WINNING START
How Coetzee’s pride in Lions factor paid off
Lions’ Super Rugby style and form combines with fresh pragmatism to drive Springbok's Test-match rugby
The show of faith Springbok coach Allister Coetzee displayed in the Lions players was amazing and they more than repaid him with their performances. Some of them — Malcolm Marx, Ross Cronjé and Courtnall Skosan — had big shoes to fill and they did so with aplomb. There also was Warren Whiteley’s astute leadership and more importantly, the willingness to play and knowing where and when to play. There were stamps of Lions’ Super Rugby style and form tied with the pragmatism needed to thrive in Test-match rugby. Saturday’s second Test at King’s Park will be a different beast with the French set to call up their Toulon and Clermont contingent who missed Saturday’s 37-14 defeat at Loftus Versfeld because of the Top 14 final last week. Whiteley has had a big week with his wife giving birth to their second child, Samuel, and the Springboks breaking an eight-month losing streak.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.