Lubabalo ‘Lubs’ Dobela could hardly have asked for a better starting debut at flyhalf in the Lions’ win against the Ospreys on Saturday – dictating play with ball in hand and with the boot, setting up centre Henco van Wyk’s try … and scoring the winner after the hooter.
He was also solid in defence, with a steal at the ruck one of his notable defensive efforts in the nail-biting 29-28 win over the Welsh visitors at Ellis Park in the United Rugby Championship. His kicking at poles could do with a bit of work but he did land two of his four conversion attempts.
As a half-back pairing, Lubs’ link with Nico Steyn seemed out of sync at times, but that will surely develop over time.
All in all it was a memorable outing from the exciting and versatile backline player, who has also featured at fullback.
These Lions don’t know when they’re beaten 😤
Fantastic scenes at Ellis Park as Lubabalo Dobela scores in the corner to give @LionsRugbyCo the win 🎉 #BKTURC #URC | #LIOvOSP pic.twitter.com/NmY30yOusA
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 17, 2025
Coach Ivan Rooyen has never doubted his attacking talent, speaking glowingly of him after his arrival from the Griquas earlier this year. But he used him sparingly as the former Junior Springbok and Blitzboks player was allowed time to bed in.
Saturday’s ‘dead rubber’ may have been the ideal time to test a new half-back combination, and Dobela grabbed the chance with both hands.
His performance, and that of the Lions backline in general, will give the long-suffering pride cause for optimism for next season.
It is no secret that flyhalf has been one of the positions where the Lions have struggled. Injuries to stalwarts, as well as the early release from his contract of the versatile Sanele Nohamba, compounded matters this season.
In fact, their struggles at flyhalf can arguably be traced back as far as the exit of Jordan Hedrickse to the Sharks last season.
The experienced Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard and journeyman Sam Francis have all missed chunks of the season due to injury, loss of form or a bit of both.
It is no coincidence that the absence of veteran Wolhuter, in particular, coincided with a dip in form for the Lions, who had started their URC campaign brightly, before tailing off alarmingly after a nightmare tour of Europe. Youngster Francis stepped into the breach, but lacked consistency, while Lombard limped off when he looked to have been settling in.
The Lions attack lacked cohesion and the error count began to mount as the Joburg side limped to the end of the season. They bowed out of URC playoff contention after failing to convert a favourable run of home games in the run-in into the desired results.
An injury to Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg late in the campaign also confounded Lions efforts to build a settled halfback combination.
Nohamba’s heroics in the final game may not suggest that the Joburg side’s problems will magically disappear, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.
It is also difficult to judge a player on one match. However, the early signs are promising.
With a good preseason under his belt, the nippy Lubs could yet develop into a key member of the Lions backline for seasons to come.
