With a few movements, let’s re-publish the Currie Cup squad as we have it right now.
Since we last looked, we have had the confirmed departures of Mouritz Botha and Conrad Hoffmann. Also, we’re told that Hanco Venter has returned from the Leoaprds (where he was on loan) and will play Currie Cup for the Sharks. Tyler Fisher and Sizo Maseko, though, will continue to be loaned to the Leopards for the duration of the Currie Cup season.
Props
Dale Chadwick
Juan Schoeman
Lourens Adriaanse
Thomas du Toit
Denford Mutamangira
Gerhardus Engelbrecht
Hookers
Franco Marais
Kyle Cooper
Monde Hadebe
Locks
Etienne Oosthuizen
Marco Wentzel
JC Astle
David McDuling
Christiaan de Bruin (also 7)
Wiehan Hay
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Loose Forwards
Khaya Majola
Francois Kleinhans
Jean Deysel
Philip van der Walt
Jean-Luc du Preez
Daniel du Preez
Scrumhalves
Stefan Ungerer
Michael Claassens
Hanco Venter
Flyhalves
Lionel Cronje
Inny-Christian Radebe
Joe Pietersen (also 15)
Garth April (also 15)
Centres
Andre Esterhuizen
Heimar Williams
Paul Jordaan
Waylon Murray
Wings
S’bura Sithole
Odwa Ndungane (also 15)
Wandile Mjekevu (also 13)
Charlie Mayeza
Tonderai Chavhanga
Fullbacks
SP Marais
Alcino Izaacs
Tweet
Exciting prospect of ungerer and radebe wreaking havoc…
Any idea what the contracts look like with regards to the Du Preez brothers?
@JarsonX (Comment 2) : I had a quick look.
They appear to be a relatively thick sheath of A4. not like the really cheap paper you get at Checkers, but also not exactly full-on legal-grade vellum. Arial font, double-spaced for easy reading (rugby players….) Couple of signatures at the bottom.
Comment 3 is brilliant good laugh i have had
Nice looking squad with what looks like a healthy balance between experience and youth. Looking forward to seeing who uses this opportunity to really step it up. Another important aspect is if they can build a ‘team’ and really play for each other, this to me has been the difference for the Lions in the last few seasons.
Pity we dont have Fisher and Maseko back in the mix, especially for the pre-season and trials to measure themselves against the guys we currently have and are looking at.
@robdylan (Comment 3) : 😆
You know what I meant 😛
Could def toss up a few interesting combos there. Still think we looked a bit inexperienced in tight 5 but i think most sides will be like that. Let these guys do their talking on the field – will judge on that not their names
Better that Fisher and Maseko get game time somewhere else than sit on the bench all season. Should get to see how good they really are. The Small-Smith rumour gone very quiet – was that just rubbish?
@JR (Comment 9) : did I see that he’s going to the Cheetahs after Currie Cup?
@JarsonX (Comment 7) : I believe they’re signed for another year. They want to break through this year.
@robdylan (Comment 3) : Dear Lord man, give yourself some points for that one
@robdylan (Comment 10) : Yeh signed for Cheetahs for super rugby 2016
Who is the Captain/s?
What is the news on Lewies ,when is he expected back.
@The hound (Comment 15) : out until start of next year.
He’s helping out with the junior teams in a team management/mentorship type of role
@robdylan (Comment 16) : Thats a helluva shame,but he is still young and they need to fix that knee properly,he has no need to come back too soon.
Cool
@The hound (Comment 17) : agree
@robdylan (Comment 16) : @The hound (Comment 17) : sad to hear he will only start next year, but glad he’s helping youngsters!!!!
So the Sharks management are determined to persist with S’bura at wing despite the fact that he has played by far his best rugby at centre. Not saying he is not a good wing, but I believe he is a devastating centre.
But then what the hell do I know?
@jonnow (Comment 21) : Perhaps because he plays at centre like he does on the wing…catch the ball and run straight no passing needed. But mayb the 13 jersey doesnt fit him…
@SheldonK (Comment 22) : Yes, have noticed the same thing, he is very good with ball in hand, but not the quickest to offload and create space for others and that is perhaps why coaches are persisting with him at wing instead of centre.
@stevovo (Comment 23) : That is my over riding feeling yes. Contrary to public opinion not all coaches are complete idiots, mayb just PDivvy but he was fun hey! Im sure they are working with Sithole and his offloading and passing game. He also needs to develop a good grubber for 13. But until then they will use him where his good qualities already shine through. (Should Sithole not be looking to replace Habana as the next Bok wing after the world cup?)
@SheldonK (Comment 24) : Agreed, perhaps it is a interim arrangement while they upskill him in these other areas, he certainly seems to have the talent (and drive) to be the finished product one day.
@robdylan (Comment 3) : So, better quality paper then than the toilet paper that contains PSdT’s contract. 😈
@stevovo (Comment 25) : The physical attributes are def there. Hard to gauge the mental side as your 13 needs to be a quick thinker. I would the 7s experience would have given him better passing skills but having watch some old 7s footage he didnt pass much there either. Still think he could be a world class wing though