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Johannesburg – New Zealander James Kamana was unable to make the Crusaders’ Super Rugby squad, but on Wednesday night he will get the opportunity to play his way into the Lions’ starting line-up.
Kamana (25) will run out at fullback when the Lions play Argentine club champions Tucuman at Coca-Cola Park. He is competing with Jaco Taute for the fullback spot, with Michael Killian being primarily considered on the wing.
Lions coach John Mitchell said that former Kiwi sevens player Kamana may be able to strengthen the Lions on attack.
“He can beat a defender in front of him easily and has a good step off his left foot,” said Mitchell.
“He played well for Tasman in the ITM Cup (in New Zealand) and was unlucky not to make the Crusaders’ squad. We have more options at the back with James here. This year we have considerably more backline players that can beat defenders on their own – players like James, Lionel Mapoe and Michael Killian.”
It’s an open question whether James (1.76m and 89kg) will really be a hit for the Lions.
“We play a similar type of game here at the Lions as in New Zealand where we like to run with the ball. This is a big opportunity for me to play Super Rugby after not making the grade in New Zealand,” said Kamana.
Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies and experienced centre Doppies la Grange will get their first game time of the year in a powerful Lions side.
Jantjies’s pack will have to defend him against Tucuman. The Argentine team was involved in an infamous match against the touring Springboks in 1993. That match was the Boks’ bloodiest since re-admission.
Johannesburg – New Zealander James Kamana was unable to make the Crusaders’ Super Rugby squad, but on Wednesday night he will get the opportunity to play his way into the Lions’ starting line-up.
Kamana (25) will run out at fullback when the Lions play Argentine club champions Tucuman at Coca-Cola Park. He is competing with Jaco Taute for the fullback spot, with Michael Killian being primarily considered on the wing.
Lions coach John Mitchell said that former Kiwi sevens player Kamana may be able to strengthen the Lions on attack.
“He can beat a defender in front of him easily and has a good step off his left foot,” said Mitchell.
“He played well for Tasman in the ITM Cup (in New Zealand) and was unlucky not to make the Crusaders’ squad. We have more options at the back with James here. This year we have considerably more backline players that can beat defenders on their own – players like James, Lionel Mapoe and Michael Killian.”
It’s an open question whether James (1.76m and 89kg) will really be a hit for the Lions.
“We play a similar type of game here at the Lions as in New Zealand where we like to run with the ball. This is a big opportunity for me to play Super Rugby after not making the grade in New Zealand,” said Kamana.
Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies and experienced centre Doppies la Grange will get their first game time of the year in a powerful Lions side.
Jantjies’s pack will have to defend him against Tucuman. The Argentine team was involved in an infamous match against the touring Springboks in 1993. That match was the Boks’ bloodiest since re-admission.
