Emmanuel Tshituka and Barend Pieterse believe the Lions have what it takes to end the DHL Stormers’ dominance over SA rivals when the teams clash in the Vodacom URC on Saturday.
The Lions will host the Capetonians at Ellis Park in the opening match for both sides of the 2023-24 season.
An unexpected fairy-tale run to the title in the inaugural URC for the Stormers was followed by a slip at the final hurdle last term.
Still, John Dobson’s men went most of the season unbeaten at home and retaining the SA Shield after going undefeated against their counterparts in the Republic.
Speaking in a Lions conference on Tuesday, Tshituka was asked about the dominance the Stormers have enjoyed over their local foes.
ALSO: Jake names co-captains for Bulls
“What the Stormers did last season speaks for itself, going to two finals back-to-back is quite impressive, and they have managed to dominate South African rugby, but we are looking forward to facing them and their attractive brand of rugby,” the loose forward told reporters.
“As players, we know that we must stick to our processes and what we’ve been training throughout the week. I have no doubt that what we have planned for the Stormers will come out and be successful.”
Tshituka also highlighted the successful pre-season the Lions have enjoyed, with new forwards coach Pieterse particularly impressed with the players’ work ethic.
”Rugby wise, the thing that impressed me most is the work rate of the boys,” he said. “Obviously from an outside point of view you develop a mindset of the Lions and where they are now, but the way the guy’s train and the work they do off field, before training, has really impressed me.
“It’s been one of the hardest and toughest pre-seasons the players have had in quite a while, everyone is excited just to get going again.’’
LISTEN: World Champion Boks make a point