In my second edition, in the series of articles, looking at the contenders for the Toyota Cheetahs Super rugby Squad for 2012, I am going to look at the Happy Hookers. Enjoy people, and feel free to add value. Goooooo Cheeethas!

The Contenders:

Jan Adriaan Strauss:

D.O.B: 18 November 1985
Vital Statistics: (H) 184 cm (W) 108 kg

His claim: Born and schooled in the City of Roses, Adriaan Strauss seems to have been a late bloomer, he made his senior debut for the junior Boks at the IRB u19 Junior World Championship in 2004, and actually started his provincial career with the Bulls in 2004(sacriledge I tell you). No doubt the presence of a certain Naka Drotske, in the Cheetahs setup at the time influenced such a move. Fortunately he returned to the Cheetahs in 2007, and has since established himself as one of the stalwarts in the Cheetahs franchise. He has also captained the Cheetahs with great success. Adriaan is unfortunate in that his career has been in an era when South Africa has been blessed by an abundance of top class hookers in John Smit, and Bismarck du Plessis.

Strengths: A strong scrummager, and a very energetic player. Adriaan’s allround play is of a high standard, he is accurate with his lineout throw-ins, contests well at rucks, and is an exceptionally strong ball carrier. He is sure to break a few tackles, and makes useful yards. In addition, he rarely loses the ball in contact. Despite being a physical player, he is not known for overly robust play.

Weakness: Not much that I can criticise the man on, except for his old “Bulls” “error in judgement.”

Bok Potential: Bok (No. 800) He has 9 tests under his belt, and in another era, he couldwell  have had many more. As mentioned, his career coincided with that of John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis. Add that the dubious selection of players of colour to appease politicians, that saw a players like Shimange and Rallepele get selected ahead of him, he could have played more tests imo of course. In terms of ability, he is not far off the standards of Bismarck, and his low error rate, and good discipline makes him a good option as bok hooker. He certainly wont be out op place in a bok scrum, and he will keep the likes of Bismarck, and Chilli on their toes. Other contenders are Tiaan Liebenburg, Deon Fourie, and maybe later players like junior Bok Mbonambi, and Scarra Ntubeni.

Ryno Joseph Barnes:

D.O.B: 05 November 1981
Vital Statistics: (H) 185 cm (W) 110 kg

His claim: Ryno started his career with the WP in the Vodacom Cup of 2006. He has been around the block, with stints at the Valke from 2007 to 2008, before settling down at Griquas. He has been the incumbent hooker at the Griquas since, and has been the back up to Adriaan Strauss in the Super tournaments.

Strengths: He is a solid option at hooker, and he fulfils his hooker duties very well. Whilst not quite as busy as Strauss in the loose, he is very effecient as a scrummager, and line out thrower. A very dependable player.

Weaknesses: At 30, he is getting a bit long in the tooth, but as a back up player, he can still go a few years.

Bok potential: Unlikely given the competition, and his age.

Pieter-Willem van Vuuren:

D.O.B: 10 January 1988
Vital Statistics: (H) 180 cm (W) 100 kg

His claim: PW has quite a distinguished rugby career for such a young man, and has been groomed for success at the Cheetahs form a young age.  Captaining Free State Schools at under 12/13 level, he went on to represent the Free State at u/16 2004; Free State Schools and SA Schools u/18 in 2006; IRB u/19 World Championship in 2007, and IRB Junior World Championship in 2008. He has also represented the Cheetahs at u/21 and Vodacom Cup level before starting in the 2011 Currie Cup.

Strengths: A strong lad, he is a busrtling player. Very mobile, and accurate in his lineout throws. He has massive potential, and has loads of experience for such a young man. Also has leadership qualities.

Weaknesses: Has had quite a few injuries in his career, but will hope to have put that behind him.

Bok Potential: Has represented South Africa at SA Schools level, as well as at u/19, and Junior Bok level. He is not a short term prospect, but at 24, he has time on his side barring injury.

Hercúlaas Johannes (Hercu) Liebenberg:

D.O.B:  16 May 1986
Vital Statistics: (H) 178 cm (W) 106 kg

His claim: Not as well known as older brother Tiaan, he has however also been in the Cheetahs system since u18 Craven week in 2004. He captained Grey colleg in 2004, and has represented the Cheetahs at u/19, u/21, Vodacom Cup, and recently Currie Cup level. He has also been loaned to the Griffons and EP Mighty Elephants.

Strengths: He is useful player, and performs his primary functions well

Weaknesses: Isn’t quite as aggresive in his play as his brother.

Bok potential: He is way down in the pecking order, and at 26, he will be hard pressed to oust incumbent, Bismarck, and pretenders, Strauss, Rallepele, van Vuuren, Mbonambi, and Ntubeni.

Wild Card:

Simon Westraad:

D.O.B: 31 March 1986
Vital Statistics: (H) 177cm (W) 108 kg

His claim: Simon represented EP Schools at the 2004 Craven Week, and went on to represent WP at u/19, u/21, Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup level before moving to Griquas in 2009. He also played vs the British Lions as part of the southern Kings squad.

My pick:

Adriaan Strauss is a cut above the rest, and should be the man! Ryno Barnes has been the deputy in past seasons, but the recent form of PW van Vuuren, and the need to build continuity might see, him get the nod. The experience of Barnes can’t easily be ignored. I expect to see a horses for courses approach by Naka, which should see plenty of game time for the three aforementioned hookers. Hercu, will probably fight it out with Westraad as a reserve hooker in case of injuries.

Together with players like Coenie, (recovering well from his operation) WP Nel, Marcel vd Merwe, Adriaanse, Butterworth, van Niekerk, and Nyakane, the Cheetahs are well covered in the front row, and should be able to field a useful combination right through, what will be a gruelling season. As GBS posted, the Cheetahs need the locks to make the front row destructive. I will look at the “Tall timber” contenders for the season next.

Let the debate begin!