Winning Lions’ defence praised
Coach Swys de Bruin and captain Warren Whiteley lauded the Lions’ resilience on defence after they recorded their maiden win in Argentina over the Jaguares on Saturday night.
The Lions ran out 25-16 winners, with flanker Marnus Schoeman dotting down three times for the visitors to help get their campaign off to a winning start.
“Defence always tells me about the players’ mindset and how hungry they are‚” De Bruin said.
“It was wonderful to see. “The ball was wet and it was difficult to play an attacking game. We knew we had to back our defence.
“At halftime I again challenged the guys about their defence‚” De Bruin – whose team held a slender three-point lead going into the break – said.
They took the strategic position not to overplay with ball in hand.
“People at home have to know how greasy the ball was – it was 34 degrees when we ran on, and our defence would have to take over,” he said.
“We tackled them into mistakes that I haven’t seen for a while.
“We couldn’t focus on attack because we couldn’t play.
“It was one of those games that if you win it you’re just so glad.
“The guys really showed a lot of guts.”
Whiteley was equally pleased with the team’s performance when they had their backs to the wall‚ particularly in the second half.
“Overall I’m happy. The guys fronted up defensively,” the captain said.
“We knew over here it is always physical. It is won upfront and the Jaguares always keep the ball in hand. “They are very direct. “Particularly in the second half they had a lot of ball and they put us under pressure.
“We were perhaps lucky to get those turnovers when we did but we showed attitude and resilience‚” Whiteley said.
The Lions exacted timely turnovers at the scrum and at the ruck, with on-loan Carlu Sadie playing a strong hand.
“All the debutants played really well when they got on‚” De Bruin said.
“Our youth structures are sound. They really put up their hands. A guy like Marnus [Schoeman] who scored a three tries is one of those guys – when the team pushes his number he comes through.
“Carlu Sadie‚ who was a debutant for us‚ how well did he scrum? I’m very excited but we have to realise this was just the first game and there is still a lot ahead of us.”
Whiteley also beamed about the team’s performance in the scrum.
“We struggled over here the last couple of years. We are really pleased‚ particularly with our scrums,” he said.
“I think we did really‚ really well. We got some crucial turnovers there.”