Lions captain and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye told reporters on Thursday that the excuse of a young group often used by the Lions as an excuse is a thing of the past.
“We have been together for quite some time now. I think it’s time to get to grips with each other and to start performing for each other and the coaches.”
Asenathi also said it was a relief to be back home, especially after their poor start to the United Rugby Championship.
“Coming back home to sunny Johannesburg and the altitude has not been too kind to us, so we have been trying to adjust to that,” Ntlabakanye said, smiling.
“It is good to be back home after three weeks away. Both teams are under pressure this weekend; the Scarlets lost to the Stormers last weekend, and we were beaten by Benetton.
“We’ll need to rectify that at home, and the prep has been good. Obviously, confidence is not something you can talk about; it is something that you go out there and show.”
“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.”
“It’s time to get back on the horse and start playing some good rugby again.”
Commenting on the players that joined the Lions from the Griquas and the Bulls, Asenathi said: “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.