“At some stage all teams go through a difficult period,” say Ludik, describing the last few games. “A lot of us are making crucial errors at crucial times. We are missing a lot of tackles and our kicking game has been mixed. Quality sides like we’ve been playing over the past few weeks will punish you.”
Ludik believes silverware is a realistic target but says the game against Connacht is critical for their hopes. “Guys are going to have to put their hands up and fight for first position in the league. It’s not going to be easy but we’ve got to stick together as a team. We’re under pressure at the minute, having lost two in a row, so it will be a massive game for us. Connacht are playing very well at the moment and they are coming here with a lot of confidence. It will be very difficult but we are highly motivated, especially with it being a derby game and at home in front of a sell-out crowd.”
The Boxing Day game will be a new experience for South African, who is more accustomed to enjoying the off season in his homeland at this time. “It’s going to be my first game over the Christmas period as this is our off time in South Africa. Mentally I’ll have to make sure I’m switched on and don’t get too distracted. My family is over to spend time with us which is great, but I’ll stick to my normal routine and not eat too much turkey,” joked Ludik.
the game versus Connacht is sold out but you can CLICK HERE to buys tickets for the upcoming games against Leicester Tigers (24th January), Treviso (13th February) and Scarlets (27th February).