Josh Strauss – The Right Man, The Right Time.
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- Photo by Denese Lups | Rugby15 | www.phototalk.co.za
Morgan Piek –
Two of the most debated questions doing the rounds in South Africa at braais, in pubs, on the social media and in general at the moment are; “Who will be the next Springbok coach?”, and “Who is the next Springbok captain?”
As I’ve recently realised it is a hotly debated topic and rightly so. Everyone has their opinion and it’s great. It shows that we as a rugby loving nation care. Many names have been mentioned. The front runners as predicted are Rassie Erasmus, Allister Coetzee and John Mitchell in the coaching department, however none of them have expressed their interest in the job.
The captaincy department is a totally different ball game altogether. Coaches come and go, just like many players. However a captain is a man that should be there for some time. So having said that I’m more concerned about who the right man for the job is. From what I’ve heard in numerous conversations I’ve had over the past few weeks, many believe Schalk Burger of Western Province and the Stormers is the man to lead us for the next couple of years. Not a bad choice. I however do have my reservations about Schalk being the next Bok captain.
Schalk has proven that he is a more than decent provincial and Super Rugby captain. One can never question his commitment and dedication. He has proven that he is a good spokesman as well, a quality that some other names such as Juan Smith unfortunately don’t have. My greatest concern is Schalks’ discipline. Although it has improved tremendously over the last few years, I believe it’s not good enough.
Many factors need to be taken into account when it comes to being a National captain. It’s not like at school where the most popular or the best player is captain. Granted, a skipper needs to be well liked and respected by his fellow team mates. But, a National captain needs that “x factor”, he needs to be a born leader that can get the best out of his men at all times, having said that, a natural leader isn’t always enough.
There is one man in South Africa that has shown he has what it takes and I have been surprised that his name was never mentioned in any of the conversations I’ve had.
Joshua Zac Strauss, better known as Josh Strauss has become a crowd favourite right across South Africa in a very short time. Josh Strauss started his Rugby at the world famous Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. Josh only played one game for the First XV at Paul Roos; he was however spotted and was invited to attend Alan Zondagh’s RPC. From there he represented Boland at both U19 and U21 level before making a move to France further his career.
- Photo by Denese Lups | Rugby15 | www.phototalk.co.za
Josh was noticed by most South Africans in the 2010 Varsity Cup and was soon offered a top level contract with the Golden Lions in. He made his full provincial debut for the Golden Lions in the 2010 Currie Cup. In 2011 he made his Super Rugby debut for the MTN Lions.
Halfway through the Super15, the Lions we at the bottom of the log and their captain Doppies La Grange got injured. Strauss was immediately asked step in as captain and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The Lions won that game against the Brumbies in the Australian capital, Canberra. Nobody could have imagined a Lions win in Australia. Stepping in as skipper on foreign soil, Josh became an even bigger sensation overnight.
Josh managed to gel a rather despondent Lions outfit together and led from the front. From there they have just gone from strength-to-strength. The Lions, however, still ended second from the bottom in the Super15. More importantly for John Mitchell is he found exactly what the boys from Gauteng needed most, a leader that leads from the front.
At the beginning of the Currie Cup, nobody would have imagined that the Lions would have topped the Log right through the competition and eventually win the coveted trophy in the most convincing fashion against The Sharks. This Lions Currie Cup Final victory ended a sixty-one year home ground drought.
Some would say, “Yes, but, The Lions had no Springboks doing national duty”. It is true, but, they convincingly beat a Springbok laden Western Province in the semi-final and trashed The Sharks in the final. The Sharks had twelve Springboks in their team.
A lot the credit is to be given to John Mitchell for taking a “bunch of nobodies” and creating and Champion team. A lot of that credit must go to Josh Strauss as well. Mitchell led the men off the field and Josh led them on the park, where it matters most. This season was praticially that a typical plot we’ve all seen countless times, which great American Football movies are based on. Hardcore, stubborn coach, committed, inspirational captain, a bunch of “losers” and that fairytale ending that makes everybody smile when they win the Championship in the dying seconds of the game. That sums up the Lions season.
Now, a lot of people would say, Josh hasn’t played International Rugby. This is also true. I for one believe he was very unlucky not to have been selected to represent South Africa in at least the tri-nations.
- Photo by Denese Lups | Rugby15 | www.phototalk.co.za
We’ve got to be realistic about Pierre Spies’ role in the Springbok team. If Blue Bulls supporters question their own player in a Springbok team, then you have to wonder why he is there. Josh is thee man to replace Spies in the Bok setup and take over the number 8 jersey. He is versatile enough to be utilised at flank as well, should the need arise.
With Springboks “rebuilding” next season, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring Josh Strauss into the Bok setup and start grooming the man to be our next captain. Has it all, speed, flair, strength, passion, commitment, leadership, “the x factor”, and most importantly…he is adored by the sometimes over-critical South African Rugby loving public.
Josh, you have my vote, it’s yours for the taking.
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