The Golden Lions have their 40 schoolboy signings for 2014 in the bag. 2013 Beeld Trofee winners EG Jansen from Boksburg have been a team blessed with talent in all departments so it comes with little surprise that they are best represented school in the Lions under-19 group for 2014 with nine players. Amongst the names keep a close eye on Jansies No.8 Marco Holmes. At 1.85m and 95kg Holmes is a player similar in size and ability to Carel Greeff, a former Lions junior who made a name for himself with the Griquas in the Currie Cup this past season. Joining Holmes in Jozi, will be his backrow partner in crime Morné Swart. The two players have combined very well as big ball-carriers for EG this season. However just like in the case of the Western Province intake for 2014, there is expected to be a big battle for places in the backrow next season. Two very good reasons for this are the Monnas duo of Dylan Vlok and Dwayne Pienaar. Monnas, traditionally the best feeder school to the union provides Golden Lions with eight players for 2014. If there wasn’t enough compo amongst the loosies already, add Derik Bezuidenhout, the Affies and Bulls Craven Week flank to the equation. South Africa is really blessed when it comes to high quality loose-forwards. We seem to have a never-ending supply.
It’s interesting to see that the Lions have also signed six Garsfontein players.
The official Golden Lions list:
| # | Player | School | Provincial representation | Extra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CJ Greeff | LH Prop | Monument | Lions Craven Week 2013 | |
| 2 | Marius Greyvensteyn | LH Prop | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 3 | Arnaut Malherbe | LH Prop | Transvalia | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 4 | Pieter Jansen | Hooker | EG Jansen (capt.) | Valke Craven Week 2013 | Lions u19 CC |
| 5 | CJ Conradie | Hooker | Monument | Lions Academy Week 2013 | |
| 6 | Kieran van Vuuren | Hooker | Glenwood | Sharks Craven Week 2013 | |
| 7 | Clinton Theron | TH Prop | Florida | Lions Craven Week 2012 | |
| 8 | Roeloff Diedericks | TH Prop | Garsfontein | Bulls Academy Week 2013 | |
| 9 | Ernest Sumner | TH Prop | Voortrekker (Beth.) | Griffons Craven Week 2013 | |
| 10 | Estiaan Enslin | Lock | EG Jansen (Headboy) | Valke Craven Week 2013 | Lions u19 CC |
| 11 | Rholane Ncubuka | Lock | AHS Sasolburg | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 12 | Ethan Louw | Lock | Pretoria Boys High | ||
| 13 | Matthew le Roux | Lock | HJS Paarl BH | WP Academy Week 2013 | |
| 14 | Marnus Erasmus | Lock | Transvalia | ||
| 15 | Dylan Vlok | Flank | Monument | Lions Craven Week 2013 | |
| 16 | Derik Bezuidenhout | Flank | Affies | Bulls Craven Week 2013 | |
| 17 | Morne Swart | Flank | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 18 | Dwayne Pienaar | Flank | Monument (Headboy) | Lions Craven Week 2013 | |
| 19 | Maharua Katjijeko | Flank | Windhoek HS | Namibia Craven Week 2013 | |
| 20 | Marco Holmes | No.8 | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 21 | Vernon Peterson | No.8 | Paul Roos | ||
| 22 | Arne van Rensburg | No.8 | Garsfontein | Bulls Academy Week 2013 | |
| 23 | Johan Labuschagne | Scrumhalf | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 24 | George Lee Erasmus | Scrumhalf | Garsfontein | Bulls Craven Week 2012/13 | |
| 25 | Johan Esterhuysen | Scrumhalf | Monument (capt.) | Lions Craven Week 2013 | |
| 26 | Warnick Jemeel | Flyhalf | Garsfontein | Bulls Craven Week 2013 | |
| 27 | Shaun Reynolds | Flyhalf | Goudveld | Griffons Craven Week 2013 | New CW points record |
| 28 | Jeandre Pitzer | Flyhalf | Centurion | Bulls Academy Week 2012 | |
| 29 | Xander Cronje | Centre | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 30 | Gerdus vd Walt | Centre | Monument | Lions Craven Week 2013 | Lions u19 CC |
| 31 | Stefan le Roux | Centre | Monument | Lions Academy Week 2013 | |
