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5 Reason the Lions Could Win the Super Rugby Final

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While many have written them off, the Lions have the perfect opportunity to silence the naysayers in Christchurch this Saturday. 

Lions written off?

There is plenty of negativity surrounding the Lions as they head over to Christchurch in what could potentially be a defining moment for the franchise. Most have written the men from Gauteng off already, and can you blame them? The Crusaders have been supreme whenever they’ve played at AMI Stadium this year. Although views expressed are always someones own, I would have like to see more belief from the South African public in the Lions but to be fair the encounter is a David versus Goliath.

With the handicap 18.5, and the Crusaders at 1/9 to win their ninth Super Rugby title, even the bookmakers are writing off Swys de Bruin and his charges. The men from Canterbury have an 82% win record at home from 132 matches in the competition, with their longest home winning streak coming in at an astounding 26 matches. The numbers don’t lie but I can’t shake the feeling that the handicap is far too big.

Jantjies’s Confidence

It humours me how a fly-half who has led the Lions to a third final has taken so much criticism from the media, sports pundits, and the lot. But as a sportsman, critics are part and parcel of one’s career, and I duly hope that he can make history with the Lions this Saturday and send a big message to the gaggle of naysayers. Elton will simply have to turn his confidence on and do what he knows best, play ball.

Malcolm X Factor

Malcolm Marx the SA Rugby Player of the Year and SA Rugby Young Player of the Year will have a lot on his shoulders. But the 24 year old always remains cool under pressure and his ability to make turnovers will be key. He’s been immense once again this season. His scrummaging is improving all the time while his ability to carry the ball strongly will be key if the Lions want to turn this into an arm wrestle.

Kwagga’s Redemption

Many remember the sending off of the Olympic bronze medal winner, Kwagga Smith, received a red card after a reckless collusion with David Havili left the kiwi dangerously close to landing on his head. Jaco Peyper reluctantly sent the flanker off and with him went the hopes of a title. Smith has put the past behind him and will relish another opportunity to play for the trophy.

Win for SA Rugby

A win for the Lions will have a ripple effect on the mindsets of SA rugby unions, to say a team traveled to the home of the world’s best and beat the most decorated team in the tournament’s history would be remarkable. This result could instill a ‘nothing is impossible’ mindset in South African rugby and we could see an overall progression in the performances of local unions and the Springboks.

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Writtern by Lungelo Mdladla for Hollywoodbets
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