Skipper praises Lions’ character
WE THREW THE KITCHEN SINK AT THEM
Warren Whiteley says the team proved with their gutsy performance they were worthy contenders.
The lopsided nature of the Super Rugby conference system probably aided them in reaching the final, Lions captain Warren Whiteley conceded after his team lost 37-18 to the Crusaders in the trophy decider in Christchurch at the weekend.
Though he admitted to feeling frustrated, after falling at the final hurdle a third straight time, Whiteley said the Lions proved with their gutsy performance they were worthy contenders.
“We’re gutted but we believe we are getting closer and we’ll just keep on fighting,” he said.
“There’s no doubt the conference system was in our favour. We finished fourth overall on points, but because of the system we drew home quarters and semis.
“As players that’s out of our control, but I still believe we deserved to be in the final and we still had to play to get there.”
While he said it was tough competing in three finals without winning, the skipper felt they could be proud of their consistency.
The Crusaders had to make 180 tackles against 115, and they missed 26 to the Lions’ 25.
“We had like 70% possession, but if there’s one thing we have learned it’s that defence can win you finals and games, and the Crusaders showed that. They did it extremely well and capitalised extremely well to put points on the board,” he said.
“We can’t say we learned from this because after three finals, how much more must you learn? It just didn’t go our way.”
While it was tough out on the field, Whiteley felt they had given everything and could be proud of their performance.
“We threw the kitchen sink at them and that’s all you can ask from this team. They showed a lot of character and heart.
“Credit to the Crusaders. They had to stop our maul and they stopped our scrums.
“We had opportunities where we could’ve have scored, like literally inches away, and Elton’s (Jantjies) try was so close. That was the difference.”
Having fallen behind 20-3 deep into the first half, Whiteley pointed out that they had numerous mauls five metres out, saying they created opportunities and held on to the ball, putting pressure on their opponents.
“I can only be proud of each and every individual because opportunities like that against the Crusaders are not just given to you.
“I can’t recall how many times I was tackled, but I don’t think there’s a side who made them tackle so much, so you have to credit the Crusaders. They were unbelievable and defended like champions.”