Lions roar to glory
29 Oct 2011
GARETH DUNCAN, reporting from Ellis Park, watched the Lions break their 12-year Currie Cup title drought with a 42-16 hammering of the Sharks.
After 12 years of silverware starvation, the Lions have finally fed.
The 26-point victory completed a dream campaign – which included a table-topping run throughout the league phase and an impressive 29-20 semi-final win over a WP side that had six World Cup Springboks in their match day squad. This result was also the Lions’ first Currie Cup final triumph at Ellis Park in 61 years.
The Lions wanted it more than their opposition. The Sharks, who struggled for momentum and lacked a clinical edge, looked second best for most parts of the match. The hosts ran faster, tackled harder and toiled tirelessly around the park. That determination – no – that hunger for victory influenced John Mitchell’s ‘no-name brands’ to thump a strong, Springbok-laden Sharks side.
Those who backed a win for the visitors pointed to the quality of their squad, which included seven World Cup Boks. But this match proved to be one game too much for the likes of Bismarck du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira, who struggled to make any trademark impact after long and tiring year. There was also a lack of cohesion, despite this group spending the past three weeks together.
The Lions, who’ve played generally the same side since day one of Super Rugby in February, worked like a well-oiled machine. But during this impressive team performance, the player who made the ultimate difference was flyhalf Elton Jantjies. The youngster showed Mitchell was correct in selecting him ahead of veteran Butch James during the play-off stages. After starring in the Lions’ semi-final win last Saturday, the 20-year-old displayed a Man of the Match performance as he kicked 24 points without missing one attempt.
The platform was set with a good showing in the first half. The Lions mixed moments of impressive attacking play with a resilient defence to hold a 19-6 half-time lead.
Jantjies and fullback Jaco Taute, who nailed a 57m penalty, traded penalties with flyhalf Frederic Michalak early on before wing Michael Killian scored the first try of the match. From a scrum in centre field, centre Doppies la Grange broke the Sharks defence through a set-piece move. His offload put Killian clear.
But it looked like the half would end badly for the Lions. Prop CJ van der Linde had a moment of madness in the 32-minute when he threw Sharks skipper Keegan Daniel over his shoulder whilst clearing a ruck. It earned him a yellow card. The Sharks built momentum with their one-player advantage and paid four visits to the Lions’ red zone. However, they couldn’t find a much-needed finish and the Lions escaped without conceding any points.
Then there was a controversial moment early in the second half when Willem Alberts scored a try that should not have been allowed. The Sharks flanker broke the Lions’ defensive line, but lost the ball forward in the process. However, the knock-on wasn’t sighted by the officials and referee Mark Lawrence, who seeked advice from his assistant, awarded the try. The Sharks were back in it as Michalak’s conversion made it 22-16. Game on.
The Lions, however, had other plans as that was the Sharks’ last score of the match. The following 31 minutes was arguably the best passage of play the Lions have showcased this year.
It was a strong performance that secured 20 points to seal the famous win. First, Pat Cilliers powered over from close range after the Lions attacked from deep. Jantjies added two penalties before Taute had the pace to finish another attacking move in the corner. The following conversion was the final nail in the Sharks’ coffin.
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827 Comments
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29 Oct 2011, 20:25 pm
CoachPete
15.Aplon
14.JPP
13.De Jongh
12.Steyn
11.Mvovo
10.Lambie
9.Hougaard
29 Oct 2011, 20:26 pm
TMO try to Barrit?
Decision pending…
29 Oct 2011, 20:27 pm
Yes barritt scores ? maybe
29 Oct 2011, 20:27 pm
TRY to Brad Barrit.
17 all now, conversion in front. 4 mins to play.
29 Oct 2011, 20:27 pm
19-17 to S.A.racens.
29 Oct 2011, 20:27 pm
Persuade Mitch for the Boks!
I’d be happy if he remained with the Lions though too. We need players being taught such skills at provincial level; they’ll carry the skills through to the Bok side eventually.
29 Oct 2011, 20:28 pm
@ET.(ET.)-236:
stupid
dimwit
29 Oct 2011, 20:28 pm
Jantjies for flyhalf, Lambie for fullback and Taute from the bench.
