Lions take joint responsibility

BETTER TEAM EFFORT NEEDED AGAINST CANES

The below-par kicking performance by flyhalf Elton Jantjies against the Sharks last weekend has affected the entire team because they stand united, said Lions captain Jaco Kriel.

Ahead of naming the Lions team today for the all-important Super Rugby semifinal showdown against the Hurricanes at Ellis Park on Saturday, Kriel said they have always shouldered the blame as a team.

“I believe you can’t put it down to one player,” said Kriel. “That’s not fair, the whole team didn’t perform the way they could’ve.

“We made small errors and created opportunities which we didn’t finish.”

The Lions skipper believes the team could actually benefit from their hardships against the Sharks.

“I won’t say it was a scare but it definitely wasn’t easy. I really believe that’s the way you learn best when things come the hard way.

“It makes you a better person and it builds your character. But we realise we still have a lot of hard work to do, especially before facing a world class team like the Hurricanes next.”

Kriel has also been under the microscope personally as people believe the team missed the calming influence of injured captain Warren Whiteley. But Kriel said the Sharks were great on the day.

“When we made mistakes in their half, the Sharks found energy and credit must go to them they defended really well and they kept us out,” he said.

“And that’s where their energy came from and when they got in our half they got points which put us under a lot of pressure. But credit to the players for pulling it through in the end.”

Kriel admitted it put him under pressure as the leader of the side, but said that’s where the core leadership was tested.

“It’s never nice to be captain in such tight games, but you have to take it and I’m really proud of the players.”