Lions expect ’Tahs aerial assault

Whitely predicts tactical battle in epic semifinal

They had barely vanquished the fiery Jaguares when the Lions turned their gaze to the Waratahs‚ with whom they are set to clash in a Super Rugby semifinal at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Waratahs’ game plan is likely to be more cerebral than that of the Jaguares‚ and the Lions will be required to fight battles on different fronts on Saturday.

Lions captain Warren Whiteley expects the Lions’ back three to come under aerial bombardment from the Tahs.

“Tactically they play a smart game‚” Whiteley said. “They will probably kick a lot more.

“At Ellis Park they’ll try and put our outside backs under pressure under the high ball with Israel Folau‚ so we can expect some high balls and contestables.”

The Tahs are particularly adept at game management.

In the closing minutes of their 30-23 win over the Highlanders they controlled the tempo and flow of the game‚ perhaps even pulling the wool over the eyes of Australian referee Angus Gardner.

“They’ll probably try and slow the game down as well.

“They will try and buy some time‚” said Whiteley in anticipation of the effects of high altitude and long travel taking its toll on the tourists.

“The Waratahs have a lot of international players who have cool heads‚” noted Lions coach Swys de Bruin.

“They were down and out and they came back [from 23-6 against the Highlanders]. The yellow card helped them but we anticipate a Waratahs team that is right up there.”