Willem Alberts, famously dubbed ‘The Bone Collector’, may have hung up his boots, but his heart beats strong for the Lions. As the Currie Cup final looms, Alberts has thrown in his two cents: stick to the basics, keep it tight, and for heaven's sake, don’t give Griquas any room to breathe this Saturday at Ellis Park.
Alberts, whose career saw him don the Lions jersey over 80 times, shared with Netwerk24 his blueprint for a Lions victory. “It’s crucial to be disciplined and take every scoring chance you get,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of not letting the game slip through their fingers as they did in last year’s nail-biter against the Sharks.
"It’s important to be clinical. If you’re not clinical and too loose in the way you play, you’re giving your opponent a chance in a final where every point is vital."
Alberts pointed out that the Lions have been playing some eye-catching, fluid rugby throughout the competition, a style that has served them well so far. However, he cautioned that the Griquas are a formidable foe that won't easily back down, known for their resilience and ability to capitalize on any slack given by their opponents.
Last year’s final was a heartbreaker for the Lions, as they watched the Sharks snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the final moments. Alberts is adamant that a repeat of such carelessness could spell disaster. “The Lions mustn’t lose their heads like they did against the Sharks last year. If the Lions remain clinical, they’ll starve Griquas of the loose balls they thrive on, and that’ll stifle their attacking power,” he advised.
This Saturday, Ellis Park will not just be a battleground but a place where legends are either made or broken. The Lions are hungry for redemption, and the Griquas are looking to upset the Johannesburg giants on their own turf. It's set to be a clash of titans, and only the most disciplined and opportunistic team will lift the coveted trophy.
So, grab your tickets, rally behind your team, and witness the pinnacle of South African provincial rugby. May the best team win!