Lions motivated to do well, says Jantjies
LIONS flyhalf Elton Jantjies has vowed there will be no easing up from the three-time Super Rugby runners-up when the 2019 edition of the competition gets under way this weekend.
In fact, Jantjies, pictured, said yesterday, that the Lions would aim to be better than the last three seasons as they seek to finally bag the title. They lost in the final in Wellington in 2016, at Ellis Park in 2017 and last year, in Christchurch.
Jantjies rubbished suggestions that the Lions players may be despondent and unmotivated going into the season, having come up short in the last three finals.
“It’ll never happen that we’ll drop off for motivation,” insisted Jantjies. “We’re as motivated as ever to do well and give our all for the team. And with a bunch of youngsters coming into the squad there’s a new energy, too. It’s exciting times at the Lions.”
Asked what the Lions would have to do differently this season to again give themselves a chance of going all the way, and actually winning the tournament, Jantjies said: “We have to do whatever it takes to get on top, and that means being focused and giving our all, whether it’s at training, in the gym, with the team psychologist.
“Also, every individual has to take personal responsibility for what he needs to do, for the betterment of the team. There is no time for individualism and personal goals... everything must be focused towards the team.”
It is the reason why Jantjies said there were no concerns in the squad about some players thinking about the World Cup later this year and their places in the Springbok squad. “There has not been one word spoken about that,” he said.
“The only time it was a discussion point was when (Bok coach) Rassie Erasmus visited us the other day. For the rest, we’re only all focused on the Lions.
“And we can’t have asked for a better foundation going into this season. Our base is strong; having enjoyed some success in the last few years, with the majority of the players knowing what is required to get to the top. And, our goals will be the same as every year, and that’s to score tries and win rugby matches, to make the Lions as strong as we can. We’re approaching every match like it’s a Test match.”
Meanwhile, head coach Swys de Bruin will today name his line-up for the Lions’ first game of the competition against the Jaguares, in Buenos Aires on Sturday. The Lions are seeking a first win in the Argentine capital having lost all three previous games in Buenos Aires.