| 32 | Sampie Hearn | Centre | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | Lions u19 CC |
| 33 | Fernando Kermis | Centre | Florida | Lions Craven Week 2013 | |
| 34 | Kelvin Elder | Centre | Maritzburg College | Sharks Craven Week 2013 | |
| 35 | Richard J v Rensburg | Wing | Garsfontein | Bulls U19 Northvaal 2013 | |
| 36 | Godfrey Ramaboea | Wing | KES (deputy h/boy) | Lions Craven Week 2013 | |
| 37 | Jade Solomons | Wing | Garsfontein | Bulls Craven Week 2013 | |
| 38 | Abrie Reynolds | Fullback | Monument | Lions U19 Northvaal 2012 | |
| 39 | Kobus Engelbrecht | Fullback | EG Jansen | Valke Craven Week 2013 | |
| 40 | Erwin Harris | Fullback | Florida | Lions Craven Week 2013 | Lions u19 CC |
@Griffon: any chance of scanning the article and sending to Beet to include on here. Yes, I have no issues with Kershaw or any school recruiting at grade 8 level, fair game it’s when it’s later on it’s an issue…
I read an interesting article in the Sunday Times today, about School Boy ‘poaching’ and how EC schools are trying to find a way to stop it. Some other interesting things in the article was the Bulls placing the Boland wing at College with an allowance of R1000 a month and two visits to his family a term. The former Queens boy Fortuin(Who’s next years HeadBoy) and his placement at Southdowns. And Kershaw openingly stating their recruitment of boys, with 10 of next years u14’s coming from EC, WP, and Gauteng.
@vatikaki: @Playa: Got to agree with you Playa. Gio bring much more X factor to a game than Willie. He proved himself this year, again, on defence and attack, game after game. He was in my opinion the CC player of the year. On top of that Willie is also not the biggest player in the paddock
@vatikaki: Willie is a wing finish and klaar!
@vatikaki: I have to disagree with you on Aplon. The man has stood his ground on defence, small as he is, he is also more than useful on the high ball. Brings an attacking option (especially on the counter), and as a cherry on top, has a decent boot as well.
Kolbe on the other hand can be justifiably mentioned in the “lack of size” section. He has been found wanting on defence a number of times. He should definitely stick to wing.
Jaco Taute – I place the blame solely on Heyneke Meyer when he picked him at 13 for the Boks. A baffling decision, which I believe has cost him his career.He looked confused at fullback when he played for the Stormers.If he can stand his ground and just stick to 15, he is definitely one for the future.
My only problem with Lambie at fullback is that he is too slow. I want him at 10, and Morne Steyn gone!!! He just needs to sort out his kicking.
Jesse Kriel is an awesome prospect, very mature and has the capabilities. I would pencil him in my 2015 dream team.
@vatikaki:
Forgot to mention Willie.
Much like SP Marais I’m worried about him being erratic and just having too many holes in his game. Willie misses a ridiculous amount of tackles.
At the moment he is great to have in the squad because he’s teaching these guys a thing or two about holding the ball up, drawing defenders with your hands and feet and then putting players into gaps… but he’s also costing us in other areas.
I can’t say I have any faith in Willie as a long-term fullback. Much as I love his attitude with ball in hand.
Jacques du Plessis was TERRIBLE in the Currie Cup. At times had me wondering whether he should even be playing professional rugby and shouldn’t rather have stuck with discus.
Can’t see him lasting too long unless he turns that form around quickly.
@beet:
You’re probably right regarding Frans as a fullback. Bit of wishful thinking on my part because I have little faith in our current options at fullback, and also because we have so many options in the midfield that I’m not sure where to turn.
Looking at our fullback options…
Jürgen Visser – Nope. Good CC player, decent SR player. No more
Hennie Daniller – Nope. Not enough of an attacking threat.
