Super Rugby reaction: Lions ‘gamble’ pays off handsomely

The opening weekend of Super Rugby didn’t necessarily produce high-quality rugby – which is understandable given the rustiness of the sides – but both matches were still surprisingly compelling.

The Lions and Sharks did engage in a thrilling, tight battle though the Stormers, who are in general terms still inexperienced, almost blew it against the fast-finishing Jaguares.

Here’s what the respective coaches and captains had to say.

Unheralded flankers show their steel

There were raised eyebrows when Lions coach Swys de Bruin decided to pick two flankers on the bench in Hacjivah Dayimani and Marnus Schoeman at the expense of backup for scrumhalf Ross Cronje.

But that strategy paid off brilliantly, even if it only was for a few minutes of the second half.

With the Sharks on a relentless attack, first Schoeman – an out-and-out fetcher on loan from the Pumas – stifled possession before Dayimani did the same moments later.

It was two examples of outstanding composure and appreciation of the new breakdown laws.

“The forwards gave a good platform at stages of the game,” said De Bruin after the 26-19 triumph.

“But that last bit when Hacjivah came on and stole that ball, for him as a youngster to that was great. I’m not sure if he realised how huge that moment was.

“It was the same with Marnus under the stick when he got hands on the ball. That was also huge. If you can win those small margin calls, you’re happy.”

Thomas du Toit’s switch needs to be met with patience

Thomas du Toit (L). (Photo by Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images)

To say the promising 22-year-old props first outing as a “specialist” tighthead was difficult feels like an understatement.

He was, at times, hammered in the scrums by the seasoned Lions front-row.

It will certainly raise alarm from some critics, who believe the Durbanites and the national setup (who’ve given the move their blessing) are unnecessarily tinkering with a talented player.

However, Sharks coach Robert du Preez, perhaps rightly, is not going to shuffle his cards on the basis of one iffy showing.

“Thomas needs time,” he said.

“There are going to be obstacles along the way. He’s only going to get better the more he plays in the position.”

Instead, Du Preez lamented the scrum showing in general, despite an improvement once Du Toit was replaced.

“There was no consistency. Once that first scrum was complete, we really battled to get back our composure. It’s always tough to come back when your pack is going backwards.”

Relief more than happiness for the Stormers

Raymond Rhule. (Photo by Carl Fourie/Gallo Images)

The good thing about Robbie Fleck, the Stormers’ coach, not being overly sympathetic to his side’s rustiness in a 28-20 win over the Jaguares is that it suggests high standards.

Early season rustiness is an excuse bandied around too much.

“We really should’ve won that game by the start of the second half already,” he said.

“We had so many chances in that first half and our finishing let us down. Probably only having two pre-season games was also a factor in those errors. It wasn’t only the finishing; it was also the decision-making that killed us.”

Despite lauding his troops for their calmness under pressure in the dying moments, it wasn’t plain sailing during that period either.

“Even late in the game‚ when we he had done so well to defend our line Dewaldt Duvenage kicked the ball straight back to them instead of keeping it in hand,” said Fleck.

“We left a lot of points out there‚ but in the final assessment we showed great character to hang on in the end.”

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.