Groom: We’re a little wiser

The lessons the Golden Lions learned in their 2018 Currie Cup campaign will lay a sound base for their future, and for next year’s Super Rugby season, scrumhalf and captain Nic Groom (above) believes.

While the Lions lost 33-24 to the Sharks in the semifinals at the weekend, Groom said the team showed a lot of growth in the domestic competition, having gone into their campaign with a host of Under-21 players and a new coach in Ivan van Rooyen.

“I think the exposure was invaluable. A lot of guys got their first bite of Currie Cup rugby in the tournament,” Groom said.

“We were out there to win it and we had a good plan, but we just came up a bit short.”

Youngsters like wing Wandisile Simelane, flank James Venter, lock Rhyno Herbst, prop Chergin Fillies, and hookers Pieter Jansen and Tiaan van der Merwe got valuable exposure, which could form the base of their squad in the years to come.

“We learned some good lessons and I really believe it will stand us in good stead for the future,” Groom said.

Despite his team having trailed 18-3 at the break in their playoff clash in Durban, Groom did not think they were out of the match at that stage because of the strong wind they faced in the opening 40 minutes.

“It was a very big wind and I thought we had done enough in the wind, coming with that into the second half,” he said.

“But yeah, that try just after half-time (by Sbu Nkosi) really stung us.

“All the best to Louis (Schreuder, Sharks captain) and his boys. They played really well and I wish them all the best for the final.”