Not as fierce as their namesake

Although the Lions (then Transvaal) won the inaugural Super 10 competition, they have been one of the poorest performing teams ever since. Ending 12th in last year’s Super 14, they have been familiar with the bottom end of the log over the last several seasons.

Like the Reds and Cheetahs behind them, they will be looking to start a new era in Lions rugby. Putting the last decade of poor performances behind them, and wanting to rebuild themselves to what they once were, a powerhouse of South African rugby.

Springbok Assistant Coach and new Lions Coach, Dick Muir will have a tough task ahead of him to keep his players on track during overseas leg of the Lions’ Super 14 campaign. They face the Hurricanes, then cross to Oz for two games, before returning for another two in New Zealnd and finally returning to South Africa. Arguably one of the tougher Super 14 draws. Muir will also have his hands full in juggling between being Springbok Assistant Coach, MD of the International Rugby Academy and Director of Coaching at the Lions.

Another headache for the Lions will be the fact that they lost eight senior players last season, including Springbok stalwart, Jaque Fourie. With Willem Alberts and Louis Ludik defecting to the Sharks, that will bring the number of senior players having left the Lions to a total of ten.

The Lions may have lost ten of their senior players, but they have gained a few others. Most notably, the signings of Springbok speedster, Tonderai Chavanga and former All Black legend, Carlos Spencer. Young flyhalf, Burton Francis will also be looking for some extended game time in Super Rugby.

Players to watch:

• King Carlos may be a bit long in the tooth, but having watched a few of his recent highlights, it looks like Spencer still has a truckload of tricks up his sleeve. Experience can’t be bought, and Carlos Spencer has been around the rugby block a few times. 
• Jano Vermaak has been the catalyst in the Lions team over the last season or two, he will be looking to prove a point to the Springbok selectors on his return from injury.
• Heinke van der Merwe and Kevin Buys will be looking to get one up in the front row. If the Lions manage to find a decent hooker that is.

 This is what they’ve just acquired: [tehmite]

Possible Concerns:

• First and foremost, the Lions’ lack of depth will catch up with them at the business end of things.
• Earl Rose’s erratic play often means that he is up for the best player award, in the opposition team, that is.
• Inexperience at hooker and in the second row, means they face trouble at lineout time.
• The Lions were the worst team defensively in 2009.

BSR’s prediction for the Lions’ best possible finish: 8th