Stags intent on Lions 'revenge'
Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:24
Motivation should not be a problem for Southland in their Air New Zealand Cup semifinal against Wellington on Friday, after a massive loss to the selfsame Lions during the knockout stages last year.
The Stags were belted 3-45 in their quarterfinal in the capital last season, and lock Hoani MacDonald says memories of that drubbing are still fresh in his mind.
Southland however are on a high after routing Bay of Plenty 45-11 in Mount Maunganui last weekend, and MacDonald believes it won't be difficult for the players to peak again for the semifinal.
"It's the first time we've got this far and there's a good feeling in the team and the province," MacDonald told sportal.co.nz.
"Everything we do from now on is a bonus and we don't want the season to end.
"We got a hiding in Wellington last year and we're still smarting from that. We don't want that to happen again. Motivation won't be a problem but we'll need to be at the top of our game.
"Wellington is a really good side. They possibly have had a bit of a hangover after winning the Ranfurly Shield but I'm sure they'll be switched on against us. They've got quality players across the park."
MacDonald, who made his debut for Southland in 2000, will leave the Stags at the end of the season to take up a three-year contract with the Newport Gwent Dragons.
The 30-year-old has played 56 matches for Southland, more than 30 for the Highlanders in Super rugby, as well as represented New Zealand Maori since 2004 and the Junior All Blacks in 2006/07.