29 Oct 2011, 20:29 pm
Well played Lions a greatt team always beats a bunch of individuals. Bizzie emphasized today why JS was selected above him at WC , he is too individualistic, Bandise was great. Jantjes showing that he can shape a game even when his pack is going backwards, lacks pace though. Imagine Lambie exposed to Carlos thinking and decision making, think he would be great, never mind Goosen
29 Oct 2011, 20:29 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-251:
Yes I like Aplon too
Mvovo I am not sure
JF is one of the best in the worl
29 Oct 2011, 20:30 pm
2 mins to play, Gloucester looking for the winning penalty…
29 Oct 2011, 20:30 pm
funny how the sharks rejects, especially patrick cilliers, but also rhodes and whitely, played out of their skins tonight.
there seems to be a very good spirit going in that lions team – not sure the same applies to the other provincial sides.
this was a strange final for me – obviously would have been happy for the sharks to get their name on the trophy again – but seeing the lions play so well was actually quite heartwarming.
oooh fark, getting sentimental now……
8)
29 Oct 2011, 20:32 pm
Saracens win 19 -17
29 Oct 2011, 20:41 pm
@CoachPete(CoachPete)-250:
Thanks Pete, link not working well here today
U OK otherwise?
29 Oct 2011, 20:41 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-218: Ngiyabonga Trans, tonight I’ll sleep a very happy man.
29 Oct 2011, 20:41 pm
@wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-263:
Thanks.
29 Oct 2011, 20:42 pm
@woodie spoofie
” S.A.racens ”
Clear case of pink-arsed Macaque monkie SEE, pink-arsed Makak monkie DO!
29 Oct 2011, 20:43 pm
sorry I don’t understand vervet chatter.
29 Oct 2011, 20:44 pm
Hey Cab –Long time no post but thought I better show face and say nice one for u man! Enjoy it! Stoked for u and all the very patient Lions supporters.
Thick and thin for u all and some solid cred back in the jersey 2nite which is the way it should be.Lets see where Mr Mitchell takes things next. I have a feeling he is just getting started———–
29 Oct 2011, 20:48 pm
Wassheonabout
29 Oct 2011, 20:51 pm
If the boks persist with traditional bok play leave jantjies out of the team. Boks will just waste him.
29 Oct 2011, 21:07 pm
Just in case people had something to say about weakened Currie Cup or Super15 side, they went and did it by 26 points.
That’s some statement.
So proud today.
29 Oct 2011, 21:12 pm
@bananaboy(bananaboy)-259: Agree totally. We and everyone can see why JS was chosen ahead of Bissie for wc. Bismarck is a brilliant player but very much a individual player sometimes.
Lambie should ALWAYS start at 10 for the Sharks. Have no idea why Plum insists with starting Freddie there when Lambie is our best at the Sharks. He will have to think about that for SuperRugby. Freddie can start at scrummie. He was brought to Sharks to cover fh and sh. Lambie is getting messed about starting at fb when you think he was Sharks best fh in last years CC and also our best fh in our conference in SuperRugby.
Plum has to select right. Also we need centres. Joubert is just not up to it and Stefan had his last game today. We need to try out our youngsters there for next year.
29 Oct 2011, 21:13 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-272:
U should be proud.
Brilliant stuff by the Lions- that is how rugby must be played.
Enjoy.
29 Oct 2011, 21:13 pm
Well done to the Lions. Deserved winners tonight.
Congrats to the Lions supporters here. Very good win for your team tonight.
29 Oct 2011, 21:14 pm
@mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-251:
Finally going to disagree with you heheh
15.Aplon – is not tall enough to field the cross kicks and high bombs. Put him at 11. I say the Bok encumbents should be Taute, Lambie and Riaan Viljoen
14.JPP – possibly but he blows very hot and cold. He seems to always play better for the Boks though. for wings we now have quite a few contenders. JJ Engelbrecht, Aplon, Mvovo, Sithole, JP Pietersen, Nokwe and Killian.
13.De Jongh – possible but he ahs stiff competition too. Doppies has power man really. Sadie makes a good centre in my opinion and Jacques fourie still in the running
12.Steyn – Agreed – best at 12. We have some nice up n coming talents with Hollenbach (who is like De Villiers but more powerful and with more of an arsenal when it comes to stepping. Showed De Villiers up last week), also possibly Dippenaar for the future.
11.Mvovo – see above
10.Lambie – think he´s more suited to 15 or possibly 12 and Jantjes has the wood on him at the moment. We also have some othe good up and coming flyhalves like Goosen, Ebersohn and I´d say Morne will still be in the running.
9.Hougaard – in my opinion he should be playing 11. He is a devasating runner and a more average scrumhalf. Look forward to some scrummies starting to rise up above the masses – but players in the running would be Vermaak, Bondesio, Piet van Zyl possibly Sarel if he can improve his defence. Jury is out on this one for now.
