Lions won’t need any extra motivation for Stade Francais clash

The Lions will not need more motivation ahead of their Challenge Cup clash against Stade Francais at Ellis Park on Friday night, with the home side targeting a win after they opened their campaign with a draw against the Dragons over the past weekend.

Having managed to pick up only three points from a game they wanted to get five from, the Lions will now be targeting a full house of points against the French visitors in their final home pool clash.

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“I don’t think we will have to fire up the guys or give massive speeches to put in a good performance against Stade Francais. I think the boys will relish the opportunity to play for this badge,” explained Lions captain Reinhard Nothnagel.

“We are a team that is learning, and we need to learn fast. We will take the three points (from Dragons match). It is not what we wanted but it is better than if we lost here.

“The excuse that we are a young team must be a thing of the past. We want to win on Friday and take that momentum on the road with us.”

Looking back at the Dragons match, with the scores locked at 31-all and the fulltime hooter having sounded the Lions received a penalty on the 10m line, with replacement flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse stepping up and watching as his over 60m attempt drifted just wide of the uprights.

Captain’s backing

Despite coming so close to clinching the win, Nothnagel said he would have no hesitation in backing Hendrikse again in a similar situation.

“The penalty was actually a bit further back, so we wanted to pin them back in their own half but then they (referee Anthony Woodthorpe) gave us another eight meters,” explained Nothnagel.

“I asked Jordy, ‘are you comfortable,’ and he said, ‘yes, give me a go.’ I will always back our 10 if he is confident to take the kick. I think it was a brilliant kick, it just slipped away to the left-hand side.

“I don’t think the game came down to that last kick at all. I think it was the first 40 minutes that cost us more than anything. You can’t blame Jordy for not kicking that last penalty, I don’t think that is fair towards him. We were not good enough in the first half.”