What can be said? Yes the Lions played well, yes their lineouts were excellent, mistakes were still evident but there was certainly improvement. Even after adding all of that together [...]]]> After about the 10th minute there was some hope, a little bit of expectation and best of all – sustained good play and pressure by the Lions. However after about the 17th minute I was about ready to stop watching.

What can be said? Yes the Lions played well, yes their lineouts were excellent, mistakes were still evident but there was certainly improvement. Even after adding all of that together they still conceded 4 tries, did not pick up any bonus points and were in truth comprehensively outplayed.

The contrast between the 2 teams was stark where the Reds were able score long range tries, splitting the Lions lines from deep within the home team’s half, from set pieces and from broken play the Reds just found holes and ran into them with pace, supported well with pace and finished with style and precision. The Lions on the other side of the spectrum bashed away and plodded along from ruck after ruck and scrambled phase after phase making little ground and not appearing to be overly threatening in their approach.

The Lions struggled to protect the ball adequately at the breakdowns and suffered a number of ill – timed turnovers as a result and if the ball was recycled it was slow and predictable.

The Lions really did have the Reds on the ropes during the early stages of the match, but crumbled so quickly after conceding their point advantage and never really challenged the hosts afterwards again. Much was said by the commentators about the Lion’s character and feistiness, but I believe that we were witnessing a broken and dispirited side simply going through the motions and obediently playing out the inevitable conclusion that they have become so accustomed to.

There must be merit mentioned for the Reds. They were scintillating when they needed to be, particularly with Will Genia who outclassed and outpaced anyone from the Lions. His running game as well as his kicking game was superb but he was well supported by a host of eager backline players who fed off his cunning and wryly exploitations.

The match marked the highly publicized return of Quade Cooper, who did make a strong impact during his 40 minutes of play and I’m sure that the medical team must be extremely relieved to have him back safe at half time with a little game time under his belt ahead of their very important clash against the Brumbies next week.

It is unclear what will be on John Mitchell’s drawing board for next week – set pieces, handling, none of these really make an impact and were probably just used as excuses for poor performances in the past. The game plan itself is not working, even when we are controlling multiple phases of play and dominating possession we are simply not being able to convert this into points.

One thing that was disturbing for me was that the Lions do not seem to be looking for gaps and instead prefer to look for the contact. This would be okay if we were able to protect the ball properly and recycle it quickly, but instead we make contacts seemingly for no other reason but to make contact. There is no evidence of a plan or semblance of a purpose by repeating this as often as the Lions do. There is certainly no noteworthy outcome either.

Perhaps something that can be considered is his teamsheet as the reserves did manage to create an impact when they were on and the team did come across as having a bit more forward – going momentum. Their influence may have been somewhat exacerbated by the Reds already shifting down a gear or 2 for they were already in cruise mode after securing their 4th bonus point try shortly after half time.

I’m not sure what we can look forward to next week – maybe some nice tries by some of our backline players for a change.

In my season Preview, I mentioned that SupeRugby 2012 would be the watershed season for the GLRU.

I believe – and it is with some sadness that [...]]]> 21 December 2012 is supposedly the end of the world, or as some say, a Worldwide cataclysmic event that will bring end to life as we know it. 2012 is the end, but the end of a once mighty and proud Rugby union.

In my season Preview, I mentioned that SupeRugby 2012 would be the watershed season for the GLRU.

I believe – and it is with some sadness that I say this – that 2012 will be the last for the GLRU. The Lions have been absolutely shocking in SupeRugby, and even the most hardened Lions supporter must start agreeing that the Jo’burg side is just not good enough.

The Lions have had numerous coaches, numerous players, substantial cash injections, marketing campaigns, new and old supporters, yet, the Lions sit with a record of 15 from 81 matches, after the Cats project was called to a halt.

If all goes to plan, the Lions will not feature in SupeRugby 2013. I want to make it clear that I believe it’s not The Kings’ fault. There is only one entity to blame, and that is the GLRU. From Management, to the Coaches, to the Players.

