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Super 14
Preview
Preview: Waratahs v Lions
Wednesday, March 10
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The NSW Waratahs will look to motivate their home crowd and reverse the dwindling match-attendance trend by playing more entertaining rugby. Having resorted to conservative ‘safe’ rugby against the Sharks, to the anger and disgust of the local faithful at the Sydney Football Stadium grandstands, the men-in-blue are expected to not only win this next game against the Lions from South Africa but satisfy the entertainment-appetite demanded by the fans.
The Lions are not exactly the biggest Super 14 drawcard, but after showing a promising display against the Brumbies last weekend, they will look to take it to NSW, and will look to improve on their recent performances, after having a solid preparation settling in on Australia’s east coast. Director of Rugby Dick Muir spoke to SARugby.com exclusively:
“We’ve had two new guys come in to our team, (preparations) have gone smoothly and it has been a good week for us.”. Muir emphasised in his conversation with us that the Lions are not in desperation for a win but an improvement. “We are looking for a constant improvement, not a desperation for a win but an improvement. Last weekend (against the Brumbies) we left an opportunity gone begging, so as long as we can keep improving. “
The Waratahs on the other hand, who experienced their crowd turn on them for their heavy inclination to keep the ball in the air rather than hand, spoke directly to their supporter base in asking them to be patient, as they build on their confidence in playing more entertaining rugby.
“We know they are a very dangerous side, against the Bulls, and can be pretty clinical. We just have to have our wits about it.”
New South Wales have been boosted by the news that Berrick Barnes will be sticking with them after signing a two-year deal, resisting the temptation to head south to Melbourne Rebels for the 2011 competition, and have announced an unchanged lineup, from their victory over the Sharks last weekend.
The 'Tahs have picked an unchanged team from the one which defeated the Lions while Dick Muir has brought back a number of his big players - including Carlos Spencer and Jano Vermaak - for the trip to Sydney.
Expect the Lions to keep things close again this week against a Waratahs side that is sure to try to do what the Stormers and Brumbies failed to and run in four tries against this committed Lions outfit.
Key Battle: Phil Waugh v Cobus Grobbelaar
Both committed captains and gutsy battlers for the loose-ball. They'll come head to head at ruck and maul time and in a battle to lead their team to victory. Keep an eye on this one.
Prediction: The Waratahs should win this one as the Lions haven't really looked like taking a game by the scruff of the neck this season. Waratahs by 14.
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In the end, I think the Waratahs will still have too much, but don't bet against 2 bonus points for The Lions.
I am not sure but I think this was Kitch Christie's approach....take one good step at a time and the result will come..do not look away or get worried by results just keep playing well...the wins will come.
I will not be surprised if the Lions turn this one around.