News
Lions head for the mountain
October 03 2008
The Lions have no fear of playing at Newlands and captain Cobus "Baywatch" Grobbelaar says his team are confident they can win in shadow of Table Mountain in Cape Town on Saturday.
The visitors from Johannesburg need to do no more than contain Western Province and lose by less than 19 points to deny their hosts a semi-final berth.
Although the Lions have not won at Newlands since 2004, Grobbelaar insists they are not intimidated by the venue.
"That does not worry us. we're not concerned about statistics," Grobbelaar told Super Sport.
Of course WP can bank on receiving a healthy dose of support from the stands.
"It is true that visiting teams always struggle to beat WP at Newlands. They always raise their game when they play at home. But we can beat them at Newlands," said the Lions captain.
Grobbelaar was adamant that the visitors will be playing to win and repeat their 35-26 four years ago and not just defend.
"One plays rugby to win. That's what we want to do. If we approach the game differently, we may as well stay at home," he said.
"Our aim is to beat WP. Bonus points are no longer a factor for us. This is, to us, the first of three finals. We want to reach the semi-final and the final, and we want to win them all."
Province have named Fijian Sireli Naqelevuki at outside centre, a position where he has looked increasingly dangerous in recent weeks.
"They'll certainly employ him as ball carrier in midfield. But in Jaque Fourie we also have a big and strong outside centre who can hold his own. And don't forget about Doppies (le Grange)," Grobbelaar said, adding that the Lions would have to make use of their opportunities and keep possession.
Lions fans were concerned that Grobbelaar would not be fit for the crunch match after sustaining a calf-muscle injury against the Sharks last week but has been named in Saturday's starting line-up. Reports have suggested though that a decision on wether or not he will play and face Schalk Burger in the breakdown battle for possession will be made on matchday.