Lions have a plan to weather storm

DERBY: JANTJIES WARNS THAT THE LIONS HAVE A FEW PLANS OF THEIR OWN

Capetonians last got the better of the hosts at Ellis Park five years ago.

The Stormers will arrive at Ellis Park this afternoon as the big favourites to record their third straight Super Rugby win, but the Lions have “a few plans” of their own, according to captain Elton Jantjies.

The Lions pack had made a collective decision to be better than they were in their victory over the Reds last week, Jantjies said ahead of the clash, but he felt they were dealing well with the pressure and he believed the first 10 minutes could decide who had the better momentum.

“We want to score tries. That’s our motto, but they are definitely going to come with a plan,” the skipper said.

“But we are definitely going to try and pick that plan up in the first 20 minutes and we’ll make our decisions after that.”

The Capetonians were aiming to overcome their poor away record, having last won at Ellis Park five years back, and they also needed to deal with the altitude factor.

The visitors didn’t concede a point in their first two matches, however, and they were likely to be oozing with confidence.

“They have good momentum and won their first two games, while they have got Springboks who have gone through a lot of scenarios,” Jantjies conceded.

“So they have certain strengths and we have certain strengths, but for us it’s about applying it to their system and just enjoying playing at home.”

Stormers coach John Dobson did not believe Willem Alberts would be a major influence on the fixture, as was widely believed with the former Springbok flank making his return for the Lions, and the Stormers scrum could hold a big threat to the Lions, especially if Jannie du Plessis struggled as much as he did last week.

A few Bok faces in the Stormers team were well known to Jantjies, however, and he was confident of their chances.

“Off the field we have a laugh together but on the field it’s a different ball-game,” he said.

“Its a local derby and the physicality will be there, as will the high expectations, so when the opportunity arises we will have to take it.

“We know they will give everything and we will bring our best.”

Kick-off: 3.05pm

Pictures: Gallo Images PIVOTAL. Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies (left) and his Stormers counterpart Damian Willemse will need to have their kicking boots on when they meet in a Super Rugby derby at Ellis Park this afternoon.