Saturday afternoon at 4.05pm, the Lions return to the field for the first of the two matches of the tour to South Africa against the Sharks. Niccolò Cannone presents the next race to the microphones of BENTV.
Niccolò, how are you experiencing the first week in South Africa after the defeat in Gloucester?
“The Gloucester match certainly left us bitter. This is a semi-final match that we want and can win. Now we have a new chance, from now until the end of the season it will all be finals, because we want to reach our goal of qualifying for the playoffs. This process starts Saturday against the Sharks”.
The team arrived in Durban on Tuesday. What week are you going through?
“We have had a long journey. We have been in South Africa for a few days, now we are very focused on recovering energy and focused on Saturday’s match. Let’s analyze the previous matches and training sessions. We have to be ready, because it will be a very physical battle.”
The Sharks are growing and have reached the Challenge final. What race will it be on Saturday?
“Like all South African teams they are heavy as well as being equipped with great physicality in all game platforms. It will be important for us to take away their space and put them under pressure. If we give him time to react and find progress it will be complicated. Scrum and drives will be fundamental.”
How are you managing the pressure of these last crucial matches with a view to qualifying for the playoffs?
“We are very aware that we have the means to achieve our goal, but we know that they will be very tough matches. We are here to get involved and demonstrate our value. We are preparing every match to bring home the victory.”
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