Sanjay's Rugby World

With just 4 hours to go until kick-off in the 2009 Currie Cup final between the Blue Bulls and the Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld, I’m getting slightly nervous, although still quietly confident of a Bulls victory!

The Blue Bulls are a champion side, full of stars and experience, and the current Super 14 champions. Whilst they haven’t dominated the Currie Cup this year, they go into the final as overwhelming favourites, at fortress Loftus.

Like most finals, I’m prediciting a conservaative game, with goal-kicking to be vitally important. In Morne Steyn, the Blue Bulls have the trump card. For the Cheetahs, Jacques-Louis Potgieter can be the equal, but he is inconsistent. If he has an off day, the Cheetahs will suffer, if he is on song, the Cheetahs are a chance.

The Bulls have the experience, game breakers, and tactical exponents to beat the Cheetahs comofrtably. They’ll look to replicate what has worked all year for them.

Sound tactical kicking, a good kick-chase, the lineouts and the brilliance of men like Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana and Francois Hougaard.

For the Cheetahs to have any chance, they are reliant on the three things that have gotten them to the final. Heinrich Brussow at the breakdown, a dominant scrum and taking the ball wide at pace to give their pacy back three try-scoring chances.

If they can match the Bulls in the tight five exchanges early on, they will rely on creating opportunities out wide. They’ll rely on their scrum to provide them with valuable momentum, and look to use Ashley Johnson at number eight to get them over the advantage line.

The Bulls need big games from Deon Stegmaan and Dewald Potgieter to match Brussow at the breakdown, and allow Morne Steyn time and space to get the Blue Bulls moving forward. He may have to utilise drop goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over, as the Cheetahs don’t concede many penalties.

If the Bulls exert the pressure they normally do, the Cheetahs will be forced into giving away penalties and the Blue Bulls will be able to get on top. The Bulls will look to start well, get the crowd behind them, and pressure the Cheetahs into mistakes.

I’m predicting a frenetic start, with the experienced Bulls players to dominate from the very beginning. A strong opening quarter effort should allow a healthy lead before the Bulls march to an unprecedented Super 14-Currie Cup double!

Blue Bulls by 15-20.

Invictus is a 2009 feature film based on Nelson Mandela’s life during the 1995 rugby World Cup.

Invictus (also known as The Human Factor), recaps the magical moments that occured during the 1995 rugby World Cup in South Africa, won by the Springboks. The film due for release in late 2009, is one of the biggest films ever to be made in South Africa.

Invictus is directed by Clint Eastwood, and stars Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar.

The title Invictus was taken from the poem by the British poet William Ernest Henley. It is latin for ‘Unconquered’. It is a celebration of the human spirit and is about never giving up.

As Henley stated in the poem,

“I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul”

It features a look at Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) after the fall of Apartheid. Once released from prison, Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa and faced the difficult job of uniting a country that was still divided. He used the 1995 rugby World Cup to unite the people of South Africa.

South Africa, coached by Kitch Christie, and led superbly by captain Francois Pienaar, were not given much hope of winning the tournament by any of the experts. However Kitch Christie and Nelson Mandela both knew that no other result was ever possible.

It was about more than just being a game/tournament. Nelson Mandela knew it was a vehicle for Nation building that was more powerful than anything any person in South Africa could control. Once he set the belief in motion, passion carried the Springboks to victory.

New Zealand were impressive in every game, and had tournament sensation Jonah Lomu (played by ex Bath Rugby player Zak Feaunati) who was just about unstoppable. No one could see how they Springboks could stop him, or the All Blacks from marching to victory.

However this script was surely written by Nelson Mandela. The Springboks semi-final win over France in Durban, was filled with high drama after the rains, delays, and final play which came up centimetres short by the French.

The final took place at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa’s field of dreams. I still remember the day vividly. I watched the game alone, in the early hours of the morning. Firstly there was the unbelievable inspiration of Madiba, Nelson Mandela, wearing the symbol of white supremacy, the Springbok jumper, with the number 6 of the Springbok captain Francois Pienaar emblazzoned on his back.

To hear the crowd (predominantly white) chanting, “Nelson!, Nelson!, Nelson!” It made the Springboks grow ever more determined, whilst it had a negative effect on the New Zealanders.

