Lions' Tank faces his toughest challenge yet at Loftus Versfeld
SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has spoken highly of Ethan Adams in recent weeks, outlining the heights he believes the youngster can reach in professional rugby.
Adams, only 19 years old, has wasted no time making an impression on the big stage after featuring in both the Lions’ opening United Rugby Championship matches.
He came off the bench on his debut against Leinster and started in place of Henco van Wyk against the Ospreys and played the full 80 minutes.
There’s been considerable hype surrounding the former Grey College star and Junior Bok. It’s safe to say, as things stand, he hasn’t disappointed, although he’s yet to face sterner tests.
That will, however, change this Saturday when he lines up against the Bulls in the highly anticipated Round Three clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Adams has received the nod for a second week running and will start in the No.12 jumper, forming a formidable centre pairing with Van Wyk, who has recovered from concussion symptoms.
The duo will come up against Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans, giving Adams his first taste of a South African derby against experienced campaigners and Springbok stalwarts.
While Saturday’s derby will provide an interesting test of Adams’ credentials, the young centre has already made a strong impression within the Lions’ camp.
Teammate Richard Kriel, who played alongside him last week, believes the youngster has all the attributes to become a special player.
He says he now understands why Adams has earned the nickname ‘The Tank’.
“Yeah, Ethan is 19 years old, and he’s got a lot of potential,” Kriel said.
“He is a very good player, very talented, and obviously you hear guys calling him ‘The Tank’, and you can see why.
“He will be special one day. He’s only 19 years old and has already made his debut. He’s very exciting, and it’s so lekker playing with him.”
Part of the reason the Lions had to fast-track Adams was the injury picked up by Bronson Mills, which has kept him out since late last season.
Mills is nearing recovery, though, and has been training with the squad. His return could see Adams playing a different role in the team.
Van Rooyen was asked about his plans to manage Adams and the minutes he plays, considering his age, and that they are also competing in the Champions Cup.
“He doesn’t look like he was in school a couple of months ago, does he,” the coach said.
“We’ve been known to play guys early, and saying that, there’s a lot of education that needs to happen around recovery and getting ready.
“He’s obviously a bit abrasive, and the body takes a bit of shots. At this stage, it’s whatever the team needs; those are the minutes he will play and the role he will play.
“The moment we get two or three guys healthy, then that’s a different ‘minutes’ discussion.”
If the opening two rounds of the URC are anything to go by, Adams has taken to professional rugby like a duck to water.
However, facing the Bulls at Loftus will provide a clearer indication of how he measures up against experienced opposition so early in his professional career.
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