Adjusting to law changes a challenge says Lions coach
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Zacharia de Bruin believes that his team need to adjust quickly to the new laws heading into their Super Rugby opener against the Jaguares on February 16.
The Lions conceded countless penalties especially at the breakdown and the set-piece during their 17-21 defeat against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after the game, De Bruin pointed out that his players had failed to adapt to changes in the law especially the interpretation of the spacing required behind the ruck and the last man.
“I talked to Jaco Peyper a lot and there are a few law changes that we got to get used to.
“I spoke to JD (Cwengile Jadezweni) the referee, it’s new for them as well.
“There must be spacing behind the ruck and the last guy and it didn’t really happen today [Saturday], you should recycle the ball with one guy at the moment and we couldn’t, so it’s a new thing that everyone’s got to get used to.
“I’m sure the refs will get used to it quickly and we hopefully as well,” said De Bruin.
Even though the Lions did not come out on the winning side, De Bruin commented that he was happy with what he saw from his young players and the depth in the squad bodes well for the future.
“It’s early days, the combinations we tested we saw what we wanted to see we’ve got lovely depth in our team.
“Eleven of the fifteen were still Under-21 players so it’s looking promising and it was three tries apiece so a nice outing at Loftus B,” added De Bruin.
The Lions play the Sharks in another Super Rugby warm-up match in Cape Town on Saturday before they do battle against the Jaguares in their opening game of their 2019 Super Rugby campaign in Buenos Aires on February 16.
By Josh Isaacson
@isaacson_j
@rugby365com
On Sunday, 03/02 Cape Town will become a battlefield when #Spiderman (@emirates Lions) face #BlackPanther (@TheSharksZA ) @ 14:00. Here’s a special message from Emirates Lions captain, @WarrenWhiteley.
Buy your tickets here: https://t.co/iLP010wVIw#LionsPride@SuperRugby pic.twitter.com/FZKuXo7I5S— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 25, 2019
RugbyPass has created a next-generation rugby rating system, based on machine learning and shaped by game-winning moments. The system (RPI) is a world first for its complexity and comprehensive embrace of northern and southern hemisphere players and teams. By using in-depth data analysis, RPI determines exactly what it takes to win, in real time. Explore the RPI now!
