Lions targeting late charge for Currie Cup playoffs

After a middling season in the Currie Cup so far the Lions made a big statement when they beat the table topping Cheetahs in their match in Bloemfontein over the weekend.

Heading into the match the Lions were sixth on the log and had won just three of their nine matches in the competition so far, and the high flying hosts were expected to claim another win over their rivals.

Finding their groove

However, after naming a team featuring a large number of United Rugby Championship (URC) regulars, the Lions found their groove to put in a top showing to upset the favourites and make a move up the table as they climbed to fifth place, three points behind Western Province in fourth.

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The Lions are now well placed for a late season charge for a playoff spot with four rounds left in the competition, starting with a huge encounter against the Bulls at Ellis Park this weekend.

“I said to the team last Monday that there are six points in it between third and sixth or whatever the case is, so there is very little in it. It is still a tight competition, and the next four rounds are going to be a humdinger,” explained Lions Currie Cup coach Mziwakhe Nkosi.

“We know that one swallow doesn’t make a summer. Our (goal) is to try and be a whole lot more consistent (in the competition). It will be a massive challenge against the Bulls, so we must replicate this (Cheetahs performance),” Nkosi added.

“This was a big win in the bigger scheme of things. There will be motivation this week with the Jukskei derby and by the looks of things, they (the Bulls) are going gung ho for the Currie Cup.”

Sanele Nohamba at flyhalf

In the Cheetahs match an interesting selection saw in-form scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba picked at flyhalf, and though he made a couple of errors, he put in a typically action packed showing to impress, while enjoying a flawless night with the boot, contributing 18 points through four penalties and three conversions.

“I am fortunate to have come a long way with Sanele. I have coached him since he was 16. He has spent time with Jaden (Hendrikse) being the scrumhalf, and him at 10 in 2020 with the Sharks. Before Covid-19, he was actually at 10 for a long time,” said Nkosi.

“It is not new to him and obviously it takes time getting used to it with time in the saddle. I don’t think it is something we are going to take forward as a franchise.

“Obviously, we are hoping on the return of our two (injured) flyhalves (Gianni Lombard and Jordan Hendrikse).”