Hard man Willem Alberts and assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher are preparing the Lions to dominate Stade Francais when the teams clash in the Challenge Cup on Friday.

The Lions welcome the French tourists to Ellis Park this week, after the Joburgers had to settle for a 31-31 draw at home against the Dragons on their debut in the competition on Saturday.

Springbok loose forward Alberts made 79 appearances for Stade Francais between 2015 and 2020, while former Bok fullback Loubscher served as backs coach in 2019-20.

Speaking at a Lions media conference on Monday, scrumhalf Andre Warner, who also had a stint with Stade Francais, told reporters: “I was only there for three months but Willem played for Stade Francais for four years, and I believe he can help prepare us this week for what we can expect.”

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Stade Francais arrived in the Republic buoyed by a 24-14 win against Benetton last week, and with a host of South Africans in their ranks, including World Cup-winning Bok tighthead prop Vincent Koch.

Loubscher, though, has warned the Lions to focus on themselves, rather than individuals, and on where they can improve and avoid unforced errors.

“We know what someone like Vincent [Koch] is capable of, but we don’t focus on any individuals,” he said.

“We won’t be able to afford [mistakes] against Stade Francais because they will punish us. We will have to be physical. We saw what Clermont accomplished in the second half against the Stormers on Saturday.”

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