Lewies: Quins up for Tank challenge
STEPHAN Lewies is convinced the “world class attack and spine” at Harlequins puts them in prime shape to be finally crowned champions of Europe.
The lock is backing his team-mates to make a winning start to their Champions Cup campaign when they travel to the Southern Hemisphere for a ground breaking clash with his old team Sharks.
They will be the first South African side to play in Europe’s premier club competition with the organisers hoping the inclusion of them, Stormers and Bulls will add extra spice, interest and also bring a financial boost, to the tournament.
Lewies, who learned his trade with the Durban-based club as a teenager and spent nine years there, is a little frustrated a prolonged knee problem will stop him from running out at Kings Park. He would have loved to have had another chance to perform in front of the ‘Tank’ fans and a place he calls his rugby “home”.
But he hopes to be fit and ready for action by the time Sharks turn up at the Twickenham Stoop in January, and the 30-yearold skipper claims: “Having the South African teams involved will add to the competition.
“A new fan base is crucial because ultimately rugby is in quite a difficult situation at the minute so to grow the game there can only be positives from it. People back home love their rugby and it will get a positive reception. Harlequins will also get a good reception. As soon as the draw came out there were a lot of texts going back and forth with some friendly banter.
“I was 18 when I went down to Durban after leaving school to have a trial with them. I went there with my bag and didn’t know anyone. It was so exciting and a big challenge for me. It was a dream going there as I never thought I would be a professional player but I stayed there for nine years. Then, after leaving them at one stage, I managed to win a Currie Cup … something a few Springboks have failed to do.”
Lewies outlines just what it would mean for him and Quins to get their hands on the trophy for the first time, insisting: “Winning the Heineken Cup doesn’t come easy. You have to be at the top of your game because if you are just one per cent off against these quality teams you lose. Lose two games and you are out.
“So, to win the this Cup would be amazing ... the peak of my career. It would be a dream for the boys and it would also be massive for the growth of the club and reaching our goals.
“We have a really good spine to our side and are one of the best attacking sides in the world with our 8, 9, 10, 12 combinaCup tion. We can definitely compete and it’s about clicking on the day and playing to our full potential.
“Facing Sharks in the ‘Tank’ is going to be a real challenge. Both sides have contrasting styles. The weather will be different. Going from winter here to the summer in Durban with potentially 90 per cent humidity. So, perhaps we’ll need to approach it a bit differently. Hopefully, I can prepare the boys mentally for what is to come.”