Emirates Lions vs Toyota Cheetahs 25 April 2015

official match programme

EMIRATES LIONS

VS toyota cheetahs 25 APRIL 2015

2 www.lionsrugby.co.za

CONTENTS president’s message

05

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MESSAGE

07

vodacom message

11

howard mnisi

12

els for autism

14

EMIRATES LIONS PLAYER PROFILES

17

EMIRATES LIONS VS toyota cheetahs - 17H05

20

toyota cheetahs PLAYER PROFILES

23

lions and cheetahs who swopped jerseys

26

club rugby

29

head to head statistics

33

curtain raiser xerox golden lions vs leopards

35

full squad lists

37

fixtures

38

OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME

OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME

EMIRATES LIONS

VS DHL STORMERS 28 february 2015

EMIRATES LIONS

VS cell c sharks

11 APRIL 2015

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PUBLISHERS: RUGBY VARIA • EDITOR: Tarryn Steenekamp • GRAPHIC DESIGN: Apple Undo • ADVERTISING: Tarryn Steenekamp GLRU MEDIA LIASON: Tarryn Steenekamp • PHOTOGRAPHY: Deon van der Merwe - www.deonvandermerwe.co.za

www.lionsrugby.co.za

Cell: 083 604 0389 • wimvdb@iafrica.com

Copyright © 2015 Rugby Varia. The opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of Rugby Varia or the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome back to Emirates Airline Park!

On behalf of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, I wish to welcome all of our valued supporters, sponsors and teams to Emirates Airline Park after a much deserved bye-week break.

Welcome to the management of Toyota Cheetahs: President Lindsay Mould and Chief Executive Officer Harold Verster. Welcome to Toyota Cheetahs coach Naka Drotsky Drotské and his coaching staff as well as the Toyota Cheetahs players.

Also a word of welcome to our equity partner Altmann Allers and Chief Executive Officer Rudolf Straeuli. A special word of welcome to our members of the Board and Executive Committee today, and all GLRU staff and management.

After a much needed break and a most successful campaign at home recently, and abroad in March, we look forward to the return of Warren Whiteley and our team here today against the Toyota Cheetahs.

Such is the nature of the expansive game of rugby that both teams play, that the stage is set for a feast of skilful, running and entertaining game of rugby! Our games against the Toyota Cheetahs have always been a thrilling encounter and I have no doubt that today will be the same.

A special word of good luck to our Vodacom Cup side which is also playing today against the Leopards. To coach Russell Winter, his management, medical staff and team, we wish you all the best and hope to see you continue your unbeaten run in the competition!

Please help us to keep the Emirates Lions profile where it belongs and help us to stamp out all forms of abuse and racism. Remember it’s not black or white but Red and White! The Golden Lions Rugby Union is also against the Xenophobic attacks and joins local government in strongly opposing this.

Lastly but certainly not least, thank you to our sponsors without whom none of this would be possible: Emirates, Xerox, 947, Canterbury, Huawei, Jonsson, Sun International, USN, Tsogo Sun and Vox. ENJOY THE GAME! Kevin de Klerk GLRU PRESIDENT www.lionsrugby.co.za 5

xenophobia xenophobia xenophobia

xenophobia xenophobia xenophobia

#SAY NO TO

XENOPHOBIA

xenophobia xenophobia xenophobia

xenophobia xenophobia xenophobia

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MESSAGE

MESSAGE FROM THE GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT WE SAY NO TO XENOPHOBIA The people of Gauteng reject xenophobia with all its manifestations. We condemn in the strongest terms recent acts of violence and vandalism directed against foreign nationals who live in our country.

South Africa belongs to all who live in it, whether they were born in the country or in foreign countries. Everything must be done to ensure that all South Africans and foreign nationals live in peace and harmony.

Leaders must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and refrain from making any statements that promote xenophobia and hate speech.

GLRU PRESIDENT

www.lionsrugby.co.za 7

DDB SA 40719/E

Dance to the rhythm of the waves See you in Dubai

For more information contact your local travel agent, call us on 0860 123 155 or visit emirates.com/za

Hello Tomorrow

VIDEO emirates.com/za

vodacom message

FanUp and go to the final with Vodacom As the 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby competition hots up, supporters are urged to FanUp and upgrade for a possible seat to the final.

