Rusty Ruan roars back

ACKERMANN: THE RIGHT-HAND CORNER MUST BE HIS FAVOURITE

First half was a masterclass by the irresistible Lions.

Ruan Combrink, the Lions’ sensational Springbok wing, has made Ellis Park’s right-hand corner virtually his own. It was Combrink’s breathtaking try in just the second minute which set the game alight for the Lions in their crushing seven-try 51-14 Super Rugby rout of the outclassed Bulls on Saturday.

“It must be his favourite corner because last year, with his first touch for the Springboks against Ireland, he also scored there,” said Lions coach Johan Ackermann, after his team’s ninth straight win kept them on course for a home play-off.

“So it helped with the momentum and his confidence personally.”

A late inclusion after Sylvian Mahuza pulled out with a quad injury, Combrink made a strong statement to be included in the Bok squad being announced tomorrow after returning from a lengthy shoulder lay-off.

“He just said he was very tired but we pushed him right through,” Ackermann said.

“Credit to him, but it also helped him that he played two weeks before, and it showed you when you have played at that level you can tap into that experience.”

Though he admitted he was not impressed with the Lions’ second half, Ackermann believed they played some of the best rugby this season in the first 40 minutes.

“We have to credit the players. We’ve challenged them in the week to lift their intensity, being back at home, and it was quality rugby,” he said.

“It was probably the best 40 minutes of the year, but the second half we can debate. I’m not happy with the second half.

“Some of the individual touches, as well as the team, weren’t good.”

Lions captain Warren Whiteley lauded his side’s intensity, but admitted he did not believe he had actually earned points after storming down a kick from Bulls scrumhalf Rudy Paige.

“I really didn’t think I scored. I don’t know, perhaps my eyes were closed,” he chuckled.

“Fortunately somebody whispered in my ear: ‘listen, we must go up’, so it’s always nice to score a try.”