Auto & General Lions First Match

At last, the rugby season has kicked off.  Despite the result, it was another great day at the Park.  The turnout was pleasing and the spirit in the stadium was awesome.  For once the home team supporters outnumbered the visitors.

I went past the offices to fetch a few things during the week for the new supporters club, and not many of us realize how much work goes into making the match day a success.  The amount of planning and work needed is astounding, and notwithstanding the amount of phone calls and interruptions the staff have to cope with.   It is a pity that despite the workload and co-ordination, only the negatives are highlighted, and no credit is ever given to those who make our day an enjoyable one.

It only costs a few visits to the other stadiums in the country, and one soon appreciates how fortunate the regulars at the park are.  Yes, there are still hiccups, but be assured that they will be addressed.  I think it’s hats off to every single person who contributes to making our day at the Park so enjoyable.

I was disappointed with one or two things on Saturday.  The first was that I did not have time to visit the Cadac corner…together with ET, we were canvassing for new members for the supporters club outside the EPS store.  I must express my gratitude to Lesley from the store for providing me with a Lions cap to protect me from the blistering sun…boy was it hot!  Also thanks to Morris and Willie from the union who quickly organised a table and chairs.

Again, it was great to see all the familiar faces amongst the supporters, and meeting quite a few for the first time.  Scar made the trip from Cape Town, and I was very pleased to meet a regular on the site, Langvingers.  Our meeting was long overdue.

I arrived at the Park at 14:00, and only saw the red seats just before 17:00, before the game I was preoccupied with matters of the supporters club.  Just maybe our recruiting needs a re think and a few more hands.

Now to the rugby…I am not quite sure what my expectations were before the game.  I was convinced of 3 things: I was sure that our line outs were going to be a shambles, that we would run all the possession we had, and that if Carlos Spencer was on song, we would win.

The line outs were far better than I anticipated, we did run, and Carlos wasn’t getting much good ball.  The first half is still difficult to call from a Lions point of view.  No possession, giving away penalties and handling errors.  The ball we did get was scrambled and under pressure.  The Stormers spread the ball well, and although both of their tries were soft, they were inevitable.

I have not figured out if it was the changes that brought about the turn around in the second half, or was it mind over matter?  The latter may be a big part of it, but I stand to be corrected.  It was brave of Dick Muir to make the changes as coaches usually wait to the last quarter before giving the subs a run.

I don’t think any Lions played badly.  The first 40 cost us, and the 2 sucker punch tries were knockout blows.  We also opted to run 3 kickable penalties instead of taking the points…and a few passes sticking could have made a difference…but that’s history now.

There are 2 schools of thought on the second half performances – the first is that the Stormers had the points in the bag and stopped playing, and the 2nd is that we came out a better team.  You decide for yourself, I know where my sentiments lie.  In 2009 they had us against the ropes and put 50 over us, everyone suggests that they have a better side this year.

Looking at our players, there are quite a few that played well. The front row gave a solid performance, and it was good to see Heinke playing the full 80 minutes – welcome back. Ross Geldenhuys also showed that he is made from the right stuff to mix it with the best.

Willem Stoltz and Francois Lombaard had a quiet first half, but Willem had a few nice carries in the second half.  Franco was great on flank and played well on lock, and showed his skill and strength with Killians’ try.   Great guy to have in the team.

Baywatch, as usual gave his all for the full duration of the match, what a player!  Jonathan Mokuena had a quite 40 minutes and defended well. Minnie gets better every game, and combines well with Cobus.
Coetzee must start behind the scrum.  He has so much of Jano in his game – watch him!  I was disappointed that Carlos did not get sufficient opportunity in the first half.  It would have been interesting to see him display his skills after the game had opened up.

The centers!  I feel that we were predictable in the inside channel, and lacked go forward.  My opinion is that its time for Walter Venter to step up to the plate – he was one of the best players in the warm up games and deserves a start.  Van Rensburg showed a few nice touches and probably deserves a second bite at the cherry, or does Hollenbach get the nod?

Playing Wandile Mjekevu was always going to be a risk.  Just over a month ago he was still only 18, and his only experience was the Lions u19 side.  Under circumstances and given the occasion, Wandile was on a hiding to nothing.  He definitely has potential and a bright prospect for the future.

Chavhanga, playing out of position with number 14 on his back, was also not afforded too many opportunities, but be certain that he will feature in the campaign.  We have a recognized right wing in Dusty Noble, which will enable Tonderai to move back to his preferred side on the left.  Dusty is a strong runner and good defender.  Is he the answer on 14?

Earl Rose did enough on 15 to warrant selection.  He also created a few chances playing on 10.  He kicked very well and was safe under the high ball.  His attacking capabilities will still catch a few opponents on the wrong foot.

Michael Killian must still feature in Muir’s plans, not only because of his capabilities, but his versatility.  He is a very underrated player, but never disappoints.  Burton Francis had more than an acceptable game, and fitted in well on Saturday.

It was less than 9 minutes before the end before the Stormers had their first scoring opportunity in the second half.  It was 2 tries to 1 in the end, and they never came close to scoring in the first 30 of the half.
Their two tries came within less than 5 minutes of each other.

We did not win the game, but by no measure are we losers.  Considering the fringe players, the team still has a lot to offer.  Walter Venter, Alwyn Hollenbach, Chris Jonck, Johan van Deventer, Gert Muller and Kevin Buys are just a few players who cannot wait to take the field.

I still stand by my season predictions – it would be a very high mountain to climb to make the Super 14 playoffs, and would warrant a massive effort, so I would be (pleasantly) surprised if we did make the top 4.    Not making the top 4 would not be failure if compared to recent S14 seasons, but showing no progress would be a disaster.  My prediction is that we will do significantly better this year, and win more games than in the past.

As every season, I was surprised at the amount of supporters who travelled form the Cape to make the game.   It’s the same with the Sharks who travel up from Durban in their 1000’s to support their teams!   This week there are no “Highveld Stormers” or “Gauteng Sharks” to help us fill the Stadium, so it’s up to us.
Come and support YOUR team.  Secure parking, fun braai area inside the stadium at the Cadac corner are just a few improvements at the Park.  Braai’s ready and waiting, braai packs on sale for R30 (if preferred bring your own meat), and a great area for fans to meet.

Not only will you enjoy the game, but game day is becoming a social event, where we can “kuier”.

Be sure to join the official supporters club – details on the site.  More club details will be published on the site within the week before the Chief’s game.

Hope to see you all at the park!

Roar Lions Roar!