Lions brace for attack on Jantjies

The Lions are bracing themselves that big Reds centre Samu Kerevi will target the defensive channel of Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies when they meet in their next Super Rugby clash in Brisbane on Saturday.

Lions coach Swys de Bruin said, however, they have no doubt that Jantjies will be up for the challenge.

“Their No 12 is their best player and he is a very direct runner and we are prepared for him trying to cut back on Elton,” said De Bruin from Brisbane. “But the way Elton stopped that Waratahs monster at 11 (Taqele Naiyaravoro), showed that he is a very gutsy player and he defends well, so whoever runs in his channel he will be ready.”

Chasing back-to-back wins on tour, the Lions are currently high on confidence and Jantjies has been the catalyst behind their innovative backline play.

“The last five years that I’ve been involved with the Lions he has been the general, he is again in very good form,” said De Bruin.

“His decisions are sound and from an attacking point of view we are very happy with him. He understands where the pressure comes from and helps the pack immensely in that regard.”

De Bruin said there is a slight concern over centre Lionel Mapoe and while he will consider one or two rotations on the bench, he will today mainly stick to the side who thrashed the Waratahs.

“We are not going to rotate too much against the Reds,” he said. “Lionel might have a problem with his groin, we’ll make a decision later. But other than that we are not going to change much.”

De Bruin said that livewire flank Kwagga Smith will also be ready after he went down against the Waratahs at one stage after a big knock to his shoulder.

“Kwagga’s shoulder is fine, he only made a hard tackle and got a stinger,” assured De Bruin.

Also see Page 48