Lions stalk third final – for Kriel

Rudolph Jacobs

The Lions won’t only play for a place in the Super Rugby final this weekend, but also want to make it a memorable day for injured iconic former Lions captain Jaco Kriel.

Current captain Warren Whiteley, who this week extended his Lions contract until after next year’s World Cup, said Kriel is still part of their planning process and sits in at team meetings.

Kriel’s shoulder injury ruled him out of the entire year before he agreed to join Gloucester, but he is fulfilling a consultancy role in the lead-up to Saturday’s semifinal against the Waratahs at Ellis Park.

“We are so privileged to be able to play this great game, if one thinks of Jaco, who suffered two career-threatening shoulder injuries,” said Whiteley. “Just look what a player he is. It’s tough, but hopefully we can make it special for him as well. He definitely has left a legacy at this union.”

Whiteley said they are not being sidetracked (having their suitcases half-packed) by the possibility that they might have to board the plane to Christchurch if they beat the Waratahs.

“We are purely focused on the game. Of course we will all watch the rugger in the morning, we will know the result,” he said.

“Nonetheless, when you are in the play-offs you give yourself that opportunity. We saw last year anything can happen and you want to give yourself that shot.”

Whiteley said they haven’t thought about losing at the final hurdle twice before, saying they are in the moment, just thinking about playing at home “which is great”.

He said: “Just grateful to be able to play in the semis. We haven’t reflected at all about the last two finals, just really focused on this weekend... looking at the Tahs and their structures and their players.”

Having to sit on the sideline with a knee injury himself was tough, said Whiteley, “but it’s sport and it’s life”.

He continued: “When you get to this stage you don’t want to change too much, stick to your rituals as far as everything is concerned, your whole week, your training sessions, your recovery.

“Trying to keep it simple and, of course, there are outside distractions and it’s important to manage that.”