Looking ahead to the Sharks vs Lions clash

On Wednesday evening, the British & Irish will take the field to honour a fixture they last partook in just over 12 years ago – against the Sharks. 

Due complications related to Covid-19, the game will take place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg instead of Kings Park in Durban.  

In 2009, the Sharks featured as the Lions’ fourth fixture on tour and it was a difficult evening for the home side. 

Referee Jonathan Kaplan blew the final whistle while the scoreboard showed 39-3 in favour of the visitors. 

It was not an attractive affair and discipline from both sides was poor – Kaplan awarded a total of 30 penalties during the match. 

The stand-out performer in the red jersey was scrumhalf Mike Phillips, who cemented his place in the test team with a master display while having to contend with the fiery and antagonistic Rory Kockott.  

The Sharks will once again have their hands full on Wednesday evening as Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland has named a decidedly robust outfit to take the pitch. 

There has been much talk about the Lions back-row particularly – 2009 Lion, Andy Powell, said it could be a combination for the upcoming test matches against the Springboks – which consists of Josh Navidi, Tom Curry and Sam Simmonds. 

“There’s a huge amount of competition in the back row,” Gatland said. This was probably said with the brilliant performance of Hamish Watson last weekend in mind. 

“I spoke to them all last (Sunday) night and said ‘look, you’ve got a license from me to go and get your hands on the ball and express yourselves’. 

“I said ‘you’re probably not renowned as line-out experts but as ever you’ve got to play to your strengths’. 

“They’re very strong defenders and they’re exciting ball carriers and they’ve all got footwork. 

“We don’t want to pigeonhole them. We want to give players the opportunity to play to their strengths and for some that’s getting their hands on the ball and using that ability. 

“It’s pretty exciting and I’m really looking forward to how they’re going as a trio.” 

Meanwhile, Sharks boss Sean Everitt hopes his troops will soak up as much knowledge as possible from this rare encounter. 

“We have only played two games in the Carling Currie Cup, but our group has been together for some time and they’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said. 

“The chief goal is that we go into this game well-prepared and for the players to understand what’s coming their way. Not many of our players in the [Currie Cup] squad have international experience and that includes Super Rugby, so yes, this is a big challenge. 

“We have to get the fundementals right otherwise we will be punished on the day.”