The Lions

The Lions have suffered horrendously in the past 3 years under Eugene Eloff who has now gone to bugger up Boland rugby. Dick Muir is in charge of the Lions, and has a 3 year plan to win the Super 14/15.

This year won’t bring any miracles, but it should see a vast change in attitude, skills and fortune. Like the Cheetahs, the Lions can aid the South African cause by beating overseas opposition at home.

The Lions have lost Andre Pretorius, Jaque Fourie, Willem Alberts, Louis Ludik, Anton van Zyl and Willie Wepener, key players in 2009. However there are some exciting signings such as Burton Francis, Tonderai Chavhanga, Jonathan Mokuena and especially Carlos Spencer.

Spencer will control this side, bring flair and hopefully ensure the Lions score tries. Interestingly I’m not sure where that leaves Burton Francis who I rate highly. Could Spencer play at inside centre? Earl Rose may then play fullback or miss out altogther.

While the backline looks exciting, the forward pack looks to be the weak area. That’s a strange situation for a side from Johannesburg. The lineout especially has been a problem and the Lions will need plenty of luck in this area.

Cobus Grobbelaar will lead the side from flank and will be well supported by Jonathan Mokuena at eightman. Mokuena could be a potential star this year with superb handling skills and could combine brilliantly with Carlos Spencer.

I expect the Lions may start slowly but get better and better as the competition progresses.

Watch out for: Number 8 Jonathan Mokuena has a strong workrate and great handling skills honed from his sevens experience. Carlos Spencer at flyhalf under Dick Muir will be given free licence to showcase his range of skills. Burton Francis as backup flyhalf may just learn a thing or two from Spencer and show he also possesses all the skills.

Prediction: Middle of the pack