LIONS

Tuesday 30th January 2007

In Ricky January, newly appointed captain André Pretorius and Jaque Fourie lie the Cats only hope. With this in mind the depth of their squad must be called into question, and particularly their depth in key positions.

If the injury prone Pretorius is as unlucky as he has been in the past, there is very little quality back up at fly-half.

The loss of Wikus Van Heerden is an immeasurable one, and judging by his performance for the Bulls in pre-season matches, letting Van Heerden go could come back to haunt the Lions.

Although they are a highly motivated team, the Super 14 is unfortunately not a competition that can be won on passion or by a handful of talented individuals.

On the contrary such qualities may not even be enough to save the Lions from yet another bottom of the table finish.

Strengths: Team spirit, a real passion for the game and a good coach. They also have some great individuals and a stadium that is very intimidating for visiting teams.

Weakness: No real depth in their squad and injuries could be a major problem. Their tight forwards also look suspect. What worked in the Currie Cup may not work in the Super 14.

Noteworthy signings: Jacques Cronjé (from the Bulls), Thobela Mdaka (Griffons), Louis Strydom (Falcons), Solly Tyibilika (Sharks)

Noteworthy losses: Conrad Jantjes (to the Stormers), Grant Esterhuizen (Clermont Auvergne), Wayne Julies (the Bulls), Russell Winter (Newcastle Falcons), Wikus van Heerden (to the Bulls), Willem Stolz (Agen), Jannes Labuschagne (retired), Trevor Hall (Biarritz), Lucas van Biljon (retired)

Coach: Eugene Eloff, replacing Frans Ludeke as the Cats/Lions coach, was enormously successful with South Africa's Under-19 side and it seemed he has installed that same passion within the Lions squad. They came back from five losses in their first six games to narrowly lose out on a place in the Currie Cup play-offs, with a run of eight consecutive wins. But can they carry that passion and form into the Super 14?

Captain: André Pretorius is without doubt one of South Africa's most gifted and talented rugby players, but his list of recent and past injuries will ensure that their's always a question mark over his ability to last the pace. The other question is his ability to lead. It has not been tested at top level.

Player(s) to watch: Having lost a host of senior players it is likely the burden will fall on a handful of players - Jacques Cronjé, Jaque Fourie, Ricky Januarie, André Pretorius and Jaco Pretorius - to carry the young guns through.

2006 Position: 13th
Best finish: 3rd in 2001
Worst finish: 13 in the 2006 S14; 12th in the S12 (1998, 2003, 2004)
Home Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg (capacity 62,000)

2007 Prediction: They look paper thin in experience at this level and may well be South Africa's worst team again. 14th

Lions squad: Willem Alberts, Jannie Boshoff, Ashton Constant, Jacques Cronjé, Jaque Fourie, Gordon Gilfillan, Cobus Grobbelaar, Cobus Grobler, Enrico Januarie, Ernst Joubert, Doppies la Grange, Colin Lloyd, Louis Ludik, Kenny McKenzie, Brian Mujati, André Pretorius, Jaco Pretorius, Ethienne Reynecke, Earl Rose, Lawrence Sephaka, Bertus Smit, Louis Strydom, Solly Tyibilika, Franco van der Merwe, Heinke van der Merwe, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Anton van Zyl, Jano Vermaak, Willie Wepener, Ashwin Willemse

Schedule:

2 February: v Waratahs, home
10 February: v Highlanders, home
17 February: v Crusaders, home
24 February: v Western Force, away
3 March: v Reds, away
10 March: v Blues, away
16 March: v Chiefs, away
24 March: v Hurricanes, home
31 March: v Brumbies, home
7 April: v Stormers, away
13/14 April: BYE
21 April: v Bulls, home
28 April: v Sharks, away
5 May: v Cheetahs, home

By James White