Lewies relishing Etzebeth challenge
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions, after three years of total domination, have yet to beat South African opposition in 2019.
In 2016, 2017 and 2018 they went on a 19-game unbeaten streak against SA teams and won 20 out of 21 games.
However, this year they have lost twice to the Sharks (5-42 & 17-27), while also going down to the Bulls (12-30) and Stormers (17-19).
Saturday they get a chance to finally break that losing streak, when they host the Springbok-laden Stormers at Ellis Park.
Lions lock Stephan Lewies is one of the players that will have plenty to prove, when he goes up against highly-rated Springbok and Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth.
The one-time Bok admitted it took some time to get familiar with the Lions’ game plan, where “running a lot” is a key element, after he moved to Johannesburg from the Sharks this season.
“This suits my game and I am really enjoying it,” Lewies said.
The Harlequins-bound lock said the Stormers have a big, physical pack with lots of international players.
“That is the beauty of our game plan,” he said, adding: “If we get into our stride, and you are big, you will be running a lot.
“I know from my time at the Sharks. It is tough coming to Ellis Park and play here if you are a big person and the Lions game plan kicks into gear.”
Lewies and Etzebeth are acting as the ‘enforcers’ in their respective teams.
Lewies stands at 2 metres and weighs 116 kilograms. Etzebeth, however, is slightly taller standing at 2,03 metres and weighing in at 117 kilograms.
Both Lewies and Etzebeth are ferocious and effective on defence.
Lewies has made 93 successful tackles out of 101 attempts during his 560 minutes and 12 matches this year.
Etzebeth has not played the same number of games during the Stormers 2019 Super Rugby campaign – the result of injuries, head knocks and Springbok resting protocol.
However, during his 239 minutes of game time throughout the season, he has a 98 percent tackle success rate – making 44 tackles out of 45 attempts.
Both Lewies and Etzebeth are physical and give their team go-forward ball with ball in hand.
Lewies has made 96 metres, gone on 62 runs and contributed to the Lions 43 tries with seven try assists.
Etzebeth has made 52 metres, 41 runs and beaten eight defenders.
Lewies said he is ready to test himself against the 74-times capped Springbok.
“It’s great measuring yourself against the best – likes Eben,” the Lions lock said.
“I think he is the benchmark [for locks] in South Africa.
“Everyone wants to play against him and what better place to play against him than Ellis,” Lewies added.
The Lions currently sit in eighth position on the combined Super Rugby table with 30 points from 13 matches – which includes seven wins and six defeats.
The Stormers find themselves in ninth place, with 30 points from 13 matches – six wins, one draw and six defeats.
By Josh Isaacson
@isaacson_j
@rugby365com
