The scars of last season’s loss in Glasgow are still fresh, and the Lions aren’t hiding from it.
Ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash with the Warriors, prop SJ Kotzé admits the memory of their 42-0 defeat at Scotstoun continues to linger.
“The topic has definitely come up in team meetings, especially among the guys who played in that game last season. It definitely still haunts me a bit – that day was not our best,” said Kotzé.
“I don’t think it’s about us trying to prove a point as a team, it’s about us being at our best on Saturday. But what happened last year definitely plays a role.”
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Kotzé described that outing in Glasgow as an eye-opener.
“When we were there last year, I experienced a type of rugby I hadn’t come across before. They don’t just play very fast, it’s also the style of rugby they play.
“For us, it will be important to stop their momentum and stay present in the moment to slow down their ball possession.”
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Kotzé insists the focus is firmly on imposing the Lions’ game.
“We want to impose our way of playing on them. They are coming to Ellis Park, so they must adapt to us.”
With Connacht, Leinster and Munster still to come, the fifth-placed Lions are entering a defining stretch of their campaign as they look to end as high up in the top eight as possible.
Photo: Glasgow Warriors
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