WHO will stop the Lions? That was the question everyone was asking after Johan Ackermann’s charges ripped apart the Bulls before the international break, but the month-long hiatus from Super Rugby has raised questions of a different kind.
Now the question about Ackermann’s team is: “Will they be as lethal as they were before the break?
The Lions had built up a good head of steam in May, powering to impressive victories against the Blues (43-5), the Jaguares (52-24) and the Bulls (56-20), at Loftus Versfeld, mind you, to go second overall among the 18 teams.
When the international break came, the Lions had picked up nine wins from 12 matches for 42 points, with only the Crusaders (10 wins from 12 for 45 points) better off than the men from Joburg.
Now, with three rounds remaining, it is crunch time for all the play-off-chasing teams, but especially the Lions, who are South Africa’s most accomplished side and look to be well-placed to challenge for the title.
Their remaining games are against the Sharks (at home today, 5.10pm), Kings (home) and Jaguares (away) - three fixtures they’ll ordinarily believe they should win, but the international break means the reset button has been pushed.
No one quite knows how the teams will react to the month-long break; how will their inactivity affect rhythm and understanding, fluency and momentum?
Because of this, there’s the chance the Sharks will believe they can come to Joburg and pull off a surprise win.
Before the break, no one would have given Gary Gold’s men a chance at Ellis Park, even though they too were on something of a roll.
They had a bye before the break, but they had beaten the Kings (53-0), Jaguares (25-22, away) and Hurricanes (32-15) in May.
“It’s something the Lions are fully aware of.
“The Sharks are desperate,” said Ackermann this week.
“They need to win every game now to give themselves a chance (of playing in the quarter-finals) so it’s going to be a massive fight.
“These next three games are potentially going to play a big role in how the teams finish the season.
“So, for a team like the Sharks, who are in a must-win situation, there may be a change in style in the coming weeks.
“Where teams played with more openness’ before the break, they may be more closed now.
“Of course, the time away from Super Rugby is likely to influence all the teams’ fluency and rhythm this weekend, so it’s going to be big for all the teams.
“I know we’re going to have to be switched on from the first minute.
“The Sharks are a quality side, with lots of experience, and we’re expecting anything and everything from them.”
While the visitors are without key playmaker Pat Lambie, the Lions are also missing their captain, Warren Whiteley - two men who’d otherwise play a major role in the outcome of what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
In place of Lambie will be Garth April, who’ll be measured against Elton Jantjies, who’ll be pumped up after a solid Test showing last month. In for Whiteley will be the coach’s young and promising son, Ruan Ackermann.
Both teams have a plethora of Springbok players in their ranks, but it is surely the Lions, who’ve been the dominant South African team in Super Rugby this year, who have the edge.
They have the form players and home-ground advantage, but a desperate Sharks team can never be underestimated.
Again, the big question is: Will the Lions continue where they left off or will they struggle to find their rhythm after a month apart?
If they click, they’ll have too much power upfront and skill and pace at the back, but if the Sharks get among them and spoil their quick ball Ackermann’s men may just be in for a battle. – Saturday Star