Lions see Leinster as moment to ignite their Top 8 hopes

The Emirates Lions may face an uphill battle against Vodacom United Rugby Championship log leaders Leinster but they are hoping to find form at home again to give them a chance of making the top eight and qualifying for next season’s Investec Champions Cup.

Defensive coach Jaque Fourie expanded on the attacking threats that Leinster possess, but wanted his side to express themselves as they wanted to use their altitude advantage on the Highveld to try and give them an edge.

While there are still uncertainties whether Leinster brought their stars or not, Fourie knows any team they face will be difficult.

“They will be well prepared and whichever team they field will be a big challenge for us,” he said.

“They identify the space very early and the way they get the ball into that space is impressive.If you give them those open spaces they will punish you.”

With the Lions having a slump in form, they need to find their mojo again soon and the hope is that being at home will do that.

“We were disappointing against Ospreys and Benneton but we are back home now and we needed to reset ourselves. There are no second chances and making the top eight is non-negotiable.

“To do that we need to win all our home games and we need consistency – in terms of how we want to play and what our brand is – we need to get that right every week.

“We know we need to win four out of the five games and the players know what we need to do to achieve that.”

Facing former Bok coach Jacques Nienaber, who is Leinster’s defence coach holds no fear for Fourie, who is more worried about smothering Leinster’s attacking threats.

“As a defence coach I know Leinster are probably the best attacking team in the competition and to measure ourselves against that is what we