Fans stand a chance to win the trip of a lifetime, an all-expenses paid tour to experience the Vodacom Super Rugby final, regardless of where it will be played.

Vodacom has levelled the playing fields.

Fans will have to throw their names into the hat by buying or upgrading to any of the Vodacom online Samsung deals on vodacom.co.za/rugby.

You will not only have an awesome new phone but automatically stand a chance to win an unforgettable tour and a seat at the grand finale.

Five lucky winners and a partner will join the final touring squad to the final with Vodacom.

The winners of the five sets of double packages to the final will receive VIP treatment, including flights, accommodation, tour luggage, supporter kits, meals and drinks.

Securing a Samsung deal online at vodacom.co.za/rugby is the only way for supporters to join the team to the final.

With the Vodacom Super Rugby competition spanning over three countries, fans could be jetting off to New Zealand or Australia while they could also be celebrating a proudly South African home final in style.

Be part of the final touring squad - get your game on and go to vodacom.co.za/ rugby to go on tour with Vodacom.

Bronson Tebogo Mokabela Executive Head: Sponsorship & Regional Marketing www.lionsrugby.co.za 11

By: Tarryn Steenekamp Centre Howard Mnisi has done well to build a name for himself as one of the new faces in the 2015 Emirates Lions Super Rugby squad.

The 25-year-old joined the Golden Lions Rugby Union in 2014 from the Griquas, to play Absa Currie Cup rugby, and has settled well in the City of Gold while taking it up a notch in the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

Mnisi reflects on the Emirates Lions’ recent successes and says that the wins have fuelled the team even further.

“Many people seem to think that the big hype around us that has developed is causing us extra pressure but I see it differently,” Mnisi explains.

“I think it’s more fuel than pressure for the team and the new support we are receiving is a reflection of hard work being put in, so we are happy to use our successes to drive us further.”

Mnisi reflects on his favourite highlights of the season but is quick to talk about the future rather than past performances. He knows the Emirates Lions must remain focused in order to continue their recent successes.

“The recent wins have been good for moral and having pulled off a record three wins on tour has to be my biggest highlight of the season so far, but we don’t want to dwell on the past,” he says.

“We must remain humble. We have several team goals we try to meet each game which we will use to try and continue our positive streak.

“As a team our general focus is based on a dayto-day process and we will not fall into the big hype trap as we understand that not much has been accomplished yet!

“For me as an individual my goals are also to improve on the basics and to make an impact wherever I’m involved in the upcoming weeks.”

Looking ahead to today’s game against the Toyota Cheetahs, Mnisi believes it is important not to underestimate the visitors.

“The Cheetahs are a dangerous team boasting decent game breakers,” Mnisi comments.

“They can shock anybody if you come into the game unprepared. We just have to stick to our game processes on attack and defence and stay focused throughout.”

Mnisi, like the rest of his teammates, was blown away by the support received from the 40 000-strong crowd at the Emirates Lions’ last home game.

Mnisi thanks the supporters for their consistent backing and believes they play an important role in the team’s performances.

“It is always amazing to play in front of large crowds as the team feeds off the home support and always seems to step up a notch,” shares Mnisi.

“I would like to thank the supporters for always being loyal and would like to urge them to continue filling the seats as this really does make a difference and we appreciate it more than you know!”

FOLLOW HOWARD MNISI ON TWITTER: @ma_sonn12 www.lionsrugby.co.za 13

THE GOLDEN LIONS RUGBY UNION PARTNERS WITH ELS FOR AUTISM WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism is a term used to describe a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that appear in early childhood – usually before age three. Some children show signs of autism in early infancy, while other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life but then suddenly become withdrawn, become aggressive or lose language skills they’ve already acquired.

While the symptoms of autism vary from mild to severe, all individuals have impairments in three main areas, namely communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours. The number of children diagnosed with autism is rising. Approximately one in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from America’s CDC. Furthermore, it is five times more likely to arise in males.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union is thrilled to partner with Els for Autism and welcome the charity on board as one of the Union’s official charities for the year.

The Emirates Lions will dedicate the match against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs to Els for Autism and aim to raise awareness around this cause by wearing arm bands and selling awareness pins at the stadium.

14 www.lionsrugby.co.za

While there is no cure for autism, early intervention can make a big difference in the lives of many children living with the disorder.

