Lions 'bridesmaids' no match for Bulls

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The Lions won't lack confidence at Loftus on Saturday, but they don't have the forward pack to go the distance and overpower the Vodacom Bulls, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that the Lions must shed their reputation as South African rugby's perennial “bridesmaids” when it comes to the Vodacom URC.

Winning in Pretoria would signal the Pride's readiness for a serious playoff push, but Keohane doubts their pack can withstand 80 minutes against a Bulls side looking for redemption.

He praises the Lions' clinical counter-attack in their victory over the Stormers in Johannesburg last week but warns that the Bulls' defence won't be as accommodating. 

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Keohane believes Jake White's men have faced tough questions after last week's loss to the Sharks, but the return of Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw's scrummaging and a reset in mindset will prove too much for the Lions.

"The Lions must shake the mentality of being South African rugby's bridesmaids when it comes to the URC," he writes. "They must win away from home in Pretoria to make a statement that they are good enough to make the playoffs and advance beyond a quarter-final.

"Will they make enough of a statement at Loftus on Saturday. I doubt it.

"The Lions will be confident, and they won't lack belief, but I don't see their pack lasting 80 minutes against the Bulls, and I don't see the Bulls defence being as charitable as the Stormers a week ago.

"I have the Bulls to win and win comfortably."

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

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