Whether the Lions merge with another union, or whether the Lions have to sit out in 2013, I firmly believe that they have hit rock bottom, and there is no way the Lions will ever recover from this possible relegation. The Lions have at most 3 to 4 quality players in their squad, the rest all average. That is what the Lions have become, an Average union, driven by mediocrity and average decision making on and off the field.

By Miracles alone, the Lions have managed to keep head above water financially by getting Sponsors on board that were willing to pay quite a substantial amount to be associated with the “Pride of Jo’burg.”

Most of the Lions player’s contracts comes to an end within the next two seasons. I cannot for the life of me see how the Lions’ handful of quality players will recommit to stay in Johannesburg. The relegation fear will be there until such time that SANZAR changes the format of the most grueling and respected competition in the world. The Promotion and Relegation process will always see the Lions and Kings rotate positions until the format is changed to the “Super 16”.

We can expect a player exodus of the players we really don’t want to see leave, with the average ones remaining in Johannesburg, weakening the side even more. I can’t see MTN, Redefine or Discovery staying with the Lions once their Sponsorship contracts come to an end. I cannot see any substantial sponsor getting involved again, once the Lions are relegated. The Worst, is that even if the Lions aren’t relegated, we can expect the likes of Taute, Jantjies, Rhodes and Willemse leaving the Lions in search of the elusive Green and Gold.

Becoming a Springbok is probably one of the most difficult challenges in World Rugby, now imagine playing in a side that absolutely smacks of mediocrity against the best in the world.

This was the season the Lions could have affirmed their rejuvenation, or watched each-other die on and off the field. Unfortunately we saw the latter unfold before our eyes. The Once mighty Transvaal union died years ago, but the Lions’ class of 2012 will always be remembered for the year the inevitable happened. The year all hope for a new start died.

The Lions will fall away, disappear and become a minnow. The Currie Cup of 2011 will always be remembered as their last Hurrah. The Last and most deserving celebration for the most loyal Sports fans in the World.

But moving [...]]]> With 1 from 10, the Lions now head to Brisbane to face the defending Champs, the Reds on Saturday Morning. After some gave the Lions an actual chance of beating the Blues last week-end, and being demolished by the then bottom of the log team, the only optimism is surely that the Lions are having an awesome holiday if one looks at some of their Facebook statuses.

But moving on to the important part, the Reds killed the log leading Chiefs last week, and one can only wonder what the defending Champs will do to the Lions.

The Touring side actually managed a victory over the Reds in Brisbane a couple of seasons ago under Loffie Eloff.

The Lions’ line-out worked okay last week, but got demolished in the scrum, that was until CJ van der Linde made his appearance. Hopefully the Jo’burg side will be good at line-outs and scrums this week. But being good at their set piece is irrelevant, when you have the worst handling error stat in the competition. The Lions’ strength used to be taking the ball through numerous phases, build pressure and collect points, but taking the ball through more than five phases this season has been a rare occurrence.

Pathetic handling, and poor execution has been the norm.

Every-one is blaming poor kicking as a reason we’re struggling, but a kick is only as good as it’s chasers. And this is where the commitment and attitude falls short. The Worst chasers in the business. The defending team has enough time to collect the ball, play an entire round of 30 seconds, have lunch and then maybe we’ll see a Lions chaser in picture.

Commitment in defense has also been poor, especially when a line has been broken, watch the lazy players jog and as my coach always used to say, have time to take some quality pictures of the try being scored.

Guys, we’re in for another hiding. A Bigger one than last week, and with the return of Quade Cooper, things have just gotten worse. The only thing I’m looking forward to is watching Jaco Taute at 12, he had a blinder last week and was the only Lions player effective in attack and defense.

Don’t ruin your Saturday by expecting anything.

The Reds will win the game by quite a margin, and will cement our position as the wooden spoon holders. But hey, at least the guys will have the opportunity to visit Perth next week.

