Flank battle between JC Pretorius and Jarrod Taylor key to Lions’ URC clash with Scarlets

The battle between dynamic Lions flanker JC Pretorius and Scarlets counterpart Jarrod Taylor could be decisive in determining which team walks away with their first win of the United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon (1.45pm kickoff).

Pretorius was one of the few standout players on his return from injury in last weekend’s demolition by Benetton in Treviso. The powerful, hard-working ball carrier with explosive pace off the line, who is also strong over the ball at the breakdown, could once again be key to unlocking a Scarlets defence that has struggled this season.

He’s often the first man to the ruck and could secure clean ball for flyhalf Chris Smith and scrumhalf Nico Steyn, or win turnovers. The more disciplined Taylor, who excels at slowing opposition ball and shutting down wide attacks, will likely be tasked with containing Pretorius around the fringes.

If he can slow down the Lions’ ruck speed, especially early on, it could frustrate their rhythm and lead to a rise in the error count that has become an unfortunate feature of recent Lions play.

Winning a few key jackals or penalties at the breakdown could shift momentum towards the Scarlets and give the Welsh side some much-needed attacking platforms. If the taller Taylor is used as a jumper, he could give Lions’ locks Etienne Oosthuizen and Darrien Landsberg a hard time.

If Pretorius dominates their matchup, the Lions can expect faster ball, broken-play opportunities, and momentum to build quickly – likely leading to territory and points, especially if he disrupts Scarlets’ exit plays. This flanker duel could determine whether the Lions can play the free-flowing rugby they prefer or are dragged into a grinding contest that could favour the visitors.

Smith has been adept at pulling strings at flyhalf for the Lions, and also thrives on Steyn’s speedier tempo.

With Springbok No 9 Morne van den Berg's return to the Lions squad short-lived, the promising Lions halfback pairing will get the chance to continue their budding partnership in Saturday’s first home game of the URC season. Van den Berg started last weekend’s loss against Benetton, with Steyn coming off the bench to replace him after he picked up an early hamstring strain.

While Van den Berg boasts undoubted quality, veteran Smith seems to enjoy more freedom to dictate play with Steyn next to him, and Lions fans should be excited by the prospect of them making more magic at home. Eduan Keyter also returns on the right wing for Ivan van Rooyen’s side after missing out on last week’s game in Treviso due to illness.

Lock Reinhard Nothnagel makes a timely return after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury, with Ruan Delport currently crocked.

The Joburgers boast a power-packed front row, with juggernaut prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye able to punch holes in the tightest defences should he build up a head of steam. He also adds stability to the scrum.

Utility back Lubabalo Dobela provides flyhalf cover for Smith and variety on the bench alongside young winger Kelly Mpeku and back-up scrumhalf Layton Horn, while Manuel Rass drops out of the matchday 23 altogether. Another notable absentee is Junior Bok scrumhalf star Haashim Pead, despite rarely putting a foot wrong in a couple of cameo appearances.

The Lions are still searching for their first win of the campaign but should be confident of securing victory at home against the only team below them on the URC log. Anything less and the pressure on Van Rooyen’s shoulders will continue to mount.