Former Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts says there are some key fundamentals the Lions need to adhere to in order to lift the Currie Cup on Saturday.

Alberts – affectionately known as ‘The Bone Collector’ – retired from rugby last year at the age of 40 and played over 80 matches in all competitions for the Lions.

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He told Netwerk24 that he wants the Lions to be clinical, disciplined and to maximise the chances when they present themselves against Griquas at Ellis Park.

“It’s important to be clinical. In the competition so far, they’ve played beautiful, flowing rugby. It helped that they have been allowed to play that way,” says Alberts.

“If you’re not clinical and too loose in the way you play, you’re giving your opponent a chance in a final where every point is vital. Against a team like Griquas – who’ve shown so far this season that they’re not standing back for anyone – you can’t afford to be loose. You must be clinical and place your opponent under pressure.”

It looked for all money that the Lions had finished the job against the Sharks at Ellis Park in last year’s final, but a lapse in concentration allowed the Sharks to steal the win at the death.

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Alberts doesn’t want a repeat of that.

“The Lions mustn’t lose their heads like they did against the Sharks last year. If the Lions remain clinical, they’ll starve Griquas of loose balls they thrive on, and that’ll stifle their attacking power.”

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Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

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⏰: 15:00
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