VIDEO: Have the Lions found their magic formula?
In the early rounds of the United Rugby Championship, the Lions relied on some seasoned backline stars – the likes of André Warner, Fred Zeilinga and EW Viljoen.
It brought them limited success – just two wins in the first nine matches, with little to no return from the ‘experience’ of Warner (28), Zeilinga (29) and Viljoen (26).
However, the introduction of a more ‘youthful’ look to the Lions’ backline brought with it a four-match winning streak against quality opposition like Cardiff (37-20), Munster (23-21), Ospreys (45-15) and Edinburgh (15-9).
Playing those matches on their home turf, Ellis Park, and at altitude certainly made a massive contribution.
However, the more energetic form of the younger-looking backline was another key aspect – a fact Lions attack and skills coach Ricardo Laubscher readily acknowledges.
“It is all about having an alignment between Krappie [Morné van den Berg], Jordan [Hendrikse] and Quan [Horn] at the back,” Laubscher said about the ‘spine’ of the team’s backline.
“In terms of learning, there is still a lot to do,” he said of the youthful trio that are still just 24, 20 and 20.
He said the players are beginning to grasp the concept of “quick ball versus slow ball”.
(Article continues below video …)
“The important aspect for them is to bring their strengths to the game,” Laubscher said.
“We saw with Krappie, Jordan and Quan at the back, they bring a lot of excitement, a lot of energy on attack.”
Hendrikse and Van den Berg recently extended their stay at Ellis Park, meaning the Lions’ backline future looks bright.
“We are happy to have them here,” he said, adding: “They bring a lot of energy and excitement.”
The backline coach said, despite Van den Berg’s impressive recent form, there is still a role to play for seasoned No.9 André Warner – who seems to have slipped down the scrumhalf pecking order in Johannesburg.
“We saw against the Sharks, when he came on with his experience and leadership, he controlled the game.”
Laubscher said the Lions are determined to bounce back from the horror show they produced in going down (10-37) to the Sharks in treacherous conditions in Durban a fortnight ago.
The Johannesburg-based outfit wraps up their season when they face Irish province Connacht at Ellis Park on Saturday, the hosting Italian outfit Benetton at the same venue a week later, then a three-week break before their final league outing against the Dragons at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales.
“We want to win every game,” Laubscher said about their last three rounds.
He added that it is not a case of the Lions ‘just going through the motions’ to fulfil their obligations.
“Everybody is excited to finish on a high,” he said, adding: “The first thing to take care of is Connacht.”
@king365ed
@rugby365com
Confirmed!
Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse is re-signed with the Pride 📝#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/2LSXStnels
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) April 5, 2022
We’ve re-signed Jaco Visagie! 📝#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/cRij6PWfjv
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) April 12, 2022
