Xerox Lions Face Top Dogs

A totally different, but equally important challenge awaits the Xerox Lions in the Absa Currie Cup this weekend as they travel to Durban to take on the high-riding Sharks in their penultimate match of the pool stages.

Last week’s massive 88-15 victory over Boland showed just how devastating they can be on attack, but they know that against The Sharks, the defences might not be quite so accommodating while the opposition attack will show a lot more bite, especially with the inclusion of a number of their returning Springboks.

Two weeks are left to get enough log points to get into the semis, and currently on 32, the Xerox Lions know that their work is cut out for them.  The Sharks have home ground advantage not only in this game, but also to fight for with the semifinals looming large, and the pressure on them is going to be just as intense as for the visitors.

Coach Hans Coetzee has made four changes to last week’s starting lineup with Earl Rose back for Alwyn Hollenbach at fullback while Michael Killian makes a return to action, taking over from Dusty Noble on the wing.

Jannie Boshoff and Doppies la Grange continue their impressive centre partnership while Herkie Kruger and Chris Jonck remain the halfback pairing.

Willem Alberts, Derick Minnie and Cobus Grobbelaar present a highly effective loose trio, strong on the ground and renowned for their ball-carrying ability, especially the eighthman who will be looking to give his side impetus on attack.  Captain Cobus Grobbelaar is once more expected to give a follow-my-lead performance in urging his team-mates to great heights.

In the second row, Franco van der Merwe will have a new lock partner in Nico Luus with Willem Stoltz picked on the bench while Kevin Buys is the only other change in the pack, the tight head prop replacing Gert Muller in the front row.