Lions, Sharks to clash in festival of 'dynamic attack'
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Scrum coach Julian Redlinghuys suspects the derby between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday showcases two attack-minded teams that may set a record for ball in play.
After a disappointing 2023-24 United Rugby Championship campaign ended with the Sharks missing the playoffs, Redlinghuys is well aware of the improved quality they will face at Ellis Park.
“It doesn’t matter if they have a lot of injuries or if their Springboks are resting,” Redlinghuys said at a press conference on Tuesday. “They are a squad that plays hard for each other.
“Against the Bulls, they were down to 12 men at a stage and they never stopped fighting. It shows their culture as a union and how they have grown since last season.”
The Lions’ strong start to the season has faded after five losses losses in their last six URC matches dropped them second to 12th place on the table, while the Sharks’ fortunes have turned, with a good run of form since October seeing them climb to 4th.
“If we talk on the tactical side of the game, their attack is a lot more dynamic,” Redlinghuys added. “Their kicking has become very accurate and they do very well identifying and kicking into space.
“Defensively they work very hard. They are a much different team compared to last year. We look forward to testing our dynamic attack against them. It’s going to be interesting to see how much ball is going to be in play this weekend.”
Lions flanker Siba Qoma made his return to the lineup in the Pride’s clash against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld after a long spell on the sidelines. This is the first time Qoma and his teammates will face the Sharks since the Currie Cup final heartbreak in September last year.
“I don’t think many of the guys in the squad have really gotten over the Currie Cup final loss,” said Qoma. “There is some degree of this match being personal, but we will still be professional in the way we prepare for it.
“We’ve played each other quite a few times, so you get a feel for what to expect. I wouldn’t say there will be any surprises.”
The Lions’ performances this season have seen nine players selected for the Springbok alignment camp at the end of March.
“That’s a big step on the route we want to go,” said Redelinghuys. “Our job as coaches is to pick a team and loose forward trio that will give us the best chance at winning games.
“Unfortunately that means someone will miss out. Having so many good loose forwards is great but we all agree it’s about the squad and having the best guys selected for that specific game.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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