STRAEULI: THIS IS A GIANT LEAP FOR SA RUGBY

A CHANCE to win the title for all the Lions fans – but also for the whole of South Africa! That’s the word from Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli, who’s played an instrumental part in helping to turn the union around after they were relegated from Super Rugby in 2013. The Lions finished top of the overall Super Rugby standings after winning 14 of 15 games during the season and will play all their remaining matches at Ellis Park. A year ago, after finishing second on the log, the Lions won at home against the Crusaders and Highlanders in the quarter and semi-finals respectively, but lost to the Hurricanes in the final, in Wellington. “It’s a good feeling knowing the team will play at home for as long as they stay in the competition. The Hurricanes did us a favour by beating the Crusaders so we’re in a good position to take it as far as possible, which we intend to do,” said Straeuli. He, however, pointed out that the job ahead for the Lions was still a big one. “Playing at home helps, but it is no guarantee of winning. I lost (the Super Rugby title) to a Bryan Habana try after the hooter had sounded, let’s not forget that,” Straeuli said about the 2007 final when he coached the Sharks to a Durban final against the Bulls, just to lose in the dying moments. Straeuli said he wanted Lions fans to come out in their numbers and support the team. “The team have done everything they could have to get to here ... now the fans must get behind them,” he said. “We’re going to take it one week, and one match, at a time. This might be one small step for the Lions, but with the Sharks and Stormers also in the playoffs, this is a giant leap for South African rugby. “Hopefully in the coming weeks we can build on what the Springboks did during June (against France, winning the series 3-0), and someone wins the title for the whole of South Africa. We need more of that feel-good spirit in our country.” – JACQUES VAN DER WESTHUYZEN