SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions’ chances of making the Super Rugby play-offs this year may well depend on their key loose forwards staying fit.

The Lions’ Round 10 match against the Chiefs saw Warren Whiteley, Kwagga Smith and Cyle Brink form a back-row combination for the first time this season and they played a massive role in the Johannesburg side’s 23-17 victory in Hamilton.

All three players had high work rates against the Chiefs and they certainly made their presence felt on defence and at the breakdowns. They also brought some much-need mobility to the Lions’ attacking play.

Lions assistant coach Ivan van Rooyen knows how valuable their contribution will be in the weeks to come if the Lions are to sustain a challenge for a play-off place.

“It will be big. I think it’s the first game we’ve played this year with all three together,” said Van Rooyen.

“The word is consistent, so now Kwagga gets a little bit more game, Cyle just came back from a knee [injury] and it was Warren’s first game back.

“Hopefully we can get a couple of games in [with those three players].”

Van Rooyen was proud of his team’s defensive display against the Chiefs.

“The guys really put their body on the line defensively.

“There was a clear plan from the senior players and I think they put up their hands,” said Van Rooyen.

The Lions are currently second in the South African Conference, just one point behind the Bulls.

Their next match is against the defending champions Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

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