The Golden Lions dominate Namibia
To their credit the Namibians never gave up but defensively they were really poor at times leaving gaping holes for the Lions backline to run through.
WHAT a super performance from the Golden Lions in front of 7 500 passionate fans on May 7, at the A Square Forklift Alberton Rugby Club.
The Lions ran in 15 tries to two to triumph 112-14 against Namibia’s national team in what proved to be a complete and utter rugby clinic. The hosts led 49-0 at the break.
The Namibians were as unimpressive and lacklustre as the Lions were good.
The Lions were bolstered by the return of their two Super Rugby wingers, including Springbok Ruan Combrink. Ironically, Ruan, who hails from Alberton, didn’t score as he did not get much ball but he had a real presence on the field along with other players who have Super Rugby experience, like prop Pieter Scholtz.
No one had more presence on the field than lock JP du Preez, who well exceeds two metres in height and took lineout ball at will, but he was also superb in driving the ball up – he reminded me of current Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth – and he was richly deserving of getting his name on the score sheet not once but twice.
His handling and vision were good and he never lost the ball in contact. I predict a really bright future for him if he doesn’t pick up injuries and he gets managed correctly.
The Lions defence and backline coach, Herkie Kruger, indicated before the game that they expected to be pushed to the full, but this never materialised as the class of the young Lions outfit shone through. It is pleasing to see members of Golden Lions management, including Kevin de Klerk, showing not only support for their team but also for Alberton Rugby Club.
To their credit, the Namibians never gave up but defensively they were really poor at times leaving gaping holes for the Lions backline to run through.
The platform was laid by the forwards and they dominated the first phases although the scrums were well contested. The problem for the visitors was that you can’t play rugby without the ball.
The lions pack got a lot of ball and flyhalf Shaun Reynolds must be complimented on a great game. Not only did he score a try and add seven conversions, but his reading of the game was great to watch. He rarely made a tactical error and never kicked the ball away needlessly. He really has come along in leaps and bounds as a player and will surely come into reckoning for a place in the Super Rugby team at some stage.
I really did not see anything that could be conceived as negative and looking forward head coach Wessel Roux was surely a proud man after watching this clinical display.
Even the players that came off the bench made an impact.
This is sure to be a Lions Team that will be a force in this competition and they will need to be watched very carefully by all opposition.
Well done Lions, Alberton is behind you all the way.
* Story and photographs: Wayne Raath.
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