Once the game began, it was 80 minutes of knife-edge tension. There were no tries scored (although Ruben Kruger scored a legitimate try from a maul that was not awarded). And the scores were locked at 9-9.

The game was forced to go into extra time, and South Africa went behind early. After equalling the scores with a penalty, Joel Stransky’s famous drop goal sealed the game for the Springboks!

It was the game that changed a nation! Nothing else mattered. Not black, not white, just dynamite. One Team, One Country. United.

Ask any South African where they were that day, and they still remember it like it was yesterday. Watch it on video, and it brings a tear to the eye.

The 2009 Currie Cup final between the Blue Bulls and the Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Verfeld on Saturday will re-write the record books.

The Blue Bulls have an impressive Currie Cup record, and stand to achieve greatness never before achieved, if they win the Currie Cup for the 23rd time.

Only Western Province with 32 wins have won more Currie Cup titles.

The Free State Cheetahs, for a supposed breeding ground of Springboks, have only ever won the 4 Currie Cup titles, 3 coming in the last 5 years.

In the 8 times these 2 sides have clashed in the final, the Blue Bulls have only ever lost once. And that was the fateful day in 2005 when a momentary lapse of concentration, a yellow card for Bryan Habana and the cruel bounce of the ball handed the Cheetahs an improbable victory.

The Blue Bulls have the best record of all teams in South Africa over the past 10 years in terms of finals played (6) and titles won (3 outright, 1 shared). Add to that 2 Super 14 titles, and they have clearly dominated the South African rugby landscape in the professional era.

Over this period the Free State Cheetahs have only made 4 finals (2 wins, 1 shared title) and not one Super 14 semi-final.

Saturday present the Blue Bulls with a chance to make history that may never ever be repeated. They could become the only side to ever hold the Super rugby title, along with the Currie Cup.

For the Bulls Boks, they also hold every other title there is to hold. The Freedom Cup (South Africa/New Zealand), The Nelson Mandela Plate (South Africa/Australia), The Tri-nations, the British and Irish Lions series and the Rugby World Cup! The chances of any other players holding all those titles is slim, although not impossible if you are a Bull!

In my mind there is only 1 side deserving of victory on Saturday. 1 side had proven time and again they are the best side in South Africa, has the players, the management, the supporters deserving of another title, as just reward for consistent performances.

Go Bulle Go! Ek Bly ‘n Bull! Go Bulle Go!

The Blue Bulls/Northern Transvaal v the Free State Cheetahs in Currie Cup Finals:

1973: Northern Transvaal won 30-22 in Pretoria
1975: Northern Transvaal won 12-6 in Bloemfontein
1977: Northern Transvaal won 27-12 in Pretoria
1978: Northern Transvaal won 13-9 in Bloemfontein
1981: Northern Transvaal won 23-6 in Pretoria
2004: Blue Bulls won 42-33 in Pretoria
2005: Free State won 29-25 in Pretoria
2006: Free State and Blue Bulls drew 28-28 in Bloemfontein.

Last 10 Currie Cup finals:

1999: Lions v Natal, 32-9 in Durban
2000: Western Province v Natal, 25-15 in Durban
2001: Western Province v Natal, 29-24 at Newlands
2002: Blue Bulls v Lions, 31-7 in Johannesburg
2003: Blue Bulls v Natal, 40-19 in Pretoria
2004: Blue Bulls v Free State, 42-33 in Pretoria
2005: Free State v Blue Bulls, 29-25 in Pretoria
2006: Free State v Blue Bulls, 28-28 in Bloemfontein
2007: Free State v Lions, 20-18 in Bloemfontein
2008: Sharks v Blue Bulls, 14-9 in Durban

One of Pretoria’s most eccentric son’s, Jaco van der Westhuyzen returns to the Bulls.

Jaco van der Westhuyzen has signed a 3 year contract with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd , that will see him playing his rugby in Pretoria from 2010, until the end of 2012.

van der Westhuyzen has been playing his rugby in Japan since 2004/05 for the NEC Green Rockets. With their side likely to be eliminated before their league play-offs, van der Westhuyzen should be back for the Bulls by the start of the 2010 Super 14.

van der Westhuyzen is excited to be returning to play for the Bulls and said “The Bulls will always have a very special place in my heart. I am very eager to play for them and everything I do and want to do is centered around the Bulls. It was a very easy decision to make and I am very excited to join up with the team.”

van der Westhuyzen first played for the Bulls in 2001, and played a key role in the 2007 Bulls Super 14 victory. Able to cover flyhalf and fullback, and centre and wing if needed, his utility value will add great depth to the Bulls. As an experienced Springbok, his mentoring role will be extremely valuable to the enormous talent coming through the Bulls backline ranks.

