While the stalwarts grab the headlines, the Lions’ hopes of a top-eight finish in the URC might just rest on these five players, including SJ Kotze. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
It is well established that the Lions have a group of stalwarts that have driven them into the Top 4 of the United Rugby Championship (URC) during this campaign.
The likes of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter, Morne van den Berg, Chris Smith, Henco van Wyk, and Quan Horn have been hailed for their tremendous impact this season and are expected to be the vanguard once again when the Joburgers face Leinster on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm), followed by Munster a week later for their final regular season matches.
Here, Morgan Bolton looks at five other players that will be important for the Lions to claim positive results over the next fortnight to keep their Top 8 ambitions in a healthy space.
PJ Botha of the Lions. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Highly underrated, the 28-year-old hooker has been a servant of the Lions for nearly 10 years and recently received his 100th cap for the union at franchise level. Reliable in his responsibilities and steadfast in his abilities, Botha does not always receive the plaudits his effort deserves.
Nevertheless, Botha remains a key member of this developing squad and is hugely respected as the ultimate team man. Thus far, Botha has scored one try, assisted with another, made one clean break, beaten four defenders, made 40 carries for 61 metres, and made seven offloads.
He has made 83 tackles, with a 79% tackle success, and won five turnovers. But it is his set-piece work that will be crucial against Leinster and Munster.
The Irish teams pride themselves on their physicality and their prowess up-front. While Ntlabakanye has been excellent in the No 3 jumper, he has done so by packing down with Botha and youngster Kotze.
The 23-year-old Kotze is an explosive player, one that is comfortable with possession and a gap in front of him. For a prop, he has some serious toe and a step to match. But, in the coming two weeks, it will be his scrum and defensive work that will be telling. He needs to keep up his end, so to speak.
Recently returned from a serious injury, the former Blitzboks superstar still has a long road ahead of him to retake his spot in the starting line-up. He has fallen behind in the pecking order to the dynamic Siba Mahashe and the brutish Bathobele Hlekani.
Pretorius, however, could be crucial in the coming weeks as the team’s only established jackal. The Lions have relied on the whole team to contest the breakdown for a turnover, but in Pretorius they have a known expert. Getting over the ball at the ruck, especially in the closing moments of both matches, could be the point of difference between the Lions scoring log points or losing out.
Currently third in the pecking order at No 9 — behind Van den Berg and Nico Steyn — the Lions have kept Pead match-fit by selecting him for the Lions Under-23 team in recent weeks.
The step-up to the URC is a big one, but on the rare occasions that have presented themselves, Pead has been up to the task. Steyn has been preferred on the bench by the Lions in recent matches due to the measure of control he affords and perhaps the continuity in playing style he presents when compared with Van den Berg.
Nevertheless, the Lions will need X-factor a-plenty in Ireland if they are to return with favourable results from their mini-tour, and the 20-year-old has plenty of that. Moreover, his development needs some game time against the best the Irish have to offer.
Erich Cronje of the Lions. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Against Glasgow Warriors, Cronje arguably played his best rugby for the Lions since joining from the Zebre two seasons ago. In that match, the 29-year-old made an impact in every aspect of the game.
On attack, he was solid; on defence, he was imperious; he made three turnovers and scored a try. He was many pundits' and supporters' Player of the Match in that 54-12 victory.
He followed it up against Connacht with a workmanlike effort — not as flashy but maybe just as important. Currently employed on the wing, he must continue his current form against Leinster and Munster if the Lions are to walk away from those matches with points in the bag.