Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys has emphasised building fresh momentum in Italy on Saturday, as veteran forward Willem Alberts looks to sign off with a flourish.
After a heavy defeat to Ospreys in the Vodacom URC last week, the Johannesburgers are poised to reassert their dominance in a crucial Challenge Cup playoff against Benetton in Treviso.
Speaking in the buildup to this week’s last 16 clash, Redelinghuys also highlighted the upcoming string of matches against European teams upon their return to the Republic, while underscored the Lions’ growth.
“This weekend’s game is knockout rugby and it requires a different strategy. You don’t need to earn bonus points, you just have to win – even if it’s like the Springboks [with last year’s World Cup] with just one point,” Redelinghuys told reporters.
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“Right now our big goal is to be consistent in our performances. We have already delivered very good performances this season, but also played poorly a few times and let ourselves down.”
Alberts, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season, reflected on his illustrious career spanning spells at the Lions, Sharks, and Stade Francais.
“I think for the last five years I’ve been playing my last season, so I am quite used to it by now,” the 39-year-old fondly known as the ‘Bone Collector”, said.
“But I just want to enjoy every single game when I get the opportunity. When you are at the end of your career it hits harder a bit, every time you walk onto the field you feel like it might be your last one.
“So you never want to walk off a field and feel I didn’t give everything for my team. I try my best and try to help the team wherever I can, whether it is playing or not.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
