Orie braced for spoiling tactics
FINAL: KEEPING SCOREBOARD IN CHECK WILL BE VITAL
The Lions are bracing themselves for intimidating tactics from the Crusaders in Saturday’s Super Rugby final in Christchurch, according to lock Marvin Orie.
These tactics include taking players out from behind the ruck, clever obstruction, jersey tugging without the ball and pulling players back into the ruck situation.
“The secret is if you watch New Zealand sides, they tend to do those off-the-ball tackles. It is something we have addressed and we have plans in place for that sort of occurrence,” said Orie.
“We have to ensure our processes are in place, but we are definitely not intimidated by them.”
Orie said they are well aware they have to be clinical and not allow the scoreboard to run away from them.
“We have to address the way we start our games, but Elton (Jantjies) is playing fantastic rugby, while Warren (Whiteley) and Malcolm (Marx) have been great since their return,” he said.
“Also Aphiwe (Dyantyi) is back and also Courtnall (Skosan), so I think we have a few key players back.”
Orie said the talk among the team has been the belief and the proper mindset, but said he has no doubt that they have the capability.
“My first final and my first time in Christchurch. Very excited even with the travel. We’ve done our work at home and do the final prep over there.
“My coach briefed us on the stadium and conditions and now it’s about to get stuck in there and execute the gameplan,” he said.
Orie said there’s no doubt about the Crusaders quality, as most of them have won Super Rugby, but said he played against them at Ellis Park.
“They’re a fantastic team, but said they have their own goals in place.
“To win it against them will be special. I don’t think if there’s a team that actually won it there, but we try not to get ahead of ourselves,” he said.