Orie recovery a boost for Lions
VAN ROOYEN: GOOD SIGNS HE MAY BE READY TO FACE BULLS
In a massive boost for the Lions it appears as if their Springbok lock Marvin Orie may be ready to face the Bulls in next weekend’s Currie Cup semifinal at Loftus.
Orie was doubtful after he suffered an agonising shoulder injury in their last meeting with the Bulls last Wednesday.
It’s especially his controlling of the Lions lineout that makes the former Bulls lock a key player to try surprise his former team.
Lions coach Cash van Rooyen said while a final decision will be made on Orie’s fitness before the team announcement next Thursday, the signs are promising.
“Marvin’s injury looks okay, he gyms well and received sound treatment, so he should be ready to play,” said Van Rooyen.
Van Rooyen was put on the spot when asked to explain what makes the Bulls “tick” and remained such a formidable unit at Loftus, especially lately under coach Jake White.
He was quick to point out that Bok halfbacks Morne Steyn and Ivan van Zyl were instrumental to their cause.
“Apart from the fact that the Bulls pride themselves on playing at their home ground, it’s no secret that Morne Steyn and Ivan van Zyl are the drivers in their team,” said Van Rooyen
“They have played a lot of big games and knows the surroundings at Loftus and are also a team that prides themselves on their set-pieces,” he said.
While the Lions ran the Bulls close in losing 22-15 in their last game, Van Rooyen said they had to re-assess their approach and have identified where they had to pounce if they wanted to upset the applecart.
“I think for us to go and win there we will have to ensure a more constant set-piece, it’s important there both on our own ball and theirs,” he added.
“We will have to be willing to come up with one or two surprise elements and to think slightly out of the box,”
Van Rooyen believed that to be able to beat the Bulls at home they would have to come up with something that will surprise the home team’s superb defence and hardened, experienced pack, as a traditional old slugfest might not do the trick for them.