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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.