Lions target URC season double over Sharks in 'Test-level intensity' clash at Ellis Park

A “Test-match level” of intensity is what the Lions are preparing for and expecting from a revenge-seeking Sharks side on Saturday in their reverse United Rugby Championship (URC) local derby at Ellis Park.

The Lions currently have the upper hand over the coastal side when it comes to clashes in the tournament. After winning away in Durban in January, the home team aims to secure a second consecutive victory over their visitors in Johannesburg (2pm kick-off).

While the Sharks are travelling without a host of their top Springboks, the Lions are not reading too much into that. They recognise that the visitors are riding high after two impressive victories over the Stormers in recent weeks. The hosts are also licking their wounds after a tough drubbing against the Bulls in their most recent outing.

Lions forwards coach Wessel Roux says they were not their best selves against the men from Pretoria.

“It was a disappointing performance. We were outplayed by a physical and dominant Bulls pack, and we had some chats around that,” Roux said ahead of the Sharks duel.

“There were technical and fundamental issues that we’ve discussed and worked on, but in pro rugby that sometimes happens, where you’re not your best self and the opposition is just really good.

“The Sharks pack is firing nicely. They’re brave and creative and at times that is a difficult combination to stop. Sometimes they contest and other times they stay down; in that sense, they are very creative. They were dominant in both games against the Stormers.

“We’ve worked through all the games we could, but they also had time off to prepare and come up with new plans. So, we can’t be too focused on what they did. But you have to acknowledge how they’ve gone about things up front. They’re a physical and world-class pack and team.”

For young Siba Mahase, the prospect of facing South Africa’s in-form team is an exciting one. Should he be selected on Friday, it will be a first URC outing for the loose forward after recently making his Lions senior debut in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

The 21-year-old says it was quite a jump from junior to senior rugby, and he had to adapt rapidly. However, he has shown with his physicality on defence and his ball-carrying that he is comfortable at a higher level.

“The training sessions I had with the Lions players sort of got me used to the physicality on the international stage,” Mahase said.

“In that game (against Lyon at Ellis Park), there was a jump in intensity, but I was prepared for that. Hopefully I’ve done enough in training for the coaches to see that there is something I can contribute to the team this weekend. I get to learn from the best of the best here, and I take everything I can from them. I appreciate getting to train with them.

“The Sharks are a very physical team, and they have a good kicking game. We’ve paid respect to that and tried to come up with plans to nullify it. If I do get a chance to play, it will be very exciting.”