Super 14 2009- Lions

[James]

In breaking news out of Johannesburg the Lions have picked up a large amount of money in royalties: Lions Lawyers have linked the Lions team as inspiration to both the song "Road to Nowhere" and the recent film "Lions for Lambs". Certainly the Lions have to be considered favourites for Super 14 wooden spooners. After many years as the lead sinker (always sinking to the bottom) of the Super 14 one has to ask: How long before these Cats become extinct?

Form from 2008
After doing alright for a while and even knocking on the door of the top four in 2007 the Lions reverted to form with a 2-1-10 on the ledger and the shame of a last place finish. Despite the hate-mail I will receive from TWF's South African fans this really shows the mediocrity of the Currie Cup as last years 13th and 14th placed sides in the Super 14 were Currie Cup grand finalists. This year the Lions were knocked out in the semi-final stage by the Sharks- who went on to win the competition. There isn't really much to smile about. Can coach Loffie Eloff turn their form around and but down the first bricks in a rebuilding stage that has been going on for over 5 years?

Comings and Goings
You could say that the Lions squad has a fairly familiar look to it but only if you were a Lions fan. Those outside of South Africa will be looking at the Lions list wondering who half of them are- and will only know some of the others for all the wrong reasons.
The Lions have copped a bit of a blow with two experienced and talented loose forwards Ernst Joubert and Joe van Niekirk both being absent from this years roster. The loss further depletes an already bone dry pool of talent and experience. To try to put on some positive spin the departure of former 7s stars Jaco Pretorius and Rayno Benjamin they have left the backline a little bit more mysterious. Andre Pretorius' name was also notably absent from the list. The perpetually injured fly-half may well have pulled the pin on a career that has rivalled Jonny Wilkinson for time spent recovering from injuries.

The Lions have brought in USA Eagle captain Todd Clever to make up for Joubert and van Niekirk. Certainly worth a watch come the season opener. The odd international from outside SANZAR does add a bit of spice to the competition and his leadership and experience is a big plus. To fill in for Benjamin and Pretorius, Willie Rickards has been recruited from NZ's Southland. Some talk on the rumour mill is of the possible return of Ashwin Willemse who has been playing in France.

Players to watch out for
You can't not keep an eye on Earl Rose the guy is just pure value for money. Whether it be attacking plays from inside his own in goal area, to being bashed six ways from Sunday by Doug Howlett or his handling that makes it look like he wears gloves made of butter drizzled in oil with a hit of detergent. Entertainment for all the wrong reasons- great fun to see. If you were a Waratahs fan you could rest easy watching Rose and knowing that there is someone out there who cocks things up worse than their backline.

On a more serious note this coming year could be a great one for Jano Vermaak. Vermaak has suffered from the unfortunate fate of being a great white scrum-half in a country where transformation has seen his opportunities with the Springboks completely restricted. This guy definitely deserved a chance over Bolla Conradie but such is the way of the world. If, and this is the big if, the Lions win any games next year you can count on it being on the back of an explosive performance from Vermaak. These days he would have to be one of the only out and out stars left in the Lions team.

Prediction for 2009
The outlook is b-leak. The Lions should take some satisfaction in the fact that many of their players are contracted through to 2010 so if they can string some good stuff together they may just start on the long, winding road back to the top. For 2009 though I think the best the Lions can hope for, and it would be a great achievement, is keeping out of the double figures on the table. They just have to hope their opponents underestimate them and push like they've never pushed like them before to win a few at home. Even then with so few truly great, or even good, players there isn't much to look forward to. Sorry Lions but you take out my wooden spoon. 14th.

[James]

Players to watch out for
You can't not keep an eye on Earl Rose the guy is just pure value for money. Whether it be attacking plays from inside his own in goal area, to being bashed six ways from Sunday by Doug Howlett or his handling that makes it look like he wears gloves made of butter drizzled in oil with a hit of detergent. Entertainment for all the wrong reasons- great fun to see. If you were a Waratahs fan you could rest easy watching Rose and knowing that there is someone out there who cocks things up worse than their backline.

SA Rugby mum on Bok's punch-up
Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:13

Sign of the times: Springbok and Lions star Earl Rose

SA Rugby has declined to comment on reports that Springbok Earl Rose was involved in a mass punch-up at a touch-rugby tournament in his home town, Strand, on Tuesday.

Rose, who was a surprise inclusion in the Bok team for the year-end tour to the United Kingdom last month and is a member of Johannesburg-based Lions, played for a team called Jamaicans in the annual Strand touch-rugby event.

Jamaicans is a team entered by Rose and also included his younger brother Jody, who also plays professional rugby for the Lions. They compete in the Strand event every year when they return home during their annual holiday.

According to local media reports Earl Rose took exception to remarks made by another spectator to his father, Enver, after the two were involved in a scuffle.

The incident, at the end of a match between Jamaicans and a team called 'Dwergies' (Midgets), was one of at least two major punch-ups that caused organisers to bring a premature halt to proceedings.

However, SA Rugby declined to comment on the involvement of the Springbok tourist in the fracas.

"The incident has not been reported to SA Rugby and we are unaware of the full facts, and are therefore in no position to comment," Andy Colquhoun, Strategic Communications Manager at SA Rugby, told rugby365.com on Wednesday.

According to a report in the Afrikaans daily, Die Burger, Earl Rose got involved during the altercation between his father, Enver, and another spectator.

"Earl punched the guy seven/eight times. His [the spectator's] face was a bloodied mess," the newspaper reported.

According to the report Rose's sister also got involved in the fracas.

The fighting, which was preceded by other incidents, got out of hand, as spectators became involved.

The organiser of the event, Grahame Bobrow, said he regretted the incident - the first time since the tournament's inception eight years ago that something like this has happened.

Found this on rugby365.com the morning after writing up the Lions report- Creepy, really really creepy.

And whats with his brother called Jody Rose? I know some Saffa names are a bit weird but Jody?!

And where do they get off writing Springbok and Lions Star Rose? The guy sucks. Completely. Has he even played for the Springboks yet (yes I know he was in the Europe tour squad)? Peter de Villiers is on crack and after hearing about his sex tape it makes you wonder what kind.

[Burgs]

"between Jamaicans and a team called 'Dwergies' (Midgets)"
Rose was in the wrong team

[brokendown gunfighter]

rumour has it his sister did all the damage in the punch up

[beige]

And whats with his brother called Jody Rose? I know some Saffa names are a bit weird but Jody?!

Actually Jody Scheckter was a very famous Formula 1 champion from South Africa