ABOUT ELS FOR AUTISM The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els, to focus on the autism awareness, just a few years after discovering that their son Ben was profoundly impacted by the disorder.

For the last four years the world-renowned

professional golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project – The Els Centre of Excellence in Florida, United States. The first-of-its-kind campus will focus on a digital e-learning platform that gives children around the world access to the best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research.

ABOUT THE ERNIE ELS CENTRE FOR AUTISM, SOUTH AFRICA

on how to use best practices in education and autism treatment to teach their child. This is done by providing free access to an onlinefocused treatment tool. This intervention utilises Applied Behaviour Analysis principles, which have been shown to be the most effective teaching tool for individuals with autism. The Ernie Els Centre for Autism employs trained facilitators who use this multi-faceted e-learning solution to provide customised interventions for each family.

While the Centre is located in Johannesburg, it has a nationwide reach and provides support in numerous ways. This includes in-centre sessions and telephonic guidance.

Ernie and Liezl Els embarked on a goal, in early January 2011, to create a service that would allow lower-resourced local families with free access to effective autism treatment.

The Ernie Els Centre for Autism currently provides such families comprehensive guidance

For more information on the Ernie Els Centre, please visit: www.ernieelscentre4autism.co.za

www.lionsrugby.co.za 15

16 www.lionsrugby.co.za

FULL PLAYER PROFILES • EMIRATES LIONS VS cell c sharks

Born: 11/01/1989 Height: 1.79m Weight: 87kg SR Caps: 23

MARNITZ BOSHOFF

Born: 10/05/1990 Height: 1.83m Weight: 99kg SR Caps: 21

RUAN Combrinck

Born: 16/09/1990 Height: 1.84m Weight: 113kg SR Caps: 28

ruan dreyer

Born: 01/08/1990 Height: 1.76m Weight: 81kg SR Caps: 60

elton jantjies

Born: 01/03/1990 Height: 1.83m Weight: 90kg SR Caps: 25

andries COETZEE

Born: 26/07/1989 Height: 1.81m Weight: 85kg SR Caps: 31

ROSS CRONJE

Born: 29/03/1990 Height: 1.97m Weight: 118kg SR Caps: 18

ANDRIES FERREIRA

Born: 21/08/1989 Height: 1.84m Weight: 100kg SR Caps: 31

jaco kriel

Born: 02/05/1989 Height: 1.87m Weight: 108kg SR Caps: 22

Robbie COETZEE

Born: 19/10/1991 Height: 1.70m Weight: 80kg SR Caps: 25

FAF DE KLERK

Born: 02/09/1988 Height: 1.87m Weight: 118kg SR Caps: 19

corne fourie

Born: 28/04/1988 Height: 1.92m Weight: 103kg SR Caps: 16

ROBERT KRUGER www.lionsrugby.co.za 17

18 www.lionsrugby.co.za

FULL PLAYER PROFILES • EMIRATES LIONS VS cell c sharks

Born: 16/12/1988 Height: 1.96m Weight: 116kg SR Caps: 11

MB Lusaseni

Born: 27/11/1990 Height: 1.98m Weight: 112kg SR Caps: 23

franco mostert

Born: 13/07/1988 Height: 1.83m Weight: 97kg SR Caps: 59

lionel mapoe

Born: 11/09/1989 Height: 1.76m Weight: 114kg SR Caps: 23

JULIAN Redelinghuys

Born: 13/07/1989 Height: 1.86m Weight: 98kg SR Caps: 11

howard mnisi

