Thanks to Willa for the effort.

With the Currie Cup season done and dusted for the Lions, it was suggested that I rate the players that featured this season. Only players that played at least two games in the season will be rated. Here goes…..

Earl Rose:

Earl played all season at Fullback, and had some really poor performances, especially against the Sharks and Province in round 1. He, however, put in two really good performances in the last two matches against the same opposition. Unfortunately the rating is for the entire season and not only for the last two matches.

5/10

Johan Jackson:

No-one knew anything about this talented youngster when he ran onto the field to make his debut for the Lions this season. He soon cemented his place in the line-up with some great performances on attack and defence. He unfortunately lacks the blistering pace of a Nokwe or Chavanga, and could have scored a couple more tries if not for this. But his work on defence was excellent.

7/10

Alwyn Hollenbach:

One of the stand-out performers for the Lions this season. An Import from the Cheetahs, he made it clear from the outset that he was keen on taking over Jaque Fourie’s spot with some sniping breaks and a fantastic eye for a gap. His only blunder of the season was against Griquas when he squandered a scoring opportunity by trying himself instead of giving the ball to Jackson with an open try-line. Also fantastic defensively.

8/10

Doppies la Grange:

The Lions’ best back by a mile. Was great on attack, and broke defences open with his upper body strength. Great defender and turned over more ball in the tackle than all our loose-forwards combined. The most underrated centre in the country and a must for the future success of the Lions.

9/10

Dusty Noble:

Without a doubt the most improved Lions player. After an average season last year, he definitely worked on his skills and all-round ability’s. Was one of the more steady backs in the side. Put in great performances week in and week out on attack and defence, but also lacks the pace to really trouble defenders out wide. Huge improvement from last season.

7.5/10

Herkie Kruger:

Not the most electrifying fly half in the world. Started out a bit shaky with some indifferent performances, but grew into the role as the season went on. Ended the season with two great performances against the Sharks and Province and was a point-machine for the Lions. On defence, he did more than his job and one will not forget the tackle he made on Juan de Jongh in the last game of the season. A Steady Fly half and does what is asked of him.

7/10

Jano Vermaak:

Excellent season by the nuggity scrumhalf and kept defences honest. His defensive work is the best by any scrumhalf in the country. One of the best passers and readers of the game. Unfortunately his season was ended prematurely by a leg injury, and he was surely a definite for the end of the year tour.

8.5/10

Willem Alberts:

A Work horse. The strongest ball carrier in the country, and twice tackled some-one that I honestly thought was killed. Stepped in as captain for Baywatch when he was injured and did a sterling job. The form eighth man of the Currie Cup and a must for the end of the year tour.  His work on fielding kicks at the back, took a lot of pressure off his fullback and wings with his sheer size and power.

10/10

Derick Minnie:

Great prospect for the future. Strong ball carrier and great defender. Made his mark in the Currie Cup as one of the most efficient players on the ground. a Couple of times his ill-discipline cost the Lions points at crucial times, but he can improve on this and will definitely be one of the loose forwards to watch in next season’s Super 14.

7.5/10

Baywatch Grobbelaar:

Never say die. Gives his all every game and leads by example. Terrific scrambler in defence and also did his part in competing for the ball on the ground. A True Lion in heart, body and soul.

8.5/10

Franco vd Merwe:

After moving from flank, made his mark as a lock to watch next season. Great ball skills and a fantastic chip to put Jano Vermaak away against the Bulls at Coca-cola park. Great jumper in the line-out and a strong defender with his size. Definitely a prospect for lock in the future.

8/10

Nico Luus:

Also one who started the season out shaky and improved with each performance. Good scrummager, and a real hard grafting lock. Did his part in the rolling mauls and also in defence.  

7/10

Gert Muller:

Hard working prop, but struggled in the scrums in the early part of the season but got better as the season went on. Quiet in general play, but played a huge part on defence.

6.5/10

Hans van Dyk:

Typical hooker with bullocking runs and put in good and solid work in defence. Unfortunately struggled with his line-out throws and put his locks under pressure. Can definitely improve on that. Overall had good season. If he is found guilty of biting, it would spoil what was a good debut season for the Lions.

7/10

JC van Rensburg:

Also struggled in the initial part of the season, but put in some good performances in the second half of the campaign. His scrummaging improved and his general play was impressive in the last couple of games. Made some good runs with ball in hand.

7/10

Jannie Boshoff:

After Hollenbach’s injury, Boshoff played in the 13 jersey with success. He combined well with la Grange and together formed a great defensive partnership. Good hands and skills, and will definitely not let any side down.

7/10

Walter Venter:

Started the season off in excellent form. Unfortunately sidelined by swine-flu and missed out on a lot of game time. Between him and la Grange, the Lions have serious talent at inside centre. This rating will be done on his performances before being hit by swine-flu.

8.5/10

Ruan Boshoff:

A Serious talent in the nr 10 jersey. Pace, skill and has a great step. One of the best passers of the ball and gets his backline away with time and space. Prolific left boot. A Must for the Super 14 season. Showed glimpses of brilliance, especially his try against the Leopards. Came on against the Sharks and immediately cut through their defence with some impressive stepping. Good defender.

8.5/10

Chris Jonck:

There was doubt about his ability to be a quality back-up for Jano Vermaak, but proved in the games after Vermaak’s injury, that he has the ability to be right up there. Great penalty kick to clinch the game for the Lions against Province in the final matches.

8/10

Willem Stoltz:

Alternated with Nico Luus, had a good season and did nothing wrong. The old man still has quite a bit to offer to the Lions. Gives his best every week, and will not let any side down.

7/10

Kevin Buys:

Who is Kevin Buys? He’s the guy that demolished Wickus Blaauw. A Monster of a man. One of the best tight heads I have seen in a while. Big defender and put in some enormous hits. Currently the talk of the town. Great skills for a prop. If he continues the way he started, he might make an appearance in the green and gold sooner than anyone expects. Find of the season.

9/10

Wayne Swart:

Also a mountain of a man. Deserves a continued run at prop ahead of van Rensburg. He has the look of a prop. Strong and great defender. Also good with ball in hand. Excellent back-up for Heinke van der Merwe.

7/10

Lions player of the season: Willem Alberts

Is there any-one I left out, please let me know. What do you think of the ratings? Give us your thoughts.