‘Players must reassess future’
ORIE: SUSPENSION OF THE GAME FORCING A RE-THINK
Lions forward says prolonged layoff has also been a good chance to shake off any niggles.
One of the leaders in the Lions squad, lock Marvin Orie, says the suspension of domestic rugby has forced them to reassess what the future holds.
Not immune to the wide-reaching effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Orie admitted the members of the Lions squad were struggling as much as anyone else.
“The lockdown has definitely brought a lot of frustration and it’s difficult for all the players and teams and coaches alike in the industry,” said Orie, a former Lions captain who played three Tests for the Springboks in 2018.
“And not only in our industry. A lot of countries’ economies and several sectors are struggling.”
Orie, however, also believed the time away from the game had served as a blessing in disguise, with players having enjoyed a prolonged pre-season, giving them the chance to shake off any niggles.
“It has no doubt been tough but also a great opportunity, for us as Lions, and also for the individual, to rest our bodies,” Orie said.
“A lot of players have been playing year-in and year-out, and the physical demands on the body can be really hectic.”
While local teams would be short of match fitness when they eventually got the nod for a return to competition, Orie believed the players would physically be in top shape.
“It was an opportunity to sort out those niggles and minor injuries,” he said.
“But the coaches have been great and we have worked a lot on several areas of our game. Fitness and the gym work are two of those areas which one can still control.”
Nothing, however, compared to that match-day feeling and Orie said they were all itching to go.
“The fields have not always been available (for training) so that has been a challenge, but we talk often to our fitness coach and other coaches on how the season has gone so far, We are always looking at where we can improve.”