Born: 24/07/1991 Height: 1.83m Weight: 93kg SR Caps: 13

COURTNALL SKOSAN

Born: 11/01/1987 Height: 1.89m Weight: 107kg SR Caps: 22

Born: 07/06/1991 Height: 1.79m Weight: 109kg SR Caps: 15

Born: 24/10/1986 Height: 1.86m Weight: 122kg SR Caps: 13

Warwick Tecklenburg

armand van der Merwe

jacques van rooyen

Born: 11/10/1993 Height: 1.88m Weight: 101kg SR Caps: 8

Born: 18/09/1987 Height: 1.93m Weight: 105kg SR Caps: 45

harold Vorster

warren Whiteley (c) www.lionsrugby.co.za 19

15 ANDRIES COETZEE

14 RUAN COMBRINCK

MATCH O Referee: Jaco AR1: Marius van AR2: Ben TMO: Joha

11 COURTNALL SKOSAN

13 LIONEL MAPOE

12 HAROLD VORSTER

10 ELTON JANTJIES

9 FAF DE KLERK

7 WARWICK TECKLENBURG

8 Warren Whiteley (C)

5 FRANCO MOSTERT

3 RUAN DREYER

6 JACO KRIEL

4 ANDRIES FERREIRA

2 ARMAND VAN DER MERWE

1 JACQUES VAN ROOYEN

Saturday, 25 April 2015

Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee 17 Corné Fourie 18 Julian Redelinghuys 19 Mb Lusaseni 20 Robert Kruger 21 Ross Cronje 22 Marnitz Boshoff 23 Howard Mnisi Head Coach: Johan Ackermann • Manager: Mustapha Boomgaard 20 www.lionsrugby.co.za

15 Joe Pietersen

OFFICIALS o van Heerden n der Westhuizen n Crouse an Greeff

14 Cornal Hendricks

11 Ryno Benjamin

13 Johann Sadie

12 Francois Venter

10 Willie du Plessis

9 Sarel Pretorius

6 Tienie Burger

8 Willie Britz

4 Carl Wegner

1 Danie Mienie

7 Boom Prinsloo

5 Francois Uys (c)

2 Torsten van Jaarsveld

3 Maks van Dyk

Kick-off: 17h05

Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee • 17 Caylib Oosthuizen 18 Ewald van der Westhuizen• 19 Steven Sykes • 20 Carel Greeff 21 Tian Meyer • 22 Michael van der Spuy • 23 Clayton Blommetjies Director of Rugby: Naka Drotské • Manager: Eugene van Wyk www.lionsrugby.co.za 21

22 www.lionsrugby.co.za

FULL PLAYER PROFILES • EMIRATES LIONS VS toyota cheetahs

Born: 03/08/1983 Height: 1.87m Weight: 85kg SR Caps: 68

Ryno Benjamin

Born: 01/11/1993 Height: 1.83m Weight: 106kg SR Caps: 6

Tienie Burger

Born: 20/05/1990 Height: 1.83m Weight: 99kg SR Caps:

Carel Greeff

Born: 01/03/1991 Height: 1.79m Weight: 115kg SR Caps: 10

Danie Mienie

Born: 30/08/1990 Height: 1.83m Weight: 89kg SR Caps: 6

Clayton Blommetjies

Born: 09/01/1992 Height: 1.85m Weight: 110kg SR Caps: 14

Stephan Coetzee

Born: 18/04/1988 Height: 1.89m Weight: 90kg SR Caps: 24

Cornal Hendricks

Born: 01/09/1989 Height: 1.86m Weight: 115kg SR Caps: 23

Caylib Oosthuizen

Born: 31/08/1988 Height: 1.93m Weight: 106kg SR Caps: 21

Willie Britz

Born: 05/06/1990 Height: 1.85m Weight: 93kg SR Caps: 7

Willie du Plessis

Born: 20/09/1988 Height: 1.77m Weight: 84kg SR Caps: 21

Tian Meyer

Born: 18/05/1984 Height: 1.78m Weight: 81kg SR Caps: 58

Joe Pietersen www.lionsrugby.co.za 23

JHB 48467

BREWED WITH PURE

SOUTH AFRICAN PASSION It all comes together with a CASTLE.

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

FULL PLAYER PROFILES • EMIRATES LIONS VS toyota cheetahs

Born: 18/04/1984 Height: 1.74m Weight: 84kg SR Caps: 86

Sarel Pretorius

Born: 05/08/1984 Height: 1.97m Weight: 105kg SR Caps:

Steven Sykes

Born: 03/04/1990 Height: 1.85m Weight: 117kg SR Caps:

