To assemble the super queens squad for 2013. I am guessing it will be the the current EP team.
http://www.easternprovincerugby.com/players combined with the the Golden Lions.
Any suggestions?
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8- Puke Watson (Captain)
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10- Monte Diamond
11- Jongi Nokwe
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Backroom political meddler- Cheeky
Looking at the probable Lions exports - I think the following players may go to the Southern Kings - that no other franchise or overseas club would be interested in:-
Lionel Mapoe. Elton Jantjies, CJ van der Linde. Waylon Murray, Michael Bodesio
They may also be able to get a few rejects at prresent with other franchises whose contracts will not be renewed after the current Super 15 season. In that category would possibly be Mbovane from the Cheetahs - but cannot immediately think of other players at the moment. Earl Rose will also be a definite signing.
Players they would definitely NOT get or will not take from the Lions would be the following:-
Taute, La Grange, Ruan Botha, Willemse and Strauss.
The present Kings plus the above would pobably be the squad they would have to play.
A possible team from the players above that Mike seems to think will go and the players in their current squad.
1. Jaco Engels
2. Hannes Franklin
3. CJ v'd Linde
4. Barend Pieterse
5. David Bullbring
6. Luke Watson
7. Wayne van Heerden
8. Darron Nel
9. Michael Bondesio
10 Elton Jantjies
11 Jongi Nokwe
12 Waylon Murray
13 Norman Nelson
14 Lionel Mapoe
15 SP Marais
The queens will be the first side to get a 100 point whipping and then SARU will be sued for millions.
It is easy for us to just put a few names together and decide this is the team for the Kings, but I am afraid that it is not quite as easy as that. First of all, we have to bear in mind that these players are not just commodoties that can be packaged and sent off to PE. Then, by looking at the squad that they (the Kings) already have, I do not think that they have the funds to just sign up some of the Lions players. They already have a squad of 48, i.e. 28 forwards and 20 backs. I cannot see them just going out and signing up the core, or the best of the Lions players. Would they have enough money to buy, let's say, Minnie, Franco vd Merwe, CJ, Cilliers, Taute, Jantjies, Mapoe, etc, and also keep the other 48 that they already have on contract as well.
Nahhh, the entire issue is a recipe for disaster, and SARU are dragging their feet. These guys are flogging a dead horse, and the outcome was clear when they decided that the Kings would be gaurenteed a place in the S15. The spinned the story on a million different ways and tried to bullshit everybody, including themselves. There is just no ways, and there never was, that they were going to bring the Kings on board without compromising any of the other franchises. In fact, IMO, they were fvcking liars everytime they said that. They should have come clean and spelt it in January already. My guess is that they have to prepare themselves for a few lawsuits as well.
On a more serious note without speculating who they will play.
Looking at their current squad, and this is by no means saying it is a glorious squad. They have some difficionsies in some positions however from the loks of the squad they look quite settled with decent players that can compete and some backup in the following positions:
Tight Forwards look very competitive (That can be seen from the good scrum that they have, if anyone has seen them play recently)
Locks are big strong boys not neceserily good lineout specialists, but good in the tight phases and very physical.
Their loose forwards look decent however notheing spectacular, they should be able to hold their own though.
Scrumhalf they have Mr consistency in old Falie Oelshig (a bit long in the toth but brings good experience)
Flyhalf i think they are lacking a bit.
Centres and wings aren't the greatest
Fullback is really good, SP Marias, i like that kid, he should actually be playing Super Rugby somewhere now already me thinks.
So from the player they have their Thight forwards seem to be their strong point the rest of the guys are there but jus not there yet. backline i think will be their weak point. if they can have a chat with Boland and maybe loan in ome of those backs and loosies that have potential as well. and the odd player from Border and SWD. They could actually not have a team that looses 100 - 0 as Beeno suggest but might only lose by a smaller margin. No one expects them to shine however looking at their comitment I don't find fault there.
