Lions have a 'world-class attacker'
REACTION: Lions centre Wandisile Simelane received huge praise from his captain and coach after his performance in the Super Rugby Round Four clash against Griquas.
The Lions thumped the team from Kimberley 61-31 in Johannesburg and Simelane was the star of the show.
According to the official stats, the 22-year-old had four try assists in the game and carried the ball 14 times with 82 metres carried. Simelane also scored one of his team’s nine tries.
“I’m incredibly happy with Simmy [Simelane]. He’s been working hard and he’s been kept accountable,” Lions captain Elton Jantjies told reporters after Friday’s match. “He has got the willingness to keep growing as a player.
“He just showed what type of player he is and a guy that takes ownership of his job. I’m really happy with that and we’ve got a great backline and we created a lot of opportunities and we actually didn’t take three or four opportunities.
“I’m very happy for Wandi and I just wish him well and for him to improve every single day working with management, working with players and listening to the guys and getting it into his game. I really think he’ll get better every week.”
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen added: “Wandi had a good game again and I think there were a number of guys that really had a good game.
“We all know how dangerous Wandi is if he’s in open space – he’s a world-class attacker when he is one on one. He had the opportunity to do that [against Griquas] and he is a very exciting youngster.
“He is keen to learn and keen to keep on growing, so we must commend him for that, and he had a very good performance.”
The Lions, who are fifth in the standings, face the Bulls in Johannesburg in Round Five on Saturday.
Stats provided by SANZAAR (Opta Sports)
