Semi Final 1: A Black out at the Shark tank!

The Blues came to Durban and enjoyed the dry conditions at Kings Park. They swung the ball around at every opportunity and were helped by a poor kicking game by the Sharks. But the Sharks made the most of the opportunities that came their way and built up a good lead. However 2 quick tries in the second half had the Sharks trailing, with the Blues playing the better rugby. With 20 minutes to go, the composure shown by the players and the introduction of our golden boy, Bobby Skinstad changed the course of the game and gradually the Sharks put the Blues away. To have won without playing the best rugby is a testment to the quality of this Sharks side, and shows how the depth in SA rugby has grown.

Sharks 34: Tries by Johann Muller, Butch James, Waylon Murray. Percy Montgomery kicked two conversions and four penalties and Butch James a dropped goal.
Blues 18: Tries by Rudi Wulf, Isa Nacewa. Nacewa kicked a conversion and two penalties

Semi Final 2: The darling of Loftus boots the Bulls to Durban!

Amidst a sea of Blue flags, the second semi at Loftus was not quite so open but was just as hard and just as exciting. The Bulls had the upper hand in the tight exchanges and simply outmuscled the Crusaders pack all around the field. The fact the Crusaders couldn’t get their running game going shows how dominant the Bulls were in disrupting them. the liefling of Loftus, Derick Hougaard controlled the game superbly with his boot and scored all 27 points. However the Bulls were unlucky not to score 2 tries when Gary Botha got close and a drive was held up. Quite deservedly the better team won. Some standout performances by Heini Adams, Hougaard and the defence of Habana deserve sepcial mention.

Bulls 27: Derick Hougaard kicked eight penalties and a dropped goal.
Crusaders 12: Daniel Carter kicked four penalties

Now it is to Durban for the big one…Sharks v Bulls. I believe that although the Sharks have been the more consistent, the Bulls deserve it more. The attitude of the players, and the belief with which they have taken their rugby to a new level is a reflection of the confidence and vision of the best coach in South Africa; Heyneke Meyer. Whilst the Sharks have shown similiar attributes, the Bulls just shade them in these key areas. Whilst I will be happy either way, this week “My bloed is blou!”