URC – “There Will Not Be Extra Motivation Needed For Leinster Rugby” – Edwill van der Merwe

 

Emirates Lions speedster Edwill van der Merwe talked to Ruggas.co.za on his and the team's mental preparation ahead of their big game against Leinster Rugby on Saturday at 18:15 (SA Time) at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

"It is a massive week for Lions rugby in general. We happen to be number two on the log. So it's number one and number two this weekend."

"It is going to be massive, but we're just going to enjoy it. Coach Cast has been reminding us that we don't need to make the occasion bigger than it needs to be."

"Obviously, Leinster is one of the top sides in the world and we want to measure ourselves against the best. We are very excited. I think it's all of our first time playing at Aviva Stadium, which is an iconic stadium as well."

"I don't think there'll be extra motivation needed for the match this weekend."

"I usually prepare and will basically see the field in my mind already, see the people, see their faces, see the expressions, how they cheer for the other team. Obviously, I will focus on my details. So my mental preparation is a big part of how I prepare for matches."

"So when game day comes, I've already seen those things multiple times and I can just focus on playing rugby. It's been a great tour so far as well."

On the teams' mental preparation van der Merwe said: "We've been spending a lot of time with each other, getting to know each other, playing a lot of cards."

"I think that relates also to us spending time with each other. It relates to the results that we've been getting on the field, which is good. And yeah, we don't focus too much on where we are at the log."

"I think it's a bit early for that. We're only four games into the season. So we just want to keep improving."

"Obviously something we want to work on as a team is just finishing our opportunities when they arise. Against a team like Leinster, you might only get one or two opportunities and you have to capitalise when you get those to score points and to put them under pressure."