Sharks will test the Lions

Rudolph Jacobs

The Lions’ unofficial title as the country’s top side is set to be challenged by the Sharks in what is building up to be the main ingredient on the Super Rugby menu at Ellis Park today.

Intriguing personal battles in the form of flankers Ruan Ackermann (above) against Jean-Luc du Preez and centres Andre Esterhuizen against Rohan Janse van Rensburg, will add the required spice.

Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk could also have a point to prove against Cobus Reinach.

Lions captain Warren Whiteley admitted they will have a game on their hands.

“It’s important for us to get into a good position towards the end of the competition. But also stick to the short-term and not thinking too far ahead, and taking the challenges as they come,” he said.

There’s a common belief that the only way the Sharks could challenge the Lions is by slowing their ball down and prevent them from playing their high-intensity, fast-paced game. Here young Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch could be under massive pressure from the likes of Jaco Kriel but he could ensure that his big pack take the game to the more mobile Lions forwards.

“In terms of putting pressure on opposition individuals, we just need to stick to procedures within our systems and I believe if we stick to that we will get the results,” said Whiteley. “We all know what a privilege it is play at a full Ellis Park, to get 30 000 odd and hopefully closer to 40k this weekend it will be incredible. There’s a lot of Durbanites in Joburg, so we’ll see plenty Sharks supporters out there but we’ll probably outnumber them.

“The Sharks have done well this year give them credit and that also draws people to the stadium… it makes for an exciting match,” he said.

Kick-off: 5.15pm. See more on Pages 42 & 43.