Tyrone Green emerged as the Lions’ best backline player over the course of the opening seven rounds of Vodacom Super Rugby, writes MARIETTE ADAMS.

It says a lot about the Lions when a relatively inexperienced utility player emerges as their best backline player despite the fact that he plays alongside several Springboks.

Notwithstanding the Lions’ overall struggles, it would have been a good bet at the start of the season to back one of Elton Jantjies, Andries Coetzee, Courtnall Skosan or Ross Cronje to lead this team’s backline assault.

Yet, Green has followed up his stunning 2019 Currie Cup campaign with several mature displays in Super Rugby. While his time on the field has interchanged between fullback and wing, Green has started every game and played every minute (480) for the Lions.

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From his 44 carries, Green has made 398 run metres to go with his four linebreaks, 16 defenders beaten and five offloads. He has executed three kicks from hand and covered 109 metres of ground with them. His versatility and appetite to always be involved in play, was on display in the Lions’ round two match against the Reds when he scored a try on either wing in the first half at Ellis Park.

Defensively Green has proven he is no slouch either. The 22-year-old has secured turnover possession seven times and has made 30 tackles, the only backline player who has made more is Dan Kriel with 33.

His contributions may go unnoticed at the moment because he is playing in a team that is under-performing, but if Green’s current trajectory continues, he will play himself into contention for national selection at some stage over the next couple of seasons.

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images