Ewald van der Westhuizen

Born: 12/03/1989 Height: 1.84m Weight: 101kg SR Caps: 36

Boom Prinsloo

Born: 12/03/1986 Height: 1.94m Weight: 112kg SR Caps: 57

Francois Uys

Born: 21/02/1992 Height: 1.86m Weight: 118kg SR Caps: 18

Maks van Dyk

Born: 19/04/1991 Height: 1.85m Weight: 94kg SR Caps: 25

Francois Venter

Born: 23/01/1989 Height: 1.88m Weight: 96kg SR Caps: 57

Johann Sadie

Born: 20/02/1991 Height: 1.81m Weight: 89kg SR Caps: 8

Michael van der Spuy

Born: 30/06/1987 Height: 1.75m Weight: 106kg SR Caps: 14

Torsten van Jaarsveld

Born: 07/02/1991 Height: 2,01m Weight: 118kg SR Caps: 11

Carl Wegner www.lionsrugby.co.za 25

Best Lions and cheetahs

who swopped jerseys

By: Piet Ebersohn The rivalry between the Lions and the Cheetahs goes way back to the Currie Cup tournament of 1894 when they were still called Transvaal and Orange Free State. Transvaal won the first encounter.

Both were independent republics and their clashes were therefore theoretically tests, but they were seen as “provinces” of the SA Rugby Board.

Through the years many players represented both unions, tempting one to select a “best” team from those players. This is always a minefield open to criticism. The game has also changed so much over time, especially since the inception of professionalism, that it is unfair and hardly possible to compare players from different eras.

But here goes, anyway!

At full-back Coenie van Wyk played for the Lions in 2014. He made his debut for the Cheetahs last week. Tommy Yssel, who played for Transvaal in 1967 and for Free State the next year, is the man selected.

Many wings wore both jerseys, among them Jack Gage, Francois Roux, Deon Coetzee, Tonderai Chavanga and Lionel Mapoe.

Gage, Chavanga and Mapoe became Springboks, Chavanga scoring a record six test tries against Uruguay in 2005. Roux was a Junior Springbok when the Junior Boks were still the best selection of those players not yet Springboks.

Gage played four tests for Ireland in 1926-’27, represented the Junior Boks in both “tests” against Argentina on tour in 1932 and South Africa in one test against the 1933 Wallabies.

26 www.lionsrugby.co.za

His try on debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1926, ensured a win of 3-0 for Ireland when they shared the Championship of the Home Unions with the Scots. In Argentina he scored three tries in the first and two in the second “test”.

Roux was a deceptive runner and prolific try-scorer who represented the Junior Springboks on their 1950 and 1955 internal tours. He is considered one of the unluckiest (notwithstanding his nickname “Lucky”) wings ever not to become a Springbok.

Gage and Roux get the nod.

Most of the jersey-swoppers are found at centre: Jeremy Nel, Norman Bridger, Jan Flemix, Michael Carlisle, Pieter de Haas, Hempas Rademeyer (also an outstanding fullback and wing), Izak Beneke, Jorrie Kruger and Alwyn Hollenbach are some of them.

Nel played in eight tests in 1956 and 1958 and also for a record six provinces in the old amateur dispensation, as did another Transvaal-OFS double, the prop St Elmo Wilken.

As a Junior Springbok Bridger played against France in 1958, in both “tests” against Argentina on tour in 1959, and against the All Blacks in 1960.

The 1968 Lions considered Flemix as one of the best centres outside of the tests.

Nel and Bridger are selected.

Some good flyhalves like Chris Kasselman, Jannie de Beer, MJ Smith, JB Heckroodt, Johan Jacobsz, Clinton van Rensburg also played for both provinces.

De Beer is selected. He played in 13 tests from 1997-’99. He will be remembered for the five

dropped goals he scored in Paris to help South Africa to beat England 44-21 in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in 1999.

The controversial Dirk de Vos tops the scrumhalves, among them Stompie Fourie and another Springbok, Werner Swanepoel.

De Vos Bok played in three tests in 1965 and 1969. His career overlapped with those of Springbok captains Dawie de Villiers and Nelie Smith and the Northern Transvaal Bok Piet Uys.

Van der Colff, a mining engineer who plied his trade in the Free State (1959) and on the Rand (1961), returned to Kimberley where he captained Griquas 18 times, and graced many a Springbok trial.

Kritzinger played his seven tests from 1974‘76 as a loose-forward. He was a seasoned provincial lock, and because of the talent available in the back row, he moves to the lock for this team.

Props St Elmo Wilken, Willie Meyer and current loosehead Schalk van der Merwe are the leading props. The first two are included in our team.

With Japie Wessels, Cheese van Tonder, and Gromingo Mzunga also available, nobody will dispute the choice of Piet Greyling and Rassie Erasmus on the flank.

