Former Springbok centre Jaque Fourie has slammed the Lions’ defensive performances and questioned whether the players have had the heart and commitment over the past couple of weeks.

The Lions slumped to a 34-10 loss in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby against the Vodacom Bulls in Johannesburg. This result came after a 47-37 loss to the Sharks, also at Ellis Park.

In total, the Lions have conceded 10 tries in the last two games, a far cry from how they ended 2021 with a dogged defensive display earning them a win over the Stormers in Cape Town.

Lions vice-captain Jaco Kriel recently lambasted his teammates for the lack of commitment on defence.

Now, Fourie, who serves as Lions defence coach, echoed Kriel’s thoughts, explaining that he can only do so much as a coach and it is up to the players to execute.

“In the last two games our defence was terrible. I’m not going to beat about the bush about that. There’s certain stuff we have to work on,” said Fourie, who during his 72-Test career was renown for being a fearless tackler and defensive leader.

“Unfortunately, if you don’t have heart and attitude, you can only take a horse so far. You can take him to the water but you can’t force him to drink. It’s about getting these guys to play for each other every game. It’s about the respect for the player inside and outside of you.

“Knowing he’s going to do his job just like you are doing yours. It’s a team sport.”

Fourie added that there are small tweaks he could make to the defensive system, but ultimately his philosophy is based on each and every player being committed.

“If you’re willing to work for the guy next to you, he’ll do the same for you,” he said.

“I’ve always told people that defence isn’t rocket science. If a guy is in front of you, you either have to stop him or he’s going to run all over you. There are things you can coach and there are things we’ve been tweaking, but you can’t coach heart.”

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