Big challenges in-between the time zones
JOHANNESBURG: The Lions won’t only be going all out to beat the Waratahs in their first Super Rugby tour game in Sydney tomorrow but will also hope to get the better of the customary jet-leg that sets in when flying across time zones.
Swys de Bruin and his charges only left OR Tambo International airport late on Tuesday in an effort to give themselves their best chance of starting the gruelling trip on a winning note.
After tomorrow’s match they travel to Brisbane for a clash with the Reds and then head south to New Zealand, where they will face the Highlanders and Hurricanes.
The Lions have in the past travelled to Australasia around a week before their first match, but team doctor Rob Collins explained this week they are doing things differently.
“What we’re essentially doing is trying to beat jet-lag,” he said before the team’s departure to Australia.
“By doing this we’re staying in South African time until the match, which means changing eating times and sleeping patterns. It’s something that’s been scientifically worked out, so we should be good.”
Coach De Bruin added: “We’ll stay in our time and then adapt to the difference (in time) after the game, before we head up to Brisbane.”
The Lions enjoyed plenty of success in Australia last year, winning all three games against the Force, Rebels and Brumbies, but De Bruin said the Waratahs would prove a completely different challenge.
“They’re a very good side... they’ve won five, lost one and drawn one, and are sitting very pretty in their conference.
“They play an all-round brand of rugby; they’ve got a really good scrum and let’s not forget about that monster winger of theirs (Taqele Naiyaravoro). There’s good balance in their team and they’re a team that’s definitely on the up. We’re going to have to bring our A game on Friday night.”
The Lions boss added that they had not targeted any teams on tour and would take things one week at a time.
“It’s a cliché but we’re only focused on the Waratahs right now. The most crucial for me ahead of the game is to ensure we’re well rested and as fresh as we can be.”
Meanwhile, Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has picked a formidable side for the match, with Naiyaravoro, who stands 1.95 metres tall and tips the scales at 123kg, to go head to head with Ruan Combrinck.
The Lions go into the clash on the back of a bye and a win against the Stormers before that, while the ‘Tahs beat the Reds 37-16 last weekend.
The match kicks off at 11.45am SA time tomorrow.
Meanwhile, regular Lions skipper Warren Whiteley, who reinjured his knee before the team’s departure to Australia on Tuesday and didn’t join his team-mates on the flight out, was due to see an orthopaedic surgeon late yesterday.