Tapiwa Mafura and Asenathi Ntlabakanye are determined to stay calm and execute the Lions’ gameplan against a tough Sharks XV outfit in the Currie Cup decider on Saturday.
The Lions will host the Sharks at Ellis Park after drama-filled semi-final victories last week over the Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls, respectively. The Durbanites progressed as they scored more tries (six) than the Herd, while the Pride came from behind to beat the defending champions to reach their first final in five years.
Mafura is set to make history in Saturday’s showpiece, where the speedster could become the first player to win the trophy with three different teams in consecutive years. Having already lifted the Cup with the Pumas in 2022 and the Cheetahs in 2023, the 28-year-old now aims to complete the hat-trick with the Lions.
“It feels unreal. I never imagined my career would turn out this way,” Mafura was quoted by Netwerk24 after training on Thursday. “I’m really looking forward to the final.”
Reflecting on his trophy-winning journey, he added, “The most special final was with the Pumas. Nobody gave us a chance.”
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Set to feature on the wing, Mafura is eager to help the Lions clinch the title, especially after their only loss this season came against the Sharks.
Ntlabakanye, who scored a stunning 20m try last week, is still basking in the glory of his unexpected dash.
“I’ve been saying all week, I couldn’t believe it. I backed myself, and nobody was stopping me from 20m out,” the burly prop said. “It was very enjoyable; I’m still bragging about it today.”
Looking ahead to this week’s clash, Ntlabakanye knows the Lions need to improve. “For us, if we look at our performance last week it wasn’t good enough. When it comes to set pieces are a big part of the game, so it’ll be about fixing that up.
“It’s a final after all, if you’re not up for it, I don’t know… There are going to be a lot of spectators here on Saturday and the nerves are going to fray. It is important to stay calm and execute things well,” he added.
“The Sharks are not an easy opponent and they will also do everything possible to win.”
Photo: @LionsRugbyCo/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
