Lions play underdog card

The Lions could book themselves a place in the Currie Cup semi-finals this weekend by beating the visiting Sharks at Ellis Park, but coach Eugene Eloff has continued to prefer to keep a low profile, as he has done all season.

The Lions could book themselves a place in the Currie Cup semi-finals this weekend by beating the visiting Sharks at Ellis Park, but coach Eugene Eloff has continued to prefer to keep a low profile, as he has done all season.

To make the play-off cut the Lions need two more points from their final two games so, theoretically at least, the Lions could make it without beating their more fancied visitors by scoring two bonus points (one for a losing by less than seven and another for scoring four tries) or holding them to a draw.

Eloff however prefers to let his players do the talking on the field, although seems quitely confident of his team's chances.

“The Sharks are playing really good rugby at the moment,” he told the Daily News.

“They have very few flaws and their pack and backs are extremely formidable. They are certainly one of the best teams in the country.

“We will definitely go into this match as underdogs and just looking at reports in the media, it is clear to see that that is the general opinion, and rightfully so.”

The Sharks will arrive in Johannesburg with team flush with thirteen internationals and another three on the bench. But the Lions aren't looking too bad themselves having won eight out of their last ten games, and in the process scored the most tries (52) of all the teams in the Currie Cup.

The Gauteng side also enjoy a healthy record against their rivals from Durban, proving to be somewhat of a bogey team for the coastal franchise.

The Lions have won their last two Currie Cup encounters against the Sharks in Johannesburg, including a crucial 22-21 win in 2006, and not forgetting the Sharks' loss to the Lions in last year's semi-final.

However, Eloff said they were not focused on records or home ground advantage.

“The most important thing now is just to keep momentum going and when you are this close to the play-offs, it's crucial to play your best rugby when it counts.

“We are also not putting any emphasis on playing at home, it's always good to play in front of your home crowd but that alone is not going to win us the game, and that's what I've told the players.

“We are approaching this match just like any other. The players know the job they need to do and they know the responsibilities they have.

“We are also aware that if we take two points out of the match we will secure a semi-final spot, but we are just trying to focus on playing good rugby and executing our plans, then the result will take care of itself.”

Eloff added that he thought it would be an extremely hard-fought encounter.

“Matches between the big unions are always extremely tough. This will definitely be a match at Super 14 level and some hard, physical rugby can be expected,” he said.