Lions’ cubs get to show if they can lead the pride
Morgan Bolton
The Lions will require every ounce of the profundity they have developed in the past few years, if they are to claim some silverware for the first time in nearly a decade.
On the weight of it, the Sharks are stacked with big-name players. They also have exceptionally good rugby players.
Asenathi vs Trevor… the battle is on! 💥 Who are you backing this Saturday at Emirates Airline Park?
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) September 16, 2024
📹: @SSRugby
#LIOvSHA #CarlingCurrieCup #LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/RIV4J2P9em
The Lions, too, have exceptionally good rugby players, but arguably don’t have the international experience and veteran status that the Sharks enjoy and can call on for the big moments.
Instead, the Joburgers have put their faith in their youth structures, developing young players over the past few seasons to finally reach this point.
It has been an arduous journey, but it could finally pay off on Saturday in the Currie Cup final (kick-off 4pm), if they manage to lift the championship for a 12th time. Moreover, doing so will be another step in their peregrination towards consistency and regular title contention across all competitions, including the United Rugby Championship (URC).
After beating the Free State Cheetahs 43-34 in the semi-final this past weekend, coach Mziwakhe Nkosi gave some insight into the road the union has taken, which they hope will make them competitive this weekend and beyond.
Said Nkosi: “We have created a situation with 35 players – a large part of them are young – that have gained experience from a first-class point of view.
“Renzo du Plessis played in the Currie Cup last year and now against this year. Between him and JC Pretorius, it is really tight …
“The URC coaches have a group of players to pick from … We have built a bit of competition and a healthier depth in a lot of positions.
“That is going to leave us in good stead in the URC and EPCR and with the amount of games and game turnover, especially with one or two injuries.”
This past weekend, no less than 12 of the Sharks who played in the 40-40 draw against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld won the EPCR Challenge Cup final at the end of last season. By comparison, the Lions had several players contesting their first play-off game at senior level.
Nkosi, however, believes that their youth development will aid them in this regard.
“A large part of this group have played knockout (rugby),” he said.
“Nico Steyn, (Jarod) Cairns, Du Plessis, Morne Brandon and Kelly Mpeku – there are about 12 guys that have played a play-off game every year, albeit in the juniors.
“That they are doing it at first-class level is healthy. The game doesn’t change, it just gets a bit quicker.”
The Lions will also have the advantage of Ellis Park, and will hope that the energy-sapping clash against the Bulls over 100 minutes will count against the Sharks on Saturday.