Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher is backing his team to continue with what has worked for them in recent weeks when they take on Racing 92 in Saturday’s Challenge Cup round-of-16 clash in Johannesburg.
The home side head into their encounter with the French heavyweights in fine form as they have won their last three matches in the United Rugby Championship URC – against Glasgow Warriors, the Bulls and Benetton.
The Lions showed great character against the Italian outfit in Treviso last weekend as they launched a superb fightback and wiped out a 15-point deficit to seal a deserved 32-28 win.
Those three victories mean the men from Johannesburg still have a chance of reaching the URC play-offs and has boosted their confidence ahead of their clash with Racing 92.
‘There’s a good buzz in the camp, and a lot of excitement,” Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher told the Citizen.
“The guys took a lot of confidence out of the last few games, and there is some momentum.
Just another game
“It’s important though to see this as just another game… but, also it’s a chance for us to take the next step in our game.”
But despite their run of good results, Loubscher is not underestimating Racing 92 and expects a tough battle against the Parisian outfit.
“Like the national team and all the French sides, they’re dangerous,” said Loubscher of Racing.
“They have a massive kicking game, but they’re also prepared to run from their 22m area.
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“It’s knockout rugby and you have to play to your strengths … the biggest mistake now would be to go away from what works for you.
“Ultimately, in knockout rugby it comes down to decision-making.”