Hendro chastises Lions’ flair
6 Jul 2006
Hendro Scholtz believes that the Lions are living dangerously with their new expansive style of play.
The Vodacom Cheetahs captain is well aware of the affect Lions coach Eugene Eloff has had on the young side from Johannesburg, and thinks that for all their flair shown in the last few games, it has ultimately worked to their detriment.
“Loffie enjoys the expansive game, and you can see the positive influence he has had on the Lions team,” Scholtz told Keo.co.za. “But the way they are playing at the moment is far too risky.”
The Cheetahs have been clinical in their past two performances, starting off slowly in the first quarter and then finishing with a flourish at the end. The Lions may not be the team they once were, but still boast a better team than that of Griquas or the Valke.
“We will continue with our gameplan of keeping it tight in the first 20 minutes or so,” said Scholtz. “Everything has gone right so far so we will want to keep the continuity going,” Scholtz said.
“That is not to say that we won’t play the situation. If it’s on, we won’t be afraid to run it.”
Although Scholtz has criticized the Lions style, he believes that they still have some quality players and so Free State won’t be taking anything for granted.
“They have a lot of exciting young players with loads to prove, and that can be dangerous for the opposition.”
Free State coach Rassie Erasmus has made only two changes to the team that beat Griquas and the Valke on successive weekends. Dale Heidtmann comes into the centres to replace Meyer Bosman, while Corniel van Zyl returns at lock at the expense of Rory Duncan.
SA Schools flanker turned hooker Richardt Strauss comes onto the bench along with utility back Chris Kruger.
Vodacom Cheetahs: 15- Bevin Fortuin, 14- Giscard Pieters, 13- JW Jonker, 12- Dale Heidtmann, 11- Gavin Passens, 10- Willem de Waal, 9- Michael Claassens, 8- Ryno van der Merwe, 7- Darron Nell, 6- Hendro Scholtz (captain), 5- Barend Pieterse, 4- Corniel van Zyl, 3- Jannie du Plessis, 2- Jaco du Toit, 1- Ollie le Roux. Replacements: 16- Richardt Strauss, 17- Wian du Preez, 18- Rory Duncan, 19- Kabamba Floors, 20- Falie Oelschig, 21- Chris Kruger, 22- Philip Burger.
Lions: 15- Louis Ludik, 14- Wylie Human, 13- Jaco Pretorius, 12- Wayne Julies, 11- Grant Esterhuizen, 10- Earl Rose, 9- Jano Vermaak, 8- Ernst Joubert, 7- Wikus van Heerden (c), 6- Cobus Grobler, 5- Gerhard Mostert, 4- Jean Deysel, 3- Gert Muller, 2- James van der Walt, 1- Heinke van der Merwe. Replacements: 16- Etthiene Reynecke, 17- TBC, 18- Willem Stoltz, 19- Schalk van der Merwe, 20- Rory Kockott, 21- Jody Rose, 22- Jaco van Schalkwyk.
By Jon Cardinelli
38 Comments
6 Jul 2006, 10:43 am
1
6 Jul 2006, 10:44 am
go lions!!!!!!
6 Jul 2006, 10:45 am
Bevin ? do you guys rate him as a future bok ?
6 Jul 2006, 10:48 am
No Bevin is ok in ccup but no more.
6 Jul 2006, 10:49 am
“The Lions may not be the team they once were…better than Griquas and Valke.”
Yeah right
6 Jul 2006, 10:53 am
Hehe, can’t wait for the matchup against griquas and valke!
6 Jul 2006, 10:57 am
Exspansive play might work because to date nothing else really has. Rather try every option to improve our performance don’t start shooting down a game plan before it’s even been given a chance to succeed.
6 Jul 2006, 11:06 am
yip we’ve always played a fairly expansive game, but if you cant tackle, well its pointless taking to the field.
6 Jul 2006, 11:06 am
Bevin does have some Xfactor I reckon – but needs a bit more speed & more accuracy with his kicks. Abit of experience will do him well. He joins the line nicely (its been a while since we had a running fullback huh?)
6 Jul 2006, 11:16 am
WWW – Bevin is good but he will never be great. Like you said he does not have the gas.
6 Jul 2006, 11:20 am
Well,
I surely hope the Lions win something.
Not making the semi’s and ending 5th is one thing. But ending 7th or so is an embarrassment no matter what your building……
Still early days, hopefully the young guns can pull it off a couple of times.
6 Jul 2006, 11:24 am
And the other thing is.
Ludeke managed to make the semi’s with the dead wood players every time and even nudged in a final.
Hopefully everyone will not over react and call for Loffie’s head. Don’t think Loffie will be the answer for the S14 next year though.
He seems to place too much emphasis on puny pacy rugby (the little rose brothers)
6 Jul 2006, 11:25 am
I think Hollenbach is better than Fortuin……
6 Jul 2006, 11:27 am
Hmmmm,
Hollenbach was brilliant before his injury – i really rate this guy.
Hou hom dop.
6 Jul 2006, 11:36 am
With all respect, I think Hendro should concentrate his comments on the Free State’s style of play. There’s nothing quite like coming down to earth after two huge victories. And to be humbled in front of your home crowd can be even more disheartening.
