Lions ready to start new era with a bang

COVID- 19, a tough start earlier in the year, the frustration of not playing and Joburg’s inclement weather have not dampened coach Ivan van Rooyen’s belief that the Lions have the opportunity to start a new era, begin something fresh, and to write their own story as rugby restarts in earnest this weekend.

Van Rooyen chucked a splattering of surprises at yesterday’s team announcement in Doornfontein and here we look at some of the selections that caught our attention as the Lions prepare to take on the Sharks at Kingsmead ( kick- off 7pm) in the opening match of Superrugby Unlocked on Friday.

The back three was not expected

Van Rooyen has opted to play former Stormers player EW Viljoen at fullback, out of his preferred position at wing, justifying the selection by saying that the 25- year- old “has played a lot of his school rugby and junior rugby at 15”.

The selection opens several options in the Lions’ backline as Viljoen fulfils a much needed role with his versatility. Viljoen, who will be playing his first match in the colours of the Lions, can easily slot in at wing or move into the midfield if called upon to do so. Bookending the backline on the wings will be Jamba Ulengo while the newly acquired Rabz Maxwane closes out the outside backs.

Centres of attention

Another new signing in former Bulls captain Burger Odendaal has also been shifted by the Lions’ coach to outside centre in a move that no doubt will bolster the midfield on both defence and attack. Odendaal, who usually plies his trade at 12, also brings with him a wealth of experience, and will be joined by Dan Kriel.

Exciting Wandilsile Simelane starts on the bench and could be a gamebreaker when he gets on the field.

There is experience upfront

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns for the Lions earlier this year, was the lack of depth and experience and firepower in the forwards. Those irksome problems now seem to be a thing of the past, as Van Rooyen has called upon former Springbok and the hugely inspirational Willem Alberts at lock, in another shift away from a player’s preferred position. Joining Alberts is another seasoned veteran – The Pride’s fan favourite Jaco Kriel.

Along with the pace of Vincent Tshituka, the ever- present Marvin Orie, and with the likes of Carlu Sadie and Sti Sithole in the front- row, the team once again looks like it can take command.

Bench could seal the deal

The already mentioned Simelane could be an explosive replacement, to be sure, but the Lions will also sport talented players on the bench who could all change the complexion of the game when they come on. Again, Dylan Smith and former Bok prop Ruan Dreyer bring some much needed experience and scrumming know- how to the setup, while exciting loosie Hacjivah Dayimane could inject some dazzling footwork and pace late in the match. And Gianni Lombard will also be out to cement his moniker as a player to watch.

Lions team to versus Sharks

Starting XV: EW Viljoen, Jamba Ulengo, Burger Odendaal, Dan Kriel, Rabz Maxwane, Elton Jantjies ( capt), Dillon Smith; Len Massyn, Vincent Tshituka, Jaco Kriel, Marvin Orie, Willem Alberts, Carlu Sadie, Jaco Visagie, Sti Sithole; Replacements: Jan- Henning Campher, Dylan Smith, Ruan Dreyer, Wiehahn Herbst, Wilhelm van der Sluys, MJ Pelser, Hacjivah Dayimani, Morne van der Berg, Gianni Lombard, Wandisile Simelane.