Lions chasing final hat-trick

Lions captain Warren Whiteley believes the team are landing themselves in familiar territory as they prepare for another Super Rugby quarterfinal at home.

After falling at the final hurdle in 2016 – losing 20-3 to the Hurricanes in Wellington – and 25-17 to the Crusaders at Ellis Park last season, the Lions will be aiming for a third straight final.

But first they have to get past the Jaguares this weekend (3.05 kick-off), which could then set up a home semifinal possibly against the Waratahs and after that an away final could lurk against the Crusaders.

“Last year we lost two of our best coaches, two of our most experienced coaches, experienced players as well and now we are here again, another quarterfinal,” said Whiteley.

He admitted that with former coach Johan Ackermann and long-time defence coach JP Ferreira leaving, there was a lot of emotion going into the final.

“I must admit last year it was emotional, especially before the final with coach Ackers leaving, so it’s in our hands and it’s definitely a mental game,” he said.

“Now it’s about those small little things, I believe we have done that well in the past and it will serve us well to stick to that once again.”

Due to a calf injury Whiteley only returned prior to the 2016 final, last year he missed the final due to a groin injury, while this year he has only returned recently from a knee injury.

“To have won the SA Conference a third year was a big honour; a testimony to what has been achieved at the union the last couple of years,

“It’s great to be part of it and now it’s just a case of putting the work in and focusing on the next game.”

Whiteley said he is really proud of each individual who stepped up and a lot of young guys who have come through the system.

“If one thinks about Aphiwe (Dyantyi) who played just 11 Super Rugby games and became a Springbok, these young guys have made it a lot easier for us older folks.”