High praise for "unreal" Lions lock

Lions head coach Swys de Bruin was full of praise for Franco Mostert’s versatility during their 49-35 win over the Bulls in Pretoria.

Lions lock Mostert’s selection at openside flanker had plenty of eyebrows raising ahead of the South African derby at Loftus Versfeld.

However, the 27-year-old made good on his selection in the No. 7 jumper.

Towards the end of the game against the Bulls, De Bruin moved Mostert back to his preferred position at lock, but later revealed that it is good knowing that Mostert can fill the role of flanker in the future.

“I must say I was nervous but knowing Franco and the way he plays, he is quick and he can run all over,” De Bruin said.

“He was absolutely unreal.”

“He can play seven or lock anytime now. I think the ice is broken”.

The Lions outscored the Bulls by seven tries to four on Saturday and continued their perfect start to the 2018 Super Rugby campaign with three wins from three matches played.

Credit has to go to the Lions’ ability to dominate the Bulls’ at the lineout and breakdown during the encounter – something which Lions captain Warren Whiteley highlighted.

“I thought we performed really well,” he said.

“Our mauls were really good. I thought we fought every single breakdown, every maul and I’m just really proud of the boys.”

The Lions currently sit top of the Super Rugby table with 13 points from three matches, however, Whiteley is not getting carried away by his team’s perfect start to the season and believes that there is still plenty of work to be done.

“It’s a good start but we all know Super Rugby isn’t won in February and March.

“We just need to keep building and there’s still quite a lot to work on.

“There were times especially at the end where I thought we could have kept them [Bulls] out, one or two soft moments. But some great positives and we will just keep building,” added Whiteley.

The Lions next fixture is against the Blues at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Courtesy of Josh Isaacson @isaacson_j
@rugby365com