Lions spine ‘will grow stronger’
DE BRUIN: THE INEXPERIENCE OF THE SIDE WAS EXPOSED
Coach praises the way the Sharks played in the wet conditions, saying they had good preparation against the Bulls in the rain.
Because the “spine” of the Golden Lions team are currently in action for the Springboks, the team are struggling in the Currie Cup. Lions coach Swys de Bruin said after their 24-10 loss to the Sharks in Durban last weekend, they will have to knuckle down in their remaining two matches before the play-offs.
“I saw it at half-time,” said De Bruin. “If the spine of the team is under pressure you will struggle. That’s what the Sharks did, they forced us into mistakes.”
De Bruin said while they tried their hearts out, the inexperience of the side was exposed.
“Your centres are just pressure players, but your spine is your aerial lock, your hooker as well as your 9, 10 and 15 and at the moment our spine is playing for the Boks as is,” he said.
“No excuses, but the youngsters have suffered but they will improve, no doubt.”
The Lions are currently in fourth spot, but will probably have to win their remaining two matches – this Sunday against a confident Western Province and then the Cheetahs.
“We got good continuity in winning the Currie Cup in 2015 and took it into Super Rugby. The Cheetahs did it too although they didn’t do so well in Super Rugby,” he said.
“But they took the momentum with them so it’s vital to take the continuity with you.”
De Bruin said, however, the Sharks were very good and played the wet conditions much better.
“They had a nice dress-rehearsal the previous week in the rain against the Blue Bulls,” he said.
“I saw earlier in the week on the Monday that it might rain but right until four o’clock I was hoping that it might stay away.
“We played the rugby and they scored the tries, so well done to them. Their decision-makers were good on the night.”