MTN Lions:

15 Andries Coetzee; 14 Deon van Rensburg; 13 Lionel Mapoe; 12 Jaco Taute; 11 Michael Killian; 10 Elton Jantjies; 9 Ross Cronje; 8 Josh Strauss (C); 7 Grant Hattingh; 6 Derick Minnie; 5 Ruan Botha; 4 Franco van der Merwe; 3 Pat Cilliers; 2 Callie Visagie; 1 JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout; 17 CJ van der Linde; 18 Cobus Grobbelaar; 19 Jaco Kriel ;20 Tian Meyer; 21 Ruan Combrink; 22 James Kamana

What’s interesting is that this is the first time this season, that John Mitchell has been able to select the same side for two consecutive week-ends.  The Lions will face the Reds on Saturday morning.

MTN Lions:

15 Andries Coetzee; 14 Deon van Rensburg; 13 Lionel Mapoe; 12 [...]]]> The MTN Lions will face the Reds with the exact same match 22 that got thrashed by the Blues last Friday.

What’s interesting is that this is the first time this season, that John Mitchell has been able to select the same side for two consecutive week-ends.  The Lions will face the Reds on Saturday morning.

MTN Lions:

15 Andries Coetzee; 14 Deon van Rensburg; 13 Lionel Mapoe; 12 Jaco Taute; 11 Michael Killian; 10 Elton Jantjies; 9 Ross Cronje; 8 Josh Strauss (C); 7 Grant Hattingh; 6 Derick Minnie; 5 Ruan Botha; 4 Franco van der Merwe; 3 Pat Cilliers; 2 Callie Visagie; 1 JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout; 17 CJ van der Linde; 18 Cobus Grobbelaar; 19 Jaco Kriel ;20 Tian Meyer; 21 Ruan Combrink; 22 James Kamana

It started with the Southern Spears under McKeever [...]]]> It is reasonably clear by now that the Lions will be the team most impacted by the Kings’ inclusion in SupeRugby. Lions fans are not happy with this for obvious reasons but to be fair to all involved this has been coming for a long time. For many years now we have argued this on every rugby forum available to us.

It started with the Southern Spears under McKeever that turned into the Southern Kings under Watson. SARU tried to postpone their inclusion for as long as possible but cannot do so anymore. The Kings have legal and political backing, and by many accounts large financial backing also. Rumours abound about talks with some big names and big money in the background. Those close to the Kings talk about buying a star team like we haven’t seen in SA. Sounds like Gumede when he tested the waters at the Lions … “Manchester United of rugby”. We’ll see (and my advice to Kings fans is to take such talk with lots of salt, especially if Gumede is involved).

Where to for the Lions? The options are as follows:

(1)    Relegation. Sit out for at least one season and rebuilt the squad. Some players might leave as I’m sure some contracts have SupeRugby guarantees built in. It is up to the players to stay or go in such cases. We all know that some should go and others we hope would stay. Mitchell indicated that he will stay on and not abandon the union/franchise. Good. I like Mitchell and believe, like in the Currie Cup last year, he can do amazing things when he’s got the players.

(2)    Merger. I’ve made my preference for this arrangement known all over the internet. I proposed the Wildcats concept where the Lions join the Cheetahs to create a super franchise. Yes, I know, it didn’t work so well before, but, we did play in two semi-finals under Mains, the best any of the teams involved ever did. The money allocation killed the unions involved at the time and this is where it can be done better – much better – this time. As I’ve said many time, if SARU and the franchises can come to an agreement to divide the broadcasting cake into six pieces instead of five the Wildcats can get 2 slices that will keep the Cheetahs and Lions on a sound financial footing. Both will be able to retain players and staff for the Currie Cup. My proposal is then also for the Pumas to be realigned with the Bulls. Many accuse me of driving Mark Keohane’s perceived Kings agenda here. Not so – at all. I propose this idea mainly because it is as clear as daylight after so many years of tears that neither Joburg nor Bloemfontein can on their own win the Super Series. Neither teams have the depth to deal with setbacks. Why participate if you never stand a realistic chance to win the tournament? Aren’t we all gatvol to get excited about a new season just to be let down again when reality hits. Reality is a bitch.

