Not knowing is better than knowing: Lions embrace unfamiliarity of Stade Francais

The Lions are expecting the unexpected when they tackle Stade Francais in a European Challenge Cup meeting at Ellis Park this weekend, which - ominous as it sounds - isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Indeed, the men from Doornfontein argue that playing against the two teams' unfamiliarity with each other could be more beneficial on the basis that a second meeting in three weeks with the Dragons last weekend merely delivered a deflating 31-all draw.

"From my side, my experience has taught me it's always tough to play the same team twice or three times in a short space of time," said Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher.

"We knew that was going to be a challenge because [we were now familiar with each other]. We came up with a plan, they came up with a plan and did their homework on us. That's why it was so tight.

"At least It will be different this week."

Despite the two teams playing in what's considered the Europa League of rugby, they've been in excellent form in their respective leagues to date.

The Lions are sitting pretty in 5th on the overall URC log, while Stade are 3rd in the French Top14.

Evenly matched sides then, so what might prove the defining factor in determining who walks away with the laurels?

Perhaps the hosts could bank on some of their stalwarts' experience at the club previously.

Loubscher himself was Stade's backline coach during the shot-lived Heyneke Meyer tenure, while the wily Willem Alberts' spent five years in Paris.

A revitalised Andre Warner was also in the French capital on loan three years ago and even scored bonus-point try against Perpignan.

"I was there for three months, and I think Willem was there for three or four years, so he will probably chip in a lot," said Warner.

"It's  a completely new