Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Whiteley: We’ll have to up the intensity against the Waratahs Lions ready to roar, after come-from-behind victory over Cheetahs
HAVING shaken off the rust against the Cheetahs last weekend, Lions captain Warren Whiteley is confident his team will produce a far more polished performance in round two of this year’s Super Rugby competition when they host the Waratahs at Ellis Park today.
The Lions battled to find rhythm and momentum in a stop-start affair against the Cheetahs last week and at one stage trailed 6-16 in the second half. But two tries by Rohan Janse van Rensburg – who’ll dedicate today’s match to his mother who sadly passed away from cancer this week – and a seven-point penalty try saw the Lions over the line.
The Waratahs, though – champions in 2014 and 41-13 winners over the Lions that season – will no doubt ask more, and different, questions than the Cheetahs did. They’re a side stacked with Wallabies and will be keen to make up for their loss at Ellis Park two years ago when the teams last met – their only defeat by the Lions.
It is for these reasons – and the fact they also wobbled to a win (against the Force) last week that Whiteley believes the Australians will be a tough team to beat.
“They’re a very physical team, with quality players all-round, so it’s not going to be easy. No game is in Super Rugby … and how can we forget the hiding they gave us in 2014?
“But we’re looking forward to this one. We showed good character and maturity to get the win in Bloem last week; there wasn’t any panic, and that’s because of our experience and where we come from. It’s encouraging to have witnessed us turn around a 10-point deficit. In earlier years we might have lost that game.
“We’re going to have to up the intensity in our performance, though. It just wasn’t there last week.”
Backs coach Swys de Bruin added to what Whiteley said. “The Waratahs are a group of big, strong boys. They’ve got some big carriers, up front and at the back and are a well-balanced side. I’ve had a look, but haven’t found too many weak spots.”
The ‘Tahs are indeed a quality outfit, probably the best put out by the Australians, but the Lions players have made it clear they want to put up a good showing in front of their fans in their first home game of the season … and the fact the game kicks off at 3pm is an added bonus.
“I don’t think the earlier kick-off will help us in any way, but we just prefer it,” said Whiteley. “You don’t have to spend all day at home, hanging around and waiting. With the late games it feels as if the day doesn’t end and we wake up raring to go.”
The Lions, though, will still have to produce the goods and show an improvement in all departments if they’re to get past the ’Tahs. They’ll expect a more fluent performance from Whiteley and Co. Hopefully the weather plays its part.