Gio Aplon – Turned 31 this year. Brave, but as Ellis Park showed, we need a fullback that is very good under the high ball. Aplon too small.
Cheslin Kolbe – Say what you want about his attacking abilities, but there are obvious down sides to being so small that just can’t be ignored. Needs to play wing to maybe have a shot one day.
Jaco Taute – Hasn’t really kicked on since a decent start to professional rugby. Not sure he’s elusive enough really.
Andries Coetzee – Looks a good attacking option and gets up high when receiving kicks, but hasn’t forced himself to be noticed. Maybe would have done so if not for some untimely injuries, but I’m seeing an excellent rugby player who maybe isn’t cut out for test rugby…
Patrick Lambie – Very brave fullback. His dive to receive a loose ball last week was pretty impressive. But hasn’t got the pace of natural attacking flair to be a long term option back there.
And then the younger okes…
Timo Swiel – Just starting out. Will see how his decision making is back there, and how is his defense?
André Esterhuizen – Midfielder or a fullback? Will his ban for racist outburst count against him in the long term? Is he a smart enough footballer to be playing fullback?
Jesse Kriel – Coming through now and looks capable?
@beet: Agreed on both Lood and Jacques, would liked to have seen Lood tour ahead of Bakkies. Three really good young locks in Eben, PSDT and Lood. Jacques could be our new Roussouw….lock come loose forward battering ram…
@beet: Beet, Jacques duP was a real disappointment in this year’s Currie Cup IMO. I know he is still a youngster but with that big frame of his, he could have done a lot more.
He seemed to be everywhere on the field without doing much.
In the finals of the U/21s he was outplayed by his lesser opponents – guys much smaller than him. I’ll never play him at 8.
I think he should perhaps consider a move to lock.
Lood de Jager has the potential but as you’ve said he’ll have to lift his game a notch.
@Tjoppa: I’d really like to see Lood de Jager lift his game another notch in SR 2014 and get a shot in the FS no.5 jersey. He could be the man for the job at international level.
I’m also not sure what the Bulls plan is for Jacques du Plessis in 2014, probably blindside flank. He has the dimensions to play 2nd row and could be a devastatingly good lock. I wouldn’t mind seeing how he fairs at no.8 either.
@vatikaki: I agree with your SP sentiments. He really needs to work hard on consistency next season, if he’s still ahead of Swiel.
However I disagree on Steyn at fullback. Just think he operates best when he as to be spontaneous (iow no chance to overthink options). Also his size and boot suggests he might be a good defensive fullback but as we’ve seen with NZ, Halfpenny earlier this year and even the brill Folau of Aus now, it’s attacking innovation that sets the best fullbacks apart from the rest. To be honest I think Frans now lacks the pace and creative skills to hurt an defence coming from deep.
@Ploegskaar: No 12 for Pollard.
@vatikaki: IMO that’s the position for Pollard.
@vatikaki: Agreed on JG, but he seriously needs an extended injury free run. Obviously I am subjective, but Swiel is at the top of my list, JG a close second and JL Dup the only one WRT talent that may match them.
@vatikaki: That’s what the guys are saying – behind SP yes.
Let’s hope Frans gets back to full fitness ASAP
@BuffelsCM:
Behind SP Marais?
Tbh I don’t think it will take him long to overtake him.
Sharkies are raving about Marais but the guy is incredibly erratic. Huge holes in his game as well.
For the Springboks, I wish they’d play Frans Steyn at fullback, but in terms of where they most need him, he’ll almost surely be in that 12 jersey.
Any news on Morne Steyn anybody ? Will he be on the bench against the Scots ?
My view is that while Steyn still is not 100%, why not put Goosen on the bench.
@vatikaki: From what I have read he’ll be the back up fullback at the Sharks
@Ploegskaar: @vatikaki: I think Swiel did himself no favours by deciding not to play for the SA U/20s. I know he didn’t want to commit himself to SA and closing the door on a possible international career in England.
