Lions' long-range kickers could be key to test success says Neil Jenkins
- 2009
British and Irish Lions assistant coach Neil Jenkins believes that his long-range kickers can be a major asset against the Springboks this summer.
With Staurt Hogg and Elliot Daly in the squad, the Lions have two long-range punters in the squad which may come in handy on the Highveld.
The former Lion and Welsh international kicked accurately as the Lions upset the Springboks back in 1997 thinks the ability to slot long-range effort will be particularly important in tight Test matches.
“It’s a big weapon for us having Elliot and Stuart involved in the squad, and their ability to kick long-range field goals,” said Jenkins
“Certainly, if the game is on the line and we need a longer-range attempt, or we need to nail it, we’ll certainly be thinking along those lines.”
“In the Test series, when that comes around, it’s an extra string for these boys in terms of selection when they can kick a ball, 50, 60-plus metres,” said the coach.
“Both Elliot [Daly] and Stuart [Hogg] are comfortable doing that, and Elliot did it four years ago in that third Test decider down in Auckland. That was 50-odd meters on an angle, so it was some kick, and that was [close to sea level] in Auckland.”
The Springboks have a few long-range kickers of their own with Frans and Morne Steyn in their squad. While Handre Pollard is also known for knocking them over from inside his own half. The Sharks also have Curwin Bosch who can slot them from long range as too can the Lions' fullback Tiaan Swanepoel.
