Key match ups to get Lions roaring

JACQUES VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

THERE are a few key match-ups that could play a major role in determining who comes out on top and who doesn’t in today’s round two Super Rugby match between the Lions and Reds at Ellis Park.

Here rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen picks his five one-onone battles to keep an eye on.

Duncan Matthews v Jordan Petaia

It’s another big test for the Lions outside centre, Matthews, who comes up against the highly-rated 19-year-old Petaia, who stands 1.9m tall and weighs in at 100kg. While the Lions man is dangerous with ball in hand and in open play, it’ll be in defence where he’ll have to stand tallest today. Besides Petaia, he can expect a few other big Reds men running at him in the outside channels. If Matthews can keep the dangerous Reds backs in check it’ll go a long way to helping the Lions register a first-up win.

Elton Jantjies v James O’connor

No surprise that the No 10s have big parts to play in guiding their teams in what could be a fast-paced and high-tempo game. Jantjies was far from his best against the Jaguares last week, while O’connor has moved in to 10 from 12, where he played a week ago. They’re two players who aren’t afraid to have a go, but how they manage their play – the decisions they make will be key. Jantjies is at his best on home soil and he’ll hope for a strong all-round showing against the unpredictable O’connor.

Marnus Schoeman v Liam Wright

There were not too many Lions players who came out of last week’s defeat in Buenos Aires with their reputations intact, but openside specialist Schoeman was not one of them. He made 13 tackles last week without missing one and will need to be as good this week. He’ll also be the go-to man to slow down Reds ball and make life difficult for them. Facing him will be the impressive 22-year-old Reds captain, who made 10 tackles against the Brumbies in round one, so expect a fierce battle at close quarters.

Ruben Schoeman v Izack Rodda

The big number four locks are set for an epic battle – in open play and at lineout time. Schoeman has taken charge of his jersey ever since joining last year, with his work-rate, carrying strength and lineout prowess making him a key man upfront, but he’ll be up against the giant Rodda today, who has impressed at every level of the game. The 23-year-old produced a strong showing against the Brumbies last week, and his teammates will look to him to get them on the front foot today.

Jannie du Plessis v JP Smith The 37-year-old Du Plessis will be pumped up for his first game at Ellis Park in years and he’ll look to feed off the history and experiences of the past. It’ll be up to him to give the Lions the sound foundation they crave to play their expansive, fast-paced brand of rugby, and facing him will be the under-rated, but skilful Smith, who went to school at Paarl Gym and previously played for the Brumbies. He’ll certainly be fired up for Du Plessis ... so expect a big battle at scrum-time.

Andries Coetzee, Tyrone Green, Duncan Matthews, Dan Kriel, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies (capt), Morne van den Berg, Len Massyn, Vincent Tshituka, Marnus Schoeman, Marvin Orie, Ruben Schoeman, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter Jansen, Dylan Smith.

Jan-henning Campher, Sti Sithole, Carlu Sadie, Wilhelm van der Sluys,

Ruan Vermaak, Dillon Smit, Manuel Rass, Shaun Reynolds

Bryce Hegarty, Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Henry Speight, James O’connor, Tate Mcdermott, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright (capt), Angus Scott- Young, Lukhan Salakaia-loto, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith. Sean Farrell, Dane Zander, Josh Nasser, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Moses Sorovi, Isaac Lucas, Hunter Paisam