I read somewhere that he is still considering the UK route. In the UK he will still have to join the queue – it’s not as if he is going to walk into the test side.
His departure from WP is a massive loss to Province IMO.
Swiel should play fullback.
@Tjoppa: Perhaps you guys have seen it but there is a youtube clip of Danie: I think it’s called “the right man at the wrong time” – more or less 10 minutes I think – brilliant stuff. I don’t think any centre will be so effective in broken play like Danie was.
@Ploegskaar:
He must be something if he’s going to be better then Johan Goosen.
Goosen to me, if he can steer clear of the injuries, will go on to become the best 10 in world rugby. Outside of maybe his strength on defense I really can’t see any weakness in his game… or nothing that can’t be rectified anyway.
@Muzi: Swiel is a big loss for WP, but as long as he remains in SA and plays for the Boks, even via another province, I am happy. He does have a British passport after all, and although we have been fortunate that only a few desperate donkeys have been picked up by the Poms thus far, I dread the day that a quality player like Swiel shreds the Boks in a white jumper at Twickers. IMO Swiel is the most talented FH in SA today and I really hope he shines in the professional Sharks set-up.
@Tjoppa:
Eina those Scottish players are in for a rude awakening Bakkies and Flippie in that engine room.
@Tjoppa:
that made my day.
” I am sure he does have a plan. But what that is I am not sure, not sure he knows. ”
@Muzi: Muzi I may be of the old school but I believe if you pick the best player everytime you will remain at the top. I do understand the need for blooding players, which was done during tours in ancient times. But exposure to soon, Serfontein, is also not good for the players as well. But agree why pick the players for tour if you are not going to use them.
@Muzi: I am sure he does have a plan. But what that is I am not sure, not sure he knows.
@Tjoppa:
Oom Meyer is not that special…..All Blacks keep on giving game time and exposure to young players like Sam Cane Charles Pitau, Dominc Bird and Steven Liautua and so they can build depth.That is why they are number 1!
Heyneke is still obsessed with Oupa’s like Gurthro,Bakkies,Matfield,…..look they have been great servants for SA rugby but it’s time to blood in new young talent.
What a waste of money by SARU….Scarra,Gio,Serfontein and Goosen are all on holiday…..carrying bags for the senior players.
@vatikaki: Now we agree. Another Danie not in our lifetime.
@vatikaki: Nope but rate him as one of the hard men in SA rugby.
@Muzi:
He doesn’t run into space the way Danie did… and he never will be able to. He may have looked like a free roaming type at school, but that’s exactly the point… he was at school.
Jan with a strong offload and who plays methodically will be a huge asset.
I don’t mind the Bulls trying to turn him into a player who fits their system, because he perhaps needs a bit of meisiekind to become more efficient. Meisiekind didn’t cut it at test level, but at SR & CC level he was easily one of the best. Jan can take it a step further with the correct approach.
@Tjoppa:
It’s a recipe for disaster.
@Tjoppa:
Bresler is k@k. You must be a Sharks supporter.
@vatikaki:
In an interview with IRB via you tube Serfontein said he was trying to model his game like Danie Gerber…..Mark Keohane’s SA rugby magazine compared him to a young Danie Gerber.
Jan has tremendous potential maybe 2014 could be his break through year but opponents will mark him very closely Bulls pattern of play will not bring out the best of him IMHO.
@vatikaki: Another lock everybody is forgetting about is Bresler at the Sharks.
But as always the coach have the final say and it seems Mr Meyer is of the opinion that Eben will be a better no 5. What a joke.
The reason why SA is no 2 in the world, coaching, with our talent we should be no 1.
@Ploegskaar:
WP and the Bulls have the two best Under 19 groups for 2014…..in my honest opinion it will come at a cost though in the next few years these so called schoolboy star players will get impatient due to a lack of senior rugby opportunities look what happened to Tim Swiel?!?
Bulls paid the price for signing the best school boy in the past few years this led to a mass exodus.
