Lions' spine the key to Ellis Park tour opener
TOUR SPOTLIGHT: The pundits see them as proverbial ‘lambs to the slaughter’.
However, Ivan van Rooyen’s Johannesburg-based Lions hope to make a ‘statement’ on behalf of South African rugby.
The British and Irish Lions start their eight-match tour at Ellis Park on Saturday, when they face a host team with a rather patchy record this year.
The local Lions are not given much of a chance, with most bookmakers suggesting they will lose by 20 points or more.
However, Van Rooyen described it as a “great opportunity” – both for the team and him personally – to get to front up to the B&I Lions in the tour opener.
“It is a big occasion, but we also have to ensure the players don’t become so star-struck that they can’t play,” Van Rooyen said.
The one advantage is that the Johannesburg-based team finally has a full week of training and preparations, following several COVID-disrupted weeks.
For the tourists, it is also an important game, as they will be looking to put a stake in the ground in their first outing on South African soil.
“We also see it as an opportunity to show them what South African rugby is all about,” the coach said.
He spoke about the importance of the set pieces, physicality and tempo in a game where no quarter will be asked or given.
“After the game, people will have a good idea about what this B&I Lions team is all about and how good they are.”
The big name missing from the Johannesburg-based Lions’ roster is veteran Springbok Willem Alberts – who has been sidelined for the rest of the season, after he sustained a high-grade tear of his right hamstring muscle in the 10-39 loss to the Pumas in Nelspruit earlier this month.
Apart from his experience – with more than 250 first-class games between the Lions, Sharks and Stade Français, to go along with 43 Test caps – Alberts was also one of the team’s leaders.
“He is one of the true enforcers of the game,” Van Rooyen told @rugby365com in an interview.
“He has a vast knowledge of European rugby and has also played against the B&I Lions on a previous occasion.
“For him, it is a big setback, as it would be his last chance.
“It is also a big loss for us, as he is such a vital cog in our team – with his physicality and calmness.”
Van Rooyen said he expects the B&I Lions to employ a territorial game and apply pressure when they get into their hosts’ half.
Bubble day ✌ | Message from veteran Jannie du Plessis. #LionsPride #LionsTour pic.twitter.com/mHPiywEzFG
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) June 29, 2021
He believes the “spine” in his team will be key against the might of the touring team.
This means the hooker, lock, No.8, scrumhalf, flyhalf, inside centre and fullback – the key decision-makers – hold the key to any chance of the local team causing an early upset.
“We are not fortunate that we are blessed with a host of Springboks,” the coach said.
“The tempo of the game will be high and it will be physical.
“That is why we need calm heads at No.2, No.5, No.8, No.9, No.10, No.15 and No.15.
“They are the players that need to make those big calls and get the workers going.”
Lions 26-man squad: Pieter Botha, Ruan Dreyer, Jan du Plessis, Jordan Hendrikse, Francke Horn, David Kriel, Jacobus Kriel, Sibahle Maxwane, Nathan McBeth, Reinhard Nothnagel, Burger Odendaal, Marthinus Pelser, Manuel Rass, Carlu Sadie, Sibusiso Sangweni, Ruben Schoeman, Sithembiso Sithole, Dillon Smit, Hans Straeuli, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Jamba Ulengo, Morne van den Berg, EW Viljoen, Gerrit Visagie, Frederick Zeilinga
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