Whilst his last test match was 3 years ago, in the horrific 49-0 loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp stadium, don’t be surprised to see him recapture his previous form and force his way back into the Springbok set-up.

The Free State Cheetahs have named a strong side for their clash against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.

Whilst it is a strong side, with plenty of front row power, the last side to beat a Bulls side at loftus was the Hurricanes in last year’s Super 14! I can’t see that changing against a star-studded Blue Bulls side.

The Cheetahs don’t look to have the firepower in the second row, or in their midfeld to be able to beat the Bulls.

If the game was in Bloemfontein, they’d be a chance, but at Loftus, their only hope is to catch a lethargic Blue Bulls side after the enormous amount of rugby some of the Bulls (and Boks) have had to endure this year.

The Bulls will be too strong and have too much class for a Cheetahs side that has gotten lucky over the last month.

Free State Cheetahs

1. Wian du Preez
2. Adriaan Strauss (c)
3. WP Nel
4. Nico Breedt
5. David de Villiers
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Frans Viljoen
8. Ashley Johnson
9. JP Joubert
10. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
11. Danwel Demas
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Corne Uys
14. Lionel Mapoe
15. Hennie Danniller

16. Richardt Strauss
17. Coenie Oosthuizen
18. Izak van der Westhuizen
19. Kabamba Floors
20. Tewis de Bruyn
21. Louis Strydom
22. Fabian Juries

Blue Bulls side for Currie Cup final

The Blue Bulls have named a formidable side for the Currie Cup final against the Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.

14 of the Starting line-up started against the Chiefs in the Super 14 final earlier this year. Only Akona Ndungane is missing, out with a broken leg. In his place is the highly talented Francois Hougaard, who is a star of the future.

The bench includes sub-sub and World Cup winning Springbok, Danie Rousouw. The unheralded Pedrie Wannenburg is a man with plenty of experience, coupled with some young and exciting players.

The Bulls have the intelligence, experience, pace, power and inspiration of Loftus Versfeld to add yet another title to their impressive list of achievements. Maybe after Saturday there will be no doubt who the best side in South Africa truly is!

Blue Bulls Side

1. Gurthrö Steenkamp
2. Derick Kuün
3. Werner Kruger
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Deon Stegmann
7. Dewald Potgieter
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Jaco Pretorius
14. Francois Hougaard
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Rossouw de Klerk
18. Danie Rousouw
19. Pedrie Wannenburg
20. Heini Adams
21. Burton Francis
22. Gerhard van den Heever

Western Province: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Paul Bosch, Frikkie Welsh, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenage, Luke Watson (captain), Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Andries Bekker, Anton van Zyl, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw
Reserves: Deon Fourie, JC Kritzinger, De Kock Steenkamp, Schalk Burger, Ricky Januarie, Matt To’omua, Sireli Naqelevuki

Blue Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Francois Hougaard, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Victor Matfield (captain), Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp
Reserves: Bandise Maku, Rossouw de Klerk, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, Gerhard van den Heever

Plenty of tension in this semi-final to see who will face the Cheetahs next week. At the toss Victor Matfield almost forgot to shake Luke Watson’s hand. Or was it on purpose?

1st Min – Bakkies Botha is sent to the sin-bin for an elbow to the face at a ruck. It was more at the shoulder. Not sure it warranted a yellow card!

2nd Min – Bulls penalised for the second time.

5th Min – Bulls get a penalty for a high shot from Andries Bekker. When you’re that tall it’s hard to tackle any lower!

Morne Steyn has a kick of 38m and kicks it straight down the middle! Blue Bulls ahead 3-0!

7th Min – Great run by Wynand Olivier. The Province midfield is being targeted. Morne Steyn actually misses with the drop goal! But he has a penalty from in front.

No problem for Steyn. Blue Bulls ahead 6-0 with only 14 men.

10th Min – Penalty to Province for obstructing the kicker. A bit harsh. Province with a chance now.

