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JOHANNESBURG – The Lions will face the Crusaders in Saturday's Super Rugby final in Christchurch, but they have several X-factor players who will be looking to provoke an upset victory.
Here we look at five players to watch:
Malcolm Marx
The Springbok hooker has just returned from an injury and lost little time in quickly finding his best form. Marx was the man of the deserved match in the Lions' quarter-final win against the Jaguares, while he scored a series of tries in Saturday's semifinal against the Waratahs. Marx is the beating heart in the Lions squad, the 24-year-old having been widely recognized as the best hooker in the world. If Marx has another assault match on Saturday, anything is possible
Kwagga Smith
In Saturday's semifinal, Smith pointed out that there is little to do. other flankers who can offer as much book-book impact. The Blitzbok superstar consistently strikes above his weight, which he has demonstrated in great fashion as he scored two superb trials against the Waratah. Smith will not have fond memories of the final of last year when he received a first-round red card, and there is no doubt that he will seek redemption this week -end.
Warren Whiteley
The influential No. 8 Lions is another player who has just returned from an injury and that has had an immediate impact. Whiteley's role as a leader is just as important as his ability on the ground, where he serves as a dynamic link beacon. Whiteley returning to eighth place, the Lions' back row looks much more balanced, while it also offers another important alignment option.
Elton Jantjies
The enigmatic team was at its best in the first two knockout matches. Jantjies won the Man of the Match trophy against the Jaguars, and he wore this form in the semifinals, where he was calm, calm and collected. However, there are critics who have suggested that Jantjies is guilty of disappearing anonymously when he plays away from home in high-pressure environments, and so he will have a huge point to prove this Saturday .
Aphiwe Dyantyi
The Lions flyer probably marked the solo test of the season last Saturday. Receiving the ball in his own half, Dyantyi started his own kick, then passed Bernard Foley. It was a demonstration of Dyantyi's versatile class, with the talented youngster who had his first Super Rugby dream season to date. There are some concerns about a hamstring injury that he picked up in this semifinal, however, and the Lions will pray that he recovers in time to run against the Crusaders.
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