Lions hoping for shot at redemption
19 Jul 2012
Lions interim head coach Johan Ackermann says the team will do much better next season – should they retain their Super Rugby status.
There’s so much speculation surrounding the Lions’ Super Rugby future ahead of Saru’s final call on the Southern Kings saga in August.
There were reports over the weekend that the national union has offered the Kings R40m to drop the ‘promise’ they made to the Eastern Cape franchise back in January. If these rumours are true and the Kings submit, the Lions will remain in the tournament next year.
Ackermann hopes for a favourable outcome as the Johannesburg franchise struggled with an injury crisis for most of the season.
‘This is a very hard wait, but we are hoping that we get a second chance in Super Rugby next year,’ Ackermann told keo.co.za. ‘We were confident that our 2011 Currie Cup form could be carried into this year’s Super Rugby campaign. But we suffered so many injuries … most of our first-choice players, who formed part of that wonderful domestic run, were sidelined. We had to promote a lot of youngsters, which would affect all teams if they were in a similar situation.
‘We also lacked experience at this level. We had 12 players who played Super Rugby for the first time.’
But the question remains, do the Lions deserve their spot in Super Rugby? Their 2012 record of three triumphs from 16 matches sees their overall tournament winning percentage drop to just 19.5% (19 wins out 97 games since 2006).
However, Ackermann says there are positives to draw out of the season, that will make them more competitive in 2013.
‘The fact that we’ve played so many youngsters has increased our depth. With some senior players returning, we can build momentum during the Currie Cup. It was encouraging to see many of our younger players holding their own.
‘The performances of our forwards were also very encouraging. We need to work on the lineouts, but our scrums and breakdown work created some momentum for us. We found ourselves still in the game by half-time of many of our fixtures this season. But we failed to capitalise on that. Once we build as a team and continue to grow, we will start finishing off much better.’
By Gareth Duncan
31 Comments
19 Jul 2012, 14:04 pm
He’s unlikely to say “we played like a herd of muppets”
19 Jul 2012, 14:09 pm
Who is writing this bullshit. Since when does results determine participation?
Stupid little dwarf man getting his imp followers to bat on for his dead Kings deal … it is all rather futile.
19 Jul 2012, 14:21 pm
a second chance..?..
a second chance..?..
you must be shittingg me
19 Jul 2012, 14:22 pm
Don’t want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard.
Mr Beerbelly Beerbelly get these mutts away from me.
19 Jul 2012, 14:44 pm
Second chance? The lions had 12yrs of chances and were pomped/poesklapped each year, next year there would only be new excuses for their putridness.
19 Jul 2012, 15:26 pm
Well first off they can hardly do any worse surely ? I shudder to think that !! And then secondly – a second chance ? Seriously ? Sorry but they had their second chance for the last few years every year.
I am not against the Lions participation but then at least call a spade a spade , say SA rugby needs JHB represented. I feel the EP should be represented , not necessary at the expense of the Lions but after so many promises they MUST be accommodated. This whole thing is really a Joke , SARU is a joke and we the people are the punchlines feeding this joke. Why do we except this ? We all complained when Jake or Coertzee was not part of the Bok coaching handover , they both proved their competence in the S15 by the way. Who decided that Bok rugby can throw away experience like that ? Who decided to pick Snor on color ? Who decided to bend over backwards to accomadate the aussies in a revamped comp ? Yes these clowns continue to run our rugby (into the ground) every day. Thinking about it , we are the jokes for allowing this.
Lastly , the Lions should really not complain about injuries , granted they had their fair share this year but so did eveyone else. Heck the stormers played lost their 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 at some stage of the comp this year due to injury or national call ups. At some stage we fielded our 3rd choice and evens 4th choice loosie , heck I would imagine in a ideal world Fourie would be behind Duane , Koster , Carr and the Canadian at 8.
Then there was Joe , Habana , grant , Aplon and Jean all missing at some stage , sometimes very vital stages. Now I am not saying we suffered the same as the Lions but farkit we suffered a lot as well , very close to them in some cases yet we top the log. We even beat the Bulls at Loftus with our Vodacom cup loosies !! No excuses , sorry Lions !
19 Jul 2012, 15:36 pm
Just for the record re the Stomers pack and availibility
8 – Duane , Carr and Koster for long periods
7 – Elkstad started late the comp due to injury and was also suspended one round.
6 – Schalk – played about 20 mins of the comp , been out since then.
5 – Bekker – well documented injuries this year and playing with injury
4 – Etzebeth – out since June internationals callup and subsequently injured up until now , also missed a game in tour due to injury
3 – Brock – broke his nose and was our for a few weeks , upon his return it looked like he broke it again.
2 – Both Fourie and Tiaan was injured at times during the year.