12th Min- Bakkies Botha re-enters the game. Expect 40 strong minutes from the enforcer!

13th Min – Wicus Blaauw penalised at the scrum for Province. Could be very important in setting the tone of the scrums for the match.

14th Min – Morne Steyn misses  with another drop goal as he knew they had a penalty advantage. Steyn will have a penalty chance however.

Steyn makes no mistake and the Blue Bulls are ahead 9-0. Newlands is often a tough ground to kick at with the difficult wind to cope with and many visiting players have struggled here. It just shows how good Morne Steyn is. He hasn’t looked like missing.

18th Min – Another penalty for the Blue Bulls straight in front. This time for offside at the ruck. That was the result of good Bulls tackling and pressure at the ruck. Steyn makes it 12-0 to the Bulls.

20th Min – Great running by Province. They need to open the game up in my view. A bit loose with their passing, but they need to use their talented runners.

29th Min – Penalty to Western Province. Good pressure at the lineout and the Blue Bulls got it wrong. Stegmann penalised at the breakdown. Pietersen nails the kicks. Blue Bulls 12 Western Province 3.

33rd Min – Bakkies Botha just short, but the Bulls get a 5m scrum. Some great rugby by the Bulls and Dewald Potgieter tackled 2m from the line on the other side of the field. So close. Joe Pietersen and Gio Aplon, 2 small guys have made some vital and courageous tackles.

39th Min – Sustained Province pressure, but resolute defence from the Bulls. Province get the penalty and will have a chance from straight in front. Pietersen narrows the gap and it’s now 12-6.

Halftime Western Province 6 Blue Bulls 12

It’s been a fantastic atmosphere and intensity so far and only desperate defence from both sides and ensured no tries have been scored.

The Bulls have the class and firepower but will need to ensure they make their chances count. Western Province meanwhile will have to chance their arm and rely on someone to produce something special.

47th Min – Bulls applying all the pressure but they can’t crack the Province defence.

Schalk Burger on for Anton van Zyl, and Vermeulen will move into the second row. Interesting move.

50th Min – Habana penalised for a deliberate knock-down. Pietersen kicks it to make it Bulls ahead by 12-9. Geez this is getting close.

55th Min – Bulls starting to play to their strengths. Using the maul, and edging forward. Morne Steyn has a penalty attempt from in front. His kick makes it Blue Bulls 15 Western Province 9

58th Min – Gio Aplon. Where did he come from? He shows great gas to follow up the kick and that is a try! He got past Wynand Olivier expertly to score a try when 3 Bulls looked to have the kick covered.

Pietersen kicks the conversion to put Western Province in the lead 16-15.

C’mon Bulls!

64th Min – Penalty! Yes. Western Province penalised at the scrum and up steps Morne Steyn again.Straight over.

Bulls ahead 18-16.

66th Min – Unbelievable tackle by Schalk Burger on Fourie du Preez, just when the Bulls had momentum. Damn.

The Blue Bulls penalised at the scrum and now Western Province have great field position.

Gerard van den Heever on for Bryan Habana.

68th Min – Now the Blue Bulls are penalised for being offiside. Western Province kick the penalty and move into a 19-18 point lead. This is way too close for my liking!

Danie Rousouw on for Bakkies Botha.

Morne Steyn misses a drop goal. C’mon we just need one to go over!

77th Min – High tackle from Sireli Naqelevuki. Up steps Morne Steyn. Yes! Morne Steyn nails it. What a tough kick.

Blue Bulls 21-19 ahead. 2 to go.

Field position now! And no penalties!

Full time Blue Bulls 21 Western Province 19

That was close! What a great atmosphere and finish to the game. In the end experience and the boot of Morne Steyn won the game for the Blue Bulls.

7 penalties, difficult kicks, under pressure. The man is ice cool and just keeps producing miraculous performances. What a champion.

We now have a final at Loftus between the Blue Bulls and the Free State Cheetahs.

Sharks: Stefan Terblanche (captain), Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Riaan Swanepoel, JP Pietersen, Juan Hernandez, Ruan Pienaar, Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller, Steven Sykes, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira.
Reserves: Craig Burden, Jannie du Plessis, Albert van den Berg, Keegan Daniel, Rory Kockott, Monty Dumond, Andries Strauss.

