The Lions are making a mockery of the bookmakers’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship predictions as the likes of talented youngsters Henco van Wyk start to come into their own, according to Mark Keohane.
The Lions wrapped up an unbeaten URC tour with a third successive victory, defying long odds to beat Edinburgh on Friday night.
Rank underdogs to win in the Scottish capital against a strong Edinburgh lineup recently returned from South Africa, the Joburgers produced a stirring comeback performance to triumph 22-19 at the DAM Health Stadium.
Unlike the DHL Stormers, Vodacom Bulls and Sharks, the Lions are devoid of big-name signings and seasoned Springboks. And they’re helmed by Ivan van Rooyen, a former strength and conditioning coach whose career achievements pale in comparison to World Cup winner Jake White.
Despite this, Van Rooyen’s young Pride “left for Wales and Scotland as cubs but will return to Johannesburg this weekend very much Lions,” writes Keohane in a column for TimesLIVE .
ICYMI – Plucky Lions pip Edinburgh
“The Lions produced a stirring final quarter in Scotland to beat hosts Edinburgh, and they did it with so many of their youngsters making the loudest roar.
“It made for blissful viewing as these young ones continued to defy pre-match predictions that had them coming second.
“I had them coming second in every one of their three Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches on tour, but each time the Lions found something special in the second half for a South African record of three wins on the road from three starts.”
Keohane also praised how the likes of teenager Ruan Venter, along with former schoolboy prodigy Van Wyk and one-time Bok squad call-up Sanele Nohamba bossed an experienced Edinburgh outfit and will return home having greatly enhanced their reputations.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lions end tour unbeaten
“The 19-year-old Ruan Venter smashed British & Irish Lions flanker Hamish Watson in the tackle and then put Watson on his backside with a punishing run.
“Venter, formerly of Paarl Boys’ High in the Western Cape, played like the rugged international veteran … Nohamba, on tour, started ahead of Morne van den Berg and justified the selection each time.
“The Lions, pre the start of the 2022-23 season, were considered the weakest of the South African league quartet, but their evolution in Wales and Scotland would have many reconsidering this view, especially with fearless youngsters Van Wyk and Venter tearing it up.”
Photo: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
