As we continue to wait in anticipation of Super Rugby to start proper, here are the contenders for the glory boys out wide. Here I have a concern, with the players available. While all of them are speedsters, they aren’t in the same league as the likes of Guildford, and co. That said, they fit well into the Cheetahs pattern, where there is often space created out wide.

I see that most supporters believe that this is their teams year lol, normally this has been the sole preserve of the “Drizzlers” as GBS rfers to the Stormers.

Be it as it may, I am impatient for it all to start! Bring it on!!

Time running out for the opposition scribes to name their teams GBS? How about getting your slaves to work!

The Contenders:

Rayno Shannon Benjamin:

 D.O.B: 03 August 1983

 Vital statistics: (H) 187 cm (W) 87 kg

 His claim:  Born in Vredenburg, Rayno, is more known for his 7’s rugby exploits in the Bok 7’s team, but he has also played his fair share of 15 man rugby. He made his debut for Boland in 2004, and played Vodacom Cup, and Currie Cup rugby, before being selected for the SA 7’s team in 2006. He participated in numerous tournaments on the IRB 7’s circuit from 2006 – 2009. He has also played Super rugby for three different SA teams. WP in 2006, Cheetahs in 2007, Lions in 2008, and became a regular in the Cheetahs setup in 2011, playing Currie Cup, and Super 15

Strengths: Searing pace, and strong on his feet, he is a good finisher, when given the space to move in.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent on defence, at times, good, at times downright terrible.

Bok potential: Doubtful, given the talent coming through, but still enough pace for Super 15 level.

Philip Boshoff Burger:

 D.O.B: 28 August 1980

 Vital statistics: (H) 186 cm (W) 85 kg

 His claim: The undoubted acrobat of wings, Philip, has endeared himself to his fans, and annoyed opposition supporters with his antics after scoring. A delight to watch when in full flight, Philip, has had an interesting career indeed. He made his senior debut for the Cheetahs in 1999 at u/19 level, and has represented the Cheetahs at every level since. Also on his impresive resume, was a stint with the SA 7’s team in 2007, and 54 matches for Perpignan in France. Philip is an entertainer of note, unfortunately, he has also let us down with his poor defence.

 Strengths: Great spacial awareness, blinding speed, and very elusive when given space. He is a great finisher, and very versatile as well.

Weaknesses: Definately not known for his defence, and this proabably remains his greatest shortcoming.

Bok potential: Extremely unlikely, at 31, he will be hard pressed to keep younger speedsters at bay for a starting berth. His value will be more as experienced back up.

Cameron Luciano (Cammy) Jacobs:

D.O.B 31 October 1989

Vital statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 83 kg

 His claim:  Born in Port Elizabeth, Cameron represented EP at the u/16 Grant Khomo Week, in 2005, In 2006/7 he was also at the u/18 Craven week, and then represented EP at u/19 level. He moved to Cheetahs country in 2008, where he represented Shimlas in the Varsity Cup. He has been in the Cheetahs feeder system since, and last year he got his chance at Currie Cup level, and made a satisfactory debut.

 Strengths: A balanced runner, strong on his feet.

 Weaknesses:  Too early to judge.

Bok potential: Only 22, but the competition is stiff.

Dusty Clint Noble:

 D.O.B: 30 April 1984

 Vital statistics: (H) 184 cm (W) 90 kg

 His claim: Another player that has been around the block a few times. Dusty made his debut for Mpumalanga u/19 in 2002. Since then he has represented the Leopards, Sharks, Lions, and Griquas at various levels, as well as 2 seasons (2006/7) with the SA 7’s team.

 Strengths: Fast, elusive runner, that is quite strong on his feet.

 Weaknesses:  Defensive lapses at times.

 Bok potential: At 28, unlikely.

Rocco Reginald Jansen:

 D.O.B: 21 July 1986

 Vital statistics: (H) 179 cm (W) 91 kg

 His claim: Rocco made his senior debut with the Leopards u/19’s in 2005, and also represented the Leopards in 2006 at u/21 level. He then signed for the Bulls in 2007, and played Vodacom, and Currie Cup for them till 2009. He was also selected for the SA Emerging Team that took part in the 2008 IRB Nations Cup. In 2010 he moved to Griquas, where he has established himself as a regular starter.

 Strengths: An explosive runner, he is strong, and breaks tackles regularly.

Weaknesses: None really.

Bok potential: Despite being selected as an Emerging Bok, I don’t see him getting a Bok blazer, given the Bok contenders.

Adriaan Jacobus (True Blue) Smit:

D.O.B: 28 April 1984

Vital statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 85 kg

His claim: Born in Springs, Riaan “True Blue”Smit has had an interesting career thus far. He made his debut for the Leopards u/20 in 2004, and has since played at various unions. Leopards from 2004- 2006, Pumas 2007, Valke 2008, Leopards 2009, and then finally moving to the Cheetahs in 2009. He only really got noticed when he was called on last year when injuries decimated the team, and impressed with his versatility.

Strengths:  Like Burger, Riaan has excellent spacial awareness, and has got a good turn of speed to boot, add his versatility, in that he can play fullback, wing, and flyhalf, and you have a valuable utility back.

Weaknesses: Initially, I thought he was a tad small, but he has shown, that he is not short on courage on defence, or attack.

Bok potential: Already 28, extremely unlikely.

Jacobus Nicolaas (Nico) Scheepers:

D.O.B: 27 February 1990

Vital statistics: (H) 186 cm (W) 90 kg

His claim: Born in PE, Nico represented EP, at the u/18 Academy Week. He then moved to the Cheetahs and represented the Cheetahs at u/19 and Vodacom Cup level. In 2010, he was selected for the SA Junior Boks, for the IRB Junior World Championship. Last year he made his Currie Cup debut, and the chances are there that he may well get a taste of Super rugby in 2012.

Strengths:  A powerful runner, and equally at home on the wing or at fullback.

Weaknesses: Still too early to say.

Bok potential: Still only 22, he could still make it, but presently the competition for Bok places at wing and fullback is stiff.

Wildcards:

Richard James Lawson:

D.O.B:  20 October 1986

Vital statistics: (H) 185 cm (W) 94 kg

His claim: Richard Lawson represented WP at the 2004 u/18’s Craven Week, and then played senior Rugby for WP at u/21, Vodacom Cup, and Currie Cup, from 2006 – 2008. In 2008, he also represented SA in IRB Cup of Nations as part of the Emerging Boks Team. In 2009, he was signed by Griquas where he has played Vodacom Cup, and Currie Cup rugby.

 Strengths:  A powerfull runner, with a big boot from the back.

Weaknesses: Haven’t seen any as yet.

My Picks:

The demands on wings in Super rugby, have gone beyond just searing pace. Yeoman defence, and a good boot have become neccessary skills as well. Burger is getting a tad long in the tooth, and his suspect defence counts against him. I would initially go with Rocco Jansen, and Rayno Benjamin. Both very fast, and strong runners. As back up, I would pick Noble, Riaan Smit and Scheepers, as they are both great utility players. Lawson, and Jacobs are useful and able replacements, should injuries really play a role.

Gooooooo Cheeeetahs!