Lions coach Van Rooyen heaps praise on match-winner Sanele Nohamba
Scrumhalf makes the difference on the day with 24 points as Joburgers notch up their first win in Pretoria since 2017
05 March 2023 - 22:12
by Mahlatse Mphahlele
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Lions scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba in action during the United Rugby Championship (URC) match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on March 4 in Pretoria. Picture: GALLO IMAGES/ANTON GEYSER
Though he gave credit to the entire team for their 29-25 United Rugby Championship (URC) win over the Bulls on Saturday at Loftus, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen made special mention of Sanele Nohamba.
The scrumhalf was the difference on the day with a solid return of 24 points from a try, five penalties and two conversions as the Lions registered their first win in Pretoria since 2017.
The result meant the Lions refreshed their faint hopes of qualifying for the play-offs.
“Players like that, you need them when you have your backs against the wall to show special moments and I thought Sanele was special today [Saturday] in that sense.
“You have to play to be consistent and to up your game. I don’t think anyone ever doubted his ability given that whether he is coming from the bench or starting, everyone can see the consistency in his performances.
“There are things to work on and he is well aware of that. We are putting a lot of emphasis on playmakers to make decisions.
“His point of difference is that his decision-making has been good.”
Van Rooyen said the win is a huge result for the battling Lions and may prove a turning point in their season.
“I think our last win here [at Loftus] was in 2017, so it is a big moment for us. I am immensely proud of the work rate and fight.
“Where we have grown the most over the past two weeks is with regards to intensity and intent in training. I am just happy for the guys to display it on the field.”
With the Currie Cup fast approaching, Van Rooyen said the Gauteng side will give opportunities to players who did not get enough minutes in the URC.
“Some of the guys will play against Western Province, some of the others will play the weekend after against the Pumas [both in the Currie Cup] and then we fly to Benetton [in the URC]. For these two weeks, the guys who are short on game time in positions where we feel we have don’t enough depth should get a crack.
“It is good for everyone to play someone like Ruan Smith who played himself back into the team through Currie Cup games [last season], and it is a lot better to play than just to train without games.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Lions coach Van Rooyen heaps praise on match-winner Sanele Nohamba
Scrumhalf makes the difference on the day with 24 points as Joburgers notch up their first win in Pretoria since 2017
Though he gave credit to the entire team for their 29-25 United Rugby Championship (URC) win over the Bulls on Saturday at Loftus, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen made special mention of Sanele Nohamba.
The scrumhalf was the difference on the day with a solid return of 24 points from a try, five penalties and two conversions as the Lions registered their first win in Pretoria since 2017.
The result meant the Lions refreshed their faint hopes of qualifying for the play-offs.
“Players like that, you need them when you have your backs against the wall to show special moments and I thought Sanele was special today [Saturday] in that sense.
“You have to play to be consistent and to up your game. I don’t think anyone ever doubted his ability given that whether he is coming from the bench or starting, everyone can see the consistency in his performances.
“There are things to work on and he is well aware of that. We are putting a lot of emphasis on playmakers to make decisions.
“His point of difference is that his decision-making has been good.”
Van Rooyen said the win is a huge result for the battling Lions and may prove a turning point in their season.
“I think our last win here [at Loftus] was in 2017, so it is a big moment for us. I am immensely proud of the work rate and fight.
“Where we have grown the most over the past two weeks is with regards to intensity and intent in training. I am just happy for the guys to display it on the field.”
With the Currie Cup fast approaching, Van Rooyen said the Gauteng side will give opportunities to players who did not get enough minutes in the URC.
“Some of the guys will play against Western Province, some of the others will play the weekend after against the Pumas [both in the Currie Cup] and then we fly to Benetton [in the URC]. For these two weeks, the guys who are short on game time in positions where we feel we have don’t enough depth should get a crack.
“It is good for everyone to play someone like Ruan Smith who played himself back into the team through Currie Cup games [last season], and it is a lot better to play than just to train without games.”
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