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VIDEO: Lions rampant despite this Coetzee red card for knee to the head

Lions hooker Robbie Coetzee

Lions racked up their 10th consecutive Super Rugby victory with a 54-10 bonus-point victory over Southern Kings, despite having Robbie Coetzee sent-off after 30 minutes on Sunday.

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By the time Coetzee received his marching orders for charging into a ruck and hitting Chris Cloete’s head with his knee, the league leaders were already 12-3 up following tries from Andries Ferreira and Courtnall Skosan.

Ferreira went over in the 11th minute when the referee played an advantage that allowed the Lions to drive forward, and their second try was more fluid with Skosan collecting a neat pass from Warren Whiteley before running in to score.

Whiteley was again involved after 40 minutes when Kwagga Smith scored a superb try. The Springbok captain created space for Smith to run into before feeding him the ball and the flanker skilfully side-stepped a cover tackle to score.

Further tries followed from Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen, Smith and Faf de Klerk, before Andries Coetzee broke the Kings’ line and ran the length of the field to wrap up an emphatic victory.

Kings did prove that their high-flying opponents could be penetrated when Elton Jantjies, whose kicking was excellent throughout, had a pass intercepted by Luzuko Vulindlu and the winger broke through to score.

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But it was scant consolation for the visitors as Johan Ackermann’s side ran out comfortable winners.

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TI 29 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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