Cape Town - The Golden Lions expect the Sharks to come out all guns blazing in their Currie Cup encounter at Kings Park in Durban on Friday.
The Sharks surprisingly lost 32-30 at home to Griquas in their opening game last week, and will know that another home loss could be catastrophic to their title hopes.
The Lions also lost at home to Free State (30-29), and will also be eager to get back to winning ways, but coach Johan Ackermann knows full well it won't be easy against a team eager to prove its worth under a new coaching staff.
"We won't back down to the challenge. It definitely won't be easy, but we'll make sure we are ready for the onslaught," the coach told the Beeld website.
Lions captain Derick Minnie, who was loaned to the Sharks for a part of the Super Rugby competition, echoed his coach's sentiments regarding the challenge awaiting them.
"We'll have to brace ourselves for an intense clash, as always is the case in the Shark Tank," said Minnie.
Kick-off is at 17:05 on Friday.
The Sharks surprisingly lost 32-30 at home to Griquas in their opening game last week, and will know that another home loss could be catastrophic to their title hopes.
The Lions also lost at home to Free State (30-29), and will also be eager to get back to winning ways, but coach Johan Ackermann knows full well it won't be easy against a team eager to prove its worth under a new coaching staff.
"We won't back down to the challenge. It definitely won't be easy, but we'll make sure we are ready for the onslaught," the coach told the Beeld website.
Lions captain Derick Minnie, who was loaned to the Sharks for a part of the Super Rugby competition, echoed his coach's sentiments regarding the challenge awaiting them.
"We'll have to brace ourselves for an intense clash, as always is the case in the Shark Tank," said Minnie.
Kick-off is at 17:05 on Friday.