Lions coach puts Jukskei win down to good basics

IT was Lions coach Swys de Bruin‚ and not his grizzled Bulls counterpart John Mitchell‚ who delivered some home truths in the aftermath of the Trans Jukskei derby.

Although the Bulls are in the throes of a revival and have embraced a new free-spirited playing style‚ the Lions went all medieval on their rivals by using their muscle men upfront to beat the hosts into submission.

The 49-35 scoreline flatters the Bulls a tad but they did play with 13 players for a while due to illdiscipline.

“You can only play the game you want to play if your tight phases are up to scratch. That’s your bread and butter‚” De Bruin noted sagely. “Our bread and butter was good.” The Lions’ driving maul proved the slow poison for which the Bulls had no antidote.

“Three of our tries were maul tries and that builds character in the pack‚ as well as confidence.

“Hats off to coach Philip Lemmer and Franco [Mostert] and the tight boys upfront‚ as well as Waza’s [Warren Whiteley] leadership.”

Knowing what benefits could be derived from resultant mauls‚ De Bruin grudgingly acknowledged that the Lions had targeted the Bulls at lineout. “We did. I can’t lie‚” he said. Part of the plan involved moving regular lock Mostert to blindside flank where he could provide more bulk in the tight loose along with the barrel-chested Cyle Brink – and it worked a treat.

Mostert soared higher than anybody else and passed his test with flying colours.

“Franco is quick and he can run all over‚” De Bruin said.

“He was absolutely unreal. That worked well. He can play seven or lock at any time. The ice is broken.”

Meanwhile‚ the Lions have announced the appointment of Sean Erasmus to their coaching ranks from November 1.

He is currently the director of coaching at Paarl Boys High.

“Sean will bolster the ranks of our coaches which already consist of some sterling names like Mziwakhe Nkosi‚ Bafana Nhleko‚ Wessel Roux and Herkie Kruger‚” Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said.