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Written by PaarlBok
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Wednesday, 24 January 2007 |
 The Lions will start this season from scratch with a new respectable coach,
Loffy Eloff, did some wonderful things with the SA youth teams, and with a young
team with a few Bok stars. They started the 2006 CC in the same vain with a lot
of losses but end it with a impressive match winning streak which had the more
fancier provinces in a fright. Again they had some losses but Loffy will form
them in a close unit with young and upcoming players and every win will be a
bonus in his books. The biggest bonus they have already received was the way
they fought off the Spears and just to be in this competition will spur them on.
Changes
Gains:
Jaque Cronje Blue Bulls
Solly Thibilika Sharks
Jongi Nokwe Boland
A host of youngsters comeing through their ranks. I'll just mention names
that can be written down to remember
Louis Ludick - Versatile Back which made a huge impression in 2006 CC
Willem Alberts - a Loose the Samoans will never forget, known for some big
hits.
Bryan Mulati - First taste of S14 for this SA U21 prop
Heinke van der Merwe - Impressive SA U21 loosehead prop
Jannie Boshoff - Sharks U21 centre
Losses:
The losses are far bigger than the gains. The captain Wikus van Heerden
the former captain is a huge loss.
Wikus van Heerden Bulls
Nicolas Eyre (John Robbies family) Bulls
Conrad Jantjes Stormers
Gerhard Vosloo France
Strengths
The strength of this team is that no one will give them any changes. They
have nothing to loose and they will built their campaign around gees (spirit)
with a young side and we all know there is no replacement for attitude and
passion.
Coaching and front office – In my books one of the best coaching staff
leading by Loffy. Wimpie Vermeulen, Leon Boshoff and the experienced Gerhard
Jordaan. Watch out these names because they will bind the Cats in a close family
and a never say die attitude.
Scrumhalf depth – They have two good scrummies in Januarie, a name you all
know and watch out this name Jano Vermaak. He had a big CC behind him even
outplayed the more fancied Ricky.
Midfield - They have one of the best 10 and 13's in SA in Petoors and
Fourie and combined with Willemse, Luddick and Rose from the back a backline
more then potent.
Loosies - Great dept here like most Saffer teams.
Weaknesses
Unexperience – They have a few experience which does matter in big games.
Injuries will knock them even futher especially if it get to the more
experienced players.
Second row – They can be found wanted in the lineouts.
Wooden Spoon Boogie - The Cats end up nowhere every year and they have to
throw that monkey away and get use to winning. Who will ever forget the big
Transvaal teams of Francois, Wiese and le Roux era.
Rustiness- Petoors and the Boks havent played any warmup so far and will
be rusted.
Draw
They start with 3 games in SA (Tahs, Highlanders and Saders), then the
difficult part touring (Force, Reds, Blues and Chiefs) and then the home run
(Brumbies, Stormers, Newlands, Sharks Durbs and Cheetahs Home). Their start will
be important and if they can built some momentum they can end in a flurry.
Questions
Any win will be a bonus. Can the Golden Lions play to their potential and
get the respect they deserves?
Players to pick from (I put my choise first and the others thereafter,
GMan you are welcome to swop)
15 Earl Rose, Ludick and van Schalkwyk
14 Ashwin Willemse, Ngaka (Boland player), Jaco Petorius
13 Jac Fourie, Jaco Pretorius, Barry Geel (Griquas)
12 van Schalkwyk, Doppies, Boshoff
11 Wylie Human, Jongi Nokwe
10 Petoors, Louis Strydom (Falcons 10 who are more then able)
9 Jano Vermaak, January
8 Ernst Joubert (expect big things from this Paul Roser), Pietie Ferreira
7 Kobus Varkhond Grobbelaar, Willem Albert, Frans van der Merwe
6 Solly Thibilika, Roland Bernard
5 Cobus Grobler (blond from Cheetahs), Anton van Zyl
4 Gordon Gilfillan, Jandre Mynhardt, Gerhard Mostert
3 Bertus Smit (injured till March), Kenny McKenzie, Ronnie Uys
2 Etienne Reyneke, Willie Wepener
1 Heinke van der Merwe, Majoti, Lawrence Sephaka
Look Out For
Loosies and backline with a average pack.
Prediction
The Golden Lions will surprise all the teams because nothing is expected
from them. One thing I can promise all and a sundry is that this Lions team will
be a different animal then the Cat. They wont bog down and will fight to
survive.
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