SF - Lions v Highlanders
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Johan Ackermann's done an outstanding job with the Lions. They finished 15th out of 15 team under John Mitchell in 2012 and weren't even in the competition in 2013. 40-1 at the start of this year's tournament, not many big names in their squad yet they are in the final.
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Superb rugby the last two weeks by the Lions. Deserved finalists on this viewing.
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<p>deserved win for the Lions, gota bit of the rub of the green from Peyper and used it well, but wouldn't have needed it. Highlanders had too many bad performers out there (looking at you, E Dixon & Faddes & the scrum in the 1st half). Replacements shored up the scrum, but the problem was really how easily Mapoe and Jantjies broke the line in midfield.</p>
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<p>A Smith was out of puff from 70 minutes on, Faf played better.</p>
<p>Naholo was very good.</p>
<p>Luke Whitelock best starting loosie for the Landers, Squire was good also.</p>
<p>A Dixon much better than his namesake Elliott.</p>
<p>Ben Smith & Sopoaga were good without being great.</p>
<p>Pleasants-Tate was good, as was Squire.</p>
<p>With Marty Banks it seemed like the Lions expected him to not even try to break the line, so they just let him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bbarcs" data-cid="601758" data-time="1469889807"><p>
When do finals tickets go on sale?</p></blockquote>Monday I reckon. CF Snr has a ticket spare but I have to be at work on the Sunday morning. I'm not sure I can resist the lure of seeing us finally lifting the crown but I was there last season and it was hard to see us fall. If we lose to the Lions it will be more gutting -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="sparky" data-cid="601750" data-time="1469889428"><p>How many of the Lions players have played more than half a dozen tests for the Springboks?</p></blockquote>only 2 have been fringe Boks last year (Jantjes and Whiteley). None of these players went to World Cup. Only in June tests that some of them got starting games (Kriel, De Klerk, Mapoe, Combrink, Redelinghuys) due to performance with Lions. Future Boks are hooker Marx and centre Janse van Rensburg. 9 of these players are Bok material, but starting out.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="canefan" data-cid="601766" data-time="1469890145">
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<p>Monday I reckon. CF Snr has a ticket spare but I have to be at work on the Sunday morning. I'm not sure I can resist the lure of seeing us finally lifting the crown but I was there last season and it was hard to see us fall. If we lose to the Lions it will be more gutting</p>
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<p>Positive thinking Canefan! Was impressed with last weeks donut in Canes v Sharks.</p>
<p>Lets see how the Lions like the travelling to a wet n' windy capital.special</p>
<p>Time to give them a proper Welly welcome!</p>
<p>Onwards and upwards Canes!!</p> -
<p>Lions are really fucking good. Not exactly a racially transformed team but their game has the potential to transform the Boks if some of that talent is managed correctly. Obviously I'm pushing a tenuous link between Super form and test match rugby but the raw material is there.</p>
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<p>I'd watch the Lions any time. That early second half try where Jantjes broke from deep and put Skosan in was pure magic.</p>
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<p>Hard to know whether the Landers or Chiefs played worse in their semi. Landers put in two terrible shifts in the finals. </p> -
This post is deleted!
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="canefan" data-cid="601766" data-time="1469890145">
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<p>Monday I reckon. CF Snr has a ticket spare but I have to be at work on the Sunday morning. I'm not sure I can resist the lure of seeing us finally lifting the crown but I was there last season and it was hard to see us fall. If we lose to the Lions it will be more gutting</p>
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<p>It will be Tuesday lunchtime again, I suppose. Have to give time for tickets to be snapped up by members and clubs.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Provincial Stalwart" data-cid="601778" data-time="1469903379"><p>Lions are really fucking good. Not exactly a racially transformed team but their game has the potential to transform the Boks if some of that talent is managed correctly. Obviously I'm pushing a tenuous link between Super form and test match rugby but the raw material is there.<br>
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I'd watch the Lions any time. That early second half try where Jantjes broke from deep and put Skosan in was pure magic.<br>
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Hard to know whether the Landers or Chiefs played worse in their semi. Landers put in two terrible shifts in the finals.<br></p></blockquote>
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Think I saw something saying they are the least transformed? -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="hydro11" data-cid="601783" data-time="1469908243">
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<p>From watching those highlights, the Highlanders just fell off a lot of tackles. They just seemed a bit tired. Dropping the ball over the line and giving away an intercept never helps.</p>
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<p>They looked fatigued. One long flight too many I think - just basic handling errors, slippin tackles and mis-reading. At that level you don't have to be far off your best to get smashed.</p>
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<p>Backed up my call - tip against the people with major travel!</p> -
<p>The travel schedule was too hard for the Highlanders and it was easy to see it right from the start. Moreover, I think Lentjes' selection over Christie was a mistake. He slipped too many tackles and was not physical enough for this level. However, congrats to the Lions who played great rugby. Their attitude is really positive compared to those of the other SA provinces. Jaco Kriel is a monster and if Van Rensburg plays for the Springboks, I hope he will have to face George Moala. He just ran over Crotty and Fekitoa.</p>
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Caught a replay while entertaining my boy so only had half an eye on the game, but Lions very much deserved winners. They scored some fantastic tries, they are a very enjoyable team to watch.<br><br>
Jantjies was fricken outstanding, the most naturally attacking 10 I can remember from SA, would expect him to be starting for the Boks in the RC if they know what is good for them. I'm a big fan.<br><br>
Bring on the final. If this game was being played in SA then I'd be picking the Lions. But going all the way to NZ to play a Canes team that is simply on fire is a huge ask.<br><br>
Two best teams are in the final and if they both play to their potential we are going to have an absolutely cracking game. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="No Quarter" data-cid="601807" data-time="1469917867"><p>Caught a replay while entertaining my boy so only had half an eye on the game, but Lions very much deserved winners. They scored some fantastic tries, they are a very enjoyable team to watch.<br>
Jantjies was fricken outstanding, the most naturally attacking 10 I can remember from SA, would expect him to be starting for the Boks in the RC if they know what is good for them. I'm a big fan.<br>
Bring on the final. If this game was being played in SA then I'd be picking the Lions. But going all the way to NZ to play a Canes team that is simply on fire is a huge ask.<br>
Two best teams are in the final and if they both play to their potential we are going to have an absolutely cracking game.</p></blockquote>If one team plays to potential I'll be happy
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While a loss isnt so surprising and disappointing , to be so comprehensively outplayed was,<br><br>Still not convinced Dixon is a test level loosie , has had a lot of good press from the media the last 12 months ,just not convinced the onfield stuff actually matches the hype,<br><br>I would be selecting Luatua ahead of him personally
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="601822" data-time="1469924010">
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<p>While a loss isnt so surprising and disappointing , to be so comprehensively outplayed was,<br><br>
Still not convinced Dixon is a test level loosie , has had a lot of good press from the media the last 12 months ,just not convinced the onfield stuff actually matches the hype,<br><br>
I would be selecting Luatua ahead of him personally</p>
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<p>Yeah, to me it seems like him, Squire and Luatua are fighting for two spots. I'd say that Luatua had already done enough to get in, and I wondered if Squite might go. After that game, probably Elliot is first on the block - he hasn't been playing very well since coming back from the ABs.</p>
