Returning stars will boost Lions
WE WILL LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK FROM LOSS Skipper admits his side were physically dominated last week.
The Lions have taken their Super Rugby defeat in Buenos Aires last weekend on the chin and moved on to their next challenge – hosting the Reds at Ellis Park this weekend.
The side will be boosted by flyhalf Elton Jantjies, centres Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lionel Mapoe and lock Franco Mostert after they stayed home for the Jaguares clash.
Others like prop Ruan Dreyer, fullback Andries Coetzee, and flankers Ruan Ackermann are also expected to return to the starting line-up.
Captain Warren Whiteley said the Reds game will be vital but also said recovery will also be important after they returned yesterday.
“The next match is very important for us playing the Reds at home, but we had to travel back so there will be a big focus on recovery,” he said.
“It’s also going to be a tough game, the Reds are a fantastic side and we will be looking to bounce back.”
The Lions skipper said one shouldn’t underestimate the importance to blood a few youngsters last weekend despite the loss.
“It was a good trip, but tough as a lot of youngsters got the necessary experience. Our congratulations have to go to the Jaguares who played very well last weekend,” he said.
Whiteley said they know where they came up short.
“Look, they dominated us physically last Saturday,” he said.
“They were the superior side but it was nice going to Argentina, it was a fantastic trip but on the day they were just better than we were.”
Lions coach Johan Ackermann, who was yesterday supposedly linked with a move to Gloucester, said it would do nobody any good to complain about the call where Jaguares flyhalf Nicholas Sanchez only received a penalty for his dangerous charge on Lions wing Anthony Volmink.
“There were a few controversial decisions but we have to live with that,” said Ackermann.