Flank Marnus Schoeman has performed admirably in a lethargic Lions pack over the first seven rounds of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, writes MARIETTE ADAMS.

The Lions are in a precarious position. Much-like the Vodacom Bulls, the Lions have lost five of their six games so far. The Lions are the team at the bottom of the South African conference standings because they have the fewest log points.

Nothing about what the Lions have done to date stands out. They are struggling in basically every facet of the game, but one player whose effort cannot be faulted, even in trying times, is Schoeman.

While coach Ivan van Rooyen has rigorously chopped and changed his back row, the 31-year-old Schoeman has been a constant figure in the loose trio. He has started in all six their games and has clocked 464 minutes of play out of a possible 480.

Schoeman has made 165 run metres, 42 carries, eight tackle busts, five turnovers and 57 tackles (more than any of his teammates). Additionally, Schoeman has crossed for three of the Lions’ measly 14 tries, making him their top try-scorer and only Lions one of two forwards to cross the tryline so far.

WATCH: 2020 Super Rugby Tries – Lions

And while it may not be evident in the statistics, Schoeman plays with a total disregard for his body. As one of the senior players in this Lions squad, the blonde livewire sets an excellent example and is the embodiment of the saying ‘putting your body on the line’.

Two others that deserve honourable mentions are lock Marvin Orie and utility forward Willem Alberts.

Orie has also played in all the Lions’ matches this season and has been impressive at the lineout. Alberts missed the opening rounds of the campaign, but once he was fit to play, has made an immediate impact.

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