JOHANNESBURG - Playing against the Jaguares in Beunos Aires is as big a challenge as one can get in Super Rugby, according to Lions coach Johan Ackermann.
“Let’s be honest, this is Argentina’s national team,” he said on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s round three encounter. “It doesn’t get bigger than this, playing against this team on their own ground.”
Indeed, the Jaguares are a different kettle of fish on familiar territory and with this being their first home outing they’re sure to lift their game against the Lions. Ackermann knows they will.
“They’ve been on the road for a few weeks and are now back at home for the first time this season and they’ll come out with plenty of passion,” said the Lions boss. “They’ll be pumped up playing in front of their own fans and against a team that went all the way to the final last year ... they’ll be out to make a statement. It’s going to be a big challenge.”
And some would say Ackermann’s made the task facing his team a little tougher after picking several rookies in his side for the match. Ackermann has opted to start the match with what many observers would call fringe players.
Jaco van der Walt comes in at fullback, Anthony Volmink slots in on the wing and Jacques Nel teams up with Harold Vorster in midfield. And, 21-year-old Shaun Reynolds will make his debut at 10, in place of Jantjies.
Up front, Cyle Brink and Kwagga Smith start alongside Warren Whiteley in a new-look back-row, while former Bulls man Marvin Orie gets a start in the locks. And, there are two new props in Dylan Smith, who’s back after a long injury layoff and playing off the bench last week, and former Border man Johannes Jonker.
Ackermann said it is just fair these men got an opportunity. “It is a well-balanced team, with some of the guys who’ve worked so hard in the off-season getting a first chance... they’re being rewarded now.
“And, anyway, this is an opportunity for us to rest some of our players. I’ve got to trust my squad. I think we’ve got a good bench and hopefully they’ll make an impact, just like I’m hoping the likes of Kwagga and Cyle grab their chance. I’m excited about what this team might produce.”
* Meanwhile, Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has had to make several injury-forced changes to the side that beat the Bulls last week for Saturday’s match against the Sunwolves. With the likes of Ox Nche, Reniel Hugo, Uzair Cassiem and Nico Lee on the sidelines, the Cheetahs will hope some of their promising youngsters come to the fore.
Lions:
Jaco van der Walt, Courtnall Skosan, Jacques Nel, Harold Vorster, Anthony Volmink, Shaun Reynolds, Ross Cronje, Warren Whiteley (capt), Cyle Brink, Kwagga Smith, Marvin Orie, Andries Ferreira, Johannes Jonker, Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith. Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Dreyer, Lourens Erasmus, Jaco Kriel, Faf de Klerk, Andries Coetzee, Sylvian Mahuza
Cheetahs:
Clayton Blommetjies, Zee Mkhabela, Rayno Benjamin, Clinton Swart, Raymond Rhule, Fred Zeilinga, Tian Meyer, Niell Jordaan, Oupa Mohoje, Paul Schoeman, Francois Uys, Justin Basson, Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld (capt), Charles Marais. Replacements: Danie Mienie, Elandre Huggett, Tom Botha, Armandt Koster, Henco Venter, Niel Marais, Ali Mgijima, Ruan van Rensburg