If the Lions can get a huge money injection soon all the dynamics will change. But what are the chances of anyone with big money investing in the Lions? The 49% ownership rule makes rugby a poor investment. If teams could be privatised it will make a huge difference, but I can’t help but expect the Lions to be seen as a bargain hunt target in such a scenario when the mighty Bulls sits on our doorstep offering an investor so much more. That we sit with such a strong and well supported Bulls setup on our doorstep is a huge dilemma for the Lions. One of the consequences is that any rugby support on offer from Soweto already sits with the Bulls. The Bulls is suffocating us and they’re almost done.

This domination by the Bulls necessitates the creation of a counter balance in the North. Thát, as I see it is the Wildcats. The Wildcats will attract sponsors more than the Lions and the Cheetahs do on their own. The Wildcats will be the alternative from the North where sponsors have a huge captive market. Give those that do not want to support the Bulls a real alternative. I believe the market is ready for that. Look at the empty stadiums in Joburg and Bloem. The Lions and Cheetahs have a poor record in SupeRugby and the Cats failed for reasons that are well understood. Go for a new brand and let go of the old paradigms. Yes, the geographic challenge is real, but it is not insurmountable. The money is the big issue, and that SARU can fix … and they should come to the party considering their huge stake in the mess we sit with.

I say: Bring on the Wildcats. Let’s build a new franchise with new branding and new ideas. Let’s build a franchise able to compete with the big boys and with a realistic chance of winning the competition. I agree with Simon Borchardt … bring Nick Mallett in, but do so as Director of Rugby. We need a strong character like him. Use Mitch and Naka as coaches. Mitch already indicated that he will work for such an arrangement. I see awesome potential here. I’m willing to let go of the Lions in SupeRugby to gain something with much more going for it (and me). Will Free State bite? Not if the money is not right. They may well argue that they are doing well on their own. If winning here and there but never being a real threat for the champions title is well enough then they will be correct, but that is mediocre thinking. We need a champion, one that can take injury hits and still remain the champion.

We received this article from our man KAT.

Without a doubt, the Lions have the laziest players in the competition. To tell you how frustrated I am with the Lions’ forwards, would cause me to ban myself from this website. Our cleaning ability and aggression is worthless. Our tight five is weak, lazy and uncommitted. And this spills to [...]]]> There is nothing like playing the Lions if you’re a side that seriously needs a confidence boost. Nothing.

Without a doubt, the Lions have the laziest players in the competition. To tell you how frustrated I am with the Lions’ forwards, would cause me to ban myself from this website. Our cleaning ability and aggression is worthless. Our tight five is weak, lazy and uncommitted. And this spills to the backline’s ability to create and find themselves in space.

Guys and girls, the truth is we are absolutely shocking. We lack basic skills that any 10 year old should have. My sons Bulletjie side has more handling skills than some of the players we call professionals.

The commitment shown in defense was pathetic, when you see players jogging in the background after the Blues have cut the Lions’ defense open, it cuts me to the heart. There’s no effort in cover or scramble defense. And this is what disappoints me more than anything. The kick-chasing is absolutely pathetic. There is no intensity in this Lions side.

No review is needed. It was a shocking game. 17 handling errors by the Lions.

Can’t say anymore. We don’t deserve a SupeRugby berth. Give the Kings an opportunity, ‘because I’d rather have their supporters feel this shite week in and week out than us.

Final score: Blues 25 – 3 Lions.

The scorers:

For the Blues:
Tries: Hobbs, Mathewson, L Braid
Cons: Anscombe 2
Pens: Anscombe  2

For the Lions:
Pen: Jantjies

The solution that was tabled in January was that the bottom placed team in the conference would be relegated and replaced by the Kings. Thereafter there will be promotion / relegation play offs at the end of 2013 and 2014. However SARU agreed to [...]]]> It isn’t a “Formal” decision, just an announcement to keep the heat away for a tad – but the writing seems to be on the wall.

The solution that was tabled in January was that the bottom placed team in the conference would be relegated and replaced by the Kings. Thereafter there will be promotion / relegation play offs at the end of 2013 and 2014. However SARU agreed to hold back on stamping and sealing the motion and allow time for the franchises to come up with alternative proposals.