Wilken was probably robbed of test rugby by World War II. Immensely strong and able to prop both sides of the scrum, he switched from the wing to the front row after an ankle injury.

Greyling scored two tries on debut against France in 1967. He played in 25 tests until 1972, captaining South Africa against England in his last test. He was twice selected for the World XV.

Meyer represented South Africa 26 times from 1997 to 2002.

Erasmus played in 36 tests from 1997-2001 captaining the Boks against Australia in 1999.

Jaap (JIJ) Wessels is our hooker ahead of André van Niekerk.

AJ Venter (25 tests, 2000-’01) and Henri Meyer (Junior Springbok to Argentina 1959) are the main No 8 contenders. Venter gets the nod.

Tough as nails Wessels played for the Junior Springboks on their SA tour in 1955, against the French in 1958, in both “tests” against Argentine on the 1959 tour and against the 1960 All Blacks. He played for the Rooibontes from 1958’60 and captained them in 1959.

Locks Nico Walters and Springbok Barend Pieterse are left out in favour of Kallie van der Colff and Klippies Kritzinger.

The team: 15 Tommy Yssel, 14. Jack Gage, 13.

Jeremy Nel, 12. Norman Bridger 11. Francois Roux, 10. Jannie de Beer, 9. Dirk de Vos, 8.

AJ Venter, 7. Rassie Erasmus, 6. Piet Greyling (captain), 5. Kallie van der Colff, 4. Klippies Kritzinger, 3. Willie Meyer, 2. Jaap Wessels, 1. St Elmo Wilken.

DID YOU KNOW? Of course, a Free State representative who never played for Transvaal made a huge impact on Transvaal rugby: Louis Luyt played 53 matches for the Free State from 1952-’60 and became President of the Transvaal Rugby Union in 1984. www.lionsrugby.co.za 27

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“MIKVAH PROJECTS IS NOT JUST A BUSINESS, BUT THEY STRIVE TO CHANGE LIVES IN THE PROCESS.” - RICK SCHROEDER (LIONS RUGBY)

“ARM YOURSELF WITH EDUCATION THAT WILL MOVE YOU FORWARD IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE.” admin@mikvah-projects.co.za

Mikvah Projects

071 659 1921 OR 071 686 7251

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28 www.lionsrugby.co.za

Poorte aim to be

the very best

By: Piet Ebersohn

the top country-wide.

For Roodepoort Rugby Club being just another of the leading clubs in the country simply is not enough. They want to be the very best of the best.

The club has a proud history since its establishment as Rand Leases back in 1943, obtaining first league status two years later.

Club chairman Neels van Aswegen says the first step in achieving their goal is winning the Pirates Grand Challenge competition to again qualify for the Community Cup competition played by clubs at national level.

They have lost eight key players since losing the final of this competition in 2014. They now have a one-year plan in place to achieve their immediate goal.

The players who took their places are of a comparable standard to their predecessors and the club remains a force in Golden Lions rugby.

It takes time and capital to achieve greatness, says Van Aswegen, and the one-year plan is to be followed by a three-year step by step plan towards the ultimate goal: to be unchallenged at

Roodepoort, which the club has become, celebrated their 70th anniversary in September 2013 – and they gave their fans and old boys the best gift possible by winning the 2013 Pirates Grand Challenge Competition.

It was done without their captain, the amateur Springbok lock of 2006, Gareth Hemingway. He broke his leg in the league phase of the 2013 Community Cup Competition. Full marks must go to loose forward Gerhard Scholtz who took over the captaincy and led the side by example.

In the seven years between 1987 and 1993 Roodepoort won the Pirates Grand Challenge title six times. After winning the plate competition at the SA Club championships in Durban in 1988 under the coaching of David Marx and the captaincy of Dries Maritz, they went one better and became the national champions in 1989 www.lionsrugby.co.za 29

when they beat fellow Transvaal club Goudstad Onderwyskollege (GOK) 29-22 in the final.

Ironically, many GOK players ended up in te colours of Roodepoort, including some of the clubs and Transvaal’s greatest players.

They included the never-say-die centre Dries Maritz, quick-silver fullback and wing Hempas Rademeyer, former Lions and now Bulls Super Rugby coach Frans Ludeke Springbok wing Pieter Hendriks and Bok flank Ian Macdonald, who all played for Goudstad when they became provincial players.

