After a brutal three-week tour, Lions and Springbok tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye says it’s a relief to finally be back home.
The Joburg-based team are busy preparing for their round four Vodacom URC clash against the Scarlets at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“It is good to be back home after three weeks away. Both teams are under pressure this weekend – the Scarlets just got beaten by the Stormers, and we were beaten by Benetton.
“We’ll need to rectify that at home, and the prep has been good [this week]. Obviously, confidence is not something you can talk of; it is something that you go out there and show.”
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The 26-year-old, one of the leaders among the Lions’ forwards, says he and his teammates are demanding more from themselves following a challenging start to the season.
“As the tight five, we pride ourselves on stopping and gaining momentum. That was not the case last week.
“As the tight five, we have to look at each other. For us as a group in general, we have to step up.”
Injuries have forced the Lions to bring in Eddie Davids, Leon Lyons, Janco Uys and Dylan de Leeuw on loan deals from Griquas and the Vodacom Bulls to bolster their front row. Ntlabakanye is excited about the new additions and the energy they bring to the squad.
“The guys who just came in are gelling nicely with the team, and we just had our first unit session with them. It’s nice to see new blood in the camp and guys who are ready to challenge for positions.
“It’s time to get back on the horse and start playing some good rugby again,” he added.
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Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
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