Lions stalk Jaguares
UPBEAT: REVVED UP JANNIE READY FOR HIS FIRST START IN BUENOS AIRES
Joburg side have the better of their Argentine opponents in the head-to-head with three wins on the bounce.
The Lions might be up against it, but veteran former Springbok and Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis is upbeat about his Lions Super Rugby debut tomorrow morning in Buenos Aires against the tough Jaguares in the team’s opening game.
Lions coach Cash van Rooyen yesterday named Elton Jantjies as captain, while also handing former Bulls scrumhalf Andre Warner and and former Stormers centre Dan Kriel their debuts for the Lions.
Other players set to make their debuts are lock Ruben Schoeman and fullback Tiaan Swanepoel (in the starting lineup) and scrumhalf Morne van der Berg and centre Manny Rass off the bench.
“The Lions made me feel welcome and special and I’m very greatful for that,” said Du Plessis.
“I didn’t expect to be in the Lions team and I’m very privileged, they have a great culture with good young players, they are pushing me hard and hopefully I can keep up,” he said.
Du Plessis said the Jaguares performed well last year and they know they have a big game on their hands but are hoping they will be up for it, while he said the Boks had inspired everyone.
“When I told my coach at Montpellier the Boks would win the World Cup he laughed at me, so it was a special performance by a special group of people,” he said.
The Lions beat the Jaguares 2516 in Buenos Aires last year and won five of their last six Super Rugby games against the Argentinians, including their last three on the bounce.
However, the Jaguares have won their last six home games in succession, conceding an average of just 13 points per game across that period.
Jantjies said they have prepared well, got over the jetlag and are geared up for a good match, but by the same token are aware of the big challenge.
“The Jaguares are a formida
Picture: Gallo Images ble team at home and they will be determined to repeat last year’s great form,” said Jantjies.
“We have an exciting, new-look team that will be eager to show what we can do,” he said.
Jaguares and Pumas prop Santiago Medrano said they saw the Lions-Bulls friendly and knows they have a very strong pack.