Tough opener for Swys’ men

They could hardly have asked for a tougher challenge to open their Super Rugby campaign than an away game against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires this weekend, according to Lions coach Swys de Bruin (below).

In line with their travel arrangements over the last few years, the team were set to depart tomorrow in an attempt to counter the challenges created by travelling and jet lag.

Although the Jaguares were perennial slow starters, they had seven straight wins last year before losing 40-23 to the Lions in their quarterfinal at Ellis Park.

“They are a team loaded with international players and have built a proud record at home where they are extremely tough to beat,” said De Bruin, who was expected to name his squad for the trip this afternoon.

The Lions have not won on the Jaguares’ home turf for the last three years, and while their second game is also away to the Stormers before their first home fixture against the Bulls, De Bruin stressed their opening clash was all that counted for now.

“All teams are looking at their campaigns in phases, but while you can plan ahead you can’t really look too far ahead, so our focus is on this weekend,” he said.

De Bruin also confirmed that they had gained the services of former Western Province lock Wilhelm van der Sluys from English club Exeter Chiefs.

“We had to strengthen our depth in the lock department and one must remember that somebody like Stephan Lewies only signed with us for two months, after which he will go to England (to join the Harlequins club),” De Bruin said.

Van der Sluys will join the Lions only on March 1 – a day before their first home game against the Bulls – so at best he would probably only come into the selection fray for their fourth game against the Jaguares at Ellis Park on March 9.