Flank battle between Pretorius and Taylor key to Lions’ clash

THE battle between dynamic Lions flanker JC Pretorius and Scarlets counterpart Jarrod Taylor could be decisive in determining which team walks away with their first win of the United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park this afternoon (1.45pm kickoff).

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Pretorius was one of the few standout players on his return from injury in last weekend’s demolition by Benetton in Treviso. The powerful, hardworking ball carrier with explosive pace off the line, who is also strong over the ball at the breakdown, could once again be key to unlocking a Scarlets defence that has struggled this season.

He’s often the first man to the ruck and could secure clean ball for flyhalf Chris Smith and scrumhalf Nico Steyn, or win turnovers.

The more disciplined Taylor, who excels at slowing opposition ball and shutting down wide attacks, will likely be tasked with containing Pretorius around the fringes.

If he can slow down the Lions’ ruck speed, especially early on, it could frustrate their rhythm and lead to a rise in the error count that has become an unfortunate feature of recent Lions play.