In 1993 Roodepoort toured the United States and won the famous Bulldog Tournament against international sides from all over the globe. This followed shortly after their golden oldies side, the Roodepoort Jokers, had been to the UK where they attended the 1993 Dublin International Golden Oldies festival and were unbeaten in six tour matches.

The 1995 World Cup tournament in South Africa, however, did not treat Roodepoort well. They suffered huge losses on unsold memorabilia that they had designed and ordered for the expected influx of spectators to South Africa which didn’t materialise. The club’s committee fell apart and some lean years followed.

30 www.lionsrugby.co.za

However, the club fought back and gradually worked themselves into becoming a powerhouse in the Pirates Grand Challenge again. They went the full circle with their 2013 win.

Poorte went on to win the Community Shield in 2013 and lost 13-11 to Rustenburg Impala in the 2014 Community Cup final.

More than 100 players played for Transvaal and the Golden Lions while members of Roodepoort and Rand Leases; and 13 Springboks played for Transvaal as club members, including the great flank Martin Pelser and the scorer of the first try in the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, Pieter Hendriks; Springbok captain Adriaan Richter; and Springbok coaches Harry Viljoen and Gerrie Sonnekus (who was appointed but never actually coached the Boks).

From 1990-2000 Pieter Hendriks played in 138 matches for Transvaal and the Lions. This is bettered only by Hennie le Roux, Ian Macdonald and another Roodepoort player Dries Maritz (141 caps). Hendrikse’s 89 tries are also the most in the history of Transvaal and the Lions and 25 more than Jannie van der Walt, who is second on the list of try-scorers.

THERE’S IN EVERY GAME

The Official Sports Drink of POWERADE IS A TRADEMARK OF THE COCA-COLA COMPANY © 2015

32 www.lionsrugby.co.za

HEAD TO HEAD Lionsprogrammes.com

Emirates Lions vs toyota cheetahs

9

9

Games

21

14

Log Points

7

16

Conversions

867 147

Carries

657

101

Defenders Beaten

9

14

Handling Errors

167

3079 10

Kicks from Hand Meters run

214 2652

3

Lineouts Stolen

Passes

1021 814

136 66

Yellow Cards

four

four

Points

141

175

Missed Tackles

186

Turnovers Won

62

CURTAIN-RAISER KICK-OFF: 14h30

Xerox Golden Lions

VS

LEOPARDS Xerox Golden Lions 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Ashlon Davids Mark Richards Jacques Nel Alwyn Hollenbach Sampie Hearn Jaco van der Walt Ricky Schroeder Jano Venter Fabian Booysen Ruaan Lerm JP Du Preez Bobby De Wee Pieter Scholtz Mark Pretorius Schalk Van Der Merwe

Replacements 16 Ramone Samuels 17 Dylan Smith 18 Lourens Erasmus 19 Ruan Ackermann 20 Lohan Jacobs 21 Stokkies Hanekom 22 Damian Engledoe/Kobus De Kock

Leopards 15 Sergio Torrens 14 Reohn van Zyl 13 Jaco Hayward 12 Adi Jacobs 11 Vino Montjies 10 Kobus du Plessis 9 Kurshwill Williams 8 Juan Language 7 PJ Uys 6 Jaco Jordaan 5 Francois Robertse 4 Daniel Barend Jordaan 3 Stoof Bezuidenhout 2 Dane van der Westhuyzen 1 Devon Martinus Replacements 16 Wilmar Arnoldi 17 Cayle Denner 18 Molotsi Bouwer 19 Jaco Buys 20 Chriswill September 21 Warren Gilbert 22 Arthur Festus www.lionsrugby.co.za 35

