Top coaches tip the Lions

They might not be part of tomorrow night's Currie Cup final, but other coaches in the competition have firm ideas about how the game will be won - or lost.

Alan Solomons, the canny Eastern Province Kings coach, said the key to the outcome will be how the Lions pack shapes against the Sharks.

"The Sharks will be relying on their pack to win. If the Lions keep possession, then they stand a good chance of winning," he said.

Solomons, who assisted former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, said: "The Lions have played well throughout the season. They have had an advantage over all the other unions and have been enabled to have continuity. It is always difficult for the big unions in a World Cup year with the top unions contributing a number of their players to the World Cup squad.

"The Lions will be motivated since they last won the competition in 1999, which coincidentally was also a World Cup year and they played the Sharks in that game."

Solomons, however, does not write off a Sharks victory.

"They have their World Cup players back who were integrated back into the system in the semifinal. They have a formidable attack, a good scrumhalf in Charl McLeod and a good experience in the midfield," said Solomons.

Leopards coach Leon Boshoff played for the Lions when they won the cup in 1999 under coach Laurie Mains and was their forwards coach when they lost the 2007 final to the Cheetahs.

"Laurie Mains put a lot of emphasis on discipline, From what I've heard, John [Mitchell] is similar.

"That is the recipe for success, and I definitely think the Lions will win," said Boshoff.

Eugene Eloff, the coach of Currie Cup First Division champions Boland, believes the Lions have an edge over their opponents and expects them to win the game.

"There are two very good teams in the final, but based on consistency, the Lions should win," said Eloff, who is a former Lions coach.

"The coaching staff, the players and the results have been consistent, and with the home advantage I have no doubt in my mind that the Lions will win the title. With that being said, in a final anything is possible. It will be the team that takes their opportunities and has more patience that will take the game," said Eloff.