I see that Kevin de Klerk is a bit upset with Alistair Coetzee openly drooling for the Lions players who might be available to him when the Lions body isn’t even cold yet. While it’s OK for us plebs to speculate about possible player movements I suppose it is a bit insensitive for an opposing coach to openly lick his lips in anticipation.
I don’t want to p!ss off my president even further but let’s look at the players and who could benefit whom. I’m not considering the Kings as an option, and not for the obvious reason but mainly because any player with Bok aspirations shouldn’t go there and the same applies to the Cheetahs to an extent. In South Africa it is very difficult to crack the big time while playing for a losing side – Pat Cilliers is the first Lions player to be made Springbok while playing for the Lions since 2007.
Of course, Cheeky might always make a deal that a certain number of Kings players must be selected for the Boks “in the interest of transformation”.
Players whose contracts expire 2013:
1 JANSE V RENSBURG, JC
As a scrummager JC is on par with any looshead prop in the country but his play in the loose probably puts him behind the Beast (Sharks) and Coenie (Cheetahs) while WP has young Ginger, who’s doing well. So his best option would be the Bulls where he should be able to lift Dean Greyling.
2 VAN DER LINDE, CJ
His injuries make him a poor buy for any team and as his time as a Bok is over the Kings may be an option.
3 VISAGIE, CALLIE
While Callie’s general play has been good his lineout work needs to be improved. He should stay with the Lions for another year to sharpen up because at best he will be a bench option elsewhere.
4 CILLIERS, PAT
Getting his Bok cap has upped his marketability. Moving back to the Sharks will put him in the same position as he was in when he left, behind Jannie du Plessis. The Bulls and WP are his best options.
5 ROODT, HENDRIK
Roodt has finally started to play to his promise and is a good #4 option however with the Sharks (Bressler), WP (Etzebeth/Elstadt), Bulls (van der Merwe) catered for the Cheetahs remain the only real option, except if Jake White feels he could use him at the Brumbies
6 VAN DER MERWE, FRANCO
As the third best lineout jumper in Super Rugby and a good player in the loose he could benefit most teams but WP has Bekker and the Bulls has Kruger which leaves the Sharks and the Cheetahs. Otherwise he should look at an overseas payday – Japan or the Brumbies maybe.
7 MINNIE, DERICK
As one of the few fetchers in the country he should be the target of a number of teams but the Bulls is probably his best bet.
8 KRIEL, JACO
New to Super Rugby he hasn’t had time to build market value yet and should stay with the Lions for the moment.
9 RHODES, MICHAEL
The premier utility forward in the country before his injury Rhodes should have a pick of teams to choose from, locally and overseas. Locally WP or the Bulls could be his options.
10 GREEFF, STEPHAN
New to Super Rugby and with a number of injury layoffs he hasn’t had time to build market value yet and should stay with the Lions for the moment.
11 STRAUSS, JOSH
The problem for Josh is that SA is flooded with loosies playing a similar style of rugby and all the teams seem to have stocks so going overseas, as is rumoured, is probably his best option.
12 WHITELEY, WARREN
A classic number 8 is an age where most number 8s are retreaded 7s and sitting out most of Super Rugby has limited his exposure. He needs a team that plays an open game (Sharks, Cheetahs) but will struggle to get a starting berth.
13 BONDESIO, MICHAEL
The dearth of quality scrumhalves in South Africa should work in his favour but other than at WP and maybe the Sharks there isn’t a starting spot available to him.
14 CRONJE, ROSS
His poor Super Rugby campaign limited his marketability. Stay with the Lions.
15 MOOLMAN, WHESTLEY
Injuries limited his game time and with no Super Rugby experience he should stay with the Lions.
16 JANTJIES, ELTON
He needs a team where he won’t be forced into a conservative gameplan. With the Cheetahs, Sharks and Bulls catered for WP seems to be the only option but their gameplan might stifle him. However, at WP he could probably get the best out of the quality backline they have and help them score more tries. Otherwise he should go to overseas, maybe New Zealand.
17 CRONJE, GUY
With no Super Rugby experience he should stay with the Lions.
18 TAUTE, JACO
Very good at fullback and started making his mark at centre before he was injured. Should be able to walk into any SA team but WP or the Bulls is probably his best bet.
19 HOLLENBACH, ALWYN
As a journeyman centre the other teams have players on par or better. Stay with the Lions.
20 MAPOE, LIONEL
As a winger Mapoe has been coming on nicely at #13 too but he’s up against stiff competition and I don’t think he’ll be welcome at the Sharks or the Cheetahs. Could be a good option for either the Bulls or WP.
21 DES FOUNTAIN, DYLAN
Another journeyman centre like Hollenbach and the other teams have players on par or better. Should stay with the Lions.
22 MOOLMAN, BRADLEY
With no Super Rugby experience he should stay with the Lions.
23 VAN RENSBURG, DEON
Too slow on wing and with the Lions youngsters coming through one of the few players where the Kings might be an option.
24 HELBERG, DEON
New to the Lions and with no Super Rugby experience he should stay.
25 COETZEE, ANDRIES
Exciting young talent who can play anywhere in the backline. I would hate to see him being second or third choice in another team. With the Sharks well stocked at the back he should thrive at the Cheetahs, WP or Bulls.
26 KAMANA, JAMES
Hasn’t really shown anything and have been injured a lot so I don’t think he’ll get many offers. Stay with the Lions.
Latest: Lions CEO Ruben Moggee says flyhalf Elton Jantjies is likely to join the Sharks or Stormers on loan for the 2013 Super Rugby campaign. However, Moggee confirmed to this site that nothing has been finalised yet.
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