Lions opt to fast forward their pack
THE LIONS have picked a powerhouse backline for their opening Super Rugby clash of this season, but they are thin up-front, an area the Jaguares are likely to target when the teams meet in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
The absence or unavailability of Springboks like Franco Mostert, Ruan Dreyer, Kwagga Smith, Stephan Lewies and Cyle Brink, because of their joining overseas clubs at the end of last season or injury, has left the Lions with an untried and somewhat experimental pack to take on the Argentines in the opening game. Also unavailable this week are seasoned men such as hooker Robbie Coetzee, prop Johannes Jonker and scrumhalf Ross Cronje, who’re all still on the injured list.
Joining captain Warren Whiteley in a new-look back row are seasoned ball poacher Marnus Schoeman and rookie Hacjivah Dayimani. None of the loose-forwards are big ballcarrying players; all three of them preferring the roaming, linking role – an indication the Lions may try to speed up the game and tire the bigger and heavier Jaguares players.
As expected new recruit from the Stormers, 21-year-old tighthead prop Carlu Sadie, will pack down in the No 3 jersey and form a front row with Malcolm Marx and Dylan Smith. Behind them the second row will consist of hardman Marvin Orie and rookie Rhyno Herbst, a player who make his Super Rugby debut this weekend.
“I wouldn’t say we’re thin up-front, but rather inexperienced,” said coach Swys de Bruin yesterday. “And the good thing is we’ve got class and leadership in the key hooker, five-lock and eighthman positions. And the backline is more or less the same as it was last year, so we’re settled there.”
Nic Groom will be the scrumhalf, with the 10-15 positions filled by familiar names. In the only 50/50 call among the backs, De Bruin opted for Courtnall Skosan on the right wing, with A phiwe Dyantyi playing on the left and Ruan Combrinck playing off the bench.
The Lions will be desperate for a win in Buenos Aires first up, especially with their next two games after this weekend derby clashes against the Stormers (away) and Bulls (home).