Bullish Lourens Erasmus is the hard arse the Lions will need

Lourens Erasmus might not yet be considered a senior player in the Lions’ Super Rugby setup but he’s a veteran when it comes to playing in Argentina.

The 24-year-old lock has played in both his side’s previous visits to the Jaguares’ den, a trip that has generally seen the men from Ellis Park pick fringe members.

As a consequence, things haven’t quite gone according to plan – the Lions have lost both matches.

It has led to fears that Swys de Bruin’s troops might be developing a mental block against travelling to South America.

But Erasmus is pretty emphatic.

“I know there’s a lot of talk that it’s difficult flying to Argentina but it’s really not supposed to be that way,” he said on Tuesday, ahead of their latest excursion to Buenos Aires on Saturday.

“It’s just about getting the right mindset. That’s the responsibility of every player. We have to look past the negatives and focus on the things that can make you stronger. That comes only through experience.”

With questions marks over their form following two indifferent showings against the Blues and Sunwolves, downplaying the challenge of picking themselves up seems unwise.

However, not even that point can change Erasmus’ mind.

“You have to accept the ball isn’t round and that it might go against you occasionally. It’s about how you handle situations,” he said.

“We have spoken about the mistakes we made. We put it behind us. We have to look forward. This is a new challenge. New week‚ new team.”

There’s added incentive for the versatile lineout jumper to back up his bullish words with deeds: he’s probably going to earn a rare back-to-back starting place.

Erasmus has generally been used as an impact player.

“Rotation is what makes the Lions good‚” said Erasmus.

“No-one looks down on another. Everyone is afforded an opportunity. If you don’t perform at your best there is always someone else that can take up that position.”

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