Coach Swys de Bruin believes a strong defensive effort from the Lions in their Super Rugby quarter-final will give them a solid foundation when they take on NSW Waratahs in next weekend’s semi-final.
The Lions beat the Jaguares 40-23 at Ellis Park on Saturday to keep themselves on course to reach the final for a third successive year but not before producing some stout defending to hold the Argentine side at bay.
“I thought at stages our defence was great, at the right times,” De Bruin said after Saturday’s success in Johannesburg.
De Bruin anticipates a similar attacking onslaught from the Waratahs, who came from behind to win 30-23 in their quarter-final at home to the Otago Highlanders on Saturday.
The Australians will travel to Johannesburg for Saturday’s semi-final.
“Their strengths and the way they attack are a bit different. They play from edge to edge a lot and vary their kicks. They have a lot of international players and we anticipate a team that will be up there.
“The Waratahs were third on list of the number of tries scored in this year’s Super Rugby so they know how to find your try line. But with the defensive effort that I saw against the Jaguares, I’m happy,” added the Lions coach.
The Lions have already beaten the Waratahs this season, winning 29-0 in Sydney in April.
The Lions will host the Waratahs in the Super Rugby semi-final on Saturday July 28, kicking off at 3:05pm local, 11:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.