Change of heart for Lions

27 February 2015 - 02:35 By Craig Ray and Chumani Bambani
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Lions second-string flyhalf Elton Jantjies looks sharper than the incumbent, Marnitz Boshoff, and he has inside information on this week's opponents, the Stormers
Lions second-string flyhalf Elton Jantjies looks sharper than the incumbent, Marnitz Boshoff, and he has inside information on this week's opponents, the Stormers
Image: STEVE HAAG/GALLO IMAGES

Flank Michael Rhodes, who currently plays for the Stormers but spent two seasons at the Lions, believes the Johannesburg side will be a dangerous opponent when the two teams meet at Ellis Park tomorrow.

Lions VS Stormers

Rhodes has been a solid performer for the Stormers in the opening two rounds of Super rugby and over the course of an injury-free 12 months has become integral to the squad. He is a big ball-carrier, useful lineout option, natural leader and a strong defender.

With Rynhardt Elstadt injured for the remainder of the season, he will have to, by his own admission improve the quality of his breakdown work.

The Stormers have won their opening two matches of the campaign and the Lions have lost both of theirs. But in the corresponding fixture last year the Lions won 34-10, so there is no complacency from the Stormers this time around.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made a raft of changes, including both halfbacks; Ross Cronje and Marnitz Boshoff drop out. Former Springbok Elton Jantjies will make his first start of the campaign alongside Faf de Klerk.

Wing Courtnall Skosan and centre Howard Mnisi have also been dropped - with Sampie Mastriet to play his first Super rugby game for the Lions after being named on the left wing. Harold Vorster makes his first Super rugby start at centre in place of Mnisi.

The entire front row changes, with Schalk van der Merwe, Robbie Coetzee and Julian Redelinghuys all returning. Flank Jaco Kriel also returns after missing last week's 29-12 loss to the Sharks with a groin strain.

"We had to be honest with ourselves this week and there were some harsh words said," Ackermann said. "We weren't happy with our performance [against the Sharks], but we need to trust what we put in place and address issues as a collective group, not as individuals. We simply have to improve this week."

Bulls vs Sharks

"What pressure?" was Bulls captain Pierre Spies's quip this week to questions about whether his team are under pressure after losing their first two games this Super rugby season.

But the Pretoria side is undoubtedly feeling the heat as they head into a clash against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow.

They will try to prevent a three-defeat Super rugby start , which last happened in 2005.

"Pressure is the nature of the game," Spies said. "We have been grafting it out to get that [elusive] victory. We now have to bounce back because we want to get our campaign on the roll."

There has been one main talking point - the scrum that has proven to be the side's Achilles heel.

Coach Frans Ludeke, who has steadfastly denied any woes in the scrum, is continuing with the starting front row that has battled in the defeats against the Stormers and Hurricanes.

With Bok siblings Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis in the scrums, the Sharks will be dangerous.

"They have a good scrum set-up, they are quality," said captain Spies. "But we've done our preparations. We want to improve."

  • The Cheetahs host the Blues tonight.

Today

Highlanders vs Reds (8.35am)

Force vs Hurricanes (1pm)

Cheetahs vs Blues (7.10pm)

Tomorrow

Chiefs vs Crusaders (8.35am)

Rebels vs Brumbies (10.40am)

Bulls vs Sharks (5.05pm)

Lions vs Stormers (7.10pm)

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now