Allister Coetzee’s will have to make sure these youngsters remain happy and patient it’s not that easy.
I loath the sharkies but they have their house in order at the moment.
@vatikaki:
Sorry best since Danie Gerber if you exclude Habs (who is a legend… Top 3 Springbok for me).
@Muzi: You heard Hoender is also starting a coaching career, apparently coaching at TUKS and Bulls.
@Muzi:
He’s also played some bloody good games in between.
Think he’s taken a lot on his shoulders. Everyone expects him to work miracles, and it’s not working for him. I don’t think he’s in the same league as a fit Frans Steyn to be honest (who I think is or should have been our best backline player since Danie Gerber), but he should model his game on him somewhat.
@vatikaki:
thanks it happens to everyone you’re not alone. 
@Tjoppa:
Smarter rugby player is what I meant. In general play PSdT is going to be unmatched. There will of course be areas where Etzebeth is better… I mean the guy is MASSIVE, but Pieter-Steph looks something very special to me.
Hopefully we get a locking combination that will make Bakkies & Victor look like amateurs.
@BuffelsCM:
Jan Serfontein was atrocious against the all blacks at ellis park eventhough he was playing at wing we all know that’s not his natural position.
He had a terrible game against the cheetahs in the last round of the currie cup even Pine Pienaar replaced him.
WP Under 21 centres made him look average…..he’s been good but the media has hyped the lad big time definitely a work in progress though.
@Ploegskaar:
Western Province & the Cheetahs/Grey College currently have about the same amount of schoolboys as first-choice players with one of the other Top 5 unions in South Africa.
Together they produce around 70%…
The Lions & Bulls only have a handful really… and the Sharks almost none, with all 3 unions getting many in from smaller unions.
@vatikaki: Smarter from what I can gain of his interviews on TV and think he passed Matric solely because he threatened the teachers and their kids. Not the sharpest pencil in the packet. I may be wrong.
But I prefer mr Etsebeth. His uncles was hard as nails with little talent. But Eben loads of talent and hard as nails.
@Muzi: I spoke to AC about this a few months ago and his honest answer was that, with the biggest talent pool in the country, WP simply cannot contract every player and obviously the odds are bigger that they will miss a few in the process. This is mitigating to a certain extent, but contracting remains subjective and maybe the the solution at both provinces would be to get more people involved as this will provide more input and lead to a more balanced process. Having said that, I think WP mostly got it right this year, with the WPRI contracts and Elite Squad selection. Let’s see if they can follow through.
@Muzi:
Cheers muzi. Sent you that e-mail. Like I said… don’t laugh at my mistakes
Christopher Bosch has signed a contract with Boland not surprised at all……looking at the way the contractual process works at the Bulls that dude Waylon Murray must be the signing of the past decade….people are having a laugh rightfully so it doesn’t get kakker that this.
@Tjoppa:
…..it’s run like the ANC cabinet…if you close friends you get a job. 
…ditto Derick Hougaard…Denzil Frans is the worst of the lot pathetic!
It’s via the boetie boetie system
All of a sudden Hayden Groepies is already involved with the junior coaching set up
Do the Bulls actually have a proper coach with brains?!?!
@vatikaki:
I sent Beet a message on whatsapp regarding PSDT on the same issue he’s better than Elizabeth.
@Muzi: I’m with you about Jan Serfontein. I really hope that he isn’t used as a battering ram. In the U/21 final he was fairly quiet against Western Province – in my opinion of course
@vatikaki: I think it’s too soon to tell about Johan du Toit. I have only seen him played once “live” and once on TV and obviously you can’t base any objective opinion on that.
The “live” match I did not know beforehand that he was playing. It was only after the match that I heard he played.
Sometimes when you see an excellent youngster playing you’ll immediately see that he is a huge talent…..well afterwards I didn’t ask “who was that 5 lock ? he impressed me so much”……..if you know what I mean.
