‘Dangerous’ Province could end Lions’ winning run

IGNORANCE is bliss.

And that makes the young Golden Lions team exciting and challenging opposition, according to Western Province fullback SP Marais.

WP will travel to Johannesburg to face the Currie Cup log-leaders at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday (kick off 3pm) after coming off a bye, which came after two impressive wins.

It’s their willingness to “try things,” combined with their good form at home that Marais believes will make it a tough contest, but at the same time he doesn’t underestimate their own attacking ability.

“They’re a young team, they’re not scared to try anything, they play with a lot of confidence and at Emirates Airline Park things just seem to work for them,” he said.

“The guys, of course, want to show the coaches they belong in the Super Rugby team.”

“Coach Dawie (Snyman) encourages us to think like coaches do. He encourages us to play the situation.”

“We try and create situations in training that you’ll encounter in a game, so it really helps.”

The Lions sure have the ability to create good opportunities, but Province won’t be focusing on their opposition too much.

And if their first two Currie Cup games are anything to go by, they should just keep focusing on themselves.

Their stunning triumphs over the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands and the Pumas in Nelspruit were two matches in which the Cape side’s flair and skill was beautifully put on show.

But given the rather tough history WP have at Ellis Park, assistant coach (attack) Snyman knows this game will be a tough one.

“The Lions are a dangerous team when they play at home, we’ve seen it in Super Rugby and Currie Cup,” Snyman said.

“They’re good when it comes to keeping ball in hand and they can create good opportunities. But we want to focus on what we can do as a team.”

Snyman also said that they don’t have any new injury concerns as they prepare for the away match, with the only worry being tighthead prop Neethling Fouche, who saw a doctor yesterday.

This weekend’s action kicks off with the Bulls hosting the Pumas on Friday night, while a Free State derby will play out on Saturday when the Griquas face the Cheetahs.