Vodacom Super 14
Lions could do with some luck
2010-03-09 22:41
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Pieter JordaanJohannesburg – A victory over the Waratahs is not beyond the Lions when the two sides meet in a Super 14 match in Sydney on Friday.
Lions coach Dick Muir believes his side will beat a few of the fancied teams in the tournament if they get a bit of luck.
“Yes, we can win. We have always felt that way,” said Muir about the team’s defeats to the Stormers, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Brumbies.
“It’s just about confidence. We have to eliminate silly errors like the number of penalties we are conceding. A number of refereeing decisions have also gone against us and we also need a bit of luck.”
Apart from the fact that the Lions lost by only 9 points against the Brumbies, there is also a lot of pressure on the Waratahs to improve.
Their own supporters jeered them in Saturday’s 25-21 win over the Sharks. This was because they often kicked when the crowd wanted to see running rugby.
Coach Chris Hickey expressed the hope that his team will entertain the crowd this weekend.
Muir’s Lions were prevented from continuing their all-action style against the Brumbies because of rain.
One can expect both teams to play good attacking rugby if conditions are dry.
Meanwhile, scrumhalf Jano Vermaak and wing Wigan Pekeur have joined up with the Lions touring squad.
Muir said that a decision would be taken during the week about Vermaak’s participation against the Waratahs.
Flyhalf Carlos Spencer is one of a number of players that were not in the starting line-up against the Brumbies that are likely to play.
“Yes, there will be a number of changes,” said Muir.
“It will be closer to our original starting team (that played in the first three games).”
Lock George Earle may miss the game after taking a hard knock against the shoulder in the Brumbies clash.
Muir will name his side on Wednesday.
The Waratahs team: Sosene Anesi, Lachie Turner, Tom Carter, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Bau, Benn Robinson.
Substitutes: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Will Caldwell, Ben Mowen, John Holmes, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne.