Swys takes shackles off
BIG CLASH: LIONS COACH TO GIVE YOUNGSTERS THEIR HEAD AT ELLIS PARK
Free-flowing game expected as host side fight for play-off spot.
Golden Lions coach Swys de Bruin doesn't believe it’s a gamble to go into tomorrow's crucial Currie Cup clash at Ellis Park against Western Province with seven Under-21 players in his match 23.
For the Lions it’s all to do in their last two games to get qualification for the play-offs, but De Bruin is looking at the bigger picture.
“I was a bit down in the beginning of our campaign, but at the same time I’m excited to introduce these youngsters and it’s a great opportunity against Province,” he said.
The Under-21 players are flankers Len Massyn and Jo Hanko de Villiers, scrumhalf Marco Janse van Vuren and on the bench lock Rhyno Herbst, flank Hacjivah Dayimani, scrumhalf Bradley Thain and utility back Jan-Louis la Grange.
Flank Cyle Brink is out with a knee injury, which sees Kwagga Smith being moved to No 8, while there’s a return for experienced lock Andries Ferreira.
A total of 13 tries were scored last weekend at Loftus Versfeld when Province played the Bulls and De Bruin foresees a similar scenario.
“Weather permitting it might be another high-scoring affair as both sides like to give the ball air which could lead to a free-flowing affair and big entertainment for the fans,” said De Bruin.
He added he isn’t going to put pressure on his side by telling them it’s a must-win game.
“Pressure is a killer and as also being the attack coach, we will look for space and reset to point zero,” he said.
“I don’t want the players to play with fear as that leads to stiffness, we want to stick to scoring tries.”
De Bruin said after a slow start they managed to pick up momentum before they suffered another setback against the Sharks last weekend.
“After three consecutive wins we will put that one in the fridge,” he said. “We learned a few lessons in the rain in Durban and if it rains again we will have to adapt a bit better in the conditions.”
De Bruin said he is still in contact with former Lions coach Johan Ackermann who is now coaching Gloucester.
“We have walked a long road together and we keep in contact through WhatsApp. I really miss him, it’s just a pity Faffie (Faf de Klerk) ruined his day last weekend Bench: by scoring against his former coach,” joked De Bruin.
De Klerk, the former Lions No 9, played for Sale Sharks who trounced Gloucester 57-10.
Kick-off: 2.30pm.