Tahs will be no pushovers

A dice would have to be rolled in an attempt to predict the winner of today’s Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and the Lions in Sydney.

Both teams had iffy starts to the season, with the Tahs earning no points after three losses so far and the Lions picking up just five points after one win and two defeats.

While they lost to the Stormers in their last clash at Ellis Park, however, Lions coach Cash van Rooyen (below) felt they were turning a corner.

“We won’t be complacent and we know what is coming our way,” Van Rooyen said.

“It’s going to be a good game and we are looking forward to it.

“The conditions are going to be good. It’s been nice and warm here in Sydney.”

With all the noise being made lately around the performances of referees, there was expected to be some focus on local referee Angus Gardner, who had not always been a popular figure among South African rugby fans.

Van Rooyen, however, said the players were focused on the buildup, and after settling in, they were ready for their tour opener.

“The training has been going well and we had a day off on Wednesday,” he said.

Like the Lions, the Waratahs had also embarked on a youth policy under coach Rob Penney.

“We heard about their (Waratahs) current mindset and how desperate they are, and they are also taking the game to the people,” Van Rooyen said.

The match was set to be played in Parramatta, a small suburb just north of Sydney.

“That’s why the game is in Parramatta. It’s for the people, and they want to grow the game, so it’s important for them to do well at their alternate venues.

“We are under no illusions that it will be a tough game for 80 minutes, but we are very excited,” Van Rooyen said.