Lions out to spoil the party
Wed, 14 May 2008 10:37
Eugene Eloff has named an unchanged line-up for his Lions team's final Super 14 pool match of the 2008 season at Ellis Park on Saturday against the Stormers.
The Stormers, currently in fourth place with the same number of log points as the fifth-placed Sharks (37) but with a better points differential, are not guaranteed of a top-four finish, and going into the final weekend, the permutations are boundless, according to the official Lions website.
Six of the top sides all have a mathematical chance of reaching the semis, and just like two years ago when the Sharks had a semifinal place sewn up going into the final game, the Bulls pipped them at the post by beating the Stormers by the exact number of points needed to overhaul the Sharks.
While the Sharks and Stormers are both in contention to make the semis - for the second year running two South African sides could contest the play-offs - the Auto & General Super 14 Lions are
not about to do anyone any favours. They may have done so last weekend when they beat the Chiefs, as alluded to by Eloff earlier this week, but they will look to end the season on a high.
"We did the Sharks and the Stormers a huge favour, but Saturday coming it's pride and passion that will prevail," said coach Eloff.
"We hope and plan to continue our form this weekend and end the Super 14 off on a high note."
The Chiefs have physically imposing and game-breaking players all over the park, and the Auto & General Super 14 Lions did exceptionally well to overcome them last weekend.
In fact, were it not for the two consolation tries late in the game when the result was already a foregone conclusion, the scoreline would have embarrassed the visitors who were riding high.
For the home side, it will be about making good on their potential, enjoying continuity and momentum and finishing on top to take a good deal of confidence into the Currie Cup.
Pride most certainly is at stake in this derby.
Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Louis Ludik, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Ryno Benjamin, 10 Jaco van Schalkwyk, 9 Chris Jonck, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Joe van Niekerk, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Gerhard Mostert, 4 Dewald Senekal, 3 JC Janse van Rensburg, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Ross Geldenhuys, 18 Franco van der Merwe, 19 Wilhelm Koch, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Jannie Boshoff, 22 Dusty Noble.
Date: Saturday, May 17
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Touch judges: Mark Lawrence (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