In summary – lots of exciting possibilites. Ditto for the forwards. But what has to change is the coaching. Mitchell has done a great job in making a bunch of losers believe in themselves. They are playing with such positivity and belief and as a solid unit. On top of that their defence has improved vastly – they literally held the Sharks out for large parts of the game and took their chances when it came in whatever form – meaning they truly are playing whats in front of them – which has been old Divvy´s dream forever. I thought even their scrum managed to hold its own vs the pseudo Bok pack. Such a solid performance. Cant take that away from Mitchell – he has turned one of the worst teams in Super Rugby into a major force. That is no small feat. He didnt have this type of success at the Force because I think they didnt have the talent. In Sa we are bursting with talent and he is utilising it well. Kudos to him – and for surviving the turmoil of a knife attack and Gumede pulling the funding. No I say big credit to these boys. Theyre contenders for the Super Rugby title next year at this rate. Mark my words.
29 Oct 2011, 21:15 pm
I was totally enthralled with the final and outcome this evening. There are many facets to this victory, principle of which is the ethos that rugby is a team sport first. On paper the Sharks were the better team, by far which made the contest all the more interesting. But we knew the Lions were up for this and the coaching staff had prepared these guys superbly all season. They were also allowed to gel together as a team and no amount of Springboks in the opposition would have topped these guys in this competition finale. I have never been a Lions supporter but I was one today. Rugby was the winner today.
29 Oct 2011, 21:16 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-272: Well done to your team Katman. Have a few glasses of cold one on me.
That was a very good performance by your team.
Great to see Ellis Park so full. Almost reminded me of the tests played there. Good stuff and hope it stays full for next year. Think it will.
29 Oct 2011, 21:17 pm
Well done Lions. You deserve your moment in the sun.
Hopefully you can take this form into Superugby 2012.
29 Oct 2011, 21:17 pm
Also consider this: This same team dismantled the Bok backline last week against WP with some very solid forwards like Schalk being absolutely bashed backwards. Schalkie was losing his toys. To me that shows just how damn good this team is. Kolisi got bashed senseless. Tiaan Liebenberg was being thrown around like a ragdoll. Which also brings me to the point that Maku is a damn fine hooker. He didnt take a step back against Bissie today. man i´m not even a Lions supporter but that was really great. 2 weeks of absolutely bone crunching superiority against a lot of the WC Boks. Respect brothers respect.
29 Oct 2011, 21:20 pm
@TASSIES(TASSIES)-277: Which is exactly why I laughed when people were calling a massive Sharks win. I´ll say it every time. The team that works as a unit wins. Forget the big names. Look at what happened with the Boks – Habana, Smit, Bakkies, Pienaar, Fourie du Preez. The guys went for the names and not for the form players. De Villiers, Spies pffft nowhere. Teams win games not individuals. Look at the SBW show. He hardly featured in the WC. The All Black team bashed out a victory vs France and there was hardly any individual flair that did it. It sure helps but only if the team is functioning as a unit.
29 Oct 2011, 21:20 pm
Sheesh I hope Dusky is super hungry today, that humble pie must be massive
What a great final, good advert for SA rugby – lots of attacking running rugby. And of course the right result. Well done again Lions, made us all very proud
29 Oct 2011, 21:22 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-276: well rationalized and I’m leaning with you on next season’s S15 contenders. This team certainly does look the real deal. They are extremely well coached. Plaudits to John Mitchell and Co.
29 Oct 2011, 21:22 pm
@TASSIES(TASSIES)-277: Like Stefen said after last years CC win over your team Tassies. It was a team effort that done if for Sharks last year and it was again this year a team effort that done it for the Lions. Well done to the Lions a great team effort.
Doubt we will see many Boks in CC after this year. A huge pity that Aus had the say over our CC for a long SuperRugby. Just love Currie Cup. Sometimes more so than SuperRugby.
Heck almost had tears in my eyes when they sang our Anthem before the game. Awesome. Only Currie Cup can offer that kinda rugby and atmostphere. Best domestic rugby tourney in the world. Nothing will ever beat it. Pity we sold it down the river for Oz and SuperRugby.
29 Oct 2011, 21:23 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-272:
The Lions put in a magnificent performance. I posted to you earlier as well – they’re back as a force in SA rugby.
Enjoy the celebrations.
Are you still standing?
29 Oct 2011, 21:23 pm
Rugby365:
New Bok coach: The job requirements
Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:52
Do you have what it takes to be a Bok coach? (c) Gallo
The candidates may not be queuing in large numbers at the South African Rugby Union headquarters in Cape Town, but the requirements for the new Springbok coach appear to be very easy to meet.
SARU CEO Jurie Roux, back in SA from the World Cup in New Zealand – and subsequent IRB business, took time out to answer questions sent through the union’s website.
