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Johannesburg - Lions centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg says the team has put plans in place to ensure they continue their impressive Super Rugby form after the June international window.
The Lions achieved their first Super Rugby away win over the Bulls when they surged to a 56-20 victory at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. The men from Johannesburg scored seven tries to secure the historic victory.
It was a great way for the team to finish the first half of the Super Rugby league stage as they now enjoy a six-point log lead in the South African conference, putting them in a strong position to qualify and host the tournament play-offs at Ellis Park for the first time in their history.
There are concerns that the team could lose momentum during the June Test window, especially with eight Lions players involved in the Springbok squad that will compete against Ireland. Three Lions players and head coach Johan Ackermann are also on international duty during the SA ‘A’ side’s two-match series against the England Saxons.
However, Janse van Rensburg believes the players will be working hard to ensure they continue their rich run of form.
“During this break, it is important for everyone who is in and out of the Springbok squad to work even harder during the time apart. We each know what we have to do to ensure we can fire as a team when we all return for Super Rugby,” Janse van Rensburg told MyPlayers.
“We are going to work hard during the off-season to ensure that we are fit and ready to play at our best. We believe we can achieve more during this Super Rugby campaign… we just need to take things week by week.”
Janse van Rensburg was a star performer during the Lions’ Super Rugby victory over the Bulls as he scored a brace of tries, including an impressive solo run from midfield as he beat several defenders en route to the whitewash.
“It was an absolute honour to get that win. It was a massive team effort,” explained Janse van Rensburg. “I’m humbled by the way the players trust me and my abilities when I’m on the park. We all have a mutual respect for each other and ensure we complement each player’s strengths. We are also guided by a great coaching staff.
“I’m really enjoying my Super Rugby experience this season. I’m focused on giving my best during every opportunity. I work hard and off the field to ensure I’ll be ready for everything that comes my way.
“The loss to the Hurricanes was a big wake-up call for us,” he added. “Instead of letting that result affect us, we used it as motivation and the team has really responded well to that. We have played a great brand of rugby since then and we want to work hard to ensure we keep it up.”
Janse van Rensburg is also enjoying life in Johannesburg since his move from Pretoria, where he started his professional career at the Bulls.
He shares a house with hooker Akker van der Merwe and prop Pieter Scholtz, and the players enjoy each other’s company.
“They have definitely helped me to settle in,” said Janse van Rensburg. “Akker is always late… and the funny one! Pieter is always calm, even when we pull pranks on each other. We all get a long and play our part in the house, which creates a good environment.”
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