VIDEO: Lions need an 'all-court' game
WATCH as Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson and captain Bernard Foley explain what the Lions need to do to beat the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Final.
The Lions will feature in their third success Final – a record for South African teams – when they travel to Christchurch to take on the eight-time Crusaders on Saturday.
The home team will be overwhelming favourites.
In fact, some of the more cynical New Zealand media said the Final should be cancelled and the trophy should be handed to the Crusaders ‘now’.
This is in line with the dismissive attitude in the New Zealand media, who felt the Lions are not deserving of a place in the Final and have no chance.
The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 30-12 in the one semifinal this past Saturday, while the Lions came from behind to dismiss the Waratahs 44-26 in the other outing of the last-four play-offs.
- Listen to audio of the Waratahs’ post-match media briefing
However, both the Tahs coach, Gibson, and his captain, Foley, refused to write the Lions off.
Gibson said the Lions have the right attributes to challenge the Crusaders, but may require a more rounded game.
He admitted the Lions may struggle in the testing weather conditions – which don’t necessary favours the all-out attacking games the Lions enjoy playing in the dry Highveld conditions at their home base, Ellis Park.
“It could be a little bit dewy, a bit colder,” Gibson said of what awaits the Lions in Christchurch on Saturday – where the kick-off will be in the early evening (19.30), as opposed to the pleasant weather they enjoyed at their 15.00 kick-offs at home.
The Waratahs coach felt the Lions are “well-suited” to face the Crusaders.
“They’ve got an excellent forward pack, they’ve got good set-piece strength – the scrum battle and their mauling,” Gibson said.
“I think they’ll be equal to the Crusaders.”
However, the Lions may need to rethink their tactics.
“I think a sort of the all-court, all-field game is going to be the real challenge for the Lions.
“The Crusaders are very good with the ball in hand and getting to those edges.
“It’s going to be a brilliant encounter, it’s going to be incredibly physical and that’s the way the Lions should approach it.”
Foley said it is a ‘two-horse’ race and the Lions “definitely have a chance”.
“Yeah, I think they definitely do [have a chance],” the Tahs flyhalf said.
“They’re a quality side and they definitely deserved to win,” Foley said of his team’s loss to the Lions.
“They were able to apply pressure and convert that pressure into points and got a roll-on, playing a great brand.
“Their aggressive mindset has put them in a good stead and I hope they continue with that next week.”
@rugby365com