And most of those questions centred on just two aspects – the next Bok coach, to take over from Peter de Villiers, as well as the performance of referee Bryce Lawrence in the SA team’s quarterfinal loss to Australia and other refereeing.
Roux has the makings of a good politician, as he was very evasive when asked if the next appointment would be on merit… or meet the country’s affirmative action requirements.
Of course, De Villiers’s appointment, as SARU President Oregan Hoskins told the entire world just four years ago, was for “reasons other than just rugby”.
sarugby.co.za reader Mathew O’Neil asked Roux if the appointment of the next Springbok coach would be for purely rugby reasons or – like in the case of De Villiers – would other factors come into the mix?
Roux answered: “Dear Mathew, the Springboks are the prime concern of SARU and doing what is right for them will be the principle factor. They need an outstanding rugby leader, who can handle the many challenges of the job.”
Jacques (no surname), asked what SARU looked for most in a Springbok coach and what the duration of his contract would be.
Roux answered: ”Dear Jacques, the duration of the contract will be determined by the Executive Council as we review our options but in terms of the criteria there will be obvious requirements such as high-level coaching experience; proven track record as a head coach; ability to withstand pressure; strong presentation skills; excellent man management abilities and familiarity with the game at the highest level.”
Andre Pretorius asked when and where the announcement will be made.
Roux answered: “Dear Andre, we will be advertising the position in due course but an announcement will depend on the availability and any subsequent negotiations with whoever is identified as the preferred candidate.”
Dieter Becker suggested that there was a perception amongst many die-hard Bok supporters, both in SA and the diaspora, that the leadership of SA rugby was weak and had a “ja-baas” attitude of subservience to the dictates of sponsors and the ANC.
He was referring, amongst other things, to the Absa SMS debacle and the Absa CEO saying blatantly that as they pay the money they will call the shots. He also asked about the decision to move the Bok to the sleeve during the World Cup, when the IRB insisted that their logo take pride of place on the chest on the jersey.
Roux answered: “Dear Dieter, you are entirely wrong. My predecessor as CEO had written to provinces on the same subject two weeks before Absa raised their concerns with us, and without ever saying that they ‘called the shots’.
“On the logo we had a choice – we either removed the national flag to place the Bok on the sleeve or we did not compete at the tournament. We took the view that appearing at the tournament – and every subsequent Rugby World Cup – was more important to our game than not attending. You may disagree, however.”
There were numerous questions about the refereeing at the World Cup and Roux said SARU made their views known through the “appropriate channels” as part of the review process and it is up to the IRB to manage international referees as they see fit.
He added that he felt no referee sets out to be bad or biased.
Said Roux: “However they do make mistakes – as they will concede – but we should also be wise enough to concede that when we win games we rarely complain about the referee, while the losers may be furious.”
29 Oct 2011, 21:23 pm
@charo(charo)-262: well said man – its great to see all the unions coming good. Cheetahs have also been holding their heads high. Looking forward to next years Super 15. I think the Sa teams are going to be great. Except maybe the Bulls lol.
29 Oct 2011, 21:25 pm
Sharks really need to sort out that midfield. Throughour the game we were only worries when their forward were on a roll – whenever the ball got to Joubert or Terblanche there was nothing to panic about. Shocking for a top union
I agree with Lambie for 10 – I rate him highly, rock solid at the back but no x-factor for that position IMO. Taute is an awesome fullback! Lions need to invest in the front row. lock and a world class loosie would be good. Been very impressed with Rhodes but still gutted we ever let Alberts go!
29 Oct 2011, 21:27 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-264:
Yes Hi there I am fine thanks
29 Oct 2011, 21:27 pm
Most important players for the Lions today (and most of the season):
Elton Jantjies: He has come of age. Officially. If anyone still doubts this, then fck off. Seriously.
Jaco Taute: Hard to believe he’s just 21. Big, strong, fast, brave and blessed with remarkable decision making skills. Surely the future of the Bok fullback.
Derek Minnie: Take a look at the end of each game – this guy is as battered and bruised as any one player can be. Immensely strong and very quick to latch on – it’s hard to neutralize his threat.
Michael Bondisio: Most people thought that losing Jano was a nail in the coffin (one of many), but this man has shut those voices up. A different player to Vermaak, but sharp, gutsy and with a keen eye for what might be a gap.
Pat Cilliers: Surplus to Sharks requirements, this is the single best buy to come from Gumede’s cheque book. More than held his own in the scrum, but it’s his aggression on defense and at rucks that really proved his worth.
Josh Strauss: Most sides would kill for a captain like him. He walks the walk and lets others talk about him. Long may he lead this side. Please.