36 www.lionsrugby.co.za

FULL SQUAD LISTS • EMIRATES LIONS VS toyota cheetahs

emirates lions squad Marnitz Boshoff • Andries Coetzee • Robbie Coetzee • Ruan Combrinck • Ross Cronje Faf de Klerk • Steph de Wit • Ruan Dreyer • Andries Ferreira • Corne Fourie Stokkies Hanekom • Elton Jantjies Jaco Kriel • Robert Kruger • Ruaan Lerm • MB Lusaseni Malcolm Marx • Lionel Mapoe Sampie Mastriet • Derick Minnie Howard Mnisi • Franco Mostert • Martin Muller • Julian Redelinghuys • Mark Richards Courtnall Skosan • Warwick Tecklenburg • Armand van der Merwe • Schalk van der Merwe • Jaco van der Walt • Jacques van Rooyen • Anthony Volmink Harold Vorster • Warren Whiteley

emirates LIONS TEAM MANAGEMENT HEAD COACH: JOHAN ACKERMANN ASSISTANT COACH: SWYS DE BRUIN ASSISTANT COACH (Defence): JP Ferreira TEAM MANAGER: MUSTAPHA BOOMGAARD ASSISTANT TEAM MANAGER: JOHANE SINGWANE TEAM DOCTOR: DR ROB COLLINS • PHYSIOTHERAPIST: DAVID VAN WYK STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH: IVAN VAN ROOYEN TECHNICAL/PERFORMANCE ANALYST: JP FERREIRA

toyota cheetahs SHARKS SQUAD Rayno Benjamin • Clayton Blommetjies • Willie Britz • Tienie Burger • Stephan Coetzee Jean Cook • Lood De Jager • Willie du Plessis • Cornal Hendricks • Willie le Roux Tian Meyer • Danie Mienie • Oupa Mohoje • Caylib Oosthuizen • Coenie Oosthuizen Sergeal Peterson • Joe Pietersen • Sarel Pretorius • Boom Prinsloo • Raymond Rhule Johann Sadie • Francois Uys • BG Uys • Michael van der Spuy • Maks van Dyk Torsten van Jaarsveld • Coenie van Wyk • Francois Venter • Shaun Venter • Carl Wegner

toyota cheetahs TEAM MANAGEMENT Head Coach: Naka Drotské Backline Coach: Hawies Fourie Forwards Coach: Os du Randt Defence Coach & Analyst: Charl Strydom Team Manager: Eugene van Wyk Strength & Conditioning: Quintin Kruger Team Doctor: Dr Louis Holtzhausen Physiotherapist: JP du Toit Logistics Manager: Sakkie Wessels

www.lionsrugby.co.za 37

VODACOM SUPER RUGBY FIXTURES 13 February • 19:10

Emirates Lions vs Hurricanes - Emirates Airline Park

21 February • 19:10 28 February • 19:10

8-22 (L)

Cell C Sharks vs Emirates Lions - Growthpoint Kings Park 29-12 (L)

Emirates Lions vs DHL Stormers - Emirates Airline Park

07 March • 08:35

Blues vs Emirates Lions - North Harbour Stadium

14 March • 05:30 20 March • 10:40

Crusaders vs Emirates Lions - AMI Stadium

19 - 22 (L)

10 - 13 (W) 34 - 6 (L)

Melbourne Rebels vs Emirates Lions - AAMI Park 16 - 20 (W)

27 March • 11:00

Reds vs Emirates Lions - Suncorp Stadium

17 - 18 (W)

04 April • 17:05

Emirates Lions vs Vodacom Bulls - Emirates Airline Park 22-18 (W)

11 April • 17:05

Emirates Lions vs Cell C Sharks - Emirates Airline Park 23-21 (W)

25 April • 17:05

Emirates Lions vs Toyota Cheetahs - Emirates Airline Park

02 May • 19:10 09 May • 15:00

Emirates Lions vs Highlanders - Emirates Airline Park

16 May • 17:05 23 May • 17:05

Quarter Final Quarter Final Semi Final Semi Final Final

38 www.lionsrugby.co.za

Emirates Lions vs Brumbies - Emirates Airline Park

Toyota Cheetahs vs Emirates Lions - Free State Rugby Stadium

30 May • 19:10 06 June • 17:05

Vodacom Bulls vs Emirates Lions - Loftus Versfeld

Emirates Lions vs Waratahs - Emirates Airline Park

DHL Stormers vs Emirates Lions - Newlands Rugby Stadium

19 June TBC TBC TBC TBC 20 June TBC TBC TBC TBC 26 June TBC TBC TBC TBC 27 June TBC TBC TBC TBC 06 July TBC TBC TBC TBC

www.lionsrugby.co.za 39

Get an additional 3GB Anytime Data over 3 months

40 www.lionsrugby.co.za