Flanker Izan Esterhuizen says the Lions are making ready the make-or-break EPCR Problem Cup match in opposition to Dragons at Ellis Park on Saturday with renewed focus.
“We deserved powerful love after our efficiency on the weekend,” Esterhuizen stated at a press convention on Tuesday, referring to the Lions’ 28-5 defeat to Montpellier final week.
“We have to pull collectively, and in coaching I can see that everybody is hungry regardless of all of the travelling we now have completed. We’re motivating one another, there’s a will to win and our mindset is that we are going to win this weekend.”
The Lions’ playoff hopes grasp within the steadiness after the loss in spherical 3, leaving them with a 1-2 report and in fifth place in Pool 2. On Saturday, a win in opposition to Dragons is a non-negotiable to safe qualification.
“Now we have to go for the win,” added the 23-year-old. “We’re at dwelling. Now we have to chase them down, make them work and take the bonus-point dwelling.”
Ahead coach Barend Pieterse emphasised the constructive mindset within the squad, with the outcome in opposition to Montpellier galvanizing the workforce.
“The temper within the camp is de facto good after an easy and difficult evaluation of ourselves this week”, stated Pieterse. “Now we have to get our factors however it will be powerful if different groups proceed successful.
“At this level all we will do is deal with ourselves and get the win.”
As lineout coach, Pieterse acknowledged the poor performances on the set-piece, labelling the breakdown miscommunication “unacceptable”.
“The lineouts had been unacceptable final weekend,” he stated. “It’s unforgivable for there to be a breakdown in communication between the hooker and the receivers within the lineout.
“Towards the Stormers we shot ourselves within the foot by getting a pink card. You are able to do all of the planning and preparation you need however you can’t put together for enjoying over 60 minutes with out a lock. The steadiness of the workforce reacted properly to that, there have been 21 lineouts and we solely misplaced two.”
Picture: Valentine Chapuis/Gallo Photos