The Lions go into Saturday’s crunch Currie Cup encounter with the Sharks at Ellis Park on the back of two convincing wins — against the Eagles and Cheetahs — and full of confidence.
And this may just be the medicine coach Frans Ludeke’s team needs to topple the log-leading Sharks, who are unbeaten after five rounds of competition.
Ludeke on Thursday made only one change to his side for the match, in itself a confidence booster following the spate of injuries suffered by the Lions this year.
Kleinjan Tromp replaces Jannes Labuschagne in the second row, the latter nursing a hamstring injury.
”It’s a big blow not having Jannes in the team, but Kleinjan knows the drills and will slot straight back into the mix,” said Ludeke on Thursday.
He added the team was in good spirits ahead of the clash, one the players believe they can come out on top.
”There’s been a good vibe in recent weeks, the combinations are working well and there’s a positive attitude.
”We’re backing ourselves this weekend. We’re at home and we believe we’ve turned our fortunes around,” said Ludeke.
A huge challenge, however, awaits the homeside, who are only fielding two Springboks compared to a near full team of Boks in the Sharks line-up.
”The Sharks have been on a roll and they’ll be tough to beat. But we’re looking at getting the initiative early and keeping it,” said Ludeke. — Sapa
Team: Conrad Jantjes, John Daniels, Rudi Coetzee, Doppies la Grange, Giscard Pieters, Nel Fourie, Enrico Januarie, Russell Winter (c), Wikus van Heerden, Jaco Strachan, Willem Stoltz, Kleinjan Tromp, Baksteen Nell, James van der Walt, Riaan Olckers.
Replacements: Dealrey du Preez, Heinrich Kok, Barend Pieterse, Roland Bernard, Bennie Nortje, Louis van Rensburg, Oginga Siwundla.