The Golden Lions Thread

[TRF_stormer2010]

http://www.superxv.com/news/super15_rugby_news.asp?id=29110

Lions team to face the Blues

Jaco Taute, Lionel Mapoe, Waylon Murray, Doppies la Grange, Michael Killian, Elton Jantjies, Jano Vermaak, Warren Whiteley, Josh Strauss, Derick Minnie, Franco van der Merwe (capt.), Wikus van Heerden, Patric Cilliers, Bandise Maku, JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhout, Kevin Buys, Dries van Schalkwyk , Cobus Grobbelaar, Rory Kockott, Burton Francis, James Kamana.

LOL not a single out-and-out lock with Van der Merwe, Van Heerden and Van Schalkwyk all being loosies. I think that is the best indication that Mitchell wans this game fast and played wide. If they keep their structures and don't allow the game to go too loose they could stretch the heavier Blues in the rarified Highveld air. They are still the underdogs though IMO even at home and with two close losses to quality opposition.

Does anyone know if Johan Snyman is injured? He looked the business at lock in the pre-season.

 

[Conal]

if the lions managed to keep players would they be good?

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

It's a vicious circle...

- Good players are snatched up by the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers
- Bad results
- Talented players get a chance
- Things start to look better
- Good players are snatched up by the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers

and so on, and so on

 

[Conal]

mabey the saffa union should invest in them a bit more as i swear they produce quality players
i know idont know alot about super rugby but didnt like fourie and other current boks start at the lions?

 

[Boggle]

Meh, good players get snatched up from pretty much everywhere, even the Lions nab a couple every now and then.

you have to think that a big part of why people tend to leave the Lions is that these days at least, Ellis park just isn't a nice place to be, I know that sounds silly but most people I know who used to go watch rugby there just don't want to go anymore due to the location alone, not to mention parking problems and so on.

Playing in front of no crowd has to get to you eventually.

Obviously the financial situation has something to do with it as well, but if I was a rugby player with no allegiance, I would definitely either pick Newlands or Loftus as my rugby home above Ellis park (which is really sad when you think about it, considering what a significant stadium it is).

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Pienaar, Alberts, Fourie, Ludik, van Zyl, Kockott and Jantjes are a couple of players who played for Stormers, Bulls or the Sharks after playing for the Lions. Kockott is now back on the bench in Joburg.

But the Cheetahs have the same... Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, CJ van der Linde all played for them before...

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Lions also lost a couple of good players to overseas clubs especially forwards. These players having only stayed a year or two and hardly made name in SA yet they are quality players; Ernst Joubert, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe etc.

Lions also lost Habana to the Bulls way back when and Anton van Zyl to the Stormers to name two more. Bobo to the Stormers. I'm sure there are more that escape both our minds or that we didn't even know about.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

See... we came up with almost a complete squad of players able to be in the Springbok squad...

Of course, with you mentioning Bobo and me mentioning Jantjes, I cannot resist:

 

[Darwin]

Blues team to play the Lions namedhttp://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10709752)
Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Benson Stanley, Sherwin Stowers, Luke McAlister, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino (captain), Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Toby Morland, Stephen Brett, Rene Ranger.

6 changes in total. Most of the changes are probably due to rotation rather than form, as the likes of Mealamu, Boric, Dan Draid, and Ranger are all clearly first choice players. Good to see MacAlister back starting at first-five - if he plays well at 10 I think the Blues are more capable of making the semis. The other change sees Saili replacing Lowrey at number 8 - hopefully Saili can play some consistent rugby as he has a huge amount of potential.

 

[Seaton]

Don't you just hate it when you type up a really long post, only to press the wrong button for it to be lost forever?


Gads min, it really does **** me off that one can write a thesis on a computer, and it only takes one button to destroy it

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

See... we came up with almost a complete squad of players able to be in the Springbok squad...

Of course, with you mentioning Bobo and me mentioning Jantjes, I cannot resist:

LOL, good detective work! Would I be wrong to suggest that Brian mujati started out at the Lions? Yes, I checked 2006-2008. My Lions team of players currently playing elsewhere;

1 Heinke van der Merwe
2 Willie Wepener
3 Brian Mujati
4 Anton van Zyl
5 Victor Matfield (played for the Cats before they became the Lions)
6 Joe van Niekerk
7 Willem Alberts
8 Ernst Joubert
9 Rory Kockott (although he's back)
10 Ruan Pienaar
11 Bryan Habana
12 Gcobani Bobo
13 Jacque Fourie
14 Louis Ludik
15 Conrad Jantjes

For the Cheetahs

1 CJ van der Linde
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Jannie du Plessis
4 Flip van der Merwe
5
6
7 Jean Deysel (at least born in the Free State LOL - clutching at straws here)
8 Duane Vermeulen
9 Ruan Pienaar
10 Jacques Louis Potgieter
11 Lionel Mapoe
12 Meyer Bosman
13
14 Bjorn Basson
15 Frans Steyn

Of course both teams currently have some players better than some of these 'expats' but imagine the depth!! A Boland team and EP team would also make for some interesting reading.

