Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye had a cracking game against the Stormers. Photo: BackpagePix
After dispatching the Stormers, the Lions will face South Africa's second-most successful United Rugby Championship side, the Bulls, on Saturday in Pretoria.
For several players on the Jozi side, being called up to the Springboks' first alignment camp ahead of this past weekend boosted their confidence and it showed on the field in their play.
Independent Newspapers looks at five players who can state their case further at Loftus Versfeld.
How he joined the Lions' backline on the attack, creating that extra player with which they circumvented the defence of the Stormers was excellent. Horn has the perfect running lines and his understanding with his fellow backs allows him to come into the line almost effortlessly when they are running the ball.
The massive left boot of the fullback also ensured they could exit from the back when they were under pressure. Another all-round performance against the Bulls will only be good for the young Bok.
‘Weapon X’ as he is known for his ability to spark the Lions’ attack whether it’s running around or over his would-be tacklers. He was a thorn in the flesh of the Cape outfit and one of the standouts in a first-half period the Lions shined on the attack.
He also made a couple of critical defensive interventions as well, emphasising that he is not just a one-trick pony, but that his all-round skills should still take him far. This weekend his job won’t change. Another all-round performance can put him further on the right track ahead of the alignment camp and international season.
He played like a carbon copy of Faf de Klerk when the double World Cup winner was in his prime at the Lions. His ability to sum up the situation behind the ruck and scrum and deciding which way to attack, was impressive.
Van den Berg also popped up at the right time on the attack and sparked his side to some brilliant line-breaks when needed. Equally, his kicks out of hand provided the needed relief when it looked like the Stormers were fighting back. His decision-making and play variation on the attack this weekend will be key for his side.
The captain led by example, not just with his decision-making at crucial stages in the game, but with his overall play on attack and defence. Those hard hits on the Stormers’ ball carriers, especially in the first half, were crucial.
Opting to keep the scoreboard ticking with penalties, instead of going for line-outs, also proved decisive at the end of the game. The same calm leadership will be vital if they want to continue this winning momentum. His leadership will be important in guiding the team through a tricky Jukskei derby.
His scrummaging was outstanding against the senior front-row of the Stormers and helped nullify that weapon of the Cape side. Things will get tougher this weekend, though, with a rampant Bulls scrum waiting on him.
Ntlabakanye will have to contend with two Springbok loosehead props and it will provide him with the chance to show that his inclusion camp is not by luck. His defensive workrate and ball carries will be important to generate front foot possession for the Lions when they are attacking the Bulls.
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