This is the confusing part for me:-

“A final decision will be made after meetings with the SA Super Rugby franchises on 17 May, the Saru executive committee on 24 May and the Saru general council on 13 July.”

We seem to have 3 different dates for a final decision and does this mean that changes can be made up until the 13^th of July or does it mean that a final decision will be made on the 17^th of May and will simply be ratified on the 24^th and then again on the 17^th of July?

To me it appears as though the decision has already been made and we are merely going through the death throws, vaguely hidden behind the weak smoke screen created by Saru and co in an attempt to show genuine concern and intent to finding a sensible solution to this problem.

So to be honest, I am actually not sure what I am reporting on but just thought that I could use this opportunity to say – GOOD LUCK LIONS! GIVE THE BLUES STICK!

The merger was tried, and it was a complete failure.

But the question is, if it is done again, will it fail [...]]]> Lions Coach John Mitchell recently stated in the media that a merger between the Lions and the Cheetahs could work if there is a strong leadership within the side and in management. Excuse me for gasping for air and wondering what the hell the man was smoking.

The merger was tried, and it was a complete failure.

But the question is, if it is done again, will it fail or might there be an opportunity for the “Cats” to actually contend for the title in SupeRugby? Yes and No.

Rugby has come a far way since the days of the initial Cats merger, and one must remember the Cats featured in two semi-finals in that period, the closest either of the sides have come to play-offs since the inception of the Super 12.

When you look at a combined team between the Lions and the Cheetahs, a really impressive side could be put together that could seriously contend for a play-off spot in the next couple of seasons. Both sides have also struggled individually, with the Lions doing exceptionally poor. The Cheetahs have won a couple of matches, but calling them successful, would be a stretch.

When considering merging these two unions again, the above is the only argument for the successful amalgamation of the two.

The problem with this idea, is these aren’t the Lions and the Bulls that are only approximately 65 kilos apart. It’s two different provinces, approximately 500 kilometers apart. Logistically it would be a nightmare. Not to talk about financially. Gate sales would have to be shared, sponsorships would have to be re-negotiated. Money’s from the Sponsors would also have to be shared.

The biggest problem I foresee is continuity. Players will leave both unions due to suddenly becoming second stringers, and then in Currie Cup again being the flavor of the month. Secondly, neither union will stand a chance of winning the Currie Cup again. Player depth will be depleted individually for the teams, while there will be absolutely no continuity heading into Currie Cup after the SupeRugby Season.

The question here isn’t really whether a merger would work. The question is why the Cheetahs and the Lions have to suffer this fate due to a ridiculous and absolutely spineless decision by SARU. Yes, the Lions have been poor, but for the first time in many seasons, the Lions’ results have been due to injuries and not due to our top side not performing. I concede that injuries are a reality, but when you head into a SupeRugby competition with 9 frontline players missing, any side would struggle. Is this really the season the Lions need to answer for poor results when in reality they have been dealt a card that they haven’t been able to cope with.

Most will agree, if the Lions have been able to play the same team they had in the final, the Lions would have been far better off in the standings. We lack the depth, and without key players, certain players have folded and have been shockingly poor.

I still believe the Kings will not feature in 2013. They haven’t contracted any quality players since being “guaranteed” a spot in 2013. The current pool of players they have, have proven they’re not close to even qualifying for Currie Cup Premier Division, not to mention SupeRugby. The Lions have been competitive in most games even with all their injuries. The Kings, guaranteed, will lose by at least 40 – 50 per game. It will be an embarrassment to SA Rugby, the players, the Springboks and the Sponsors involved.

There will be no merger. There will be no relegation. There will be no Kings in 2013. I believe this. The Lions will feature in SupeRugby next season, only because the Kings will be worse.

Friends, I [...]]]> Amid yet another long – term losing streak, negative speculation, more injuries and dredge bottom moral, the Lions now need to focus and set their intent towards their next match. They travel to Auckland and meet up with a team going through much the same pain, the only difference is that their Rugby Governing Body is actively supporting them and is looking for ways to strengthen their position.

