Glasgow URC challenge will bring the best out of the Lions, says Landsberg

Lions lock Darrien Landsberg believes his team has what it takes to conquer Scotland over the next fortnight in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The Lions face the Warriors on Saturday in a United Rugby Championship match (9.35pm kickoff), and next week they travel to Edinburgh for a last-16 Challenge Cup fixture.

The Johannesburgers have slid from eighth on the URC to 13th after tripping up 20-17 in Cardiff last week.

It was a game they should have won, and now there is huge pressure to earn log points against the defending URC champions Glasgow.

But Landsberg said that the team are in the mood for a battle.

“We have a big game this weekend against Glasgow Warriors, and it’s definitely going to be a difficult one,” the No 5 lock said.

“But one thing about this team is we have shown resilience and character, and these are the games that we live for.

“We have a massive week here in Scotland, and the boys are still in very good spirits.

“We are pulling even tighter together as we spend more time with each other, and I think that is the most important thing.

“As long as we can just stick to our processes, know what our strengths are and just keep working on them, we should be fine.”

The Lions are fighting for their lives in the URC as a crowd of teams attempt to qualify for the top eight.

“It’s a bit disappointing obviously when you look at the end result, and realise that we could have had that game, or should have had that game.” said Landsberg.

“But I guess we just have to go back to the drawing board, see where we went wrong, and do everything in our power in the week to make sure we rectify our mistakes, so that we get back into the saddle and come back stronger.

“Everyone can see that the log is seriously congested, and every game counts.

“So, whatever points we can get, we are going to take them.

“Fortunately for us, we were able to get a point against Cardiff, and as we get closer to the playoffs, every point counts.

“It’s an exciting time as the playoffs get closer. We are on the right track.

“Yes, we have had a few bumps along the way, but I don’t think it is anything for us to worry about.

“We still have four home games that we are very confident about.”

Landsberg added that the toughness of the task in Glasgow had brought the players closer together.

“I believe we can beat Glasgow. It is in games like these that we pull tighter together. They bring the best out of each and every one of us,” he said.

“It will not be easy. We are going up against pretty much the Scottish international team, so what better opportunity for us to showcase our talent.

“Then the following week, we play another team littered with Scottish internationals in Edinburgh, and that is another massive opportunity.

“So, two big games ahead, hopefully three (if they qualify for the Challenge Cup quarter-finals), and we will be going all out to try and get three wins in the next three games.”