Jamie Roberts talks about preparation for the second test and his partnership with Brian O’Driscoll.
On preparing for the game
There’s a few changes and the boys have come in and training has gone really well and I’m thoroughly looking forward to Saturday – going into Pretoria in what is the biggest game in a lot of our playing careers. It’s a big game, a massive game and it is a fantastic opportunity for us a team and individuals.
On the impact of the result last Saturday
I think we are all looking forward now but taking confidence from the end of that first half and that last 20 minutes. We need to start like we finished on Saturday and we just can’t let them get a lead. We need to be going in at half time looking at three up or three all rather than the cricket score that it was like last weekend.
On his own performance and experience as a Lion
It is going well personally, but you are only as good as your last game and playing on Saturday is another big step for me. I learnt a hell of a lot last Saturday – playing in an atmosphere like that and playing alongside world class players – you are learning in every game. It is funny how it’s come round in a year; my first game at 12 was at Loftus last summer with Wales so to return there a year later playing in a Lions Test match is pretty special and hopefully I can go up a notch from last Saturday.
On the magnitude of the experience at just 22
I think if anything it’s just an inspiration to young players in and around Britain and Ireland because guys in academies and young players who are 16 or 17 now, I’m sure in four years time, will be on the next Lions tour and it just goes to show it can happen this early. Look at Keith Earls, myself, Tom Croft, Alun-Wyn Jones all 21, 22, 23 it just shows it is possible and you have to take your chance when it comes to you.
On being able to enjoy the tour away from all the pressure that goes with it
For me personally it has been a main focus to try and not to feel the pressure and enjoy it, have a laugh and the banter with the boys has been great. We are kept in kind of a bubble in the hotels but it’s nice to be kept in that bubble because it means you don’t lose focus and you are all ready going into the match.
On the Roberts – O’Driscoll partnership
We just get on well you know. It’s been a fantastic partnership so far and just hoping to continue that going into the Second Test. Some of those plays we played in that first test were magnificent and as backs we were pleased – obviously we didn’t finish a couple of chances but this Saturday we know we need to be more clinical and that we are going to be marked men and hopefully that will just create some space for other players.
On the impact of altitude
Early on in the tour it did affect us but we did a lot of training back home. I think a lot of it is physiological though and we just need to get on with the match.
