Skosan’s recipe for victory in Durban semi

The Golden Lions’ only realistic chance of surprising the Sharks in their Currie Cup semifinal in Durban this afternoon is to regard the fixture as a “one-game season”, according to their Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan.

In what was shaping into an intriguing battle of four Bok wings, with Skosan facing Lwazi Mvovo and Aphiwe Dyantyi meeting Sbu Nkosi on the other wing, the Lions were aiming to avert the fiery approach with which the Sharks normally started.

“Semifinals are a one-game season, and on the day it’s about who performs the best,” Skosan (right) said.

“And the next thing you know you are out of the competition or you are going through.”

Skosan, who felt the Lions had grown since losing 37-21 in Durban in wet weather a few weeks back, pointed out that knock-out matches were “funny” and unpredictable games.

“But we have played a few games in the wet and we believe we are prepared this time,” he said.

“The last three weeks have been amazing for the team and we have spent a lot of time together. We are excited to be in the semis because knockout games are always big and that’s where you want to be.”

Skosan, however, admitted they were aware they had to bring more muscle to the forward battle to be able to compete on a level playing field.

“It always starts up front with the forwards and hopefully we can manage to get some momentum there for the backs to maybe create something, but we are positive and confident,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very big challenge playing away against the Sharks who have enjoyed an amazing season.”

The Lions were also excited to have their Bok players back, bringing additional energy to the team.

“I would like to believe we are in a good space at the moment,” Skosan said.

“We have to assume they are the favourites, but we are hoping to have fixed the mistakes from the previous game.”