Johan Ackermann the Lions are on the up, and very much respected by the Crusaders, so what’s it going to take for them to record another win? Jacques van der Westhuyzen takes a look:
Set-pieces
Not too many teams over the years have been as consistent as the Crusaders have been at scrum time and in the line-outs. And with an All-Blacks front row packing down against the Lions this evening, it’s sure to be a key point in the game.
Owen Franks and Wyatt Crocket are seasoned campaigners, but Julian Redelinghuys will be licking his chops at the prospect of going up against them, so, too, young Dylan Smith, who’s been one of the finds of the season. Malcolm Marx, at hooker, has also come on nicely this season, his line-out throwing being especially good and it will have to be again on Friday night.
If the Lions can lay a strong platform up front they’ll be halfway to recording a rare win against the visitors. It’s going to be a huge battle though, but one they’ll be relishing.
Kicking
In Richard Mo’unga it seems the Crusaders have a worthy replacement for Dan Carter, the flyhalf having performed admirably in his first full season in the No 10 jumper. He’s slotted eight conversions and seven penalties, to go with three tries, so he’s a man the Lions will have to keep an eye on. Opposing him will be Elton Jantjies, who’s been in top form for his team, in general play and from the kicking tee.
A wrist injury though might force him out of the match which would open the door for Marnitz Boshoff to play for the first time this year – and what a pressure-filled situation that would be for him. More than anything though it will be the tactical kicking of the two flyhalves and the No 9s – Faf de Klerk and Andy Ellis – that could swing the game. The Lions do not like putting boot to ball but if they do they need to kick smartly and contest the up-and-unders … they’ll not want the Crusaders running at them all evening. Prediction It should be an exciting game, with plenty of action.
The Crusaders will ask questions in all departments and will be tough to break down, but if there’s one team who won’t fear them or believe they can’t score tries against them it’s the Lions. Also, the Lions love playing on their home ground and go into the game full of confidence. They’ve got a great chance of pulling off a big, big win today, one which would set them up very nicely to make a real run at featuring in the play-offs. I’m going Lions by seven or less.
Ruck ball
The good news for Ackermann and Co is that Jaco Kriel is over the concussion he suffered last time out, while Warwick Tecklenburg is back after missing the Lions’ last game because of a suspension. Together with Warren Whiteley, they’re going to have to terrorise the Crusaders at ruck and maul time, get among them, slow down their ball and ensure De Klerk gets quick, quality front foot possession.
It’s this up-tempo game that makes the Lions such a dangerous and exciting team and if they win enough ball they should ask plenty of the Crusaders defence. That said, the Crusaders also love hanging onto possession for long periods and they’re not scared to run from all parts of the field so an open, fast-paced game should be the order of the day. Kriel’s battle with Matt Todd could be one of the highlights of the match, but then so, too, Whiteley’s one-on-one with Kieran Read, both of whom thrive in open play.
Defence
It goes without saying that the Lions will have to be on their toes for the full 80 minutes this evening. The Crusaders have shown in the past they’re prepared to go the distance, to keep fighting and they always believe they can win, no matter the state of the game.
The Lions have slipped a few tackles this year and let in quite a few soft tries and they can’t afford that today.
Not against a team that counter-attacks as well as anyone in the game and with the likes of giant wing Nemani Nadolo in the ranks. Playing in the faces of the opposition, hurrying them and transferring the pressure to the Crusaders is something the Lions will have to do throughout the game. Having space and time to play in are key for both these teams.
TEAMS
LIONS STARTING XV: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies/Marnitz Boshoff, Francois de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira/Lourens Erasmus, Julian Redelinghuys, Malcolm Marx, Dylan Smith
REPLACEMENTS: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Ruan Ackermann, Cyle Brink, Dillon Smit, Jaco van der Walt, Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
CRUSADERS STARTING XV: David Havili, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo, Richie Mo’unga, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, Jimmy Tupou, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett.
REPLACEMENTS: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Mike Alaalatoa, Sam Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Ben Volavola, Sean Wainui.
The Star