faced over the last couple of weeks, and especially Munster last weekend, when you keep the ball against them it keeps the attack away.
“It’s obviously part of the plan and we’ll see on the day what happens.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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Asenathi Ntlabakanye says the Lions must finish off their opportunities in the red zone if they aim to topple the defending Vodacom URC champions in Glasgow on Saturday.
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