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.
Kevin Buys was one of the 2005 intake at the junior structures of the Bulls. At that stage he was a number 8. The Bulls moved him to prop. After playing for the U21 side of the Bulls he took up a contract to play overseas. The Lions brought him back.
Other players who started with the Bulls in 2005 are Dean Greyling, Badise Maku, Chilliboy, Hilton Lobbers and Deon Stegman. Maku played prop that year. That was serious frontrow talent that year.
Thanks dWeePer.
Why are the ratings so high? I think it was very consistent, but a little too high for a team that lost out on the semi’s by quite a long shot. By that same logic and application, WP and Sharks players should almost all get 10/10… what do you think?
I was just curious. Agree very strongly with your comments.
3@Greenpoint-Gunner – That is the beauty of rugby. Your opinion means nothing to me. By quite a long shot?????? Have you been watching currie cup?
No problem if you rate players that high , because that is a rating of Lions players against each other. That is for me how this person feels his players performed for the team. So one player was given 100%.
To put it in a SA perspective one must take in consideration where the team ended and then a player must be compared against all other players in that position in SA.
With the Lions ending 6th i personally would deduct 20% of all the scores given to them here.
Then again it will be harsh to take anything away from Jano Vermaak who i rate amongst the top 3 scrum halves this season.
Just imagine how a Griquas supporter will rate his players.
4@Ed_the_Lion – Take that Sports Fans!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
This is ridiculous, hell then some of the Bulls and Sharks players should get 12/10; 14/10 even 20/10, go rethink this article please.
Goeie ratings. Ek sou Jano en Willem 12/10 gee.
In die Land van die blindes is Een-oog koning…..
Neewat, daar is net EEN MAATSTAF wat gebruik kan word om spelers te rate, rate hulle met al die spelers in die Currie Cup…. opposisie teen opposisie…
Kom ons neem vir Herkie Kruger as ‘n voorbeeld…. Ons weet dat Morne Steyn beter is as hy, so ook Hernandez, Jacques-Louis Potgiter, Peter Grant, Burton Francis, Francois Brummer…. selfs teenoor die Boland en Leopards se Fly Halves was hy ondergemiddeld…. hy sal in my boek nie meer as 3 uit 10 verdien nie.
Appels met appels moet vergelyk word….
Wat wel so is, is dat sekere Lions spelers uitstaande goeie seisoene gehad het…. Alberts, Jano Vermaak, Minnie….
@BESTER – 7
I do believe it will be your right to rate your team’s player as you would like, and then when you put it on as a blog, you will get hammered as well, as to, why is it that Stegman gets example gets 15/10, Dyesel gets 16/10??
This is the point of view of a Lions supporter, and this is how he thinks the individuals performed, and a lot of other Lions supporters will agree with him, some may differ on some results. I for one, agree with most as I am Lions supporter.
There is some Bulls / Sharks / WP etc player that i will give a 8, 9 10, and there is some that I will give a 5.
@BESTER –
No, I won’t. Ratings are done as individuals, and not on a team effort.
Fact is that we only lost one game the entire season by more than 6 points. We conceded less tries than the Bulls and the Cheetahs. We only earned less bonuspoints that the Sharks and the Bulls. We scored on less try than the Sharks.
Not once did we concede a four try bonuspoint.
The Lions have the most succesfull tackle % of all the teams against attempted and made. The Lions beat more one-on-one defenders than any other side.
As individuals the Lions did not stand back for any-one and competed well against the top players. Problem is, that because of the erratic team selection at the start of the season, there was no continuity and the team couldn’t settle. Once the team settled we started playing good rugby.
That is the only reason why the Lions did not make the semi’s.
So gan lag vir jouself man.
Hey Willa, Franco se tannie werk hier by my, en sy support die wp, sy het hom mooi laasweek gevra om sag te gaan met die wp hehehe en hy het duidelik nie geluister nie……. hy trou blykbaar binnekort en sy het gese sy gaan hom met ‘n stuk koek gooi op die troue
@WilladieLeeu – @Mr-T –
Het die welpies die heel jaar teen hulle self gespeel, julle is ‘n sorry sight!
So in the Lions supporters opinion, most of them are worthy of a Bok selection, wake up and smell the coffee, you, Boland, the Leopards are in the same league.
@BESTER –
One of those…..
eish
@BESTER – 13
U tosser
Bedaar my Volk, bedaar!
Mens mag maar verskil, maar persoonlike beledigings is effe onvanpas.
@BESTER – :yawn:
@BESTER – En laat my raai jou span sal seker die phokking wêreld beker kan wen? Ons glo daar is manne in die Rooi en Wit wat op enige dan die Bok span sal kan verteenwoordig, Jano en Alberts is 2 sulke spelers.
Kyk onder daai oogklappe van jou uit, en kry ‘n lewe, Daar is meer daar buite, as net jou ou spannetjie.
Bester gaan na die OOP KETELS thread sodat hulle jou behoorlik kan vloek!!!!! :devil:
19@Tripples – Hehehe, sonder om kwaad te raak, bygesê!
Ek is bang Mr-T se kettings sal roes en sy Mowhawk staan skeef. Ek is bang Hester en Ester Bester bollie in hulle panties. Ek is bang Willa raak willer as die Wildtuin!
Lag ‘n bietjie man!!
Been here three days, evidently this is a site only for vaalies, so back with me to KEO,
BESTER UIT!!!!!
21@BESTER – Kan sien jy kom van daar af… aan die taktlose trant van jou eerste comments…. gooi mielies…
Hier werk ons anders….
@BESTER –
Toe ek jou comment lees toe dag ek dit kan net n KEO blogger wees.
Dankie tog.
aia, aia…julle leeus byt hard jong lol….and like gbs says….in the land of the blind…..i think the ratings would be more reflective if taken from the second half of the competition…cos it is fact that as a team they played way better in the 2nd half of the comp. of course not everyone will agree on your personal ratings, i know i don’t.
Alles van die Bester. Laat die die hakke klap.
@BESTER –
Cheers! Toe jy regsitreer toe weet ek jy kom net kuk maak!
Bester is net kwaad vir die Leeus oor hulle sy span gewen en gebyt het!
@Supa Die Bloubul – support hy vir die bulle?????
@grootblousmile – 20
LOL, ek is verby die ketting dae, die Nigerians het my mooi geleer……ek dial a friend.
Ek is nie 1 oog tipe ou nie, ek can give credit where due. Dink daar is great spelers in elke provinsie, geld selfs vir Luiperds, maar die vet weet, die ouens wat is, kan my kuite laat pomp.
@Martin –
Kan jy nie sien aan sy trant hy is n WP ondersteuner nie???! Jou tjommie…hehe
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