Fired up Lions ready for Leinster URC challenge

A fired up Lions team is ready to put it all on the line when they take on Leinster in their vitally important United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 4pm).

It is a do or die match for the in-form 11^th placed hosts, who know a defeat will likely knock them out of the running for a place in the URC top eight, which means their campaign will come to an end against Zebre next weekend.

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Although they head into the match off a fighting defeat against Glasgow Warriors in the Challenge Cup in Scotland, the Lions won their four previous games, including three in the URC and they will be looking to take that form into the match.

We are all fired up for the clash and the vibe is great in the team. Playing Leinster at Ellis Park at altitude is a big opportunity for us so it is going to be an exciting game. Everyone is positive and we can’t wait for the it,” said Lions flyhalf Gianni Lombard.

“We believe we can beat them. With the type of form we have been in and principles we are sticking too we have a lot of belief that we can beat any team.

“Our goal has always been to try and make the top eight and that means we have to get full points from our next two games, which is what we will be going all out for.”

Extended run

Lombard has enjoyed an extended run in the Lions starting team over the past few months, in the absence of injured regular starter Jordan Hendrikse, and has been steadily getting better and better each game.

He will be eager to put in a massive performance to try and help his team upset Leinster and keep his side in the knockout hunt.

“Minutes under the belt are beneficial to any player. So I feel I have been growing a lot. I also have to thank the coaching staff for tweaking a few things in our game plan that has suited me and allowed me to express myself on the field,” said Lombard.

“I just want to put out great performances for the team in the final two games and hopefully we can get into the top eight.”

The Lions will be boosted by the fact that they will be up against a second string Leinster team and they will hope to exploit that at altitude in the match.