Loftus doesn’t scare Lions

Flying Lions wing Sylvian Mahuza (above) believes the days when they had a mental handicap playing against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld is something of the past.

There is huge interest in today’s Super Rugby derby and Mahuza and fellow wing Aphiwe Dyantyi could hold a major threat to a Bulls defence, who are experiencing an exciting revival.

“Loftus is not a mental block to us anymore,” said Mahuza. “Two years ago we won there the first time and we pride ourselves that we always want to challenge ourselves wherever we play.

“The mindset of being an away game won’t change, but maybe the approach in what we want to achieve.”

Mahuza said their approach remained the same whether they play the Sunwolves or the Crusaders, regardless how many people there are or for which team they shout for, “it’s about making ourselves proud”.

“The Bulls game is always massive, the Jukskei derby. They look a lot better this year,” he said.

“So we are very excited and we know they are too.”

Mahuza doesn’t believe he and Dyantyi are trying to prove anything in the absence of injured Bok wingers Courtnall Skosan and Ruan Combrinck.

“I think this is different for Aphiwe as it is his first season, but this is my fourth,” he said.

“So for me it’s more comfortable, I know the structures, I have known most of the players for four or five years.”

Mahuza said he and Dyantyi try to accommodate each other where they can and backline coach Niel de Bruin, has put great plans in place to attack the weaknesses of other teams “and it brings the both of us much more into the action”.