The Lions’ unlikely hero

The Lions’ unlikely hero

5 Dec 2011

Josh Strauss has become a cult figure in Joburg but he very nearly fell into rugby obscurity.

Had it not been for Alan Zondagh, Sharks fans might have been spared the frustration inflicted on them by Strauss in the Currie Cup final, and he might instead have been attending to our furry friends in their hours of need. Before he was spotted playing club rugby by the former Western Province coach, the Strauss life plan was directed towards saving animal lives as a vet.

In the latest SA Rugby magazine, on sale this week, we reveal how Zondagh helped Strauss to play for Boland, and how his impressive performances for Maties in the Varsity Cup resulted in a trial at the Lions.

Strauss also reflects on the Lions’ triumphant Currie Cup campaign and looks ahead to next year’s Super Rugby tournament.

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Also in the new issue:

– SA Rugby magazine reveals how the Lions went from Super Rugby chumps in 2010 to Currie Cup champs in 2011

– John Mitchell on transforming the Lions, living in South Africa, preparing for Super Rugby, and the Springbok coaching job

– The Sharks started to develop a new team dynamic during the 2011 Currie Cup

– Heyneke Meyer’s wants the Bulls to become the world’s best domestic side again. We reveal his master plan

– Boland Kavaliers coach Eugene Eloff on winning the Currie Cup First Division, losing half of his side afterwards, and Saru’s decision to have six teams in the Premier Division

– SA Rugby magazine assesses the candidates who will be vying for the Springbok flyhalf jersey next year

– In an extract from his new autobiography, Butch James reveals how he was promised the Springbok No 10 jersey at the World Cup only to fall behind Morne Steyn in the pecking order

– Graham Henry finally has his inner peace – and his World Cup. Now he can get on with the rest of his life

– From zero to hero, jeers to cheers, agony to ecstasy, no one has a better handle on the fickle world of international rugby than World Cup winner Stephen Donald

– Thierry Dusautoir is an inspirational leader and officially the best rugby player on the planet

– The inaugural Rugby Championship will kick off on 18 August next year, two weeks after the Super Rugby final

– Francois Louw speaks to SA Rugby magazine about his new life in Bath, the recent World Cup campaign and why he hasn’t given up on playing for the Boks

– The Springbok Sevens went into the 2011-12 World Series with a settled squad


398 Comments

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  • 101.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:28 am

    @Dawn(Dawn)-96: lol same thing I thought too. I think that is his Stellenbosch University student number. lol

  • 102.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:29 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-97: Yip agree.

  • 103.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:30 am

    So men can’t say I love you to their women and children but they can say Iloveyoubakkiesbotha???????

  • 104.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:32 am

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-98:

    Amen to that.

    I’m thinking something along that Carlos Spencer versus Tony Brown versus Andrew Mehrtens type thing could work for us.

    People will argue Lambie shouldn’t be moved around, but he wouldn’t be at his franchise team (if he were to play 10) and playing for the Springboks is a case of the best options on the field, so if he’s not the best 10, but the best 15, he fits in and plays. Doesn’t get to make demands, which I seriously doubt he would given his good attitude up till now!

    It’s not like Ruan Pienaar who got to play everywhere except his preferred position of 9. Or Francois Steyn who played everywhere but only wanted to be an inside back. Lambie is happy playing either 10 or 15, so we’re good :grin:

  • 105.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:33 am

    And that makes them real men?

    Boy m I learning today!

  • 106.14261774: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:33 am

    @Dawn(Dawn)-96: I luv Josh Strauss the way I luv my sister, it means alot, but not in that way. Josh vs Bakkies. Josh: Paul Roos, Maties, Knows his red wine, a Vet, and wins CC for lions. Bakkies from Secunda, three favourite thing is his farm, bakkie and dog, and he played for the bulls. Josh wins by a mile!

  • 107.au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir...: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:34 am

    ok fair enough.

    thats 3 for josh and 1 for bakkies so far.

  • 108.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:34 am

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-94: Sounds good…will look out for it.

  • 109.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:35 am

    Hendrik!

    Do you love bakkies botha.

  • 110.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:36 am

    I hate gingers.

    But I love you Schalk Burger.

  • 111.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:37 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-104: Yes we have a wide variety of 10′s coming through….each with their own specific strength. Yes that could work in the Bok set up.

