Whiteley gets Lions coaching gig
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After months of speculation, Springbok Warren Whiteley has finally been confirmed as the Lions’ line-out coach for the 2020 Super Rugby season.
Whiteley’s new role was confirmed via the Lions official Twitter page.
The former Springboks captain has been struggling with several injuries.
However, it was his knee injury which ultimately proved to be the end of his playing career.
The 32-year-old, who skippered the Lions to three consecutive Super Rugby finals (2016, 2017 and 2018), will certainly be a good acquisition to the coaching set-up.
The @emirates Lions management for the 2020 Vodacom @SuperRugby season:
Ivan v Rooyen: Head Coach
Sean Erasmus: Defence
Neil de Bruin: Attack, Backs & skills
Julian Redelinghuys: Forwards – Scrum
Warren Whiteley: Forwards – Line-Out
Philip Lemmer: Collisions & Rucking pic.twitter.com/J6XMQvv1m7— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 16, 2020
Wynand Ellis: Technical Analyst
Rob Collins: Team Physician
Preven Appalsamy: Physiotherapist
Rupert Oberholster: Strength & Conditioning
Jannie Klingbiel: Biokineticist
Mustapha Boomgaard: Team Manager
Johane Singwane: Assistant Team Manager
Ram Khumalo & Carol Dickson: Massage— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 16, 2020
- Meanwhile, in Sunday’s Super Hero match, World Cup winner Elton Jantjies will captain the team against the Bulls.
Former Sharks prop Jannie Du Plessis, who joined the Johannesburg side from Montpellier, will don the No.3 jersey. With 70 Tests caps and 119 Super Rugby games for the Sharks, the veteran will provide much-needed experience in the front row.
Other Springboks in the starting line-up are Jamba Ulengo, Marvin Orie and Courtnall Skosan.
While flank Roelof Smit is another Bok on the bench.
Head coach Ivan van Rooyen also named the side to take on the Bulls on Friday.
Lock Wilhelm van der Sluys will take on the captain’s role.
Lions (team to play Bulls at Super Sunday): 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Duncan Matthews, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Andre Warner, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Pieter Jansen, 1 Dylan Smith.
Replacements – from: Jan-Henning Campher, Sti Sithole, Frans van Wyk, Roelof Smith, Cyle Brink, Morné van der Berg, Manuel Rass, Tyrone Green, Jo-Hanko de Villiers, Wilhelm van der Sluys, Jan-Louis La Grange, Wandisile Simelane.
Date: Sunday, January 19
Venue: Soccer City, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.15 (13.15 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Divan Uys, Aimee Barrett-Theron
TMO: Willie Vos
Lions (to play Bulls on Friday): 15 Muzi Manyike, 14 Jan-Louis la Grange, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 James Mollentze, 11 Stean Pienaar, 10 Shaun Reynolds, 9 Dillon Smith, 8 Diaan Schoonees, 7 Jo-Hanko de Villiers, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Wilhelm van der Sluys (captain), 4 Darrien Landsberg, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Nathan McBeth.
Replacements – from: PJ Botha, Leo Kruger, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Adrian Alberts, Travis Gordon, Francke Horn, Tinus Combrinck, Louritz van der Schyff, Prince Nkabinde, Mandisi Mathiyane, Dameon Venter, Boitumelo Tsatsane.
Date: Friday, January 17
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
