LIONS
Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:38
LIONS 2008
The Lions will go into this year's Super 14 in better shape than ever before, despite being without Springboks André Pretorius (fly-half) and Jacques Fourie (centre) for most of the competition.
The first two years of coach Eugene Eloff's three year plan seem to be paying off, with the Lions fielding quality back-up for both Pretorius and Fourie. At centre Eloff has, among others, Springbok Sevens star Jaco Pretorius, while Louis Strydom has evolved into a solid number ten.
In the front row prop Heinke van der Merwe will provide stiff competition for the best that the Super 14 have to offer, while Cobus Grobbelaar and captain Ernst Joubert will be formidable in the loose.
However, the Lions are unlikely to make it into the top half of the standings despite their improvement.
They are committed and motivated, but that can only carry them so far. The Lions unfortunately do not have the depth
that is required of a Super 14 winning side, and a number of their players are young and untested.
Strengths: Team spirit, a real passion for the game and a good coach. They also have some great individual talents, a strong and inspirational captain and a stadium that has proved to be very intimidating for visiting teams.
Weakness: No major depth in their squad means that injuries could be a huge problem. Heinke van der Merwe aside their tight five is unlikely to stand up to serious scrutiny. Also, what worked in the Currie Cup may not work in the Super 14.
Noteworthy signings: Eugene Maqwelena (Border), Gert van der Merwe(Tukkies), Ntjuna Kaunda (Border), Reginald [RW] Kember (EP), Chris Jonck (EP), Michael Killian (EP), Wigan Pikeur (Villagers), Heini Gordon(Villagers), Dusty Noble (Sharks), Gerhard Human (Bulls), Dewald Senekal (Falcons).
Noteworthy losses: Ricky
Januarie (Stormers), Brian Mujati (Stormers), Wylie Human (Stormers), Ashwin Willemse (Biarritz Olympique), Lawrence Sephaka (Toulon).
Coach: Eugene Eloff was enormously successful with the side in the Currie Cup, installing the same passion within the Lions squad that he did in South Africa's Under-19 side. They showed huge amounts of character to overcome a serious Sharks side in the Currie Cup semi-finals and give the Cheetahs a serious run for their money in the Final.
Captain: Ernst Joubert. The 27-year-old is a top class flank and an inspirational leader capable of getting the best out of his men. Joubert is certain to lead from the front and will be key in holding the team together.
Player(s) to watch: The Lions have some serious talent in the side. Prop Heinke van der Merwe has proved to be Springbok material, while Jaco Pretorius showed just how deadly he is capable of being on the field.
Another player to keep an eye on is Cobus Grobbelaar. The number six has turned into a top class fetcher.
2007 Position: 12th
Best finish: 3rd in 2001
Worst finish: 13 in the 2006 S14; 12th in the S12 (1998, 2003, 2004)
Home Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg (capacity 62,000)
2008 Prediction: They have potential. But not enough to get them all the way into the top half of the standings. 9th
Lions squad: Alten Hulme, André Pretorius, Anton van Zyl, Chris Jonck, Cobus Grobbelaar, Cobus Grobler, Dewald Senekal, Doppies la Grange, Dusty Noble, Earl Rose, Ernst Joubert, Erwee Kember, Ethienne Reynecke, Eugene Maqwelana, Franco van der Merwe, Freddie van Zyl, Gavin Williamson, Gerhard Mostert, Gert Muller, Gert-Andries van der Merwe, Heini Gordon, Heinke van der Merwe, Jaco Pretorius, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Jannie Boshoff, Jano
Vermaak, Jaque Fourie, JC Janse van Rensburg, Joe van Niekerk, Kaunda Ntunja, Louis Ludik, Louis Strydom, Michael Killian, Ryno Benjamin, Thabang Molefe, Theo van Wyk, Walter Venter, Wilhelm Koch, Willem Alberts, Willie Wepener
Schedule:
16 Feb: v Cheetahs, away
23 Feb: v Blues, home
29 Feb: v Force, home
7 March: v Bulls, away
15 March: v Sharks, home
22 March: v Reds, home
28/29 March: Bye
4 April: v Highlanders, away
12 April: v Crusaders, away
19 April: v Waratahs, away
25 April: v Brumbies, away
3 May: v Hurricanes, away
10 May: v Chiefs, home
17 May: v Stormers, home