1 – Blaauw injured but turned out a blessing in disguise cos old redhead has been a revelation !!! But he too was pulled from the squad due to national duty and missed a few games.
Now if you take into consideration that about 6 of these players are under 21 and duane and koster are considered veterans at 26 and 23 receptively then you realise just how awesome these guys did with very limited resources !
19 Jul 2012, 15:37 pm
“Do much better”. Well, you finished dead last in the competition. Can’t be that hard to do better.
I think we’ve passed the point of no return re the Kings’ inclusion. It is going to be painful for the Lions but just get it over with. Dragging out of the process is embarrassing. You’ll be back in 2014. This reality check is exactly what the Lions need.
19 Jul 2012, 15:42 pm
@H(H)-8: kdk has done all the lobbying, no amount of spin from cheeky can change things, the kings will be shafted officially on august 16th.
19 Jul 2012, 16:59 pm
@sparticus(sparticus)-7: No denying – the Stormers did do well this season. Unfortunately they will lose in the semi-final.
19 Jul 2012, 17:02 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-9: Boo ******* hooo…..
No non-merit, politically forced entitlement, no getting something we didn’t deserve, no affirmative, equity, empowerment or otherwise….poor things….
Kings deserve to be shafted over and over again until they earn the right to take part in Super rugby. How about winning a few Currie Cups….you know, going the route of ‘I do really deserve it’ instead of ‘Aaahhh eish….I demand….’
19 Jul 2012, 17:05 pm
@wait for it, wait for it…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-3: The Lions shouldn’t go this route of ‘give us another chance’. Fact is – if there is a team in South Africa that think they can do better, do the noble thing and challenge the Lions to a 3 match promotion/relegation series.
The yellow bellied Kings have still not just admitted why they are so opposed to the promotion/relegation playoff idea. Because they know they will not beat the Lions.
Who would do better ? Griquas ? Answer that ? So – for the competition sake, actually South Africa should reduce our participation to 4 teams.
19 Jul 2012, 17:08 pm
@RL(RL)-2: Good luck to the Lions boet. I hope they overturn this nonsense.
19 Jul 2012, 17:46 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-11: Dusky, dude, I am not 100% in favour of the Kings and the way things are being done myself, but that comment of yours is way out of line!
It has nothing to do with all the slogans and cliches you listed!
Should we be reminded that the Sharks were also given an undeserved step into the CC and ended up winning it in 1990, dominating in the 90s and becoming a force in SA Rugby.
France were the whipping boys for a long time in 5 Nations, then started winning and are now arguably the best NH side!
It is not about a shorty-term promotion/relegation match. The Lions set up is rotten to the core. No one has been able to turn it around or to make a reasonable success of it since 2001!
The Kings might just be better-run and learn quicker and start winning.
Dont bring politics and rave into it (We all know what “I demand” hints at) when its not necessary. The only people playing politics here is SARU. Its not the E.C. rugby fans nor the players at Kings
And please note – I am definitely not a fan of Cheeky Watson after reading PDiv’s book. If its true what is in that book then I am shocked.
19 Jul 2012, 18:04 pm
“Much better” – quite an easy task. Just avoiding finishing stone last as usual.
19 Jul 2012, 18:33 pm
@bokfan1(bokfan1)-14:
> I am definitely not a fan of Cheeky Watson
No-one is that is except Cheecky and Pukie
> after reading PDiv’s book. If its true what is in that book then I am shocked.
Div isn’t sharp enough to invent elaborate stories
Oom Piet is ‘n goeie ou, miskien nie ‘n Bok afrigter nie, maar hy’s nie agterbaks nie
Cheeky is ‘n bliksem wat sy ma sal verkoop vir geld
19 Jul 2012, 19:00 pm
@bokfan1(bokfan1)-14: Slogans and Cliche’s ? Are you delusional ? Do you want me to point out the parts of the individual legislated acts in South Africa that refer to these ‘slogans and cliche’s’ ?
And NO – your facts are wrong. The Sharks weren’t given an undeserved step. I am not bothering explaining it in detail again – go look it up yourself – earn the knowledge. Sure you will find it on Wikipedia. The Sharks qualified to play in the Currie Cup – they knocked out Northern Free State who were the bottom team at the time. So – try again.
If you cant see that this KIngs bullshit is riddled with politics which is corrupt to the core in South Africa, and you’re an adult that believes they can think for themselves – then you’re stuffed. Good luck to you.
I say its ALL ABOUT a promotion/relegation match. This is SPORT ! I might deserve an olympic gold medal, or perhaps because I am a nice guy I deserve a place in the final of the 100m freestyle. Do you want to break that news to the prospective finalists ?
I could just actually go and take part and legitimately qualify couldn’t I ?