All I’m saying is let him start playing and then we’ll see what qualities the boy has. I hope he develops like his brother has / is still developing
@vatikaki:
It’s no problem boet…msimangamuzi@yahoo.com
@Muzi: Nollis, never he is being groomed as the family’s crown jewel. From when do a junior coach tell management what team he will coach?
What’s your e-mail muzi? I’ll send you a spreadsheet of the Craven week sides and what provinces the guys have signed for… see if you can fill in any gaps.
@Muzi: Muzi with the people in charge of contracting, and I really do not like them, what do you expect. People with no or little experience appointed because they know somebody or is married to the right person’s nice. My humble opinion is that it is the recipe for disaster.
@Muzi:
Cheers. Very interested to see how Johan du Toit gets on… if he’s anything near as good his brother, I’d start worrying if I were an All Blacks supporter. I like Etzebeth very much, but Pieter-Steph du Toit is a better/smarter/more natural rugby player. PSdT will be a legend. Truly think he will be our best ever lock forward, at least in the professional era.
@Tjoppa:
I couldn’t believe it when I was told Bart was leaving….add Nico Serfontein who’s next Nollis Marais?!?
@Tjoppa:
“But yes no coaching plan and structure will always result in no trophy. ” you could not have said it any better.
Oom tjoppa I am sick and tired of watching the Bulls pattern of play…..they laughed at me when I said adapt or die?!?!
I feel for Jan Serfontein the poor lad is being groomed to replace meisiekind as the next crash ball king….enough said.
@Ploegskaar: I am a big supporter of Willie but must admit he was terrible on his off days. According to me a confidence player. But I suppose if you are the no1 flyhalf in Varsity Cup and then suddenly get demoted with your no2 at Tuks chosen as CC flyhalf I would also be demoralized. But definately the best flyhalf in Pretoria when on song. Even better than Morne. As Bart got tired for the Bullshit and left I hope Willie will find his rightfull place in SA Rugby with the Lions.
@Ploegskaar:
WP aren’t any better sir…letting players like Sadie,JJ,Koster,JP Du Plessis,Quinn Roux leave?!?! I can go on and on.
Hmmm to be honest with you I have no idea what on earth is going at loftus regarding the contracting process…..it’s been two years since the Bulls won any silver ware after signing soooo many schoolboy “starlets”
Bulls only seem to care about winning the varsity cup and filling up junior trophy cabinets.
@vatikaki:
Andrew Du Plessis signed with Barney’s sharkies…..Naka Droske with the help of cheetahs scout Andre Tredoux managed to convinced Henry Immelman to stay with the cheetahs.Johan Du Toit is also a tjaarks player.
@Muzi: Coached? I missed that appointment. In old Brig Buurman van Zyl’s time Northen Transvaal was always criticized because of the pattern they played. He always at practice shouted at the backline players and I quote “Vir wie wil julle dogters speel, die koerante of vir my. Ons is hier vir net een ding dit is om daai donnerse koppie te wen” And win he did. But these days the coaches are bigger than the game. But yes no coaching plan and structure will always result in no trophy.
Players I can think of that have reportedly signed with the Sharks…
Thomas du Toit – Loosehead Prop – Paarl Boys’ High / WP Craven Week 2013 / SA Schools
Ruan Kramer – Tighthead Prop – Grey College / FS Cheetahs 2013 / SA Schools
Marius Louw – Loose-Forward – Grey College / FS Cheetahs 2013
Daniel du Preez – Lock – Kearsney College – Sharks Craven Week 2013 / SA Schools
Jean-Luc du Preez – Loose-Forward – Kearsney College – Sharks Craven Week 2013 / SA Schools
Ayron Schramm – Loose-Forward – Kersney College – Sharks Craven Week 2013
Innocent Radebe – Flyhalf – St Stithians – Lions Craven Week 2013
Don’t know of any others but a guy like Joseph Dweba (Florida hooker) made SA Schools and I haven’t seen his name with any other sides.
Few others perhaps still on the market?
