The Lions now are South Africa’s only realistic hope of lifting the Super Rugby title this year.
Yes, the Sharks still have a chance of making it to the playoffs by claiming the final wildcard spot, but they then have to travel to New Zealand for the knockouts.
And I’m afraid it’s there where the competition will end for them.
As for the Lions, I don’t quite see them making it to the final of the competition this time around.
They simply don’t have that Johan Ackermann-aura about them anymore.
No disrespect to current coach Syws de Bruin, but I feel he is playing with a squad that lacks confidence compared to last year.
Back in 2017, the likes of Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje and basically the hele Lions were all first-choice for the Springboks.
And with Warren Whiteley and Malcolm Marx only recently returning to action, Elton Jantjies battling for form, I don’t see them hanging with the Kiwis in the knockouts.
Unless, of course, they produce something of a miracle.