Loffie pins breakdown as crucial
6 Oct 2008
Lions coach Loffie Eloff believes the breakdown could be the decisive facet of play when his side meet the Sharks in the Absa Currie cup semi-final in Durban.
Both sides have a penchant for attacking play and will be acutely aware that they will have to be clinical in their ruck cleans if they are to generate the continuity that allows them to deplete the opposition’s defensive line. Eloff, whose side crept into the play-offs despite a defeat to Western Province on Saturday, also noted the danger the Sharks pose from turnover ball.
“The Sharks, like [Western] Province, are very dangerous when they turn over ball,” Eloff said. “Both these teams will punish you severely when they secure turnovers.
“If the Lions open up the game and are not accurate and make errors, these two sides make you pay. So we will have to be much more clinical at the breakdowns. We’ll wait for them [the Sharks] to come clean out the rucks because that’s where it will be the real test of character.
If the Lions had won their final round match in Cape Town they would have finished third and set up a semi-final against the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls. Eloff, however, said he had no preference for any team.
“Whether we had to play in Durban or Pretoria it is going to be tough. We have a good track record in Durban and ideally I would love the team to travel as little as possible but it does not matter now. We’ve reached the play-offs and that’s it,” said Eloff, whose team won their Currie Cup semi-final at Kings Park in 2007.
Eloff also started the mind games by making reference to the 12-year title drought the Sharks are enduring. “Look, it’s been a long time since the Sharks have last won the Currie Cup so they will be feeling the pressure.”
15 Comments
6 Oct 2008, 09:22 am
the lions are a brave lot, i like the way they play. still think my sharks will win, shoule be a good game, can’t wait.
6 Oct 2008, 09:27 am
Sure the Sharks will feel some pressure but it is internally generated.
Lose and Loffie on the other hand will start feeling pressure from external sources…
6 Oct 2008, 09:29 am
The sharks must surely be the underdogs in this match.
6 Oct 2008, 09:34 am
Good thing we beat them last time out, stands us in good stead now
6 Oct 2008, 09:40 am
Well it’s pretty obvious that the Breakdown will be important…. it is in any game…. read PDV…
6 Oct 2008, 09:57 am
Sharks Lions, no contest Sharks to win by 30. Bulls/Cheetahs same, Bulls to win by 30. Bulls sharks going to be incredible mtach. I am a Bulls supporter but think Sharks have front row advantage, better 8th man and better backline. If they play Pienaar at 9 close call on scrumhalves. Cocky will tip in favour of Bulls. Unfortiunately I also think Sharks have better coach. Hopefully Bulls win on days play.
#5 THE MAULER: Bit like saying the team with most points should win
6 Oct 2008, 10:28 am
Cant see the Lions causing an upset, Earl to go from bad to worse.
6 Oct 2008, 10:55 am
Earls about the only good thing to happen for teams playing against Lions
6 Oct 2008, 11:17 am
Tvl need to play out of their skin..everyone expecting them to lose and lose by well
6 Oct 2008, 13:52 pm
Loffie speaks like such a loser – if you dont think you will win why bother , , , , year after year watching the Lions play is a passage of torture….. respect to all Lions supporters !
6 Oct 2008, 13:56 pm
WHEN (not if) the Sharks are defeated in either the semi or final, wonder what the excuses will be. Still figuring out how the Shark supporters could hide 30 000 flags in less than a minute after the 2007 sup14 final………
6 Oct 2008, 13:59 pm
#11 Bullsmaakseer: we didnt hide our flags.
i was there.
we congratulated the bulls fans. like the sterling bunch we are.
then we got very, very drunk.
6 Oct 2008, 15:55 pm
#11 Bullsmaakseer: the flags dropped along with their heads in sheer disappointment. What’s wrong with that?
The bulls fluked a title … i’d say the sharks have been the best entertaining SA side the last few years.
6 Oct 2008, 17:08 pm
#13 kevin w: Yes, and also the biggest chokers!! Cheetah’s have also played entertaining rugby, but because they aren’t as flashy you disregard their performances. There are reasons why they are the CC champs for past three years, and the Sharks aren’t. It’s called winning when it matters = BMT
6 Oct 2008, 19:43 pm
The lions are one of the youngest teams this year and will one’s again upset the Sharks in Durban. Just think of the joy when we thrash them by 20 or more!! Watch Earl!!
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