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The All Blacks are coming to Ellis Park on 25 August, and Lions head coach Mzwakhe Nkosi isn't blinking — but he's not abandoning his youth project either. With five Currie Cup fixtures standing between now and Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, Nkosi is walking a tightrope between developing the next generation and fielding a team worthy of the occasion.
The Lions opened their Currie Cup campaign with a narrow 29-27 defeat to the Cheetahs last weekend — a loss that stings, but hasn't shifted Nkosi's philosophy. He insists the same youthful group that started in Bloemfontein will continue to get their opportunity, with experienced heads positioned around them to steady the ship. "As we have done in the last three Currie Cups, by and large we will play with these guys," Nkosi was quoted as saying by IOL. "Part of the job here is to introduce these guys to first-class rugby. We had a lot of guys who did a great job at U23 level and deserve a shot. They are good enough to make it."
The experienced anchors Nkosi named — Renzo du Plessis, Jarod Cairns, Rabz Maxwane, Ruan Delport — are the glue holding the project together. "Hopefully, enveloping them with those types of guys, we can get a good performance and result," he said. It's a considered approach, but the Lions' current form — four losses in their last five outings — leaves little margin for error as the Pumas arrive in Joburg next.
None of that, though, diminishes what awaits at the end of August. The Lions' URC squad is already in pre-season, training with one eye firmly on the All Blacks fixture. Nkosi has watched Dave Rennie's side during the Nations Championship and isn't underestimating the challenge. "Having watched the All Blacks, that is not going to be an easy game either. Dave Rennie is a new coach, so a lot of guys will try to impress," he said. "It will be an important game for us and we must try and put out the best team the franchise can for that game."