Bruising battles await as Lions and Sharks collide at Ellis Park with URC SA Shield at stake

There will be some bruising battles and exciting runners on display when the Lions and Sharks restart the United Rugby Championship on Saturday in Johannesburg.

While the visitors will rock up to Ellis Park (2pm kick-off) with a weakened squad, missing a host of their Springboks due to resting protocols, the home team won’t be bothered. They know the task that lies ahead and will look for a momentum-boosting victory.

We look at five positional battles that could shape the game.

The war at the scrum

Lions stalwart Asenathi Ntlabakanye will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing youngster Phatu Ganyane, although he probably would’ve fancied a bite at Ox Nché. However, Ganyane is no lightweight, despite his youth, and has shown that he can step up when veteran Nché is not around.

Both are strong ball-carrying props, but it will be their scrummaging that could dictate the flow up front. Whichever team gets the upper hand will put itself in a commanding position.

The bruisers

It’s Springbok vs Springbok in this duel that could provide some sparks in the ball-carrying front. Vincent Tshituka and Ruan Vetner will be eager to flatten every defender in front of them when they have the ball in hand. However, their defensive work, especially around the fringes, will be crucial.

Tshituka is also an excellent lineout option, and Venter will have his hands full containing the Sharks’ captain on Saturday.

A point to prove behind the pack

Another Bok battle, but this one will have some extra spice. Morné van den Berg and Jaden Hendrikse are both battling for the Springboks No 9 jersey behind Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams. So, this SA derby presents both with the opportunity to put another tick behind their name with the international season ahead.

Hendrikse found his form again and is playing some of his best rugby for the Durbanites, while Van den Berg has been marshalling the Lions expertly.

The boot vs the baller

They are two vastly different flyhalves, and whoever gets the front foot ball possession from the forwards will be able to set the tone for the game. The Lions’ Chris Smith plays an excellent territorial game with his accurate kicking. That will be needed at altitude; however, he can also eye a gap with the ball in hand.

Masuku is an instinct player and thrives on the attack when his pack is going forward. He can get the Sharks running should they get quality ball at the back.

Marshalling the backfield

Aphelele Fassi’s security under the high ball in the No 15 jersey is a massive asset for the visitors. He covers the backfield excellently, and his left boot is an extra weapon, especially when he kicks 50-22m kicks from his half. Quan Horn is in direct battle with him for the Bok fullback jersey, and the Lions star will have a point to prove.

He is just as deadly as Fassi on the counter-attack; his left boot gets the team out of trouble when needed, but he must be more secure under high kicks on Saturday.