AUDIO: Brink ready to 'carry' for the Lions
However, he is far from happy with his own game and has promised to be far more productive in the weeks to come.
Brink, still just 24-years-young, is predominantly a blindside flank – but featured on the openside in the demolition of the Bulls in Pretoria last week.
He said it is always good to start the season with three victories – Sharks and Jaguares at home, before smashing the Bulls.
However, he felt the win away, 49-35 against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, was a 'big' game for the Lions.
"It has been a great start for us," he said.
And the decision to move Springbok lock Franco Mostert to the flank – which prompted Brink's move to openside – was not a once-off either.
"I definitely think you will see a bit more of him playing [at] No.7 this year," Brink said, adding: "Obviously the loose forwards will adjust, whether he plays No.7 or lock.
"It is to target the line-outs and bring a bit more weight to the scrums."
He admitted it took a major adjustment to move to the openside role.
"Playing at No.6 [openside flank] is very different to playing at No.7 [blindside].
"You have to work a lot more towards the ball – you have to be a lot fitter to play in that position. Luckily we had a good pre-season and it showed on the field."
However, he definitely wants to play a blindside role for the Lions.
"I am more comfortable on the blindside, because it is more of a carrying role. I prefer that role.
"However, wherever they need me to play I will play."
Brink said it is great to get more game time, in the absence of injured Springbok Jaco Kriel.
But he is not up to the standards he feels he can set.
"Personally I don't think I am where I need to be," the 98kg, 190cm loose forward said.
"There is still a lot of work, whether I am playing No.6 or No.7. That will come with game time and as the season progresses.
"One of the big areas is that I want to carry more in the game. Lately, I haven't carried as much as I would like to.
"I have been involved more in the rucks and breakdown areas. [It is about] getting myself into better positions to carry.
"Also, [I need] to be a bit stronger at the breakdown point, to improve in terms of winning turnover ball."
By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com
