Lions fullback Tapiwa Mafura is bracing himself for a challenging encounter with the Sharks in their upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) derby at Kings Park this Saturday. Mafura, who stepped in for the injured Quan Horn in the previous match against the Bulls, is ready to face the kicking onslaught that the Sharks are known for.
Having performed admirably in his last game, Mafura is looking to build on that performance and make an even bigger impact this time around. Despite some initial rustiness in the early stages of the match, Mafura quickly found his rhythm and credits his teammates for their support and communication on the field.
Reflecting on the previous game, Mafura acknowledged the hunger and determination of the Lions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining that level of intensity in order to secure a victory against the Sharks. With the URC playoffs in sight, every point matters for the Lions, and complacency is not an option.
One aspect that Mafura is particularly focused on is the contestable kicks that the Sharks are likely to deploy against him. Anticipating a strategic aerial assault from the opposition, Mafura and his team have been diligently preparing for this tactic throughout the week. He is confident in their ability to handle the pressure and is looking forward to the challenge.
As they gear up to face a rejuvenated Sharks side on their home turf, Mafura stressed the importance of fine-tuning their execution and improving their accuracy in all aspects of their game. The Lions are aiming for a 20% increase in their efficiency to ensure a strong performance and secure another crucial win.
In what promises to be a fiercely contested derby, Mafura and the Lions are fully aware of the task at hand. With both teams eager to come out on top, the stage is set for an exciting clash at Kings Park. The Lions will need to be at their best to overcome the Sharks and continue their quest for a spot in the URC playoffs.