Why young flyhalf Sam Francis still has Lions coach’s backing

Young Lions flyhalf Sam Francis is on a steep learning curve in the absence of the likes of Kade Wolhuter and the versatile Sanele Nohamba.

He had one of his best performances in a Lions jersey in the 60-10 mauling of the Dragons two weekends ago to book their place in the Challenge Cup play-offs.

But he came crashing back down to earth against the Bulls on Saturday, missing a few kicks at goal that could have turned the tie on its head, made uncharacteristic handling errors and some poor tactical decisions.

But coach Ivan van Rooyen refused to be too critical of the 21-year-old, who has been solid since making his Lions debut in a testing season in terms of injuries and Lions form. And while he may have had a tough start to Saturday’s Jukskei Derby in the United Rugby Championship against their northern neighbours, he eventually settled. He landed four of his penalty attempts.

“He missed one or two kicks at goal. Obviously, that was crucial,” Van Rooyen, said after the match. “Probably one where he carried the ball to the 40 and they got a turnover, he probably could have kicked it for us.

“His organisational skills are good and keep on developing. His game management is improving nicely.

“So, can I sit here and say it’s only his fault? No.

“Yes, his responsibility is to kick the ball through the posts but I think as a performance, it was decent.”

There was a lot of responsibility on the flyhalf’s young shoulders in the absence of the likes of Wolhuter and livewire attacking threat Sanele Nohamaba.

“He is only 21, so it is a lot of responsibility. Kade unfortunately was injured this week and he’s not really selectable yet, so hopefully after two weeks when we get back he is selectable,” the coach said.

“Sanele, (who can play at) nine, 10, he was also ill this week, didn’t train Friday so it’s not a case of backing blindly, it’s also illness and form and training standards and all that we’ve got to talk to.”

With the Lions next in competitive action against the Stormers in a home URC clash on February 15, Van Rooyen is excited to be playing a warm-up game against the Pumas next weekend. He is also excited about the potential of flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela.

“Lubs, who has joined us from Griquas, is also getting an opportunity to play so we believe he can offer something different on attack as well, so it’s not just on Sam but it’s important for us to get a 10 that drives the team hard.”