Lions have a 'secret weapon' in Kimberley

Assistant coach Swys de Bruin is a familiar figure in Kimberley, having coach Griquas for five years.

De Bruin, speaking to rugby365 ahead of Saturday's Currie Cup Round Three encounter between Griquas and the defending champion Lions, said he knows exactly what to expect.

And he feels the conditions will suit the Lions' entertaining approach to the game.

"One thing is for sure, we can't underestimate Griquas," De Bruin said, adding: At home, they are always tough – I should know, I coached there for five years."

While he knows what to expect on Saturday, De Bruin said the key is still what happens between the four white lines.

"It is an early [14.00] kick-off and the temperature will be in the lower 20s, so it will be good weather for rugby," the Lions' attacking mastermind said.

"It is a very nice pitch to play on," he said of Kimberley's famed hard surface.

"The more we can play the style we are familiar with, the better it will be for us."

The big problem for Griquas is that, unlike the Lions, they don't have depth.

Even without nine Springboks and a couple of players already having headed abroad for their annual migration to Japan, the Lions still have a team capable of beating most.

Griquas, in contrast, will feel any injury setbacks.

"Initially, they will be fine and at this stage [on Saturday] they are still fine," De Bruin told rugby365.

"I remember from my time in Kimberley, once the injuries start, then you have problems."

De Bruin said the Lions always enjoy going to Kimberley because you are guaranteed an arm-wrestle.

By Jan de Koning

@King365ed

@rugby365com