Andrew du Plessis – Grey College hooker
Henry Immelman – Grey College winger
Johan du Toit – Swartland lock (brother of Pieter-Steph du Toit)
@Muzi: Hope the talented Willie du Plessis now gets an opportunity after leaving the Kraal as well. The contracting process at Loftus seems to be a bit of a hit and miss affair at the moment, but maybe you can explain the logic, or lack thereof.
@beet:
I think Francois Brummer is done with the Bulls…..Louis Fouche only has a contract because he can kick a ball a mile away that’s the only reason why he’s highly rated in PTA.
I pray Stander,Pollard and Marais don’t get coached into playing like programmed one dimensional robots…….
@Slam:
is running out of excuses and chances…..you better hope he doesn’t have a kak game against Scotland. 
I wouldn’t worry about Derick Hougaard or Victor Matfield if I was you sir, sharkies flyhalf Shampoodle
@beet:
I remember when he was hailed as the “big thing’ after playing well in the currie cup final against the lions in 2002…..he wasn’t the same after that thumping tackle from Brian Lima…it’s a you tube hit you know.
@RBugger: Very good point. One of the Cullinans once told me that he believes GCB 9’s and 10’s don’t shape up well after school because they have never played behind a pack going backwards. Looking at some current provincial and “international” backs, not only from GCB but also some of the other “powerhouses”, he may well have a point.
@Beet: Yes, he was great at school.
The thing is Beet, a lot of these STARS at school, play for fantastic teams – ie, Affies, Gim, Paarl Boys etc these schools are so dominant and so much more powerful than other schools, that a lot of players get a free ride and look better than what they are.
Then after school, they play against provincial sides who are very equal in strength and they get found out or found wanting.
My point being, It must be great to play for Affies or the Paarl Gim team of this year, especially as a back line player as you know your forwards will beast the other schools and you are always on the front foot – makes life very easy
@RBugger: I remember Tiaan Snyman. I think he made SA Schools 2 years in a row which is outstanding.
I just can’t remember the game in which he was praised for his vision when he made an excellent pass. It was a school game.
I even remember him trying to make a comeback with the Lions but he turned out to be so average then when he was in his mid-20s.
@Woltrui: I sometimes wonder if SA rugby would be much stronger if we didn’t have altitude. For years it was regarded as our best friend but it may also have limited our progress as a skilful ball handling nation. The rarified atmosphere just makes the kick first game to advantageous to want to give up. I guess others will point to how big kids get taught from a young age to run over opponents instead of looking to link and make opportunities for those around them.
Anyway point is its interesting that some of us believe Liefling started out well and faded because he became 1D (one dimensional not your favourite UK boy band
) maybe because of playing at altitude??? while you believe he was key to Super Rugby success.
Also using the term “useless” was wrong. Some of those up and coming Bulls flyhalves are “useful” Kobus Marais is the first name that comes to mind in this regard.
@RBugger: Liefling was also the key to 2 successful Super trofee’s(troffee’s) for the Bulls. Was the pivot in the team when the Bulls won 2 or 3 CC. In my opinion his style off play suited the Bulls and one of the best 10’s South Africa ever had??
@Beet: Just read your threads, very interesting.
It annoys me that the Sharks do not show the squad they have, would be nice to know.
@BuiteBreek: He was in the same year as me and he was blady good at school, no doubt about that.
But much like Tiaan Snyman, who was also a great player at school, he became a very deep in the pocket kind of flyhalf and was way to easy to read.
Nevertheless, he played for the boks and any guy who can play at that level, certainly has something, that is for sure.
Just a pity he became so one dimensional
@beet: Liefling was my u/16 flyhalf at Boland, and you didn’t need to coach him. One of the few natural flyhalves that I ever saw. When u/18 he had an amazing Cravenweek, and was devastating at Cape Schools Week. 2000 and 2001 was probably the best Boland team ever. Then he moved to the Bulls….
@Woltrui: what next Muzi, will Naas be invited to the Bulls for preseason?
Don’t understand why the Bully boys want Liefling to put his boots back on. Between him and Big Vic it’s two steps back for the union.
