These three must be at their best for the Lions
THE Emirates Lions’ braintrust have kept the faith and will be praying to the rugby gods that their selection for their clash against the Stormers tomorrow ( kick- off 7pm) will lead them to the promised land.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen has stuck to his guns, and to the squad that lost to the Sharks 19- 16 last week, making only one change to his team – and it is an enforced change at that.
Here, Morgan Bolton looks at the Lions players to watch this weekend.
Sti Sithole at loosehead prop Sithole put in a massive shift against the Sharks last weekend by outscrumming Springbok prop Thomas du Toit at times. He will have to be at his best again this weekend as he takes on arguably an even bigger task when he packs down against World Cup winner Frans Malherbe.
Morne van den Berg at
scrumhalf
It was a sad sight to watch a dejected Dillon Smit walk off the field last week during the first half with a then suspected dislocated shoulder but luckily for the Lions, his replacement, Van den Berg, performed his duties with aplomb.
The nuggety scrumhalf went about his business with verve, delivering possession competently to his backline, while rallying his forwards manfully. He even effected a steal or two at the breakdown and defended staunchly. His only failings were a number of wayward box- kicks.
Correcting that, and continuing his momentum built up from the previous match, will only do his team all the right favours as they try to nullify a Springbok- laden Stormers side.
EW Viljoen at fullback
If we are honest, it was not the greatest debut performance from
Viljoen in the Lions colours last week. Viljoen was shaky under the high ball, and seemed unsure of his role in the set- up. Van Rooyen, however, has decided to start with the 25- year- old at fullback anyway, in a move that will no doubt boost the confidence. A noteworthy performance against his former team should do wonders.
Starting XV:
EW Viljoen; Jamba Ulengo, Burger Odendaal, Dan Kriel, Rabz Maxwane; Elton Jantjies ( capt.), Morné van den Berg; Len Massyn, Vincent Tshituka, Jaco Kriel, Marvin Orie, Willem Alberts, Carlu Sadie, Jaco Visagie, Sti Sithole.
Replacements:
Jan- Henning Campher, Dylan Smith, Wiehahn Herbst, Wilhelm van der Sluys, MJ Pelser, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ross Cronjé, Gianni Lombard, Wandisile Simelane, Ruan Dreyer