The Cats

2006 Preview

The Cats are a bit of an enigma in South African rugby. They are the only team that has the forwards to physically take on and dominate the Bulls - yet they often claim their backline is their most dangerous weapon.

But the two units rarely fire on the same day - a situation that has handed the Cats that most ignominious label of 'perennial underachievers’.

Since their wonderful run under the guidance of former All Black coach Laurie Mains - when they reached the play-offs in 200 and 2001 - the Cats have never finished higher than 11th, which is where they finished last year.

A quick glance at their squad would tell you that there is plenty of potential in this side. Names like Conrad Jantjes, Jaque Fourie, Wayne Julies, Enrico Januarie, Wikus van Heerden, Jannes Labushagne, Lucas van Biljon and Lawrence Sephaka are all quality Springboks. Of those only Labuschagne and Van Biljon were not involved last year.

As captain Wikus van Heerden has epeatedly stated this year, they simply have no excuses.

Strengths: They really do have a powerful set of forwards that are capable of mixing it with the best, but the real electricity will come from players like Conrad Jantjes, Jaque Fourie and Enrico Januarie in the backline. And if André Pretorius eventually recovers from his ankle surgery he too will cause some flutters among opposing defenders.

Weakness: They are indeed their own worst enemies, often failing to (mentally) arrive for the game. A lack of depth at fly-half is another major concern.

Noteworthy signings: Earl Rose (Stormers), Dave von Hoesslin (Sharks), Daniel Muller (Auckland).
 
Noteworthy losses: Schalk Brits (to the Stormers), Michael Claassens (Cheetahs), Naka Drotske (retired), Boela du Plooy (Stade Francais), Ollie le Roux (Cheetahs), Barend Pieterse (Cheetahs), Neil Powell (Bulls), Hendro Scholtz (Cheetahs), Juan Smith (Cheetahs), CJ van der Linde (Cheetahs).

Coach: Frans Ludeke has been around for a while and in coaching terms have certainly earned his spurs. But his team has struggled in recent years and the jury is still out on him.

Captain: Wikus van Heerden must be the loose forward with the highest work-rate in South Africa. It often appears he is fighting a lone battle up front as he tries to salvage something from nothing for his team. If the Cats had a few more Van Heerdens they will right up there with the best.

Player(s) to watch: Enrico Januarie came into his own in 2005 and a more mature version could take 2006 by storm. Other class players include Conrad Jantjes and Jaque Fourie, among the backs, while lock Gordon Gilfillan could come into his own.

2005 Position: 11th in the S12
Best finish: 3rd in 2001
Worst finish: 12th (1998, 2003, 2004)
Home Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

2006 Prediction: They will do well if they finish in the top half of the standings - 7th or better.

Cats squad: Conrad Jantjes, Earl Rose, Aswhin Willemse, Wylie Human, Grant Esterhuizen, Jaque Fourie, Wayne Julies, Doppies la Grange, Dewey Swartbooi, Jorrie Muller, Tiaan Snyman, Enrico Januarie, Dave von Hoesslin, Russell Winter, Cobus Grobbelaar, Wikus van Heerden, Ernest Joubert, Roland Barnard, Gerhard Vosloo, Gordon Gilfillan, Willem Stolz, Jannes Labushagne, Trevor Hall, Bertus Smith, Daniel Muller, Lucas van Biljon, James van der Walt, Lawrence Sephaka, Pietman van Niekerk.

Schedule:

Saturday 11 February: v Stormers, Johannesburg
Friday 17 February: v Chiefs, Johannesburg
Friday 24 February: v Hurricanes, Wellington
Friday 3 March: v Brumbies, Canberra 
Friday 10 March: v Waratahs, Sydney 
Friday 17 March: v Crusaders, Christchurch 
Saturday 25 March: v Highlanders, Invercargill 
Saturday 8 April: v Reds, Johannesburg
Saturday 15 April: v Sharks, Johannesburg
Saturday 22 April: v Bulls, Pretoria
Friday 28 April: v Western Force, Johannesburg
Saturday 6 May: v Blues, Johannesburg
Saturday 13 May: v Cheetahs, BLoemfontein