[2018 Super Rugby] Round 7: Lions vs. Crusaders (01/04/2018)

[TRF_heineken]

Venue: Emirates Airlines Park​

Time: 14:30 CAT (SA, GMT+2)​

 

[unrated]

Can the Lions still be considered favourites at home against the Crusaders?

 

[SomeOke]

Can the Lions still be considered favourites at home against the Crusaders?

I'd say no, based on their loss to the Blues and more importantly their loss to the Jaguares I think it's fair to say the Lions have dropped a tier. In any case were they ever? They did lose at home to the Crusaders last year.

Also travelling back from Argentina this week means that they won't get much of a travel advantage against the Saders.

If they counldn't beat the Blues at home the Crusaders will likely be too much. Not sure if the Lions are just weaker or their injuries are taking a toll. Up to them to put up a performance this week.

 

[Gena_ZA]

I'd say no until they employ a proper defensive coach again.
Their top winger injury not helping either

 

[mania]

If they counldn't beat the Blues at home the Crusaders will likely be too much.

agree. despite the saders losing to the hiLanders and canes theyre still the crusaders and you'd have to back them to take it out again this season.

 

[Radsy]

Shouldn't be a question really, the betting lines say it all. I still believe that Lions will right the ship, but there has to be concerns that Ackermann's midas touch can't be replaced. Feel bad for Dyantyi, he's been so good to watch.

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

based on their loss to the Blues and more importantly their loss to the Jaguares

To be fair, the Lions dominated most fo the game against the blues. The lost concentration or something during a few key moments and got punished severely and (imo) disproportionately for that.
Talent is clearly there, it's as if focus what's lacking.

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

According to Jaco anything and everything that goes wrong in a scrum must result in a penalty for the lions. Not just this game

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

When was the last time the saders didnt score a single point in a half?

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

HOw on earth was that penalty only?

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

A bit strange for the Lions to ship 30+ to the Sunwolves and Blues, 49 to the Jaguares and then only 14 to the Crusaders (who admittedly aren't explosive offensively). It is strangely difficult to predict Super Rugby this year, which is probably a good thing.

 

[SomeOke]

A bit strange for the Lions to ship 30+ to the Sunwolves and Blues, 49 to the Jaguares and then only 14 to the Crusaders (who admittedly aren't explosive offensively). It is strangely difficult to predict Super Rugby this year, which is probably a good thing.

Was thinking the same thing, we're 6 rounds in (discounting the first Saffer only round) and it doesn't seem like the teams have settled into tiers yet.
Sharks beating Blues was one example after getting smashed by the Rebels the previous week.

I think it's fair to say the Canes are one of the if not the top team, and that the non-Blues NZ franchises are up there, but for the rest of the teams - it's still very much a mystery.

 

[smartcooky]

What's up with the small crowd at Ellis Park?

Only 8,000 for this match?

 

[Gena_ZA]

That's what you get for hosting a game on Easter Sunday.
People leave Joburg on long weekends, no one goes there for a break

 

[AM_Bokke]

With regards to the Lions coach:

I think that it is important to note that the Lions have lost two close matches to NZ opposition (which they didn't play at all last year) and a game away to the Jaguares (where I think they have never one). Yes, it appears that the Lions aren't quite as good but to blame/credit head coaching alone is not the right cause in my view.

Anyway, it all sets up the drama for the Stormers match next week quite well I think.