Gianni Lombard Flyhalf Gianni Lombard was in top form for the Lions in their URC victory over the Sharks in Johannesburg last weekend. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Lions backline coach Ricardo Loubscher is a former Sharks fullback, and he is acutely aware that this week, the Durbanites will be ‘once bitten twice shy’ after they were hammered at Ellis Park.
The Sharks were shocked 38-14 last weekend, and this Saturday in Durban (2pm kick-off), Loubscher says the game could well be decided in the opening quarter.
“The Sharks will be a different animal, and we have to prepare accordingly,” the former Springbok said on Tuesday.
“It is all about the first 20 minutes. They are going to be extremely physical, and we have to be ready for that.”
The Sharks forwards were thrust onto the back foot last week from the first minute to the last, and Loubscher said that there will be a response from the Durban outfit in front of their passionate home crowd.
“Kings Park can be a difficult place to play, especially at this time of the year when it is so hot and humid,” he said. “You can’t let the Sharks get on top of you.
“If you go through their team, they have experienced players, good coaches, game-breakers that can turn opportunities into points,” Loubscher continued.
“We need a new energy and a different mindset, while polishing the things that worked for us last week and fixing a few things we can do better.
“But we also need to be adaptable. The humidity makes the ball slippery, so while we pride ourselves on playing to our DNA, we have to take into account the conditions.
“Going back-to-back is tough, because you have to come up with new plans, and that is what we will do.”