Lions hail Manny Rass' Benetton heroics as he begins to justify 'Lukhanyo Am-esque' tag

Before joining Johan Ackermann in Japan back in mid-2020, Neil de Bruin - the Lions' former assistant coach and son of Swys - made an eye-catching observation: he believed the franchise had a Lukhanyo Am-esque presence in Manny Rass.

It was a bold claim, to say the least.

Rass' pedigree at junior level was never in doubt. He starred in a Paarl Boys' High backline that also featured Lions teammate Gianni Lombard, won various age-group titles with the Johannesburg franchise, and was a Junior Springbok at the 2018 World Championship.

Yet, his introduction to senior rugby over the past three years has been tough and, except for signs that he is an excellent defensive organiser in the mould of the Springbok talisman, his attacking talents and overall consistency were muted.

However, over the last few weeks, Rass has filled the void left by the gifted Henco van Wyk superbly.

On Saturday, he delivered the type of all-round performance in a stirring Lions comeback victory over Benetton that suggested De Bruin's judgement is as astute as his father's.

In fact, so gutsy and confident was the 24-year-old midfielder that he delivered the audacious blow to the hosts that secured a thrilling 32-28 win in Treviso.

READ | Lions stun Benetton with 18-minute blitzkrieg for magnificent comeback win in Treviso

With the Lions smelling blood - they had scored two tries in two minutes beforehand - but stifled in their latest attacking incursion in the 68th minute, Rass and Lombard took the brave decision of calling a set-play when other teams might have just continued to wing their assault.

Lombard made a switch pass and Rass cheekily changed direction to the left and back into the Benetton traffic, running diagonally before throwing a dummy and