Lions on a steep learning curve
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions will be something of an unknown factor when they front up to the Jaguares in their season opener on Saturday.
However, hooker Pieter Jansen readily admits they are on a steep learning curve.
The Lions travel to Buenos Aires to face the losing finalists, Jaguares, on Saturday.
“It is a big one,” the 24-year-old hooker said, adding: “We have been focusing on it even before the [Super Sunday outing against] the Bulls.”
He described the challenge in South America as “immense”.
However, facing the Argentineans early in the season means the hosts wouldn’t have had much to work on in terms of game plan and tactics.
“This early in the season there is not much video work they could have done on us,” Jansen said, adding: “No team has any real momentum.
“It is a bit of an unknown factor.”
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Finally getting his chance to step out of the shadow of Springbok star Malcolm Marx – on a sabbatical with the Shining Arcs in Japan – and Robbie Coetzee, Jansen is ready for his new role as the Lions’ first-choice hooker.
“Malcolm has been a mentor to me for the last two-to-three years,” he said, adding: “He had such a massive impact on the game in general.
“Having him as a mentor was immense to me.
“They are quite big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I can put my stamp on it as well.
“I am thankful for whatever I learn. When I see Malcolm I still ask him a lot of questions.”
He says the Lions now have a good combination of youth and experience.
And in veteran Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis they have the perfect sounding board for the young guns.
“You would be stupid if you don’t listen to a guy with such a wealth of experience and knowledge.
“His impact has already been immense.”
@rugby365com
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