Lions midfielder Alwyn Hollenbach is keen to make a big impact when he gets a chance to start the Currie Cup clash with the Leopards this weekend at inside centre in the absence of his captain Doppies la Grange.

The former Cheetahs player said that while La Grange's hamstring injury was unfortunate for the team, he will relish the opportunity to make an impression in the No.12 jersey on Saturday.

"Obviously it is bad for the team that Doppies is injured, but we must still step up and do the business, and I'm really looking forward to playing in the No.12 jersey again. I played there during the Super 15 and I really love the position," he commented.

Hollenbach replaced La Grange in the 16th minute of last week's 49-11 victory over Griquas, and because of the hamstring injury his captain sustained, he was named in the starting team to face the Leopards on Saturday.

Although one of his main strengths is his fearless approach to the tackle area, Hollenbach stressed that he would have to fulfill all his duties on match day.

He said: "I just want to keep on playing and contributing to the team and the area where I think I can make an impact is on defence, although I understand that as a centre, attacking is just as important.

"At 12 you must be like a second flyhalf and put the backline away while still being very physical," explained Hollenbach.

Hollenbach rejected claims that the Leopards were any weaker than the sides the Lions had faced thus far.

"There are no teams that you can write off in the Currie Cup and you have to know that every weekend is going to be very hard," he insisted.

"We can't afford to take the Leopards lightly and therefore our training this week was the same as it would have been against any of the top ranked teams in the competition,"

The talented centre believes that the great team spirit in the Lions camp will stand them in good stead as they seek to challenge for top honours in the Currie Cup this season.

"If you want to win a competition like the Currie Cup you have to have camaraderie between the guys and I think we are really on a good track in that regard. The guys are really sticking together and I feel that we are growing closer as a unit, and bonding, every week," he said.

SAPA