Former Springbok prop Heinke van der Merwe believes the Lions are more than capable of rattling mighty Leinster in next weekend’s Vodacom URC quarter-final showdown in Dublin.
And van der Merwe should know.
The former loosehead represented both franchises during his career and was part of the legendary Leinster side that won back-to-back Heineken Cup titles in 2011 and 2012 before also lifting the Pro12 crown in 2013.
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Despite Leinster’s reputation as one of Europe’s powerhouse clubs, van der Merwe insists the Lions will not arrive in Ireland as underdogs simply making up the numbers.
“It certainly won’t be easy. Leinster are a formidable side, just like the Lions are,” van der Merwe told Netwerk24.
“Both teams have played good rugby throughout the season and are probably among the best attacking teams.”
Van der Merwe pointed to the numbers as proof that the Johannesburg outfit can trouble the Irish giants.
“I recently looked at some statistics and saw Leinster have scored 77 tries this season compared to the Lions’ 73,” he said.
“There is not a big difference between the teams. The Lions have made 199 line breaks compared to Leinster’s 160.
“That shows the Lions play good running rugby and are dangerous on attack.”
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The former Bok also believes Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup final against Bordeaux this weekend could complicate their preparations for the URC play-offs.
“It’s not always easy when you play another match the week after a final,” van der Merwe explained.
“You enjoy yourself after winning the Heineken Cup, but the following week is a bit disrupted. You have fewer and shorter training sessions and the question is always whether you play the same players again.”
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Van der Merwe, who earned five Test caps for Springboks, still expects a massive challenge awaiting the Lions in Dublin – but says the visitors should travel with genuine belief.
“I definitely think the Lions have a chance, and in sport anything is possible,” he said.
“It certainly won’t be easy, but ultimately it doesn’t matter where you play because the field stays the same size and it’s still rugby.”
Photo: Gallo Images
