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New challenge for Lions

Pieter Jordaan

Johannesburg – The Lions are expecting a completely different challenge to their opening round encounter with the Bulls when they square up against the Stormers in a Super Rugby match at Newlands on Saturday.

For this reason Lions coach John Mitchell will be making changes to their preparations so that the highly-rated Stormers can become their first victims of the new season.

“The Stormers are a different side. They have a very structured defence line and do not give away possession very easily. We are therefore expecting a different kind of challenge,” said Mitchell.

The Bulls gave away the crumbs of possession they managed to pick up in the second half of their 24-20 win over the Lions with unnecessary kicks and poor handling.

Strangely enough, it was exactly the same reasons that the Lions struggled in the first half.

The home team showed after half-time why teams kick possession down their throats at their peril.

However, the Stormers know better than most teams how to limit that risk.

The Lions have not been able to score a single point on their last two visits to Newlands under Mitchell.

Western Province beat them 32-0 in last year’s Currie Cup and then 15-0 in the Neo Africa Tri-series.

The matches cannot be used as a reliable measure ahead of Saturday’s clash, but indicates how much planning is needed to break down the Stormers’ defensive wall.

The Lions achieved a big win over WP in their home Currie Cup match last year and the weekend’s effort against a good defensive side like the Bulls proves their attacking potential.

Mitchell does not have any injury concerns ahead of the Stormers clash.

Jaco Taute may get another start at fullback at Newlands.

“I want to establish some confidence in the side in the early stages of the competition and that is why I won’t be wielding the axe right now. There are some positions I’m still unsure about, but it’s unlikely that I will move away from the current starting team,” said Mitchell.

James Kamana and Martin Bezuidenhout were very impressive when they replaced Taute and Bandise Maku at fullback and hooker respectively. They may well start knocking on the door of the starting team.

Kevin Buys (prop) and Wikus van Heerden (lock) also made a good impact.

A similar impact will be welcomed if the players are used as substitutes against the Stormers, but a better first half is required from the starting team.

Elton Jantjies, whose goalkicking and decision-making wasn’t sharp against the Bulls, will also be out to justify the faith in him against the Stormers.
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