Lions ready to raise game

The Lions will have to stand tall in what is expected to be a fierce physical battle if they want to record their first home Super Rugby win of the season against the Wallaby-laden Waratahs at Ellis Park this afternoon. Lions captain Warren Whiteley recalled how they were taken to the cleaners three years ago, losing 4113 in Sydney, which could happen again if they don’t bring their best game. “I remember playing the Waratahs in 2014 when they won the competition and they taught us a rugby lesson over there. It’s always a very physical battle against them,” said Whiteley. “It’s a tough side with a lot of Wallabies and we respect them, but looking forward to a titanic struggle.”

The Lions will look for improvement from their entire squad after Springboks like flyhalf Elton Jantjies (above), Whiteley himself and lock Franco Mostert were short of their normal spark against the Cheetahs last weekend.

“We showed character last week and didn’t panic when we were 10 points behind. That comes with a lot of experience, we’ve been through a lot as a side, it’s great to see that,” said Whiteley.

“But we weren’t happy with the performance. Our intensity wasn’t what it should have been.”

Lions assistant coach Swys de Bruin believes the Waratahs will bring an improved showing after their struggle against the Force last week.

“Watching them against the Force I’m sure they will up their game,” he said. “It wasn’t their best game either, but I haven’t picked up too many weak spots.”

De Bruin, who remarked that “at 3pm the thin air at altitude could even be thinner”, but cautioned against the size of the Waratahs. Kick-off: 3.05pm.