6 Jul 2006, 11:43 am
You play to your strengts and at the moment the Lions don’t have the forwards to dominate and play the low risk game, so they will have to take some calculated risks.Think things will improve as the season progresses though.
6 Jul 2006, 11:43 am
Well, katman, I think he is giving respect where it is due. In the process he is also saying what he thinks about the Lions gameplan. No where does he write them off or say it will be easy. Rassie will never, but never allow it…
6 Jul 2006, 11:52 am
Fair enough, Koos. He’s not mouthing off or being disrespectful. I just think that public criticism of your opponents’ game plan has a nasty way of repeating on you. And while the Lions have been very average in the opening two games, I think the Cheetahs will find out they’re not quite the Griquas or Valke.
6 Jul 2006, 11:57 am
This is exactly what is is wrong with SA rugby. Everyone is to scared to play expansive rugby and if a team comes along that does try to play running rugby they live dangerously.
I hope the lions demolish the cheetas with beautifull running rugby. And then just maybe the rest of the country will sit up and take notice.
6 Jul 2006, 12:44 pm
Bevin is definately good enough to be a Springbok. He’s got it all, kicking, running, strong, vision and he is certainely not slow. I hope he wears the Green and Gold sooner rather than later.
Is Goodes injured?
6 Jul 2006, 12:47 pm
Uhmmm Louis, how many tries have the Cheetahs score so far?
6 Jul 2006, 12:49 pm
Bevin reminds me of Slaptjips. His lack of speed is quite deceptive
6 Jul 2006, 12:51 pm
I think Hendro’s comment about the Lions can be primarily related to the knocks he has taken on his head. He is obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed and he should confine his comments to his team.
Making a statement like he has done is crazy. If the Lions beat the Cheetahs, what will he say after the match? This Lions team is better than they were in the past?
He could also be trying to say, “rather play a tight game because we know you have such yound inexperienced forwards!”
Whatever the outcome, I hope the Lions continue on the path they have taken. This side could turn into a very competitve unit if they are prepared to take some losses and learn some lessons on the way.
6 Jul 2006, 12:56 pm
Ons gaat julle met 50 klop kitties !
6 Jul 2006, 12:58 pm
Hi guys
I will be in the stadium with my Lions shirt on and with a flag. I just hope i dont get shot lol.
The Lions should try and play an expansive game. I think it will be a wise tactic, let the cheetah forwards run all over the park, then they wont last the entire 80 mins. Then the Lions can open the game and score tries.
6 Jul 2006, 13:00 pm
You knows Cats Crusade, you have a point. For quite a while the Cheetahs had this very bad habit of dropping points against the minnows, who knows, may just be your lucky day…
6 Jul 2006, 13:02 pm
Bloem, enjoy the day…and you SHOULD be safe…I think?!?!?!
6 Jul 2006, 13:02 pm
Go lions
6 Jul 2006, 13:03 pm
Koos 21,
Like a 100 Koos…..
6 Jul 2006, 13:19 pm
Lions to win the Currie Cup (I have it good authority, Grrr said so)!
6 Jul 2006, 13:25 pm
25 – Bloem Leeu – moet liewers nie die vlag vat nie ou maat….
That is such a joke- “run the big FS pack around” – our pack is smaller than most. remember light locks, and even lighter loosies. Big *** front row though. FS have always just had good technique.
I will be watching to see what JW Jonker is going to do. Such a kid – but with huge talent.Feel sorry for Rory Duncan – had a great couple of games.
Boys, watch this Richardt Strauss. Saw him play as an open side at school. He is very fast, and very strong.
6 Jul 2006, 13:29 pm
My point exactly Hmmmm, and its not like we are the only ones playing the minnows! I mean the Sharks played the weepee and the Bulls the Lions on the weekend…catch my drift?
6 Jul 2006, 13:33 pm
lol koos, but I guess it is true….
6 Jul 2006, 16:28 pm
murph,
i’ve yet to see even a very weak lion lose to a strong cheetah. ROAR.
6 Jul 2006, 17:04 pm
The Lions need something, flair can’t be all that bad an idea, there’s not much else!
6 Jul 2006, 18:35 pm
Bevan is a great fullback, exactly what the boks need as they are very shaky at the back with Percy there…
6 Jul 2006, 20:11 pm
Bloem Leeu!Bly by die huis ou maat.Moenie jou naam gat maak nie.Johan Roets verdien meer om Bok te word!Cheeeetaaaaahhhhssss!!!!!
7 Jul 2006, 07:56 am
Bloem Leeu,
Go to the stadium. Wear your jersey and your cap. Wave your flag. Yell like a man posessed: NOU DIE ROOIBONTES! And do it with pride. Don’t let the ******** drag you down.
And if a scuffle ensues, fight the brave fight. Should you fall in battle, take ten mielie farmers down with you. If they’re drunk, take twenty. Hell, be like Samson and take the whole stadium down (spare their women and children). Your power lies in the red and white.
And when we win, rub it in for all you’re worth. Go Lions!
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