  • 112.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:37 am

    @Dawn(Dawn)-109:

    Talks a bit slow for my liking!

    But the way he headbutted that cheating son of a b17ch Jimmy Coward…

    I love you Bakkies Botha.

    Josh Strauss is but a rookie.

  • 113.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:39 am

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-111:

    I’m also predicting Juandre Kruger will be our bench-lock…

    And that Nick Koster will have a breakthrough season. Statistically he’s the best ‘ball-in-hand’ loose forward in Super Rugby, but I think extra game time will mean bigger impression… meaning potentially a Springbok jersey.

  • 114.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:40 am

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-101: Can’t be. the first 2 letters are your first year, like 95……

    Or in my case. 8-something……… ;)

  • 115.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:40 am

    Just read on Sharksworld that Wandile Mjekevu is training with the Sharks this morning, only on a trial basis.

    Thought he had a contract with the Lions but obviously not. Now really hope it works out well and Sharks offer him a contract. He has some awesome speed. Also only turns 21 in a few months. So would be a brilliant buy getting the Young Baby Bok at the Sharks.

  • 116.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:42 am

    I give up.

    Men love bakkies botha over women because of some childhood brawling.

    There is no hope!

  • 117.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:42 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-113: He is very promising, but I’m reluctant to over-hype players.

    He needs to work on retaining possession in the tackle. Gets turned over a great deal.

  • 118.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:42 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-113: Yes i would go for Kruger or Elstadt but I think Kruger is more experienced and more versatile so he would be a great bench player. You think Koster is going to get extended game time? I am not sure buddy.

  • 119.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:44 am

    @Dawn(Dawn)-116: We don’t really love him.

    Not any more.

    We’ve moved on.

    It was special while it lasted.

    But nothing is forever.

  • 120.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:45 am

    Puma

    Do you love bakkies botha?

  • 121.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:45 am

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-114: lol it looks like one. My girlfriend started in 2007 and hers starts with a 15.

    lol

  • 122.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:46 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-104: Why do you say Lambie would not be at his franchise team if he had to play at 10? Explain?

    Cause he was our best fh last year and AGAIN in this years Super14. We got Freddie late in the series. I think Pat will be Sharks starting fh in the S15 cause Freddie wants to go back to France. Also I personally think Pat is a better fh than Freddie. Sure he is a very good fb as well. He does enjoy playing both positions, but I would like to see him back at fh at the Sharks which I think he will be in the S15. Freddie can sit on the bench and cover fh and sh.

  • 123.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:47 am

    @Puma(Puma)-115:

    Think the Sharks would use him at centre?

    Their other 12 & 13 options being: Meyer Bosman, Tim Whitehead, Paul Jordaan & Marius Joubert. And part-timers Jacques-Louis Potgieter & Patrick Lambie.

    He might be a good fit after Marius Joubert leaves… unless they see him as a winger.

    Also noted Tshotsho Mbovane hasn’t been included in the Stormers training group.

    1 Deon Carstens / Steven Kitshoff / Wicus Blaauw / Schalk Ferreira / Hein van der Merwe / Alistair Vermaak
    2 Deon Fourie / Tiaan Liebenberg / Scarra Ntubeni / Clemon Lewis
    3 Brok Harris / Frans Malherbe / Tom Botha
    4 Rynhardt Elstadt / Quinn Roux / Hilton Lobberts / Donovan Armand
    5 Andries Bekker / Eben Etzebeth / De Kock Steenkamp
    6 Schalk Burger / Reuben Johannes / Rohan Kitshoff / Nick Fenton-Wells
    7 Duane Vermeulen / Siya Kolisi / Yaya Hartzenberg
    8 Nick Koster / Nizaam Carr
    9 Dewaldt Duvenage / Louis Schreuder / Nic Groom / Bolla Conradie / Ricky Schroeder
    10 Peter Grant / Gary van Aswegen / Elgar Watts / Timo Swiel / Burton Francis / Demetri Catrakilis / Kurt Coleman / William van Wyk
    11 Bryan Habana
    12 Jean de Villiers / Michael van der Spuy / Berton Klaasen / Adrian Kritzinger
    13 Juan de Jongh / Adrian Jacobs / JP du Plessis
    14 Gerhard van den Heever / Danie Poolman
    15 Gio Aplon / Joe Pietersen / Marcel Brache

  • 124.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:47 am

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-121: Sheesh.