Blues team to play the Lions namedhttp://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10709752)
Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Benson Stanley, Sherwin Stowers, Luke McAlister, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino (captain), Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Toby Morland, Stephen Brett, Rene Ranger.

6 changes in total. Most of the changes are probably due to rotation rather than form, as the likes of Mealamu, Boric, Dan Draid, and Ranger are all clearly first choice players. Good to see MacAlister back starting at first-five - if he plays well at 10 I think the Blues are more capable of making the semis. The other change sees Saili replacing Lowrey at number 8 - hopefully Saili can play some consistent rugby as he has a huge amount of potential.

Except for Mealamu there's no obvious loss and one or two improvements actually IMO. Its going to be a cracking match-up I'll wager.

Don't you just hate it when you type up a really long post, only to press the wrong button for it to be lost forever?

Aaargh! I feel your pain.

Gads min, it really does **** me off that one can write a thesis on a computer, and it only takes one button to destroy it

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

LH,

When I type really long messages, I do it in Notepad and when I am done, I copy -> paste it to the forum

 

[Seaton]

Too depressing to do the whole post again, will do a watered down one


One of the things that has always bemused me about the GLRU is that they are probably the wealthiest union in SA behind Western Province, but were never willing to splash the cash.
However now that this Guma and the other entrepeneur has come in, not only do they seem content on using their existing coffers, the entrepeneurs are investing as well (mind not only in the actual squad, but in the union in general)

With schools like Monument, Marias Viljoen, KES and a plenthora of other big rugby schools, it is no wonder that the union has produced so many quality players of the years.

However, the arrival of these new investors has brought a breath of fresh air into the union, however the appointing of Kevin de Klerk is also a big factor in the union starting to look more professionally run. Most Lions supporters I have spoken to say there seems to be a buzz around Lions rugby now, and the attendance against the Bulls in the first round seems testament to that (even though the Transjuks (sp) derby does tend to get a higher crowd than normal). And all they need is a couple of wins (especially against the Bulls and Sharks), and there crowds should start coming back to a respectable level.

With this young team it looks possible, backs Jacob Taute and Elton Jantjies are only just 20, the ages of their loose forwards are all around 24, likewise with the front row and backs Lionel Mapoe and Waylon Murray. So, if they can mantain a spine of Cilliers, Maku, van de Merwe (one of the oldies at 28 or so), Joshua Strauss, Derick Minnie, Jano Vermaak/ Rory Kockett, Elton Jantjies, Doppies la Grange, Waylon Murray, Lionel Mapoe, Wandile Mjakevu and Jaco Taute for the next 4 or so years, dear I say that I would mightily jealous of that team.

And what makes this scenario all the more likely is that they have a passionate coach who seems in it for the long haul (indeed you have to be commited if you get robbed and stabbed in your own apartment within 3 months of moving to the place, and don't GTF the next day). Mitchell is a more than capable coach, and with a player like Carlos Spencer helping in coaching the backline, the Lions should be an exciting team to watch (for their fans from now as well) for the forseeable future.

I am looking forward to the Lions knocking the Bulls off their perch as the dominant team in Gauteng, what a day that would be when you see Bulls supporters looking in envy at their rivals team sheet. I really hope they can pull this off, but then again it would be typical of them to screw it up


Mon' the Lions (mind an away game in Jo'burg is brilliant)

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Too depressing to do the whole post again, will do a watered down one


One of the things that has always bemused me about the GLRU is that they are probably the wealthiest union in SA behind Western Province, but were never willing to splash the cash.
However now that this Guma and the other entrepeneur has come in, not only do they seem content on using their existing coffers, the entrepeneurs are investing as well (mind not only in the actual squad, but in the union in general)

With schools like Monument, Marias Viljoen, KES and a plenthora of other big rugby schools, it is no wonder that the union has produced so many quality players of the years.

However, the arrival of these new investors has brought a breath of fresh air into the union, however the appointing of Kevin de Klerk is also a big factor in the union starting to look more professionally run. Most Lions supporters I have spoken to say there seems to be a buzz around Lions rugby now, and the attendance against the Bulls in the first round seems testament to that (even though the Transjuks (sp) derby does tend to get a higher crowd than normal). And all they need is a couple of wins (especially against the Bulls and Sharks), and there crowds should start coming back to a respectable level.

