It looks likely that the Cheetahs will remain a Super Rugby team next year, with the Lions dropping out at the expense of the Southern Kings.
Volksblad newspaper reports that the Cheetahs’ favourable log position will in all probability mean the Johannesburg-based Lions would have to make way for the Kings next year.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) earlier this year promised the Southern Kings a place in Super Rugby in 2013 – hoping to convince Sanzar to expand the tournament to 16 teams to accommodate six South African teams. However, Sanzar has made it clear a change in the structure of the event won’t happen until after 2015.
Saru again met with its Super Rugby franchises in Johannesburg on Monday, with CEO Jurie Roux calling it a “very positive meeting”. They apparently agreed on “a number of options” to solve the dilemma of having six sides fighting for five places in next year’s competition.
A final decision on how South Africa structures its Super Rugby teams from next season will be made by Saru’s General Council on 13 July.
However, the Cheetahs’ favourable log position looks set to keep them in the competition next season, with Saru apparently looking to possibly stick with its initial decision – where the last-placed team will drop out of the competition.
Volksblad further reports that Saru is looking on how to “accommodate” the Lions, with a possible Cats merger (as was the case from 1998 to 2005) out of the question.
The Cheetahs are currently 13 points clear of the bottom-of-the-log Lions, which makes it highly unlikely that they will finish below their rivals from Johannesburg.
That is a pity, as I don’t feel the Cheetahs deserve to be in Super Rugby. Only wins about 2 or 3 games more than the Lions each year. And another season YET AGAIN behind Stormers, Pinkes and Skaamhaaie. Never significantly improves. I’m sorry, but the Cats are a better proposition.
We’ve heard so many stories now about this saga, that I won’t be surprised if there’s a merge between the 2 Mickey Mouse teams. I’ll believe SARU’s final decision when I see the actual teams announced for next year’s comp by Sanzar.
@ Rugbyprof,
Respectfully disagree! Cheetahs have not performed, compared to the Bulls Sharks and Stormers. That said, they are at least showing improvement. Many forget, that the Cheetahs only secured a sponsor shortly before the S15 last year. The Cheetahs have a good squad, and they can improve.
The Bulls went 5 years of ending lkast and 2nd last, and kicked on. The Stormers on the other hand, have had a dearth of talent, has a club pool, bar none, and shouldn’t be short of financial muscle. And what do they have to show for it? A meagre Vodacom Cup trophy in 11 years!!
The Cheetahs will add value. They have players who should become boks in the near future, so the core of a good side is being moulded. Now they need to learn to close out games, when it matters. There is no question that they are competitive.
Coenie, Strauss, Marcel vd Merwe, Brussow, Phillip vd Walt, Lappies Labuschagne, Boom Prinsloo, Piet van Zyl, Johan Goosen, Ebersohn twins, Willie le Roux. A few tweaks here and there, and the Cheetahs will be right up there. It won’t happen in a year or two! We need wings and locks!
But it’s always been like that. Great players and bright future, but nothing happens! They are only good for 1 thing and that is to provide players to the big 3.
4 @ Rugbyprof:
To be fair angry Proffie, just 10 or 11 days ago, the Cheetahs ran your team (the Combined Log Leaders) close at your Team’s home base… and their losses this year, bar the one to the Bulls, have been freegin close.
The Cheetahs are there or thereabouts…. and a ball hair’s breadth away from a much better Super Rugby competition.
There’s been marked improvement, something we cannot say about the Lions.
You want to halt THAT progress?
I just wonder why so many of the Cheetahs are now leaving for English clubs, “waar daar n rokie is……..” Is daar n surprise somewhere.
Ag, die Stormers het dit maar kalm gevat teen die Mickey Mouse-spannetjie! Progress wys ongelukkig op die punteleer. En hul gaan weereens 4de uit 5 eindig na ‘n ‘blink’ seisoen met ‘n halfvol-stadium vir elke tuis-game. En ‘n verloor teen die patetiese Lions. Vrystaat was maar nog altyd almal se 2de keuse span, vandaar die sentimentele opstaan vir hul reg tot Super Rugby.
Ek het niks persoonliks teen hulle nie, en hoop die Cheetahs bewys my verkeerd. Se maar net dat hulle so min beteken tot ‘n SA Super 15 titel soos die Lions. At least begin elke Aussie en NZ se spanne elke jaar met ‘n goeie kans om die titel te kan wen. Anders as SA…
Miskien nie die Rebels en Force nie, maar def die NZ spanne. Vergelyk maar net die vordering van wat die Rebels gemaak het i.v.m. die Cheetahs…
Scouts honour
10@ Cheetah4eva:I’m holding you to that!
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