Lions expect onslaught

THE SHARKS WILL THROW EVERYTHING BUT KITCHEN SINK AT US Both sides’ bench expected to play huge role during their much-anticipated Super Rugby clash at Ellis Park.

The Lions will have to brace themselves for anything and everything when they open their Super Rugby campaign against the recharged Sharks at Ellis Park this afternoon.

This is the opinion of Lions coach Swys de Bruin after the Sharks added new spark and unpredictability with the inclusion of wing Makazole Mapimpi and flyhalf Robert du Preez.

“The Sharks will bring a big physical battle, but apparently they have also trained with a bit of flair, so we expect anything from them,” said De Bruin.

With a crowd in the excess of 30 000 expected, the Sharks have named players like No 8 Dan du Preez, flyhalf Curwin Bosch and wing Kobus van Wyk on the bench to neutralise the Lions dreaded last-20 minute total onslaught.

But De Bruin believes in loose forwards Hacjivah Dayimani and Pumas loan player Marnus Schoeman on the bench, they have two explosive players to counter just that.

“Hacjivah is one of our great young players and deserves an opportunity,” said De Bruin. “He can play No 7 and 8 and has the pace to play wing as well, he is a good guy to have on the bench.

“Marnus is somewhere between a Jaco Kriel and a Kwagga Smith. I’m not exactly sure precisely where but I’m very excited about him being in the squad.” Skipper Warren Whiteley didn’t believe they are underdone after playing just one warm-up match.

“A lot of our senior guys have already played a lot of rugby, probably more than any of the other provinces,” he said. “Elton Jantjies has played four or five games, my- self included, Lionel Mapoe and Sous (Franco Mostert).”

Whiteley said he believes their recent pre-season game in Secunda gave him the confidence that they will hit the straps quickly.

“The Boks who played a lot of rugby the end of the year, so for us that warm-up game was really important in Secunda,” he said.

Whiteley said towards the end of that game they really started to get some good rhythm going.

“The first 20 minutes took us some time, but for 60 minutes of that game we really started to find our rhythm, hitting our straps, so preparation has really gone well,” he said. Kick-off: 5.15pm. Also see Pages 42 &43

Pictures: Gallo Images CALLING THE SHOTS. All eyes will be on flyhalves Elton Jantjies (left) and Robert du Preez when the Lions take on the Sharks in theri Super Rugby opener at Ellis Park today.