    I feel old now.

    Lank old.

    I’m off to moisturise.

  • 125.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:47 am

    @Puma(Puma)-115:

    Have been calling this for MONTHS now.

    Well done to the Sharks for making a move for Mjekevu who is still only 20.Excellent potential,must be played in his preferred position of 13.Hopefully he is offered a contract

    Lions went to sleep on this boy…

  • 126.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:47 am

    @Dawn(Dawn)-120: hahahaha. No why?

  • 127.au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir...: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:48 am

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-119:
    it was beautifull.

    will there ever be another?…

  • 128.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:48 am

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-101:

    can’t be,

    they keep stellies studen numbers short.

    so that the hairy backs can remember them.

  • 129.Yetirat: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:49 am

    @Simon(Simon)-61: The Manchurian Candidate?

  • 130.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:49 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-123: Think that is exactly where he would play if we signed Mjekevu at outside centre. Heck he is fast. So really hope we offer him a contract.

  • 131.Yetirat: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:50 am

    @Yetirat(Yetirat)-129: Sorry, bit late on the take there.

  • 132.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:50 am

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-117:

    He needs a big bit of refining yes but like you say very promising.

    With the amount of time given to players like Koster etc to “mature”,I think Mjekevu can also fall into that category.

  • 133.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:50 am

    @Puma(Puma)-122:

    I meant he wouldn’t be moved around at the Sharks the entire time…

    If they invested in him as a 10, you’d expect him to play there 99.9% of the time…

    Not that he would leave the Sharks :) The grammar might be a bit off…

  • 134.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:52 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-123: Also read on sw that we have Morgan Newman on a trial basis training with the Sharks from today.

  • 135.Kietzphat: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:52 am

    @Dawn(Dawn)-85:

    Its Monday. And I’m only on my second flat white.

    There’s still too much blood in my caffeine system.

  • 136.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:53 am

    @Gunther(gunther)-128: lol that must be the old system. 14261774 says himself that he is a Matie!

  • 137.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:53 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-123:

    Yep hope Sharks play him at 13…. I would give Jordaan & Mjekevu 12 and 13 jesreys respectively during superrugby at specific periods.

    Those 2 could be superstars.

    Sharks do the right THING!!!

  • 138.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:53 am

    @hendrikp(hendrikp)-133: Okay got it….hehe. :wink:

  • 139.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:54 am

    @stormersboy(stormersboy)-124: double layer!

  • 140.Kietzphat: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:54 am

    Can someone tell Keo that real men do not ‘LOL’.

    Also talking about your kids and how hot the women are in Cape Town in the same tweet is a little disturbing.

    Maybe its just me.

  • 141.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:55 am

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-137: That would be an awesome combo. 2 strong running centres.

  • 142.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:56 am

    Wonder if Simon loves bakkies botha.

  • 143.Sasuke: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:56 am

    @Kietzphat(Kietzphat)-140: lol

  • 144.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:57 am

    @Sasuke(Sasuke)-141:

    Yes & they will ONLY get BETTER. Size wise as well they will fill out.They are both only 19 & 20 respectively.

  • 145.au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir...: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:58 am

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-132:
    i hate to say this but, sadly i dont think koster’s ever going to be more than he was as a schoolboy in terms of the hype around him and his performances over time.

    he has the makings of an even more tragic case of going from schoolboy wonder to nowhere than big joe did.

    i hope i am wrong.

  • 146.hendrikp: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 10:58 am

    @Puma(Puma)-134:

    Glad to see the Sharks trying to solve their centre problems!! Encouraging to know that Plumtree can spot a weakness.

  • 147.au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir...: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 11:00 am

    bakkies 2
    josh 3
    neutrals 2

  • 148.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 11:00 am

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-132: Agreed. he also shows good promise.

    Time will tell I guess.

  • 149.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 11:00 am

    Kiezphat. Keohane is on the hunt.

    Recently divorced.

  • 150.Puma: Reply to this comment
    5 Dec 2011, 11:02 am

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-137: Morning Mshini,

    Agree buddy. If we had that centre combo would be awesome.

    Hope Sharks sign Mjekevu. He is young as well would be a awesome buy. He as actually born in Durbs too.

    Please Sharks do the right thing and give Mjekevu a contract.

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Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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