This is the view of last year’s Vodacom Super 14 captain, Cobus Grobbelaar, one of the favourites to be named as captain for the coming Super 14 season, ahead of his side’s massive task in this year’s competition.
Grobbelaar, or “Baywatch” as he is more commonly known among his team-mates, believes the Lions are certainly on an upwards curve, and Dick Muir is pressing all the right buttons to get the side there.
“Things are definitely on the move here,” he told Supersport.com, “But when we achieve some results in the Super 14, then it will prove to people that things have changed at this franchise.
“Guys like Carlos and Wikus must also realise that things are changing here, otherwise they would not necessarily have signed at the Lions – they certainly are not doing it for the money.”
Grobbelaar believes that the decision to keep the squad bigger than 50 is a shrewd one by Muir.
“Its very good that there are so many more guys who know what the plans for the Super 14 are – they also keep the top guys on their toes. Everyone knows the best player will play, and we were also told that by the management. Dick and his management will only choose on your playing form, and not on reputation.”
With this in mind, the number of young players in the loose trio that are pushing the veterans like Grobbelaar make the competition even more special. Alongside Todd Clever and new recruit Jonathan Mokuena, there are two young guns – Johan van Deventer and Derick Minnie who are itching to show their form in the Super 14.
“We have some exceptional flankers here. There are a number of guys who are doing their best to push me, and I really can’t rest on my laurels and think my place is safe. Guys like Johan and Derick are already good enough to play Super 14, and if they get a chance they will show that they are mature enough to do the Lions proud.”