Doppies la Grange: The Bok selectors don’t seem to be interested, but this is the best midfielder in SA at the moment. Great distributor of the ball, line-breaker of note and steals balls better than most fetchers. Plus it’s like having two captains on the field.
Franco van der Merwe: Gave up the captaincy to focus on his game. And boy, did it pay off. He’s quick, not afraid to get stuck in, deadly in the lineout and… wait for it… a THIRD captain on the field.
There are many others who played their part, but these guys were magic.
29 Oct 2011, 21:29 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-280: good point. If one were to combine last week’s Stormers/WP Springboks with today’s Sharks Springboks, one could reasonably assume a full first choice Springbok side, barring a few exceptions. The point I’m trying to make is, this Lions side is coached and managed as a quality rugby team, regardless of stars(acknowledged talent). The Springboks were badly coached/managed, in spite of the individual quality and look where they ended up. Both WP and the Sharks had the benefit of their Springboks in limited doses and the team principle suffered. The Lions built a team. They won. Anyone surprised?
29 Oct 2011, 21:33 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-290: well said man – amazing to have so much new talent to tap – if the next Bok coach again picks Kirchner, Habana, Odwa, Jean de Villiers, Ruaan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Spies, Bakkies, or Wynand Olivier I´ll personally call a hit on him. We have some fantastic new talents coming through and they need to get their chances now. Out with the old and in with the new.
We can hang on to JP Pietersen, Jacques Fourie, Morne Steyn, Alberts, Burger, Juan Smith, Gurthro and Bismarck from the old guard and Andries Becker if you want to regard him as one of the older Boks – the rest must bugger off forever now.
29 Oct 2011, 21:34 pm
@Robzim(Robzim)-274: @Puma(Puma)-278: @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-285: Thanks guys. It’s been a long wait, but it feels sweet now. Just hope to god we can take some of this into the Super15. Not saying we should win it, but a top 6 finish would be cool. And I think that’s entirely possible with the squad we have. With Mapoe back and perhaps one more lock and prop we’ll be styling.
29 Oct 2011, 21:35 pm
@TASSIES(TASSIES)-291: exactly! and then people are calling for that dork Allister Coetzee to be the coach? He who is not signing any forwards this year, who is keeping Habana on and letting JJ Englebrecht and Sadie go. Puhlease man. The Stormers are about to enter a steep downward curve if they continue like this.
29 Oct 2011, 21:36 pm
@Slumtown(Slumtown)-292: oh and Frans Steyn of course
29 Oct 2011, 21:36 pm
Those people still championing Smit over Bismark got absolute rocks in their heads..
Smit lost Boks the WC.. I have zero doubt about this fact… Smits inclusion in the Bok run on side basically lost the momentum the Boks required to win the quarter final along with favoring Spies over Alberts and FdP over Hougaard.
Smit was simply a non factor his leadership did not even feature ONCE when Bryce was blowing us off the park.. had Smit NOT been present Boks would have stood a far better chance.. of this I have absolutely NO doubt whatsoever..
Smit did not win a fully fledged international test for TWO whole years under his captaincy.. his inclusion in the team was a LIABILITY and NOT an asset..
29 Oct 2011, 21:36 pm
@Puma(Puma)-284: hullo Pumes. Sorry you had to be on the painful end boet but the better team won on the day, no doubt. This is good for SA rugby and rugby in general. My team, WP, have relied on so called ‘star’ players for far too long. They have concentrated on buying players at the expense of building a team. Check the trophy cupboard. Pretty empty. The reason is quite simple really.
29 Oct 2011, 21:41 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-290:
I have always said Doppies was a class center
I could never understand how a player like WO was elected in the squad ahead of him
I was always told he was too small, but Aplon and Jdj were not?
Teute yes bok 15 for sure
That pushes steyn to 12 and lambie to 10 with so many back up 10 like elton and goosen
29 Oct 2011, 21:41 pm
Schalk Burger almost lost the semi final vs Lions single handed.. These dumb idiot coaches who believe Schalk Burger is some kind of super human god of all seasons also got no brain cells between their ears.. Not only do they make the kamikaze man the go to midfield operative ball carrier first receiver, they also make him captain and chief cook and bottle washer.. and then they wonder why the fck Stormers – WP lose EVERY time that they have to step up to the plate where leadership and decision making and decent team work tactics like Lions showed tonight and last weekend are paramount and required. (or Boks for that matter when Burger can’t do f’all about breaching the advantage line or else loosing the ball on the deck to gift the opposition a gimme try from a set ruck ball move)
29 Oct 2011, 21:42 pm
@TASSIES(TASSIES)-297:
How zit man ?
Pro surfers are here in the San fran bay area this weekend
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