Western Province warn the Lions: ‘We haven’t hit our straps yet’

In an ominous warning to the resurgent Golden Lions, Western Province captain Chris van Zyl has said that his team have yet to hit their straps in the Currie Cup.

Ahead of their semifinal at Newlands on Saturday, the hosts boast the highest tackle percentage at 88.8%, and have been boosted by a 31-20 win over the Sharks.

Also read: Talking points from the past weekend’s Currie Cup action

The Lions, though, dominated the ball-carrying and tackle statistics in the final pool round.

Dynamic Province loose forward Nizaam Carr leads the statistics with the most successful tackles and most tackle involvements, while lock JD Schickerling is on top in the dominant tackle category.

“We have felt the entire campaign we haven’t really hit our real potential,” said Van Zyl.

When the teams met at Newlands earlier, Province won 39-3 but two weeks ago the Lions turned the tables by winning 29- 20 at Ellis Park.

“You always expect the Lions to be good in the tight facets and they will run hard with their loose forwards,” said Van Zyl.

“But we are ready for them.”

Lions flyhalf Jaco van der Walt has been the most successful goalkicker among the top four sides with an 88.6% success rate and a 100% kicking record against the Cheetahs last weekend.