Don’t speak kak to me buddy – I dont buy that South African tears in the eye, jannie jammergat bullshit. If that makes me racist – then yes, I am racist. Mos in South Africa, anything a person does or says that is not liked by a black person, exposes greed and corruption etc. is racist….so, then yes – I am indeed a racist.
19 Jul 2012, 19:04 pm
@victoriabok(victoriabok)-16: Bokfan is a victim of bleeding heart propaganda. He clearly supports forced, non-merit inclusion and by that, is probably a fan of the rotten, self interested Watson clan.
Somehow he has become convinced that unmerited inclusion and unearned money grabbing in South Africa (happening in all facets of life) is just and good.
ITS SPORT – PLAY A PROMOTION/RELEGATION MATCH. Come on Kings – show you are sporstmen instead of resorting to the small minded, small balled ‘I demand’ approach.
19 Jul 2012, 19:05 pm
@Nils(Nils)-15: Do you think the Kings will end anywhere but stone last ?
19 Jul 2012, 19:11 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-12:
i could agree to a reduction of teams as a possible way of strengthening the sa conference.
and i certainly would rate griquas ahead of the kings. perhaps a return to full promotion/relegation from the cc into super rugby then? we have done it before.
top five teams from the season before participates.
i can tell you i am sick to my stomach of the lions and what they are doing to sa rugby as a whole. nothing gets done about it and they are just allowed to carry on regardless. we need to introduce accountablitiy for the passengers who are just riding along for free.
break them up and use their best players to strengthen the cheetahs perhaps?
saru could just give the lions money over to the cheetahs.
19 Jul 2012, 19:15 pm
if the kings get promotion they should do it with understanding that if they dont perform in two years time then they get relegated too.
19 Jul 2012, 19:16 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-18:
Keo and his underlings aren’t pushing the Kings and King Lukie anymore, I wonder why?
A couple of weeks ago they made sure they kept the issue alive
19 Jul 2012, 19:38 pm
@wait for it, wait for it…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-20: Dude, I am with you. I am not sure what sickens me more, the situation at the Lions or the weakling Kings being forced into an international competition. How the Aussies and Kiwis agreed to that – I dont know. Do they realise it makes our conference even easier – so, now we can have 3 teams in the playoffs every year ? Kings in = Free 10 points for the Sharks, Stormers, Bulls and Cheetahs.
However, its still sport. So – let the best team in (ie. the one that plays rugby the best). Management issues can be resolved, but its going to take someone with some balls to step in there at the Lions.
19 Jul 2012, 20:20 pm
@Dusky(Dusky)-19: I do not know. It depends what team they will have. If anything resembling that one that got nilled by the Lions, they won’t get a single log point.
Lions themselves have to step up big time though, their recent record, IMHO, is rather embarrassing. It seems that times they weren’t last or penultimate can be counted on the fingers of the single hand.
20 Jul 2012, 04:37 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-17:
Reminds me of the Isma-eel Dollie saga, where his omission from SA sides was immediately put down to ‘racism’ by the masses. So he packed his sarmies, headed to the Brumbies and what happened?
Well, in the real world the Brumbies live in, it’s all about talent and merit, colour is totally irrelevant. And what happened to ‘world-beater’ and ‘victimised’ Dollie?
He couldn’t cut it, didn’t get a contract.
And so another chorus of ‘racist’ cries bites the criers in the bum. And none have the balls to put up their hands and say “we got it wrong, sorry…”
20 Jul 2012, 04:58 am
@Joe Maher(Joe Maher)-25:
Joe, not much inroads made on the pitch yesterday? After the quick wicket I thought we may have some fun but boy, was I wrong!
20 Jul 2012, 07:56 am
SANZAR or even the IRB should adopt a draft and salary cap system like they do in other sports around the world to ensure that teams can have a fair playing field.
Teams that end lowest should get first draft picks and they wont easily be lured to different teams if their pay is capped.
The Lions struggle as they can not field a consistent team cause their players get poached as soon as they stand out…
This will also do away with school boys signing contracts before they know what is best for them.
This game is all about money and it takes away from the sport….
20 Jul 2012, 08:00 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-10: Personally I feel the stormers over achieved a little. I reckon its the crusaders cup to lose.
20 Jul 2012, 14:44 pm
@wait for it, wait for it…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-21: You know, if only there was one single sports related reason for the Kings to be included in Super Rugby. If only – but there just isn’t.
Of course you will hear all the kak from Transie and co. his flag bearer bokfan1 who is one of those South Africans that has been successfully fooled – but no SPORT related argument. Nothing….
20 Jul 2012, 14:46 pm
@sparticus(sparticus)-28: I must be honest – I dont know what the hype is regarding the Crusaders because I haven’t watched a lot of their games this season.
21 Jul 2012, 05:58 am
No thanks, cheers Lions and racist Ellis Park. Thanks for the memories. Now the internationals can be played at a proper stadium!
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