Experience has taught Lionel Mapoe how to absorb a kick in the teeth. The scorer of two tries for the Springboks in their recent defeat to Argentina in Mendoza, he was duly left out of the squad that travelled Down Under. “That happens‚” said Mapoe with an insouciant shrug of the shoulders on Tuesday. “I’ve been in this game for a while now. “I’m much more experienced in handling that kind of… I don’t want to say negative‚ but turn it into a positive. It would have been a lot more difficult for me if I wasn’t playing rugby. “Obviously it was a disappointment, but I chose not to take it as a negative‚” said the Golden Lions centre. “I’ve got nothing to prove. I can take it as a negative or as a positive. We want to win the Currie Cup. All my focus is here. Whenever the call comes‚ I’ll be there. If I perform well I will be rewarded.” Fortunately Mapoe’s got enough of a diversion to keep his creative juices flowing at the Lions. At the mature age of 30 he is one of the beacons the tyr...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.