LIONS 2011
In the 2010 Super 14, the Lions were the whipping boys and finished stone last without winning a single match, conceding a staggering 585 points in the tournament.
Memories of the disastrous 2010 will we behind the team, as they work their way towards carving out their new destiny and reinflate their much dented pride.
However, there is a new dawn on Lions rugby, with some serious financial backing and a rejuvenated squad in the hands of experienced coach John Mitchell.
The enormous amount of money being poured into the Johannesburg franchise does mean that there will be some significant pressure on the team to make a vast improvement and prove that it has been money well spent over the past six months.
The headway made during the Currie Cup competition was very encouraging for the Lions who are an ambitious side, look determined to right the wrongs of the past few seasons.
While a number of promising youngsters have been brought in to bolster the squad, whether or not they have the core of players who can perform at a consistently high standard through the lengthy Super Rugby competition is a moot question.
Since the advent of the Super 14 in 2006, they’ve finished 13th, 12th, 14th, 12th and 14th in respective years, but it hasn’t always been doom and gloom. The Lions have made it as far as the playoffs twice, by achieving their best finishes as losing semifinalists in both 2000 and 2001.
There is a real sense amongst the core of players at the heart of the team that they are simply sick and tired of losing and are not prepared to lie down and roll over this season.
Strengths: They are a team has nothing to lose and things can only improve from last season. A new intelligent, experienced coach and there is a buzz of enthusiasm surrounding them for the first time in years.
Weakness: The team is inexperienced at this level and many of the young stars will have to adjust to a steep learning curve. While there is plenty of promise they are by no means the finished article.
Noteworthy Acquisitions: There have been a number of acquisitions from the fringes of the Sharks squad, with Patrick Cilliers, Rory Kockott, Andre Pretorius and Michael Rhodes all joining the Lions pride in the off-season. The inclusion of Pretorius is a major boost to the side and his experience with the Springboks could prove invaluable if he can stay fit for the whole season. There was also a major coup in the form of Lionel Mapoe from the Cheetahs, who the Lions were able to snatch from under the Sharks noses, while former Cheetahs lock David de Villiers will add some muscle in the engine room. Springbok hooker Bandise Maku has come across from the Bulls and will hope to nail down the No.2 jersey with an eye towards the World Cup at the end of the year. The duo of Michael Bondesio (Leopards) and Jacobie Adriaanse (Griquas) are also good purchases and they will be eager to prove their worth on the Super Rugby stage.
Noteworthy losses: Springbok prop Heinke van der Merwe has moved to Irish club Leinster in an effort to reignite his career, while American flank Todd Clever has moved on to Japan.
Coach: There could be a light at the end of the tunnel for the team’s long suffering fans, as the Lions have looked far more inventive under coach John Mitchell and could easily catch a few sides napping if they should be underestimated. Mitchell’s experience with the Western Force could come in handy, and he knows how to get the most out of his players, and his working relationship with Johan Ackermann and Carlos Spencer appears to be baring fruit.
Captain: Franco van der Merwe is captain courageous for the Lions and is an inspirational leader if ever there was one. He is never frightened to get stuck in and earn the hard yards from his team.
Potential bolters: Exciting young flyhalf Elton Jantjies will be looking to make a major splash in this year’s competition and under backline coach Carlos Spencer’s tutelage he could be a real handful. The other starlet on the rise is utility back Jaco Taute, who could be deployed at either centre or fullback during the season.
2010 Position: 14th
Best finish: 3rd in 2001
Worst finish: 14th in the S14 (2008, 2010); 12th in the S12 (1998, 2003, 2004)
Home Venue: Coca-Cola Park (Ellis Park), Johannesburg (capacity 62,000)
Prospects for 2011: They are likely to entertain, but it may be a season too early for this young squad to be serious play-off challengers.
Lions squad (provisional): Jacobie Adriaanse, Martin Bezuidenhout, Michael Bondesio, Jannie Boshoff, David Bulbring, Kevin Buys, Tonderai Chavhanga, Patrick Cilliers, Burton Francis, Ross Geldenhuys, Rory Kockott, David de Villiers, George Earle, Joubert Engelbrecht, Cobus Grobbelaar, JC Janse van Rensburg, Elton Jantjies, James Kamana, Michael Killian, Doppies la Grange, Bandise Maku, Lionel Mapoe, Edgar Marutlulle, Derick Minnie, Waylon Murray, Andre Pretorius, Michael Rhodes, Joshua Strauss, Wayne Swart, Jaco Taute, Franco van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden, Deon van Rensburg, Dries van Schalkwyk, Jano Vermaak, Warren Whiteley.
Schedule:
19 February: v Bulls, home
26 February: v Stormers, away
4 March: v Blues, home
12 March: v Cheetahs, away
19 March: v Force, home
26 March: v Bulls, away
2 April: v Reds, home
9 April: v Sharks, away
16 April: v Stormers, home
23 April: v Chiefs, home
30 April: Bye
6 May: v Cheetahs, home
14 May: v Brumbies, away
21 May: v Waratahs, away
28 May: v Highlanders, away
4 June: v Hurricanes, away
11 June: v Sharks, home
18 June: Bye
