Pillars at the Lions

Kitch Christie said: 'Give me a strong tighthead and I'll build you a strong team'. That is never truer than now with retired Springbok tighthead prop Julian Redelinghuys now heading up the Lions front-row factory in conjunction with another former Springbok Wessel Roux.

Jason Leonard, former England and Lions prop, explained it best when he said 'to be a good prop, you've really got to enjoy the position - it's not everyone's cup of tea, putting your head where it hurts'.

No matter how fast and powerful the game becomes, a prop will always be a prop. Nowadays that prop also has to catch and time a pass to put team-mates into space. Many top props are now very powerful runners and you may even see the odd sidestep.

It's possibly the only true position on the field where you actually have a one-on-one with your opposite number.

Let’s take a closer look at these men who will be anchoring the Lions scrum in 2020, a group that is brimming with talent and varies in the level of their experience.

Keagan Glade (20) - Glade made his debut for the Junior Springbok team in Argentina. He has the pedigree having represented at all levels, from King Edward VII School, Lions Craven Week and South African Schools. The tighthead is currently studying a B Com degree in Accounting. 

Johannes Jonker (25) - Jonker has established himself as a key front-row man at the Lions and the tighthead has become an integral member of the Lions squad. His career started at Border, he had a stint at Montpellier after which he made the move to Johannesburg.

Leo Kruger (22) – A product of Paarl Boys High, Kruger has steadily climbed the ladder since joining the Lions which culminated in numerous appearances in the Currie Cup of 2019.

Nathan McBeth (21) - Originally from Welkom, but a matriculant of Monument Hoerskool, McBeth qualified for Scotland through his Scottish grandfather who was born in Edinburgh. A naturally strong ball carrier and scrummager, McBeth represented Scotland's u20’s in the Six Nations, as well as the Junior Springboks in 2018.

Asenathi Ntlabakanye (20) - Ntlabakanye made his second appearance at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2019. The powerful prop, who is also quite mobile for his size, was a key figure in that team. He has had an illustrious junior career since U16 level, where he played in the SA Rugby Youth Weeks, SA Schools and the Junior Springboks.

Carlu Sadie (22) – Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most promising tighthead props who found a home at the Emirates Lions in 2019, Sadie has also been described as the fridge. The 21-year-old played for the South Africa Under-20 team for two years in 2016 and 2017. He had a short stint with Stade Francais at the end of 2019.

Jannie du Plessis (37) – Arguably the most experienced South African tighthead prop. He played 70 Tests for the Springboks including winning the World in 2007,   spent the last four years at Montpellier and before that eight years at the Sharks. He is ecstatic to see out his long and illustrious career at the Lions.

Sti Sithole (25) – After doing the hard yards at the Stormers and Kings, he got his big break at the Lions and has become a regular in the 23-man line-ups, both in Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup. Born in Durban, schooled at Westville High and a former UCT student, Sithole now firmly calls Johannesburg home.

Dylan Smith (25) – A local product (KES) Smith has struggled with injuries in recent years, but is widely known as the baby face assassin due to his strong scrumming presence. The loose-head came through the ranks of Lions Craven Week, SA Schools, Lions U19, Currie Cup and made his Vodacom Super Rugby debut in 2016.

Frans van Wyk (24) - A tough tighthead prop from Monument High School, Van Wyk represented the Lions at youth levels. Also represented SA U20s at the 2015 U20 World Cup. Van Wyk has a big future and is a highly rated scrummager.