About this weekend’s cat fight
September 17, 2012 in Uncategorized
It was great to watch a Lions team using their chances and scoring points whenever the opportunity arose, unlike during Super Rugby when they could hardly buy a try. Winning by four tries to two might seem like a convincing win but credit must go to the Lions’ defence that kept numerous attacks by the Cheetahs away from the tryline making 132 tackles to 44 in the process.
While the Lions scrums were absolutely awesome, virtually annihilating the Cheetahs scrums, they struggled to get and retain possession in the rucks and mauls. Normally the lack of possession and territory will cost a team the match but the Lions were able to convert possession into points with regularity through great goal kicking by Jantjies and a number of well-worked tries.
Franco van der Merwe kept on looking for intercepts a la Habana after the first one resulted in an easy try but the other three tries were pure magic, from Jantjies’s inside offload to Combrinck to Lionel Mapoe breaking through to put Deon Helberg away to Baywatch’s one-handed offload to Combrinck.
I must say, though, the last TMO decision on the Cheetahs “try” was a bit weird as it seemed as if the pass was flat rather than forward unless it was by millimeters. I understand this whole hands going forward thing that the TMO was looking at but the decision came across as a bit pedantic, unlike Rhule’s “try” where the pass was obviously forward.
Marcel van der Merwe probably made history as the first player to score two tries in a match in different colour jerseys. And what can one say about the youngster, Raymond Rhule? Pure talent.
It was also great to see Kevin de Klerk sitting on the bench with the players (after his public lambasting of the Cheetahs president his invitation to the Presidents box was probably withdrawn 
).
Going forward the Lions need to sort out their inability to get enough possession as this may just cost them in a crucial match and put paid to their ambition of retaining the Currie Cup.
Coming up this weekend, the Sharks’ attempt to start winning in Joburg again. I wonder if Lambie will get permission from HM to get some game time as he sure isn’t getting any at the Boks.
The Dutchman said on September 19, 2012
Was a good game to watch, luckily I PVR’ed the Bok game and watched it just before the Cheetah game, so I was in a good place to accept loss, but you guys played really well and had the ball bounced or passes go our way, it may have been a tighter game, but defence is something the Cheetahs really need to look at.
Would put a real bender on SARU if the Lions were to win the CC again.
Baylion said on September 19, 2012
Definitely a lot tighter than the scores suggest.
Draconian said on September 18, 2012
I really hope & wish the boys will do it again this year! To see the egg all over SARU’s face, not that it has disappeared! too any extent! So the scenario might be, the Bulls play the Kings, the Kings beat the Bulls? The Bulls get relegated to the first division? is that not a farce or what! my we are but the joke of the rugby fraternity! ” GO LIONS!!! ” ” Come on my Boytjies, you can do it! “
Wozza said on September 17, 2012
“Hendrik Roodt (shoulder) – probably out for the season”
Oh dear, locks are become harder and harder to spot on the Lions training field. I suppose Rhodes can step in. Whats happened to Wikus van Heerden, is he going to retire?
Baylion said on September 17, 2012
After his concussion earlier this year he picked up a knee injury. There has been no indication what his future is but he hasn’t been listed on injury list in ages so my suspicion is that he is retiring.
As to the locks, yes we are running out of stock although Ruan Botha and Paul Willemse have been playing u/21 and one of them will come in for Roodt. We are in serious trouble for locks for next year though
Baylion said on September 17, 2012
Injuries this weekend:
Hendrik Roodt (shoulder) – probably out for the season
Jaco Taute (bruised wrist) – not known how serious
Willie Britz (bruised wrist) – not known how serious
Deon Helberg (ankle) – not known how serious
guntz27 said on September 17, 2012
Your lions team really outplayed us, you guys have a lot going for you. Got a great chance of winning the competition! We were not good enough! well done
powa said on September 17, 2012
Cheetahs blow hot then cold from week to week. Too much midfield juggling with too many changes
powa said on September 17, 2012
Lions can still do it but it’s going to be close at the end last games are must win for everyone.
Baylion said on September 17, 2012
In the end it’s the knockout matches that count.
powa said on September 17, 2012
Imagine the Bulls having to play the Kings on a promo relegation game
Baylion said on September 17, 2012
And no matter who wins we’ll have a B division team in Super Rugby
powa said on September 17, 2012
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