Lions look for ‘80-minute’ rugby
JOHANNESBURG: As the Lions go into the playoffs of this year’s Super Rugby competition captain Warren Whiteley has called on his players to produce consistent, high-quality 80-minute performances.
The two-time runners-up – to the Hurricanes and Crusaders in 2016 and 2017 respectively – host the Jaguares in their quarter-final at Ellis Park on Saturday with a win set to give them a home semi-final against either the Waratahs or Highlanders.
Whiteley’s men go into the match on the back of a comfortable win against neighbours, the Bulls, but they were 12-0 down early on, with the skipper insisting his side will have to be much better off this week if they are to get past the men from Argentina.
“We want to start better than last week, that’s going to be key,” said Whiteley yesterday. “And then our aim is to be consistent over the whole 80 minutes.
“It’s a game we’re really looking forward to. The Jags are a good side, great side ... they’re a team full of internationals and this is another great opportunity for us.”
Coach Swys de Bruin also said the Jaguares were the type of outfit that brought the best out of his players – mainly because they like to play a similar, attack-minded game. “The guys enjoy playing against them; they bring a hard, physical game to the contest, and they like to run it as well. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
De Bruin has picked arguably his strongest and most experienced team this season for the match, with 12 Springboks in the starting side with a further one (Courtnall Skosan) on the bench. Aphiwe Dyantyi comes in to the run-on side for Skosan, while Ross Cronje replaces the injured Nic Groom at number nine in the only changes to the team that started against the Bulls a week ago.
Whiteley said leading an experienced team, who have played Test rugby and been part of the playoffs in the last two years, was a massive boost. “The playoff experience of the last two years is golden,” said the skipper.
“There are so many guys who have been in this situation before, who know what approach is needed ... and coach Swys has been with us as well. That sort of experience within our group is an advantage for us. But, we must still do the job on the day, and like I’ve said, we need to start well and be consistent over the 80 minutes.”
The Jaguares are one of the more unpredictable sides in the competition, often blowing hot and cold, but they also have a fairly set style of play, according to Whiteley and De Bruin, and that is why the Lions aren’t expecting any real surprises come Saturday afternoon.
“They carry the ball well, they take the ball through the hands and make lots of passes; basically they let the ball do the work,” said De Bruin. “Apart from that, they’ll do the odd box kicks, and take it to the wingers.”
Said Whiteley: “They do have a different type of attack compared to the other teams who like to play off nine and 10; they mostly play off 10, and they do it effectively. It gives them options, which makes defending a little more difficult, so we’ll have to be at our best.” Lions captain Warren Whiteley, who will lead his team against the Jaguares tomorrow, spoke to rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen about how he saw things panning out today and tomorrow in the three other Super Rugby quarter-finals. Hurricanes v Chiefs, 9.35am today in Wellington “Wow, that’s a difficult one to call. The Chiefs have been in outstanding form and we know that the Hurricanes can turn it on any time, any day. The Canes will probably sneak it at home, but just. Just.” Crusaders v Sharks, 9.35am tomorrow in Christchurch “It’s a tough one for the Sharks. There’s the travel and playing in Christchurch. But, the Sharks have shown they can play well against the New Zealand teams, and they’re good on the road. They’ll be competitive, but you have to back the Crusaders to win at home, against any side. They’ve been fantastic this year and consistent throughout the competition.” Waratahs v Highlanders, 12.05pm tomorrow in Sydney “It’s a difficult one to call ... the Tahs have been hot and cold. They played well against the Highlanders in May, beating them comfortably (41-12), so they will take some comfort in that. “But, I think the Highlanders will turn it on; they’ve been there many times before. “I think they’ll do it. It’s going to be a competitive one, but for me the Highlanders will sneak it, maybe by a try, seven points.”