Lions’ Vermaak and Herbst have come a long way together

FOR years Andries Ferreira and Franco Mostert locked the Lions scrum, but they have both moved abroad, opening the door for others to challenge for their places in the second row.

While former Bulls man Marvin Orie – who started this year’s campaign with a bang – appears to be the front-runner for the No 5 jersey, there are two other promising locks at the Lions desperate to make their mark this year.

At 20 and 22 respectively, Ruan Vermaak and Rhyno Herbst are among the young guns pushing hard for more regular game time at the Lions. In the absence of Orie, who missed the last two games because of injury, the two former Monument High School pupils teamed up in the Lions second row against the Jaguares last week – for the first time.

They were two years apart at school, but never played next to each other or in the same team.

“There are quite a few Monnas guys in the Lions set-up, which is nice because you feel quite at home and comfortable,” said Vermaak this week. “We’ve all come a long way together and it was nice to play next to Rhyno last weekend, for the first time.”

The two rookie locks, and the more experienced Orie (26), are considered the future around which the Lions will build their second row, something that excites Vermaak.

“The union has lost a few bigname players which is always sad, but it allows us younger guys a chance to now play,” said the 2.01m tall lock. “And, to be honest, that’s pleasing.”

Vermaak, along with all the youngsters picked to face the Jaguares last weekend, performed well in his first start at Super Rugby level. “I was happy with my performance. I thought things went well in the setpieces,” he said.

“There were a few nerves there, for my first start, so I’m glad that it’s now out of the way. I now want to look forward and build on the last few weeks. I’m so excited for what lies ahead, whatever that may be ... hopefully I’ll get into the squad for the tour to New Zealand later on.”

Playing at this level has certainly come sooner than expected for several players, including Vermaak, but he said the leadership of the senior players had made their stepping up much smoother. “Jis, the seniors, like Malcolm (Marx), Warren (Whiteley) and Elton (Jantjies) have been awesome ... and they’ve had such a big impact on us youngsters, they’ve made us feel at home and at ease; that’s what’s so special about this union,” Vermaak said.

“Those guys and others took us under their wings and built our confidence, and that’s helped a lot.”

Orie could return to the fold this week after missing the last two games, but so impressive were Vermaak and Herbst against the Jaguares last week, that coach Swys de Bruin may consider giving them another start, and playing Orie off the bench.

The Lions coach will name his team for Saturday’s match against the Rebels today.