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Johannesburg – Carlos Spencer believes the Lions will be making a big mistake not to try and keep John Mitchell as coach for the long term.
Spencer, who is the Lions’ backline coach and also helps out as a player if required, believes the Lions will have more stability going forward with Mitchell in their midst.
“They should definitely try (to keep Mitchell). There is definitely a lot of appreciation for what he has done for the team and there has been a lot of progress,” said Spencer.
“It will be stupid to want to change in the future and the side will benefit if he can stay on.”
Spencer’s recommendation is also exactly what the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) wants.
Mitchell is still contracted to coach the Western Force in the Super 15 and he has repeatedly said that he intends honouring the contract.
Even so, the GLRU wants to negotiate and ascertain whether there is any way that Mitchell can also coach the side in next year’s Super 15.
In that case Dick Muir, who coached the side in this year’s Super 14, will be able to focus on his role as director of rugby.
The set-up will be similar to how Rassie Erasmus and Allister Coetzee work at the Stormers and Western Province.
Spencer has already been contracted until next year at the province, though it’s unlikely that he will still be considered as a player then. The former All Black flyhalf looked rusty in the 15 minutes he spent on the field as substitute against the Sharks.
The Lions are currently grooming 19-year-old flyhalf Elton Jantjes for the flyhalf berth and he has been in the starting side for the past two weekends.
Jantjes’ goalkicking was very good against the Sharks. However, both he and halfback partner Jano Vermaak gave the Sharks a try on a platter with passes that were intercepted.
Spencer recently noticed that Jantjes’ pass to the left required work.
“Every player has weaknesses, but Elton listens and seeks advice. He has a bright future and the Lions must look after him,” said Spencer.
He added that he would play if necessary in the Currie Cup, but he regards his job of coaching the youngsters as his priority and is enjoying his coaching role.
Burton Francis is also ready to play again and may replace Spencer on the substitutes bench for the match against the Free State Cheetahs.
Injuries disrupted Francis’s first season at the Lions.
“They (Jantjes and Francis) are the guys we want to head into the future with,” said the former All Black.
Johannesburg – Carlos Spencer believes the Lions will be making a big mistake not to try and keep John Mitchell as coach for the long term.
Spencer, who is the Lions’ backline coach and also helps out as a player if required, believes the Lions will have more stability going forward with Mitchell in their midst.
“They should definitely try (to keep Mitchell). There is definitely a lot of appreciation for what he has done for the team and there has been a lot of progress,” said Spencer.
“It will be stupid to want to change in the future and the side will benefit if he can stay on.”
Spencer’s recommendation is also exactly what the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) wants.
Mitchell is still contracted to coach the Western Force in the Super 15 and he has repeatedly said that he intends honouring the contract.
Even so, the GLRU wants to negotiate and ascertain whether there is any way that Mitchell can also coach the side in next year’s Super 15.
In that case Dick Muir, who coached the side in this year’s Super 14, will be able to focus on his role as director of rugby.
The set-up will be similar to how Rassie Erasmus and Allister Coetzee work at the Stormers and Western Province.
Spencer has already been contracted until next year at the province, though it’s unlikely that he will still be considered as a player then. The former All Black flyhalf looked rusty in the 15 minutes he spent on the field as substitute against the Sharks.
The Lions are currently grooming 19-year-old flyhalf Elton Jantjes for the flyhalf berth and he has been in the starting side for the past two weekends.
Jantjes’ goalkicking was very good against the Sharks. However, both he and halfback partner Jano Vermaak gave the Sharks a try on a platter with passes that were intercepted.
Spencer recently noticed that Jantjes’ pass to the left required work.
“Every player has weaknesses, but Elton listens and seeks advice. He has a bright future and the Lions must look after him,” said Spencer.
He added that he would play if necessary in the Currie Cup, but he regards his job of coaching the youngsters as his priority and is enjoying his coaching role.
Burton Francis is also ready to play again and may replace Spencer on the substitutes bench for the match against the Free State Cheetahs.
Injuries disrupted Francis’s first season at the Lions.
“They (Jantjes and Francis) are the guys we want to head into the future with,” said the former All Black.
