Reds prowling in Lions’ high country

Reds coach Richard Graham is wary of the threat posed by the Lions on the high veldt of South Africa. Source: Gallo Images / Getty Images

REDS coach Richard Graham has sized up the Lions ahead of their high altitude showdown and it's not their hulking frames that bothers him.

The Queenslanders are as wary of the South Africans' big hearts as they are of any rogue forwards galloping towards them at Ellis Park early on Sunday (AEST).

"I see them as a less experienced model of the Cheetahs," Graham said of the fearless Lions.

"They don't carry any of the scars from their relegation. They're unrecognisable from that 2012 side.

"They'll innovate and try things and that makes them a challenge mentally."

Lock Franco van der Merwe is a 115kg pile driver who will sneak one or two passes wide of the ruck to expose any indecision in the Reds' defence.

Franco van der Merwe wins a lineout in the Lions' match against the Sharks at Kings Park. Source: Getty Images

Like the Reds, the connection between their No.8, halfback and flyhalf is crucial to their success.

Their No.8 Warren Whitely is their captain and a hardworking, team-first servant of the club.

Halfback Francois de Klerk is a combative, attacking general, much like Reds vice captain Will Genia.

But it is flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff who best captures the spirit of the young Lions.

"He can kick goals, and drop goals, from anywhere," Graham said of the Lions flyhalf.

"But he's not just a kicker. He has a good understanding of the game.

"As he develops confidence he's starting to try things, chip kicks, dummies, everything."

Lions flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff is highly rated by Reds coach Richard Graham for his all-round abilities. Source: Getty Images

The Lions have won three of their five matches, including a high-scoring thriller against the Blues, to be sitting second in the South African conference and fourth overall.

Queensland is in good shape after replenishing the energy reserves sapped by last weekend's loss to the Sharks in Durban.

Fullback Aidan Toua is the only member of the squad unfamiliar with the demands of playing at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, almost 2000m above sea level.

"The altitude's probably the main thing training-wise that you have to adapt to, and it's just a different place," said backrower Ed Quirk.

But Graham wants the players to acknowledge the altitude and quickly move on.

"They need to be prepared for it, but if you talk about it can become a massive issue.

"If you start making excuses you can defeat yourself before you even play."

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