With this young team it looks possible, backs Jacob Taute and Elton Jantjies are only just 20, the ages of their loose forwards are all around 24, likewise with the front row and backs Lionel Mapoe and Waylon Murray. So, if they can mantain a spine of Cilliers, Maku, van de Merwe (one of the oldies at 28 or so), Joshua Strauss, Derick Minnie, Jano Vermaak/ Rory Kockett, Elton Jantjies, Doppies la Grange, Waylon Murray, Lionel Mapoe, Wandile Mjakevu and Jaco Taute for the next 4 or so years, dear I say that I would mightily jealous of that team.

And what makes this scenario all the more likely is that they have a passionate coach who seems in it for the long haul (indeed you have to be commited if you get robbed and stabbed in your own apartment within 3 months of moving to the place, and don't GTF the next day). Mitchell is a more than capable coach, and with a player like Carlos Spencer helping in coaching the backline, the Lions should be an exciting team to watch (for their fans from now as well) for the forseeable future.

I am looking forward to the Lions knocking the Bulls off their perch as the dominant team in Gauteng, what a day that would be when you see Bulls supporters looking in envy at their rivals team sheet. I really hope they can pull this off, but then again it would be typical of them to screw it up


Mon' the Lions (mind an away game in Jo'burg is brilliant)

Yes, there's certainly 'something special' happening at the GLRU. Mind, Butch James is on his way and is a handy player to have on the bench and Michael Killian is another vry talented back. They will be a force to be reckoned with again if they can secure a couple of world class forwards though. I guess everyo Lions fan is waiting to relive the glory days of the 90's - the 1995 world champions were basically a Lions team with Os, Joel and Joost. Okay, a few others to boot but you get my point.

 

[FlukeArtist]

Gidday all

Heres my prediction for the Lions-Blues game

I'm afraid The Blues are going to get pounded this weekend.
Once again Lam has rung the changes; dropping Mealamu, Boric, Ranger and Braid to the bench.
This has 2010 written all over it. We'll be lucky if we end up with a 50% win record this year with that sort of team selection consistency.

Oh well- at least there is a chance we could get Henry back to coach us next year once he retires after the the Rugby World Cup.

The way the Lions have been playing, I would have selected my top team, and if you really really need to rest player (honestly- resting them in the 3rd game in???), you rest them against the Force.

Lions by 10.

 

[Darwin]

Gidday all

Heres my prediction for the Lions-Blues game

I'm afraid The Blues are going to get pounded this weekend.
Once again Lam has rung the changes; dropping Mealamu, Boric, Ranger and Braid to the bench.
This has 2010 written all over it. We'll be lucky if we end up with a 50% win record this year with that sort of team selection consistency.

Oh well- at least there is a chance we could get Henry back to coach us next year once he retires after the the Rugby World Cup.

The way the Lions have been playing, I would have selected my top team, and if you really really need to rest player (honestly- resting them in the 3rd game in???), you rest them against the Force.

Lions by 10.

I'd honestly be surprised if the Blues lose this game, as they weren't that far behind the Sharks, they just lacked execution (Don't get me wrong, the Sharks deserved to win, just if the Blues had held onto the ball a bit better it would have been a much closer game). I'm a bit surprised at the changes they have made. Not having Dan Braid, Boric, Mealamu, and Ranger does weaken the team - but it's not as though they have been replaced by poor players, as the likes of Luke Braid and Sherwin Stowers are very good players in their own right. Having MacAlister at 10 controlling the game will also be a big step up from Brett!

I'm yet to be convinced the Lions are that good - sure they have pushed a couple of good teams, but haven't been in front when it counts (The Highlanders of the last few years were masters of this...). The Blues will likely bring on the likes of Mealamu, Dan Braid, Boric, and Ranger with 30-odd mins to go, and their experience will be a huge advantage to them in the last 10 mins if it is a close game.

If the Blues backline fires I predict they will be too good for the Lions - I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how Stowers goes in his first start at this level. Overall I'm picking the Blues to win by 15.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

The Blues were close to a draw in Durban. Just remember we only won with a 14 point difference because of a intercept try a couple of minutes before the end. If the Blues didn't lose the ball then, they had the chance to get to 19-19. The Sharks defended perfectly and things just went our way

 

[FlukeArtist]

I just have little faith in these guys (teh Blues) after years and years of underachieving and lack of backbone and heart

 

[Seaton]

Great open game so far

Blues lead 14-10

I felt Vermaak had a foot in touch two or three steps before he dived over for the try, however Lady Luck enables the Blues to hit back straight away
Rocokocko (sp) looks real hungry


Edit: What a cracker of a game!
Massive counter-attack by the Lions, granted Blues defence was poor, but some lovely hands there for Whiteley's try

Lions lead 23-20

 

[lance2010]

This is a good game so far plenty of try's.Im very surprised at the Lions preformance this season.I really like the Vermack try but the build up to it was great with that big forward doing a Rokocoko on Rokocoko hehe nice shimey dummy run.