Im seriously impressed with the Lions.
THey may not have scored any tries, but they looked threatning.
I think in weeks to come, they'll shock a few opposing teams.
In seasons gone bye, their defence has been suspect, but not today.
Young Elton was also immense in every aspect.
I really hope they can carry their form through from the CC.
Am I the only person that thinks Derrek Minnie is highly underrated? Flip he is tough! Also awesome on the ground!
Well done Lions!
Honestly I have to disagree. The Cheetahs did far more of the playing. For me the Lions offered very little apart from Jantjies boot....and even there, he got the MOM because the Lions won, the Cheetahs lad looked far more explosive. And his boot rivals Fransie's.
My guess is the Lions win very few on the road.
@moz
I hear your points, but remember...
"a sign of a good team is one that wins even when they dont perform well"
Sure thing Flash. But I have to say, I think there is a bit of hype around the Lions and many of their players. There are several Lions who wont disgrace a Bok team including Taute, Jantjies, Minnie, Doppies and Franco. But I'm not sure any of these players are better than the incumbents, and I can't see Strauss taking the step up.
I think Mitchell has done well with the talent he has, and many of these guys are playing with guts. Perhaps I should just leave it at that.
Well said Flash.
They played at like 60% yet still won
I have to disagree, I don't think the Lions had another to reach in that game. The media is driving another misperception. This Lions side are exciting, but they are not the team they were under Eloff, particularly amongst the backs. I'm not trying to take anything away from them, just trying to offer a more balanced perspective. I see that Elton has overtaken Lambie as the next best thing. I don't see him making it at test level, and still a lot to prove at Super level.
It's too early in the comp. to get carried away with the Lions. Sure they're a much more cohesive and a better outfit these days and we're all happy for that, Mitchell has instilled self belief and it shows but I'll hedge my bets on the their road trip and even when they play some of the better foreign franchises on home soil. Jantjies, contrary to media hype is no test flyhalf......not yet anyway.....healthy though for an ordinary Lions backline. The persistent physicallity of SAFFA franchises will take it's toll both physically and mentally sooner rather than later. Fact is we have to play smarter, possession has to be utilised, play cannot be driven by anxiety and hope, play instead has to be motivated by changing the point of attack, by creating looping runs and by keeping the ball alive. There's a sameness about our franchises and until the mould is broken it's same old same old....as fans we can only hope that one day the penny will drop.
