Despite going down 16 - 35 in their opening round clash against Western Province at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium a week ago, Luke Watson believes there were a few positives to take from the game.
"I think the mere fact that we could come away from the game knowing exactly what the negatives are is a positive in itself."
"Knowing what areas to work on is quite obvious. What our strengths are and coming away from the game on the weekend we were made aware of some of those strengths. We were not even aware of it at the time, our forward pack performed really well and our set piece held up really nicely, but there are some tactical areas we can improve on."
"I definitely think despite the result, despite things not going our way there are positives we can take away from the game." said Watson
Looking at the game ahead, he said, "The Lions are a quality outfit, they are a well balanced side and i think they are one of the few sides in South African rugby that are prepared to do anything at any time and any position on the field."
"They like to play unpredictable, unconventional rugby which is at times difficult to defend and on top of that they really have a very good set piece. Their forwards present a very unique challenge, a good balance of youth and also experience and definitely a team that plays for each other."
"I think Johan Ackerman has done a great job establishing a strong culture there, and their set piece and their forward pack is something we would have to concentrate on for the full eighty minutes."
Watson thinks South African rugby is really fortunate to have an abundance of good quality loose forwards.
"Last week it was Nazaan Carr, this week it is Warren Whitley, next week it will be another challenge."
He added, "South African rugby have an abundance of loose forwards that in any team, on any given day, any given weekend we will have fantastic players, star players, in each position."
"Warren Whitley is a fantastic player, slightly different to Nazaan Carr and slightly a different challenge, but non the less, he is in fantastic form and he has been a great leader for the Lions, and they have some good momentum so its going to be an interesting battle to try and nullify the Warren Whitley effect on the weekend." he said
Watson said there is still a long way to go, but he was pleased with the time he was given against Western Province.
"I cant say i've ever been the sort of player that's ever really happy with a performance or really satisfied very easily."
"After not having played for a year and a half, and the real first competitive game i've played in a year and a half, and the longest sort of 70 minutes i got in this period, i was pleased."
"There were certain elements i was happy with and a lot to still work on, fitness still to get, game fitness to get, but onwards and upwards and week in and week out and getting better and better, but there is still a long way to go." he said.
Watson, who scored his teams first try in the 33rd minute and despite the loss walked away with the ABSA Man of the Match award, will again lead his team out against the Xerox Golden Lions when they play each other at Ellis Park on Saturday.
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