Waratahs believe Lions are better than ever as they prepare for ultimate test in Sydney

THEY’VE lost just 10 games in three years, but Johannesburg’s Lions are an even better team in 2018 than they were as beaten grand finalists in the past two seasons, the Waratahs believe.

The Lions have been in strong form to once again lead the South African conference.

THEY’VE lost just 10 games in three years, but Johannesburg’s Lions are an even better team in 2018 than they were as beaten grand finalists in the past two seasons, the Waratahs believe.

South Africa’s best team takes on the Australian conference-leading NSW at Allianz Stadium on Friday night and bring an imposing side averaging more than five tries a game.

Waratahs forwards coach Simon Cron said the Lions, who lost the Super Rugby final to the Crusaders last year and to the Hurricanes in 2016, had only enhanced their many strengths.

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The Lions have been in strong form to once again lead the South African conference.

“I think they’re quite similar [in how they play], but I think they’ve got better at doing it,” Cron said.

“I think they’re better than they were last year and the year before, their ruck speed is really quick, I don’t see many weaknesses across the park for them, in their set-piece or their attack and defence.

“For us it’s going to be a test of every position.

“From what I’ve seen so far I’d say they will be [finals contenders again], that’s a good thing for us, it gives us a chance to test ourselves against the best South African team.”

The Lions have scored 43 tries already this season, 11 more than closest rivals the Crusaders and Melbourne Rebels.

They are an attacking juggernaut, playing an expansive, rapid-pace game with fast outside backs, while also using the rolling maul to deadly effect.

Waratahs forwards coach Simon Cron says the Lions are better than ever.

NSW play a similar style, and with hot dry conditions predicted on Friday the contest could be one of the most frenetic this season.

“We’ve got an approach of fast beats slow,” Cron said.

“We’ve got to make sure we play 83, 84, 85 minutes. That’s part of our approach and the guys we’ve got, that’s what they’re good at.

“I’d say both teams will play, they won’t tighten up, they’ll shift the ball. So defensively you’ve got to make sure we’re connected, the speed we get off the line and get back in the D-line this week will be really important.

“They’re a big, physical side too, so they’ll punch and shift, punch and shift, so we’ve got to make sure our first contact is really good contact.

The in-form Waratahs face one of their biggest tests of the season so far.

“Defensively they test us from one to XV, I don’t think there’s a gap in their attack, so I think it’ll be the biggest test defensively [of our season so far].”

The Tahs lead the local conference having beaten all of the other Australian sides and Japan’s Sunwolves.

“There’s naturally an internal battle between the Australian teams, but on any given day each of those sides are really good, so it would be stupid to be cocky,” Cron said.

“The most important thing for the boys to understand is that now and then they’ll get a pat on the back, but they haven’t earned that yet.

“We’re only eight games in, it’s mid-season, and if you drop your guard or game by five per cent you’ll lose.

“We’re not jumping the gun.”

Originally published as Waratahs believe Lions are better than ever as they prepare for ultimate test in Sydney