As the race for playoff places in the Vodacom URC heats up, the Lions’ next generation is ready to front up and propel the team forward. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
The Joburg-based outfit is bracing for a brutal return to action as they host the high-flying Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
U21 captain Siba Mahashe is hoping to be included in coach Ivan van Rooyen’s match 23 and insists he won’t be overawed by the step up.
The Hudson Park product got his first taste of senior rugby earlier this year when he made his debut against French side Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup – a 43-33 win at Ellis Park.
“Obviously there is that jump from junior level to senior level, but at least I’ve had some sessions to train with the guys to get used to the physicality. So in that game [against Lyon] it was something I was prepared for.”
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The Sharks arrive in Johannesburg with momentum and muscle and dead-set on a top-eight finish.
They’ve built their recent success on forward dominance and a smart kicking game – something Mahashe and the Lions pack are under no illusions about.
“Obviously we know the Sharks are a very physical team, so we know they’re going to come at us. They’ve also got a good kicking game. We’ve obviously tried to come up with plans to try and nullify that.”
For Mahashe, development is happening in the right environment where he’s surrounded by established stars.
“I’m around people who can mentor me, very good, powerful players like Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns and Renzo du Plessis. So I’ve got people to look up to who can help me when it comes to training.”
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While the Lions have experienced leaders driving standards, Mahashe says this squad empowers everyone to contribute.
“We’ve got set leaders here in the team, but the good thing about this group is that everyone is encouraged to be their own leader and to bring up something when we see something, but at least we have a group of leaders we can look up to.
“Every training is an opportunity to put yourself out there and hopefully the coaches see something in you that can help the team move forward.”
Photo: @LionsRugbyCo/X
