Lions lock Wikus van Heerden believes his side need to improve in set-pieces if they are to maintain their position on top of the Currie Cup log ahead of their clash with the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

The Lions secured a 28-19 win over title holders the Sharks last week - their sixth victory in seven games - but Van Heerden said there was still room for improvement.

"Something that let us down on Saturday was first phase possession, especially in the lineouts, and the number of penalties we conceded at scrum time," Van Heeerden said.

"Both are key elements of our game and for the attacking platform we want to play off.

"It's great for the boys' confidence knowing that we can be top of the log after the first round, but we know it's now seven games left and we're just looking to continue our form into the second round."

Van Heerden said the Pumas, lying second from bottom without a win, would be tough to beat at home and would not be underestimated.

"The Pumas are a very good ball carrying side," he said.

"They have a couple of really big ball carriers that will test us on defence. They are also one of those sides that can force turnovers at the breakdown.

"All the sides travelling to the Pumas have had trouble, but it's a first for me playing at Mbombela Stadium and a lot of the other guys.

"We're not focussing on any specific player, we're focussing on them as a unit.

"It's something we've seen throughout the season, we're just focussing on them as a total unit.

"Of course, like any other side there are danger men that need to be looked after.

A former Springbok, Van Heerden suggested that the Lions' remarkable improvement in the competition this season was a result of the hard lessons they learnt in the Super Rugby competition.

"One great thing is the continuity we got from Super XV going into the Currie Cup," he said.

"We try to play total rugby, where we're not just strong in one area but being good in all facets of the game.

"It is something we try and work on every week, to try and get the balance between attack and defence."

Much of the hype around the table topping Lions has revolved around the improved form of flyhalf Elton Jantjies, who scored 23 of his team's points against the Sharks.

Van Heerden said Jantjies' form had been "phenomenal" after working hard this season.

"His kicking percentage has really picked up and it's really something he's been working at," Van Heerden said.

"In attacking play, as well as on defence, he's really becoming a complete player."

The Lions captain for the game was expected to be decided later on Thursday, with regular skipper Joshua Strauss, returning from injury, bracketed in the starting XV pending a late fitness test.

Cobus Grobbelaar, who captained the side at the weekend, said there were plenty of experienced players in the team who were capable of filling the role.

"There are a lot of leaders around me that are helping me a lot and a number of senior guys in the mix," Grobbelaar said.

"That's why we can wait up until Friday before we say who is actually going to captain the side, because there are a lot of guys who can do the job.

"Whoever puts on the captaincy armband can be sure that everyone is behind him."

SAPA