Lions’ friend in the enemy camp
VAN DER MERWE: LOOSEHEAD GAVE SHARKS PROBLEMS
Powerful prop forward a big cog in the Kings’ wheel.
In at least one facet the shoe could be on the other foot for the high-flying Lions when they continue their Super Rugby campaign against the Kings in Port Elizabeth this afternoon.
They will oppose former teammate and loosehead prop Schalk van der Merwe who created numerous problems for the Sharks at scrum-time in Durban last weekend.
Just two years ago Van der Merwe formed a dynamic front row for the Lions with hooker Robbie Coetzee and tighthead Julian Redelinghuys, but now the visitors could have a taste of their own medicine.
Scrums however are not solely what this game is about, but are one of the vital ingredients of the Lions’ machine and they should know Van der Merwe’s scrum techniques inside out.
But there is more to the Lions’ game and the likes of flyhalf Elton Jantjies and centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg have picked their running lines so well.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann said there were a few factors leading to him taking a full-strength side down to the Friendly City.
“We had to look at the injuries we had suffered, and ask ourselves is it worth risking whatever we are going to do,” he said.
“But at the same time you can’t underestimate the Kings.”
The Kings were rather unlucky to lose 19-17 to the Sharks last weekend and managed to put the Durbanites’ tight forwards under pressure.
“They are going to push sides all the way even if they are not going to win, so they will be tough at home,” said Ackermann.
“But we’ll have to go down there and try to get the result and for that we need our best possible team.”
The Kings will field a new captain in flyhalf Lionel Cronje, who played for the Lions earlier in his career. He has had to replace the injured regular skipper Schalk Ferreira.
Kick-off: 3.05pm.