PJ Botha is set to earn his 100th cap for the Lions this weekend against Connacht. A true workhorse and a pillar of the Pride, "Beertjie" finally hits the big milestone at Ellis Park. Photo: Morgan Bolton Independent Media
Image: Morgan Bolton Independent Media
With nearly a decade of service to the Lions in his repertoire, one of the teams’ most underrated servants will reach a major milestone if selected to play against Connacht this weekend.
PJ Botha does not receive nearly as many plaudits as he arguably deserves, but on Saturday against the visitors at Ellis Park (4pm kick-off), the 28-year-old will more than likely run out to earn his 100th cap at franchise level.
With the focus squarely on teammates Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter, Francke Horn, Morne van den Berg, Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn, it is often easy to overlook the workmanlike and consistent impact that Botha has had on the teams over the years.
This season, once again, Botha has been solid — never in the limelight — but working tirelessly in the dark holes of the pitch.
He enjoyed another efficient performance in the Lions’ 54–12 demolition of the Glasgow Warriors this past weekend, making two turnovers, beating two defenders and making nine tackles. More importantly, he also ensured the Lions secured their line-out, denying the Warriors a counter-attacking platform until his substitution in the 57th minute.
A product of the Lions system, the Hoërskool Monument alum made his pro-rugby debut for the union in 2019 in the Currie Cup, having also played at age-group level for the Doornfontein-based outfit. On Tuesday, assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys expressed immense pride in Botha reaching the century mark.
“Beertjie is a Monnas boytjie,” Redelinghuys said, “so he came through the ranks with us.
The guys that value him the most are his teammates. He is not the flashy guy. He is not the guy that everyone talks about after the weekend, or in the newspapers or the TV shows but he is very consistent. He is very much the team player.
"He is one of the pillars in our team and to see him reach a century says a lot about our team. I really hope the team gives him a proper centurion game.”
Botha was pragmatic about his Lions journey, listing the recently won URC SA Shield triumph as a highlight, while citing the previous lack of a Top 8 finish in the URC as a major bugbear.
"Rugby will try and make you as humble as possible," said Botha. "There has been lots of starting over again. It’s about keeping working."
The Lions will once again require his indomitable spirit when they face Connacht, who are on a six-match unbeaten run. While the Lions currently occupy fourth in the URC standings with 48 points, Connacht are not far behind in ninth. Indeed, only four points separate the teams, so an unfavourable result will dent the Lions' ambition to finally make the play-offs.
According to Botha, the Irish side represents a new challenge.
“The past couple of games, Connacht have come from behind to win ... there is a different fight coming here," siad Botha
“The Scottish teams, Glasgow specifically, sit a bit more deeper. Connacht are a bit more flatter. They do carry up quite well ... The whole Irish setup is very skilled. For us, we will have to double defend every single time and make our hits."
Meanwhile, Redelinghuys revealed that there is uncertainty regarding the availability of Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye. The 25-year-old is awaiting the verdict regarding his doping case, which is expected this week.
Redelinghuys also noted there were some bruised bodies after the physical clash against Glasgow, with Henco van Wyk seen in a degree of discomfort on Tuesday.
“I think it was 197, almost 200 tackles, so the guys worked extremely hard. The bodies were sore," Redelinghuys added. "There are a couple of guys with some muscular issues and Van Wyk was one of them. We are sure we are going to get them through to Thursday and, hopefully, they will be selected."