All Blacks captain Patrick Tuipulotu is expecting to face a fired-up Lions side, eager to claim a famous scalp, at Ellis Park on Tuesday night. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Speaking after training in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon, he remarked that even though the Lions are a “middle of the table” side, they could surprise.
“They could turn up on the day and really upset some teams, like they have during the [URC] season, they’ve toppled some big teams. So we know they’ll come out firing.
“A couple of Springboks have been released for them [fullback Quan Horn and prop Boan Venter], so they’re certainly ready to play.
“They’ve got good skill around catch and pass, quite rangy. I’d describe them as a loose forward group that can play, that can run, that can pass, pretty explosive. They tend to spin it out wide, and coupled with some good set-piece, it’s shaping up as a challenge.”
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On the quick turnaround into this midweek game after the first Test, he said: “Its been a bit different for us. You’ve got the first Springbok Test on Saturday, and then going straight into a midweek game. It’s actually good for the non-Test players. We had a week to get stuff done, and we’re feeling pretty good.
“We’ve had two new guys fly over from home, and we’ve obviously got a debut for Saula [Ma’u], so there’s plenty in it in terms of the occasion, and for us to really stamp our mark against South Africa, against all the club sides. So we’ve also put our hand up to try and make the Test squad as well.
“It’s in the back of my mind. We’ll focus firsthand on the Lions, but if we play well in that game, we’re certainly putting our hands up for a couple of spots.”
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Tuipulotu reflected on the dynamic of managing a large squad through a midweek Test set-up, saying things had turned out positively.
“The challenge has been trying to stay together and stick tight, which I think we’ve done pretty well. You’ve seen the whole squad here watching us and supporting our side. We need everyone helping each other prepare to play, and sharing the workload. So we’re pretty positive. I’ve quite enjoyed having the big group, it makes for some interesting coffee chats here and there.”
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Having captained the team in their first hit-out, against the Stormers, Tuipulotu embraces both the leadership and the accompanying pressure.
“To be named and thought of in that respect, to lead an All Blacks side, is very humbling. But at the same time, I don’t want to be a captain that loses, so there’s a lot of responsibility and pressure that comes with it. That’s part of the game, that’s part of All Blacks rugby, and I’ll certainly walk towards it.”
Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
The post All Blacks skipper wary of lethal Lions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks captain Patrick Tuipulotu is expecting to face a fired-up Lions side, eager to claim a famous scalp, at Ellis Park on Tuesday night.
The post All Blacks skipper wary of lethal Lions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
