The Lions are primed and hungry for their upcoming clash with Leinster, having turbocharged their confidence with six straight victories. With the Vodacom URC playoffs looming, Morné van den Berg and Jaque Fourie have voiced their anticipation for a fierce battle in Dublin this Saturday, where they'll face the formidable Irish team fresh from their narrow victory over Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.
During a recent teleconference, van den Berg didn't mince words about the significance of this matchup at the Aviva Stadium. "I think we’re at a place where we’re really backing our game," the Springbok scrumhalf declared.
"And if we can prove to ourselves that that game is good enough to beat Leinster in Dublin, then we can really back ourselves in the playoffs."
He stressed the importance of maintaining focus and seizing the moment, adding, "Now it is our responsibility to go and give it our all."
Van den Berg also reflected on past mistakes that Leinster capitalized on, particularly recalling a crucial error that shifted the momentum during their last encounter. "In that game, everything changed when we knocked the ball on in the 22 when we had all the momentum," he explained. "One kick changed the game and James Lowe kicked almost a 50:22."
Fourie, the former Bok and current defence coach, highlighted the team's defensive strides, noting significant improvements after a pivotal game against the Bulls. "After the Bulls game, we came back that Monday and we had to change a few things. And it’s just gotten better and better," he shared.
With recent home victories bolstering their confidence, Fourie emphasized the necessity of bringing their A-game to Leinster.
"We’ve found our identity. We know how we want to play. We know what we need to do on Saturday to win and to beat Leinster."
He elaborated on their strategy, saying, "We’re using our defence as a weapon to go score tries. For us, it’s all about putting teams under pressure, getting the ball back and then converting that pressure into points."
As the Lions gear up for their biggest challenge yet, the team remains aware that their journey is far from over. "We know we haven’t achieved anything yet," Fourie cautioned. "We still have two big games. Our biggest challenge is Saturday in Dublin against Leinster."
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The Lions are primed and hungry for their upcoming clash with Leinster, having turbocharged their confidence with six straight victories. With the Vodacom URC playoffs looming, Morné van den Berg and Jaque Fourie have voiced their anticipation for a fierce battle in Dublin this Saturday, where they'll face the formidable Irish team fresh from their narrow victory over Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.
During a recent teleconference, van den Berg didn't mince words about the significance of this matchup at the Aviva Stadium. "I think we’re at a place where we’re really backing our game," the Springbok scrumhalf declared.
"And if we can prove to ourselves that that game is good enough to beat Leinster in Dublin, then we can really back ourselves in the playoffs."
He stressed the importance of maintaining focus and seizing the moment, adding, "Now it is our responsibility to go and give it our all."Van den Berg also reflected on past mistakes that Leinster capitalized on, particularly recalling a crucial error that shifted the momentum during their last encounter. "In that game, everything changed when we knocked the ball on in the 22 when we had all the momentum," he explained. "One kick changed the game and James Lowe kicked almost a 50:22."
Fourie, the former Bok and current defence coach, highlighted the team's defensive strides, noting significant improvements after a pivotal game against the Bulls. "After the Bulls game, we came back that Monday and we had to change a few things. And it’s just gotten better and better," he shared.
With recent home victories bolstering their confidence, Fourie emphasized the necessity of bringing their A-game to Leinster.
"We’ve found our identity. We know how we want to play. We know what we need to do on Saturday to win and to beat Leinster."
He elaborated on their strategy, saying, "We’re using our defence as a weapon to go score tries. For us, it’s all about putting teams under pressure, getting the ball back and then converting that pressure into points."As the Lions gear up for their biggest challenge yet, the team remains aware that their journey is far from over. "We know we haven’t achieved anything yet," Fourie cautioned. "We still have two big games. Our biggest challenge is Saturday in Dublin against Leinster."