Rugby: Manu wary of carefree Lions

Nasi Manu. Photo / Getty Images

Nasi Manu is adamant the entire focus of the Highlanders is on beating the Lions as they attempt to continue their push towards the Super 15 rugby playoffs at Dunedin on Saturday night.

The Johannesburg-based franchise shapes, on paper, as one of the Highlanders' less daunting assignments but No 8 Manu today said he and his teammates were not yet good enough to give any opponent less than total respect.

"We're not taking them lightly, we're not good enough to do that," Manu said.

"We're taking it week by week and the Lions are more dangerous because they've got nothing to lose. They'll be out to win and to throw everything at us."

The Lions, coached by New Zealanders John Mitchell and Carlos Spencer, have already beaten the Brumbies 29-20 on their Australasian trip and, while they lost to the Waratahs last week, they scored the only points of the second half.

They are a much more competitive team than their record suggests. They beat the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and their losses to the Bulls (twice), the Stormers, Reds and Chiefs were all by seven or fewer points.

"We had a real battle to beat the Cheetahs at Carisbrook and we expect the Lions to be tough, too," Manu said.

Manu, 22, will be starting his 13th consecutive game for the Highlanders this season, a stark contrast to last year when knee and hamstring injuries limited his game time to 10 minutes.

"I'm pretty fortunate and stoked to maintain my form over the season so far and the challenge is to continue it through to the end," he said.

"I love being out on the field, not injured, and just enjoying regular game time. The team's been performing well and that helps, too."

The Highlanders are coming off a bye which he said had given him and his teammates welcome respite.

"I was definitely pretty sore and tired going into that last game against the Hurricanes. The bye came at the right time and I'm feeling pretty fresh right now."

Manu has relished the partnership he has formed with Alando Soakai and Adam Thomson and, in some games, Jarrad Hoeata.

"I feel very comfortable playing with such good flankers. They're awesome players, Adam and Alando, and Jarrad's played well on the blindside flank, too."

Manu thought his game had developed more consistency this year and he was starting to play the best rugby of his career.

"It's the first time I've had so much exposure at Super rugby and I'm trying to make the most of it. I think you have to improve, playing against the best in your position week in and week out."

The Highlanders will drop out of playoff contention if they lose to the Lions but they are trying not to heap too much pressure on themselves.

"We just take it week by week and every game is a must-win for us," Manu said.

"We just need to perform to the best of our ability. If we don't, we lose. I guess it's as simple as that."

The Highlanders will welcome back second five-eighth Shaun Treeby, who has been sidelined for more than a month with a knee ligament injury. He replaces Matt Saunders in the midfield, with Saunders named on the reserves bench.

Highlanders:

Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Kenny Lynn, Shaun Treeby, Siale Piutau, Lima Sopoaga, Jimmy Cowan, Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Mo Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Nick Crosswell, John Hardie, Aaron Smith, Matt Saunders, Robbie Robinson.

- NZPA