The Lions will as soon as once more be out to attempt to break their native derby losing streak that has now stretched to seven video games after they tackle the Sharks of their United Rugby Championship (URC) conflict in Durban on Friday evening.
The Lions have managed just one win over an SA franchise within the URC to date, after they upset the Stormers in Cape Town final season.
Since then the Lions had been overwhelmed house and away by the Sharks and Bulls and at house by the Stormers final season, whereas additionally they misplaced house video games against the Bulls and Stormers earlier this season.
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“It is definitely important for us. We beat the Stormers down in Cape Town and since then we haven’t been able to win a game against South African opposition,” defined Lions assistant coach Albert van den Berg.
“It is somewhat little bit of a psychological block once we play against our personal gamers. When we play against abroad gamers the fellows are a bit extra open and simply compete and go for it. The psychological block is there for South African sides however it isn’t one thing that’s going to preserve us from preventing.
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“We want to be competitive, we want to stay in the race and to make sure when the opportunities are there we take it. The Sharks this weekend is a good opportunity for us to show what we have prepared for,” he added.
“We know what they are going to bring, they have a good kicking game and great backs, good forwards and their mauls are very important for them. It is a case for us to get over that mental block and to start well, and to stay in the race as long as possible and hopefully get the win.”
Uphill battle
It will, nevertheless, be a large uphill battle for the Lions to attempt to upset what is predicted to be a Springbok laden Sharks facet that’s wanting to construct on some good momentum after their spectacular begin to the Champions Cup competitors.
“I said to the guys to please look forward to this game. It isn’t every game that you get the chance to play against Thomas (du Toit), Eben (Etzebeth), Siya Kolisi, all the guys that are Springboks and that is the only place you can go and measure yourself,” stated Van den Berg.
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“We are looking forward to the game. It is a game where we can measure ourselves, see where our shortcomings are and what things are working and not working for us,” he added.
“We know it is going to be physical, they have a great side and playing in Durban is not easy, but it is something we are looking forward to.”
