Lions spoilt for choice in halfback department
SPOTLIGHT: Saturday’s win over the Ospreys in Swansea was an example of the depth the Lions are building among their halfbacks.
After starting the season with Jordan Hendrikse and Morne van den Berg in the opening round against the Bulls in Johannesburg, the Lions decided to test out a new halfback combination in Wales in the form of Gianni Lombard and Sanele Nohamba.
There was some rustiness, but there was enough there to show that they have a bright future together with the Lions.
“Everyone puts their hands up for selection and obviously the coaches back whoever they have to back and try new combinations, ” said Nohamba, who was named man of the match for his role in the 28-27 win in Swansea.
“I think it worked well with me and Gianni on Saturday.
“It was the first time we played together.
“We just backed each other up and trusted each other and everything took off from there.”
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🏅 Sanele Nohamba | @LionsRugbyCo pic.twitter.com/nVQhXUd60j
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Nohamba believes Van den Berg is helping him grow as a player.
“I think it is more about helping each other than competition,” said the former Sharks scrumhalf.
“He shares information and I share a bit of information.
“We try to help each other as much as we can.
“At the end of the day, the coaches will make a decision on which combination will work for us.”
Nohamba was also one of his team’s three try-scorers in Saturday’s win. He pounced on a loose ball from a scrum to sprint away for a try.
“I think the credit goes to the scrummagers,” said the scrumhalf.
“The forwards are the ones that put a lot of pressure on the opposition and I was just lucky to pounce on the ball for the try.
“The credit goes to the forwards and not me.”
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— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) September 24, 2022
