Publications
Partners
Michael Green
Port Elizabeth – South Africa’s Super14 sides should not hesitate to draw on the so-called smaller unions if they are in trouble, says SWD Eagles coach Johann Lerm.
“When the Super14 sides struggle with injuries, they should consider looking at the smaller unions,” he said.
“Last week, for example, the Stormers picked the inexperienced Martin Muller when they had a crisis at lock. Does it not make sense to pick a more experienced player such as Henry Grimes (lock of the Eagles)? Grimes is tough as teak, over 2m tall and has played provincial rugby for five years.”
Lerm said Grimes was not the only useful player available in unions such as South Western Districts, Boland, Border and Eastern Province.
“There are sevens Springboks such as Norman Nelson (wing) and Isak Saayman (centre) that play for the Eagles. They won’t let any Super14 side down.
“What about Justin Peach (Boland fullback), Chumani Booi (Bulldogs centre), Reinhardt Gerber (Bulldogs utility back), Michael Vermaak (Elephants No 8) and Solly Tyibilika (Bulldogs flank)?
“I know there are some unions that have several talented players in one position, such as the Bulls with scrumhalves, but others are struggling. That is when players can be drawn from smaller unions in the best interests of South African rugby.”
Lerm believes the Southern Kings should get off the ground as soon as possible. “There are numerous players countrywide that can benefit from the new franchise,” he said.
Port Elizabeth – South Africa’s Super14 sides should not hesitate to draw on the so-called smaller unions if they are in trouble, says SWD Eagles coach Johann Lerm.
“When the Super14 sides struggle with injuries, they should consider looking at the smaller unions,” he said.
“Last week, for example, the Stormers picked the inexperienced Martin Muller when they had a crisis at lock. Does it not make sense to pick a more experienced player such as Henry Grimes (lock of the Eagles)? Grimes is tough as teak, over 2m tall and has played provincial rugby for five years.”
Lerm said Grimes was not the only useful player available in unions such as South Western Districts, Boland, Border and Eastern Province.
“There are sevens Springboks such as Norman Nelson (wing) and Isak Saayman (centre) that play for the Eagles. They won’t let any Super14 side down.
“What about Justin Peach (Boland fullback), Chumani Booi (Bulldogs centre), Reinhardt Gerber (Bulldogs utility back), Michael Vermaak (Elephants No 8) and Solly Tyibilika (Bulldogs flank)?
“I know there are some unions that have several talented players in one position, such as the Bulls with scrumhalves, but others are struggling. That is when players can be drawn from smaller unions in the best interests of South African rugby.”
Lerm believes the Southern Kings should get off the ground as soon as possible. “There are numerous players countrywide that can benefit from the new franchise,” he said.