Friends, I don’t know what to tell you or how to go about saying this. I don’t believe that anyone can doubt each other’s loyalties, certainly not our passion and love for this team. There are 6 more games left for the Lions this season and apart from the 2 byes that we have already used and the single game that we won, we have only managed to pick up 2 single bonus points for losing by 7 or less.

Speculation regarding our future in Super Rugby, the future of our players and where to from here is coming to a head. Even our poll on the home page suggests that we, the fans are starting to resign ourselves to the fact that there may no longer be a Lions team in Super Rugby. The amount of emotional investment that we have given to this team is beyond measure and the collective years of support that we have shed beyond calculation.

I can only compare this situation to having ones child or parent who is gravely ill and at risk of becoming permanently disabled or even worse. You want them to pick themselves up; you want them to fight the disease. You give them encouragement, do your best to cheer them up, but with each failed attempt, they slump back upon their beds, exhausted, frustrated and embarrassed at the disappointment that we can hide no longer.

There have been improvements and the prospects that the team showed, particularly last week are encouraging, but we still conceded 4 tries and lost by 13 points. To have considered this as a small success is an indication of where our standards have dropped to. To blame injuries when our players are dropping the ball and making errors more than 3 times to our competitors is a weak argument. The fact that we battle in the set pieces and have done so over the past 2 years is an indication that our players are simply not as good on a one to one basis with their opponents and struggle to compete at this level.

Even with last week’s positives there is still not enough evidence to suggest that the Lions are ready to win a game. The Blues are not far off and have been equally as poor but with their home advantage and the only uncertainty surrounding their future is regarding the coach, they should overcome another determined effort by the Lions.

I suppose that the real crux of the matter is that the Lions do have a real chance of beating their hosts on Friday and maybe even collecting a 5 pointer in the process, but then what? With 5 more games to go afterwards that include the Reds (in Brisbane) the Sharks; the Stormers (in Cape Town) and the Bulls (in Pretoria) what realistic chance is there to really improve our position?

Based on current and previous performance, it is an almost given that these teams will be too strong for us and the most that we can hope for is 1, maybe 2 wins and a bonus point here and there. This may not be enough at this late stage as the Cheetahs are 12 points ahead of us and still have a bye in hand. This means that the Lions need to win at least 4 games and pick up a bonus point and the Cheetahs to lose all their remaining fixtures and not pick up a single point. And this is just for the Lions to end up in 2^nd last place on the log.

Friends, I hate being pessimistic, but I am really down now. I feel exhausted and drained and frustrated. I want to blame someone and hang them in public, but what’s the point? I want to march to SARU’s offices and trash the place, walk into Hoskin’s office, stand on his chair and piss on his desk but I honestly don’t believe that he is entirely to blame. These are just the front men of a process that was poorly conceived, easily manipulated and carelessly administered. Hoodwinked by sinister, self serving individuals both domestic and abroad and held ransom to the fact that we all happily agreed to the contract, no matter how unjust it was. The bottom line is that someone should have known better, someone should have seen the writing on the wall and said something, but everyone thought “It couldn’t happened to me!” and tacitly allowed the whole thing crash down upon us.

So, I’m sure the sun will shine again no matter what and the earth will continue to revolve upon its disk, carried by 4 cosmic elephants, perched on the back of a giant turtle. Let’s hope that the sun will shine down upon the Lions on Friday, let them win a game in New Zealand and give the team and its fans some joy. Maybe the last 6 games for the Lions will not be as painful as the ultimate season could potentially turn out to be.

I may have given up hope, but I will never give up on the Lions!

Doppies has been a loyal Lion for many years, and a great contributor to the Lions’ Currie Cup success in 2011. Thanks for your effort Doppies and I’m sure you will be missed by many supporters.

Good luck and may God protect you and [...]]]> Lions stalwart and centre, Doppies La Grange has signed a contract with Italian club, Benetton Treviso, and will be leaving the Lions on 30 June 2012.

Doppies has been a loyal Lion for many years, and a great contributor to the Lions’ Currie Cup success in 2011. Thanks for your effort Doppies and I’m sure you will be missed by many supporters.

Good luck and may God protect you and your loved ones on your journey. God Bless!!