The Lions are bracing for Test match intensity in their Vodacom URC derby against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Joburgers are looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat to the Bulls, and halt a Durban side that is rapidly building momentum.
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After suffering a 52-17 hammering at Ellis Park at the end of January, the Lions now face a Sharks pack fresh off consecutive derby wins over the Stormers. And according to Lions forwards coach Wessel Roux, the challenge up front couldn’t be any bigger.
“On the day, we were really just not our best selves. There were technical issues and fundamental issues that we’ve discussed and worked on, but in pro rugby sometimes it just happens that you’re not your best self,” Roux said of the Bulls loss.
The Sharks, though, arrive in Johannesburg with their forwards in ominous form.
“The Sharks pack is firing quite nicely. They’re brave and creative and were dominant in both games against the Stormers. They’re a world-class pack and a world-class team.”
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Roux believes the issues that plagued them against the Bulls are fixable.
“Against the Bulls we had 12 lineouts, but lost five of them. It’s a focus for us to get our fundamentals right and to try and get physical dominance because we know the Sharks are a big physical threat. It feels like a Test match we’re having to prepare for.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Lions keen to respond against red-hot Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Lions are bracing for Test match intensity in their Vodacom URC derby against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The post Lions keen to respond against red-hot Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
