Lions flyhalf Gianni Lombard has loved a shocking return to skilled membership rugby in South Africa, with some high performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC) up to now this season.
Lombard missed shut to 2 years of motion on account of two severe knee accidents, and has come again like he by no means left.
He had a quick, however profitable stint in Japan, the place he proved his health, and has backed it up with some high performances for the Lions over their opening 5 video games in the URC.
“I have certainly enjoyed returning to the Lions after my stint in Japan. Playing again with some old faces and getting to know the new guys in the team has been good. It’s a blessing that I am injury free,” stated Lombard.
“I’m simply grateful for the alternative to be enjoying once more and I’m in a great house and having fun with expressing myself at the second.
“I would be lying if I say it wasn’t difficult (dealing with the injuries), but I kept believing in my talent, worked hard on my rehab and had faith that I could play at the highest level again. That was what kept me going and drove me to keep on playing and improving as a rugby player.”
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Lombard’s spectacular showings have even garnered curiosity by the nationwide selectors, with rumours swirling that he’s in the working for a Springbok call-up for their end-of-year-tour, though if he doesn’t crack the nod he’s anticipated to be picked for the SA A facet.
Despite how properly he’s at present enjoying, Lombard admits that he believes he’s nonetheless not again to his greatest and might get higher as the season progresses.
“I am still getting back into the groove. I am not at my best yet, but I am getting better every week. I haven’t reached my full potential yet so I am excited for the future,” stated Lombard.
“I am happy with my form at the moment. There are some areas that I can improve and there is a lot I can still bring to the team.”
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The Lions’ most up-to-date match was a loss towards Irish powerhouse Ulster simply over every week in the past, and regardless of the end result Lombard claims it was an vital efficiency from the group, as they fought again valiantly earlier than falling simply quick, proving they’ll combine it up with the greatest in the competitors.
“Ulster was a disappointing loss for us because we felt like we had them in the first half. We gave the game to them with our own mistakes. The game was also a reality check for us as a team and union in that we can actually compete (against the best),” defined Lombard.
“We prepared well in pre-season and it’s all about starting to believe that we can compete and beat the best teams in this competition, which we are starting to do now.”
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