LIONS coach Johan Ackermann named a strong starting XV for when they kick off the Currie Cup competition against the Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Flanker Jaco Kriel‚ who should be training with the Springbok squad after his storming Super Rugby season‚ will captain the team and will partner SA Sevens star Kwagga Smith at the side of the scrum.
Kriel’s combative approach‚ speed and unrelenting industry in open play will cause the Kings quite a few problems but it is unclear how he will handle the added responsibility of being captain.
With Smith at No 7‚ Ackermann’s team will operate with two recognised openside flankers‚ who will provide a breakdown onslaught.
Ruan Lerm will fill in for Warren Whiteley‚ who is in Durban with the Boks‚ at No 8.
The Lions had their best Super Rugby season this year when they came within a hair’s breadth of making the playoffs. And although the lustre has been wiped clean off the Currie Cup competition‚ expect them to put on an exhibition of attacking flair.
They were one of the best teams to watch in the competition — up there with finalists the Highlanders and the Hurricanes — and it should be a treat once more to see them play.
Flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff‚ 26‚ has also been given a lifeline at flyhalf for the Currie Cup opener. The Springbok played second fiddle to Elton Janjties in Super Rugby after starting the tournament as the incumbent. And when he did have the odd chance‚ at times at fullback‚ he looked like he had ball chains tied to his wrists and ankles.
He is at risk of falling behind promising youngster Jaco van der Walt‚ 21‚ who is on the bench.
Howard Mnisi and Harold Vorster will start together in midfield in the absence of Springbok second centre Lionel Mapoe‚ while Ruan Combrinck will start the season at fullback instead of the right wing.
There’s pace on the outside too‚ with Anthony Volmink and Courtnall Skosan operating on the wings.
In the forwards‚ Martin Muller and Franco Mostert‚ who was released by the Boks‚ will continue in the second row‚ where they developed a symmetric rapport in the engine room.
Ackermann went with Jacques van Rooyen‚ Malcolm Marx and Julian Redelinghuys in the front row to start. – The Times
Source: RDM News Wire.
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