@beet: @Muzi: Ai ai ai ai ai. And here I was following the blog thinking Mr Beet is an rugby gurru par exelance. Then the folowing remark. “Liefling is the most useless of the lot” Tsk tsk tsk……
Mr Beet is not welcome at Loftus anymore, thank you. Can we please have Mr Beet’s car registration no. So we know when he visits our beautiful city. 8)
@Grasshopper: Van Vuuren did well for himself this year. He wasn’t really a player on the board and now he has a junior contract. Still he has his work cut out. Pieter Jansen is a very good player from what I’ve seen of him. The scouts have been concerned these past few years about the quality of lineout throw-ins at SBR and I must say Jansen has impressed me in this department. He seems to deliver the money ball everytime.
@Muzi: Liefling is the most useless of the lot. If ever there was a pocket flyhalf with little vision, speed or natural ball handling ability it’s him. When he started out he was great though. You might have been to young to remember that 1st season when he was still only 19. Seemed like it was all a steady downhill from there on out.
Do you think your Brummer will make a return to Pretoria? He seems a lot better than Louis Fouche.
@RBugger: They don’t even announce it. A different approach in Durban sadly.
I do however know who the main signings are including a young lock that got signed after impressing off the bench during the 2012 Academy Week.
I must say the Sharks talent scouts know their stuff. With only 8 – 12 major contracts to hand out every year, they have a success rate of 80% in terms of the overriding goal of producing players for the senior team. A very encouraging stat.
Have you read these
http://blog.schoolboyrugby.co.za/?p=2097
http://blog.schoolboyrugby.co.za/?p=2095
Hi Beet – any idea when the Sharks squad will be named – heard we may have a few good signings
Innocent is a great player and is with the Sharks, he already played a half for the u19 side against province!
He has all the attributes and is a brave kid to boot, plays nice and flat
Bart Schoeman from the lions is interested in signing Nick Koster for the 2014 Super Rugby season.
@Woltrui:
Hi, Innocent Radebe has signed for the Tjaaarks.
Bulls have enough depth for 2014 in the Under 19 group Kurt Webster and little Dewald Human vey good players, remember Joshua Stander,Handre Pollard and Kobus Marais are still Under 20 plenty of depth and competition in this position.
Only thing we’re missing is an experience flyhalf Pretoria is about to go craaaaaazy!!!……liefling is back.
Interesting to see Kieran Van Vuuren (185cm & 100kg) there, a big boy and very powerful but might be too tall for hooker, time will tell. Although these days they seem to like tall hookers..good luck to the kid!
@Woltrui: I think that Innocent Radebe is contracted with the Sharks. Well done EG Boys. You had a great season and got the rewards for that. Next year you will have to work much harder. The competition in every position is going to be stiff.
@BoishaaiPa: Hi BHP. Yes you are right. It is Innocent Radebe. Im sure he is contracted to the Lions.
@Woltrui: Was the Lions No 10 not Innocent Radebe?..or am I also confused now?..Whoever he is, he impressed me in the game against WP…I wonder what happend to him as he seems to be in the same mould or type of 10 as JL Du Plessis…Good hands and feet and very unpredictable!… might not be on the same skill level as JL, but he has something that kid!
With both Centurion and Garsies no 10 going to the Lions (which must be a slap in the face for the Bulls since both these players were relocated from the WP??), there seems to be a gap for no 10’s at the Bulls in 2014. If I remember correctly the Lions CW 10 (Lekota??)was also contracted to the Lions
You can add Matthew le Loux, Boishaai and WP Academy lock and, if I remember correctly, Esterhuizen, Monnas and GL scrumhalf.
Well done EG Jansen- Although this school falls under the Falcons region, they have become a breeding ground for the Lions and even Free state rugby after after school. I hope these two regions keep their eyes on those EG Jansen players in future, so that the players do not get lost to the “other” region up north. Keep up the good work coaches and staff..Looking forward to what you will bring in 2014..because 2013 was a huge surprise package..