Heading into the Lions den is one of the oldest idioms around. The simplistic definition is, of course, “to go into a situation that puts you in great danger or in a vulnerable position.”
That is the literal proposition facing Western Province when they travel to Gauteng this weekend to face the Golden Lions in their den at Ellis Park.
Province have a dismal Currie Cup record in Johannesburg, with the blue-and-white hoops having last won there nine years ago. This winless stretch includes two semi-final defeats to the Lions.
Although Province came closest last season to breaking this barren run on the Highveld when they managed a high-scoring 31-all draw, backline coach Robbie Fleck is well aware of his team’s troubles at one of the most intimidating venues in the country.
“Absolutely, it is a tough one. The Lions at home at Ellis Park is a tough place to go and play,” Fleck said yesterday in a teleconference. “They will also be smarting from their loss against the Bulls last week.”
Province are certainly the team with momentum though, as Allister Coetzee’s team are the only side in the Currie Cup with a 100% record after five games, which has propelled them to 23 points – five points clear of the second-placed Pumas and eight ahead of the Lions in third place.
This situation could play into the visitors’ hands as the Lions are desperate for a victory to sustain their playoff chances, prompting Fleck to believe the hosts could attack Province with a kicking-based game, unlike in the first-round encounter at Newlands.
Former Paarl Gymnasium star Stokkies Hanekom filled in at flyhalf that day, but has since moved back to his regular centre position with Jaco van der Walt back in the No 10 jersey.
“I think with them getting a proper No 10 back, they will be a more complete side, as it will bring their kicking game more into effect,” the former Bok centre explained. “Johan Ackerman (Lions coach) made it clear they kicked too much that day and our back three will be challenged, just like they were against the Bulls.”
Province will certainly welcome such an approach from the Lions, especially as it would bring their adventurous back three more into play.
Although the fleet-footed Cheslin Kolbe remains an injury worry having not trained yesterday, he is expected to be back by tomorrow.
According to Fleck, Kolbe would then retain the No 15 jumper he has starred in for WP this season, even though Province have the services of another exciting Sevens star Justin Geduld at their disposal.
“Cheslin is looking positive. We will look to keep the same combinations and try not to disrupt things too much. Cheslin is doing an excellent job,” Fleck said.
“Fifteen is a specialist position and we will look to use Justin on the wing. We did it the same with Cheslin last year, easing him first into the Currie Cup and then Super Rugby. At the moment, Justin has shown some great touches and can make an impact off the bench. And should the opposition kick poorly, we will look to hurt them.” - Cape Times