Flyhalf Chris Smith is bracing his Lions for a gladiatorial clash against a star-studded Benetton squad this Saturday in Treviso. Despite a rocky start with losses to Cardiff and Zebre leaving them hungry for a win, Smith reports that spirits are high as the Lions face their final tour game with a fighter's resolve. "We’ve woken up with a really positive mindset," he assures, adding a dash of optimism to the mix despite the tough breaks so far.
"Benetton are a quality side, stacked with internationals. They know how to put you under pressure. It’s definitely going to be a pressure game, and hopefully we can match their Test-match intensity and bring our own version of that. We know the beast that lies ahead, but we’re definitely up for it," Smith revealed, painting the upcoming match as a Herculean task.
"Obviously the results haven’t gone our way, and we’re disappointed, but that’s the beauty of this competition, there’s always another opportunity."
Moving from the Bulls to the Lions this season, Smith stressed the importance of precision and patience in away games. "It’s a long competition. Winning away isn’t easy, you don’t just pick up a victory on tour," he explained, setting the stage for what might just be a turning point if the Lions can claw back some momentum in Italy.
"We’ve got exciting backs alongside a young and dynamic pack. I’m here to serve and drive the team. My job is to direct them and give them the freedom to express themselves, play their natural game and show the exciting Lions’ brand of rugby we all know."
Forward coach Barend Pieterse is also keyed into the need for tactical discipline. "If we can fix the small mistakes, the results could look very different. There was improvement from Cardiff to Zebre, now we need to take the next step in Treviso," Pieterse commented, pinpointing the team's focus on ironing out the creases.
With the Stormers and Bulls still unbeaten as their tour looms, the pressure is mounting for the Lions to find their footing and roar back into the competition. Saturday's showdown in Treviso might just be the battleground where they turn the tide.
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Flyhalf Chris Smith is bracing his Lions for a gladiatorial clash against a star-studded Benetton squad this Saturday in Treviso. Despite a rocky start with losses to Cardiff and Zebre leaving them hungry for a win, Smith reports that spirits are high as the Lions face their final tour game with a fighter's resolve. "We’ve woken up with a really positive mindset," he assures, adding a dash of optimism to the mix despite the tough breaks so far.
"Benetton are a quality side, stacked with internationals. They know how to put you under pressure. It’s definitely going to be a pressure game, and hopefully we can match their Test-match intensity and bring our own version of that. We know the beast that lies ahead, but we’re definitely up for it," Smith revealed, painting the upcoming match as a Herculean task.
"Obviously the results haven’t gone our way, and we’re disappointed, but that’s the beauty of this competition, there’s always another opportunity."
Moving from the Bulls to the Lions this season, Smith stressed the importance of precision and patience in away games. "It’s a long competition. Winning away isn’t easy, you don’t just pick up a victory on tour," he explained, setting the stage for what might just be a turning point if the Lions can claw back some momentum in Italy.
"We’ve got exciting backs alongside a young and dynamic pack. I’m here to serve and drive the team. My job is to direct them and give them the freedom to express themselves, play their natural game and show the exciting Lions’ brand of rugby we all know."
Forward coach Barend Pieterse is also keyed into the need for tactical discipline. "If we can fix the small mistakes, the results could look very different. There was improvement from Cardiff to Zebre, now we need to take the next step in Treviso," Pieterse commented, pinpointing the team's focus on ironing out the creases.
With the Stormers and Bulls still unbeaten as their tour looms, the pressure is mounting for the Lions to find their footing and roar back into the competition. Saturday's showdown in Treviso might just be the battleground where they turn the tide.