Swys wary of Dick’s input

Lions’ Swys de Bruin expects his debut game as the team’s Super Rugby head coach promises to be a big one.

The Lions open their campaign against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday and while De Bruin has been the team’s backline coach for five seasons it’s his first as the chief whip.

De Bruin, who spent many years at the Sharks Academy, knows what makes the Durbanites tick and believes the addition of Dick Muir (below) to their coaching ranks as backline and attack coach will make them even more dangerous.

Muir is a former Sharks and Lions Super Rugby head coach and was also a Springbok backline coach.

And De Bruin said what he saw in their recent match against Racing 92 when the Sharks pulled off a great 31-14 win against one of Europe’s and France’s best outfits showed what they are capable of.

“I watched their game against Racing and I must say they looked very good,” said De Bruin.

“I could also see Dick’s hand in their backline play and with their coach Robert du Preez they will form a very good combination.”

De Bruin will also show his hand on Thursday when he names his team for the big opening match and apart from his two wings and one lock, it’s very much a settled combination who have performed so well for the team over the past few years.

It’s expected he will name Sylvian Mahuza on the one wing and either Rohan Janse van Rensburg or Lionel Mapoe to partner Harold Vorster in midfield with the other one shifting out to right wing.

A loose trio of Kwagga Smith, Cyle Brink and captain Warren Whiteley will also be a competitive one, while Marvin Orie could partner Franco Mostert in the middle row if Andries Ferreira is not completely over his shoulder injury.