The Lions aim to bounce back from a poor performance when they take on the Sharks in a United Rugby Championship (URC) match at Ellis Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 3pm).
The home side went into the game on the back of a four-game losing streak at URC and a nine-game losing streak against the South African franchise, but captain Marius Louw believes there is no better place than home to turn it around.
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It has been an up and down season for the Lions which has seen them jump from a high of fifth on the URC log, down to their current spot of 13Th and they desperately need a win over the Sharks to get their campaign back on track.
“Something we know is that we haven’t been good enough in the South African derby. We always want to come back and there is no better place than at home,” said Louw.
“It’s been a rollercoaster for us so far. We start away from home, then back home, we drop a game or two so we can get a few points or a win or two which will make us better.
“We had a bit of a jump on the tour which set us back, but now we’re back at home. It’s a place we’re proud to play. So we’re looking forward to the rest of the season and doing our best.
It will be Louw’s first time playing against his old franchise at Ellis Park and with him captaining the side without regular captain Reinhard Notnagel, who is still injured, puts extra responsibility on his shoulders.
“I think it’s fun to play against the old franchise. I used to be afraid to play here in Johannesburg because of the height and it’s a bit of a fortified home ground for the Lions.
But things have improved since I moved here, I’ve settled in and really enjoy the game.
Speaking about his move to the Lions Louw added: “It was the right time and the right place and I was lucky enough to be supported by the management and the team.
“I feel I have grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I have tried my best and hope to contribute more to the Franchise.
It has been six games in a row difficult to run away from home for the Lions, which includes four European tour games, and Louw said the team is just happy to be back and looking forward to playing in front of home fans.
“The tour didn’t go as planned. It’s a difficult situation against a quality team. From our side, we need to adapt better. But that’s what we’ve brought to the table this week and we’re happy to see the home crowd,” said Louw.