In the final episode covering the Lions Super Rugby contenders, we look at the men tasked with both the last line of defence, as well as what is often the last point of attack, the Back Three.

The Speedsters.

DEON VAN RENSBURG

Name: Deon van Rensburg
Position: Centre/Wing
Physical: 1.78m; 94kg
Born: 24.01.82, Potchefstroom
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 116 (Career)
Provincial Points: 270 (54t)
Provincial Debut: 2004 v Pumas
Super Rugby Caps: 27
Super Rugby Points: 10 (2t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2009 v Chiefs

Van Rensburg made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions in 2009, while on load from the Leopards.

He impressed the Johannesburg team so much that he was signed up permanently and has been a regular in the starting line up ever since.

In 2011 he played 12 Super Rugby and 14 Currie Cup matches, and has really begun to make a name for himself.

Van Rensburg is a speedster who is not afraid to take risks on the field.

His five tries scored during the 2011 Currie Cup competition made him the third top try scorer in his team, and fifth in the competition.

Van Rensburg is expected to excel once again in 2012.

JAMES KAMANA

Name: James Kamana
Position: Utility Back
Physical: 1.78m; 91kg
Born: 15.08.85, Hamilton, New Zealand
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 8
Provincial Points: –
Provincial Debut: 2011 v Bulls
Super Rugby Caps: 5
Super Rugby Points: –
Super Rugby Debut: 2011 v Griquas

Kamana, born in the Waikato capital of Hamilton, is fast paced and versatile utility back who played New Zealand Sevens before joining the Lions during the 2010 Currie Cup competition.

He represented Waikato on 18 occasions before joining the Tasman Makos.

Kamana was unfortunate in the 2011 Super Rugby when a broken leg caused him to be sidelined for most of the year.

He made an impact when he returned to the field in the 2011 Currie Cup and will be a player to keep an eye on during 2012.

MICHAEL KILLIAN

Name: Michael Killian
Position: Wing/Fullback
Physical: 1.81m; 93kg
Born: 22.11.83, Uitenhage
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 103 (Career)
Provincial Points: 215 (43t)
Provincial Debut: 2004 v Sharks
Super Rugby Caps: 28 (Career)
Super Rugby Points: 45 (9t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2009 v Chiefs

Killian has played an integral part for the Lions and has become a valuable asset.

Killian has speed and determination like few others, and one of his greatest strengths is his unpredictability.

An elusive player who is comfortable in various positions, Michael is endowed with blistering pace.

He excelled in 2011 and was the top try scorer of the 2011 Currie Cup with 10 tries, a title he shares with Bjorn Basson of the Bulls.

Killian played in the SA Student Sevens team in 2005 and 2007.

JACO TAUTE

Name: Jaco Taute
Position: Fullback/Centre
Physical: 1.90m; 98kg
Born: 21.03.91, Springs
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 27 (Career)
Provincial Points: 63 (12t; 1p)
Provincial Debut: 2009 v Boland
Super Rugby Caps: 19 (Career)
Super Rugby Points: 30 (6t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2010 v Western Force

FOR A SYNOPSIS ON THIS PLAYER PLEASE SEE THE ARTICLE ON CENTRES

LIONEL MAPOE

Name: Lionel Mapoe
Position: Wing/Centre
Physical: 1.82m; 87kg
Born: 13.07.88, Port Elizabeth
Province: Golden Lions
Provincial Caps: 19 (Career)
Provincial Points: 50 (10t)
Provincial Debut: 2008 v Sharks
Super Rugby Caps: 17 (Career)
Super Rugby Points: 10 (2t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2010 v Hurricanes

FOR A SYNOPSIS ON THIS PLAYER PLEASE SEE THE ARTICLE ON CENTRES

OVERVIEW

The Lions’ first choice back 3 are more than capable rugby players, with Killian and Taute the stand out talents.

The big challenge for the Lions throughout the squad will come if they experience  any number of injuries. Then, their depth of resources will be sorely tested.

One advantage that they have is that they will lose very few players to the Springboks during the mid-tournament break, where they will be able to recoup and get over the niggles that the squad is bound to be experiencing.