Tahs to tame Lions

Sat, May 30, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Lions (RSA) v NSW Waratahs

Where: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

When: 3.10am AEST

Coverage: FOX SPORTS 2 & 2HD

NSW Waratahs Ladder position: 2nd (9-4)

Lions Ladder position: 7th (8-6)

Match Information: The NSW Waratahs will look to cement their position on top of the Australian conference with their clash against the Lions. Young up and coming hooker, Hugh Roach will get his opportunity following suspension to Tolu Latu in last round’s match against the Crusaders in Sydney.

KEY INFO

The Lions’ solitary win against the ‘Tahs was in 1997 (L7), since then they haveconceded an average of 39 points per game and scored just 15 themselves.

Since 2012, the Brumbies (twice) are the only Australian side to win in South Africa against the Lions (W3).

The Waratahs have averaged 22 defenders beaten per game this season, the second most in Super Rugby, however the Lions have the best tackle success in 2015 (88%).

The ‘Tahs have scored more first phase tries than any other team this season (19) while the Lions have scored a joint-high nine tries after 7+ phases.

These two sides boast three of the top six tacklers in Super Rugby (Warren Whiteley-204/211, Warwick Tecklenburg-153/159 & Michael Hooper-144/165).

Share
South Africa are wary of Antoine Dupont ahead of this week's blockbuster. Photo: Getty Images
Springboks on guard for Dupont as they confirm settled side for Paris clash
Isaac Henry will miss the rest of the November Tests due to a hamstring injury. Photo: Getty Images
Wallabies set for latest midfield change after Henry injury
Henry Pollock's move to the wing paid off perfectly for England. Photo: Getty Images
Three talking points from Round Four of the Nations Championship
‘Fire some shots’: Wilson’s call for response after England defeat