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Bloemfontein – The Lions may have a Kiwi master brain plotting Free State’s demise, but the Cheetahs can bring an end to the visitors’ Currie Cup march with a simple approach in Saturday’s match.
Free State are hoping that their defence can again be an important ally as they look to beat a spirited Lions team that is being coached by New Zealander John Mitchell.
The winner of the game is likely to advance to the semifinals – and that is why a single defensive error can lead to a team’s demise for the rest of the tournament.
Mitchell is fast becoming a hero in Johannesburg after turning the Lions into contenders again.
Sharks coach John Plumtree was full of praise for his friend Mitchell following the leaders’ 20-22 defeat in Johannesburg.
He said that Mitchell is smart enough to plot the Cheetahs’ downfall on their home field.
Free State backline coach Hawies Fourie said that defence would be decisive in the match.
“It’s going to be incredibly important to defend well and put pressure on the Lions, so that we can force them into errors and play from there,” he said.
“If you give them opportunities and line breaks, it’s going to be a long day. We know what we’re in for. Defence will win or lose this game.”
The Cheetahs’ defence has often been a trump card and they will have to tackle like they did against the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein and against Griquas in Kimberley if they hope to pull off a win.
They kept the Bulls and Griquas at bay with some desperate defence in the closing stages. It will again be important for them to tackle well for 80 minutes against the Lions.
Mitchell’s plans may amount to nothing if the home team are in good defensive form, with the likes of flank Philip van der Walt and prop Coenie Oosthuizen set to lead the way.
Even so, Fourie believes the Lions are tough opponents and that their handling is possibly the best in the competition.
“The Lions have been following the right kind of game plan with the new laws. They keep the ball through phases and run good lines off one another,” he said.
“All their players pass well – their handling from No 1 to No 15 is excellent. For me that is the one big difference between them and other teams. The Sharks are a side that come close in that regard.”
Bloemfontein – The Lions may have a Kiwi master brain plotting Free State’s demise, but the Cheetahs can bring an end to the visitors’ Currie Cup march with a simple approach in Saturday’s match.
Free State are hoping that their defence can again be an important ally as they look to beat a spirited Lions team that is being coached by New Zealander John Mitchell.
The winner of the game is likely to advance to the semifinals – and that is why a single defensive error can lead to a team’s demise for the rest of the tournament.
Mitchell is fast becoming a hero in Johannesburg after turning the Lions into contenders again.
Sharks coach John Plumtree was full of praise for his friend Mitchell following the leaders’ 20-22 defeat in Johannesburg.
He said that Mitchell is smart enough to plot the Cheetahs’ downfall on their home field.
Free State backline coach Hawies Fourie said that defence would be decisive in the match.
“It’s going to be incredibly important to defend well and put pressure on the Lions, so that we can force them into errors and play from there,” he said.
“If you give them opportunities and line breaks, it’s going to be a long day. We know what we’re in for. Defence will win or lose this game.”
The Cheetahs’ defence has often been a trump card and they will have to tackle like they did against the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein and against Griquas in Kimberley if they hope to pull off a win.
They kept the Bulls and Griquas at bay with some desperate defence in the closing stages. It will again be important for them to tackle well for 80 minutes against the Lions.
Mitchell’s plans may amount to nothing if the home team are in good defensive form, with the likes of flank Philip van der Walt and prop Coenie Oosthuizen set to lead the way.
Even so, Fourie believes the Lions are tough opponents and that their handling is possibly the best in the competition.
“The Lions have been following the right kind of game plan with the new laws. They keep the ball through phases and run good lines off one another,” he said.
“All their players pass well – their handling from No 1 to No 15 is excellent. For me that is the one big difference between them and other teams. The Sharks are a side that come close in that regard.”
