If the Emirates Lions are to have any chance of beating the Vodacom Bulls in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship match at Loftus Versfeld this weekend, they are going to have to deal with their scrum.
The Bulls scrum has potentially become the best in the competition and the combinations that Jake White has put on the field, even with injuries, has thus far been their best attacking weapon against opposition.
And while they didn’t beat the Sharks this past weekend, the Bulls are still going to try and use their scrum to get an advantage over the Lions.
One player who knows what is coming is the Lions’ cult hero Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who, in a very short time, has become a fan favourite and won so much attention that he was invited to the Springboks’ alignment camp in a few weeks’ time.
BULLS HAVE A POWERFUL SCRUM
Ntlabakanye is fronting up to the challenge that the Bulls will bring and knows the Lions will need to be at their best this weekend.
“Obviously, they've worked on a few things. I think if I get too technical, a lot of people here will get confused. So I think with them, as a unit, I think they operate very well,” he explained.
“I think if you're on the outside, you won't see the small things they do for the pack to be moving forward. So as a pack, we just have to nullify that and do our system and do what we're good at. Hopefully, we can match each other.
“We are under no illusion that we know what Loftus means to them and it's their own ground. And we've played it a couple of times where it's a tough place to go play, regardless of the results of when they played against the Sharks. Our coach said they want to come out and rectify the results against us.
“We have to be at our best and also just play our right game. That's what we did this weekend and we need to do better.
“Look, I think if you play against the bulls and as a forward pack you don't pitch up, it's going to be hard. Especially if you said it's going to be raining until Saturday. So be well aware of what's coming.
"And our prep has been very good the last two days. We needed to patch up our set-piece as well. We know it's a strong point.
“So it's also our strong point as well. So we're proud of ourselves on that. So it's something we've been really, really focusing on the past two days.”
EXCITED TO TEST THEMSELVES
Ntlabakanye said the team is “excited” to test themselves against the Bulls pack.
“Yeah, very, very much excited. I think you're testing yourself against probably the best scrummaging pack in the competition. But they've been really good this season. So it's a good challenge for you to test yourself against guys that have played at the highest level. So yeah, looking forward to it.”
The massive prop was one of eight Lions players to be called up to the Bok alignment camp, and is excited to get acquainted with the Bok culture and what they expect from him.
“It is a privilege to be recognised. I’ve said it a number of times, if we as a team do well, individuals will get rewarded to go to camps. I’m looking forward to it. Having been there last year as well I’ve learned a few things and I’m hoping to learn more to grow my game.
“My goal is obviously to play for the Springboks. So, hopefully as a team, we can do well and make sure individual players get rewarded to fly the flag high. Last year there were three or four players in the Springboks and it motivated a lot of us.
“So to have more guys in the camp is really nice for the team and hopefully we can have more in the future.”
CULT HERO
The former St Stithians prop has become a fans favourite and is very agile for his size, something that has made him a cult hero in Joburg.
“My interaction with the fans means a lot to me. I have been with the Lions since high school, so you build that relationship with the fans and the people of Joburg.
“Knowing that the supporters are looking to me to deliver gives me that extra motivation to keep going when the game gets tough. It boosts me to hear people get excited when I tackle someone or take up the ball. I hear the fans and it drives me on.”
The Lions will name their side for the clash on Friday.