The Lions' kicking game will come firmly to the fore in their URC clash against Ulster, according to kicking consultant Morné Steyn.
Former Springbok general and Lions kicking consultant Morné Steyn is happy with the team’s kicking game currently and believes it will be key in their efforts to get one over in-form Ulster in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
After three tour losses to start the season, the Lions finally got up and running with a home win over Scarlets last weekend and are now aiming to upset an unbeaten Ulster side that defeated a Springbok-laden Sharks team in Durban in their last outing.
Steyn explained that the Lions’ contestable kicking game, and the efforts of his former Bulls teammate and current Lions No 10 Chris Smith, will be integral in their attempt to gain the upper hand over the Irish side.
“At the moment our kicking game is working well for us. Chris Smith has slotted in nicely at flyhalf. I played with him at the Bulls, so I know what he brings. He’s calm, takes control of the game, and runs it nicely,” said Steyn.
“Then you have great wingers contesting in the air and winning the ball back. Hopefully, we can take the same game into this weekend and maybe get the same result.”
Ulster threat
However, Steyn is well aware of the threat of Ulster, who have secured a full house of 15 points from the three games they have played (one postponed due to poor weather), with bonus point wins over Dragons, the Bulls and Sharks.
“Ulster are a quality side, like all the Irish teams. They’ve got great forwards and exciting backs. From nine to 15, almost all of them can kick, and that’s quite something,” admitted Steyn.
“It’s also going to be a physical battle, but luckily we are playing here in Joburg. Hopefully we can tire them out a bit, run them around, and get points on the board.”
The Lions have suffered two blows to their side ahead of the contest, with Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg to sit out again, nursing a hurt groin picked up early in their loss against Benetton a few weeks ago, while it has been confirmed that loose forward JC Pretorius will be out for an extended spell.
“Krappie (van den Berg) is actually almost ready to play, but we don’t want to force him. Next week we have a week off, so that will give him two weeks to recover quite nicely. He’s in the Bok squad as well, so you don’t want to risk something and get him out of the tour,” explained Steyn.
“JC, unfortunately, it sounds like he’s out for four months with a knee issue. That’s not good for us as a team and for JC. He’s one of our top players, so we’re really going to miss him.”
