The Lions are looking to play an expansive brand of rugby in 2010.

Under former coach Eugene Eloff, the Lions tried an expansive approach but failed dismally.

Subsequent analysis showed the Lions players lacked the conditioning to be able to adequately implement a running game, and it showed with inconsistent play and defensive lapses that cost them dearly.

After Eloff was fired, and Jake White’s team came in and analysed the Lions’ players and structures, it was discovered that the players were extremely poorly conditioned.

The approach in the 2009 Currie Cup under caretaker coach Hans Coetzee was back to a structured, defensive orientated game-plan which we know Jake White favours.

However it is no secret that new Lions coach Dick Muir favours a running game and versatility among players.

New signing Carlos Spencer is the ideal player to exploit Dick Muir’s preferred style and says the Lions will play an expansive game to outrun their Australasian opponents in the rarefied atmosphere of Johannesburg.

“Dick and I have talked about it and being at high altitude we can afford to throw the ball around. With teams coming from Australasia, the idea is to run these guys around when they come to Ellis Park. An expansive game will suit us to try tire them out, and I’m excited about that” said Spencer

“The skill levels of the South African players has changed over the past few years. That’s the reason why a South African side has won the Super 14 twice in three years. Look at the Bulls, their skill levels have definitely improved in the way they play now. After my first training session with the Lions, the skills were great, especially among the young guys” said Spencer

I’ve often wondered why our highveld sides don’t try this approach more often. A negative mindset, poor conditioning and inadequate ball-skills are the only factors that will hinder it’s execution. We have the aid of altitude, what better way to make it count than running the opposition ragged, and the best way to do that is with an expansive game plan.

I’ll look forward to seeing a new approach, better fitness levels and better results from a Lions side that appears to finally have the right attitude and playing to win, rather than trying not to lose.