Pieter Jordaan

Johannesburg – The Lions brains trust had a plan with the choice of a host of unknown players in the pack after all.

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While Franco van der Merwe and JC Janse van Rensburg are well-known in Johannesburg, even a Lions supporter may have looked at you rather strangely if you mentioned the likes of Martin Bezuidenhout, George Earle, Josh Strauss, Derick Minnie, Warren Whiteley and Ross Geldenhuys a year ago.

Those are the Lions forwards that helped spur the team to their fourth consecutive Currie Cup win on Friday.

When they start achieving, it must have something to do with confidence, combinations or hard work. The latter possibility is the one emphasised by Lions forwards coach Johan Ackermann.

“It’s because the guys are prepared to do the hard yards. I have to give them credit for that. They worked equally hard every Monday in spite of the results in games. I think the guys are starting to care for one another and among forwards that can make a big difference,” said Ackermann.

Among the forwards Minnie is a local product, while Whiteley comes from the Sharks and Strauss from the Maties.

Their performances against WP made one wonder how the Lions will accommodate the likes of Cobus Grobbelaar, Wikus van Heerden, Trevor Hall and Jonathan Mokuena when they are fit.

“Our loose forwards can still grow a lot in their roles,” said Ackermann.

“Remember what a major step this is for especially Warren and Josh. It’s their first year of Currie Cup rugby. Josh has to take the step from the Varsity Cup to the Currie Cup, but both players are looking more comfortable with each passing week.”

Van der Merwe and Earle are the lock pairing that the Lions are hoping can take them places. However, Earle may not play against Griquas on Saturday because of concussion. In that case Joe Snyman will slot in.

In the front row, Ackermann is keeping a close watch on the progress of young hookers Bezuidenhout and Edgar Marutlulle.

As far as the props are concerned, Janse van Rensburg and Geldenhuys delivered their best performances of the year against WP.

Ackermann, however, has warned his pack that the Griquas have scrummed very well in their last few games.