ANALYSIS: Lions turn AAA into DDD for success

Jan de Koning takes a look at a dramatic change in tactics by the Lions, which brought them a historic result!

The Lions went against what is ingrained in their DNA and made defence a priority in Buenos Aires at the weekend.

The result of this change was a first-ever win over the Jaguares at Estadio Jose Amalfitani.

In the past, I have aroused the ire of Lions supporters, when I suggested that they were ‘arrogant’ in their all-out attacking approach.

At the very least they were naive in their strategy.

However, at the weekend they showed maturity in changing their tack, when the conditions called for it.

It was in stark contrast to 2018, when scoring the most tries was a stated goal for the team.

In the hot, humid and muggy conditions in Buenos Aires, the Lions were the more pragmatic team and the Jaguares the more error-prone outfit.

In fact, the Lions won two crucial turnovers on their own tryline – as they made defence a priority.

It has often been said before: ‘Defence shows a great deal about the attitude and focus of a team.’

In testing conditions, the Lions were clearly focussed more on defence than attack.

As coach Swys de Bruin pointed out, it was 34ºC when the game kicked off 18.40 local time.

“We knew defence will have to win the day,” De Bruin said

They forced the Jaguares into mistakes through great tackling.

The Jaguares – with 61 percent possession – naively (or arrogantly) continued to carry the ball. They made 134 carries to the 89 of the Lions.

Despite being on the wrong end of the territory and possession stats, the Lions outscored the Jaguares by three tries to two.

The Lions made 152 tackles to the Jaguares’ 73. The visitors also won 14 turnovers in the game – including those two crucial steals on their own line.

And the Lions also kicked more in general play than the Jaguares.

It does not signal a permanent change in tactics by the Lions, but it does show that the coaching staff and team leadership has an insight and willingness to alter their approach.

As the season evolves and they perhaps get more wins under the belt, the Lions are sure to bring their attacking flair into the frame.

For now, they will celebrate a victory for defence over attack.

By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com

* Lions wary of premature celebrations
* Jaguares v Lions match report