Free State Cheetahs: Hennie Danniller, Lionel Mapoe, Corne Uys, Meyer Bosman, Danwel Demas, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, JP Joubert, Ashley Johnson, Frans Viljoen, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt (captain), WP Nel, Richardt Strauss, Wian du Preez.
Reserves: Coenie Oosthuizen, Izak van der Westhuizen, Hendro Scholtz, Kabamba Floors, Tewis de Bruyn, Louis Strydom, Fabian Juries

Disappointing crowd for a Semi-final. Is it a sign of the economic times?

2nd Min – The match has started amid great intensity. Almost like  test match. Going to be a great forward battle I suspect.

6th min – Jacques Louis Potgieter kicks an early penalty after the Sharks were offside at the ruck. Cheetahs ahead 3-0.

8th Min – Ashley Johnson dragged down inches short of the line! All started from a turnover inside Cheetahs territory and they spread the ball and ran straight and hard. Brilliant play.

10th Min – Brilliant counter attack from the Sharks. Hernandez almost lost the momentum, but Adi Jcobs ran straight and put Ndungane into space. Ndungane chipped ahead brilliantly and Terblanche adjudged to have scored even though I thought he lost it forward. So close at either end of the ground.

Hernandez misses a tough conversion. Sharks ahead 5-3.

18th Min – Ryan Kankowski offside at the lineout. Mapoe showed serious pace to get away from Pietersen but we go back for the penalty.

Potgieter misses. The score remains 5-3.

21st Min – Another penalty to the Cheetahs. A tough kick once again for Potgieter but these are the sort of kicks that either win or lose you a semi-final. Ndungane tackled and cries out in pain as he goes over on his ankle. Gets the strapping but not sure how long he’ll last.

Potgieter misses again. Same thing happened in their round robin game here.

26th Min – Great build up from the Cheetahs. Potgieter in the pocket but misses the drop kick.

Ndungane goes off and replaced by Monty Dumond.

35th Min – Sharks penalty after Terblanche blew a certain try. Just delayed his pass too long. JP Pietersen made the initial break and the vision and passing skills of John Smit came to the fore. The Sharks don’t use him enough.

Pienaar kicks the penalty against the run of play and the Sharks lead 8-3.

40th Min – Try to Ruan Pienaar. JP Pietersen makes the break and a clinical finish by the Sharks. Why isn’t Pienaar playing flyhalf?

Pienaar converts his own try.

Halftime Sharks 15 Free State Cheetahs 3

The Cheetahs have enjoyed the better of territory and possession, but haven’t been able to convert opportunities into points. The Sharks meanwhile have capitalised on their chances.

I suspect it’s a mountain too tough to climb back from for the Cheetahs, unless they can produce a couple of magic moments. Mapoe is capable, and I’d introduce Fabian Juries too.

43rd Min – The Sharks start the second half well, and Harnandez kicks a drop goal. Sharks ahead 18-3.

45th Min – Cheetahs get a penalty and the Sharks get a warning for repeated infringements. Potgieter kicks an easy one and the Sharks lead is reduced to 18-6.

48th Min – Another penalty for the Cheetahs at the ruck. Ref Marius Jonker didn’t get a number, else the repercussions may have been greater.

Cheetahs kick for the lineout.

52nd Min – The Chetahs go over the line and that’s a try! Marius Jonker almost awarded the scrum without using the TMO. However the right decision was made in the end. It’s now game on!

Potgieter kicks the conversion and the Sharks only lead by 18-13.

Johan Muller goes off and Albert van den Berg enters the game.

56th Min – Cheetahs in at the corner but Marius Jonker rules a foward pass. I thought it was a fair try. The ref is having to make some tough and crucial decisions here.

Now we have a brawl. Awesome. This is the way rugby use to be. A bit of emotion and passion comes into the fray. It’s good to see.

59th Min – Try! Pogieter picks up a stray pass and shows great pace to race all the way for the try. Under the poles.

With the conversion over the Cheetahs now lead 20-18!

62nd Min – Cheetahs lose a vital lineout and the Sharks get a penalty at the ruck. Pienaar converts it and the Sharks are narrowly ahead 21-20. 17 and a half minutes to go.

69th Min – Adi Jcobs through the gap but Brussow makes a vital steal metres from his goal-line. The Cheetahs are camped in their own half here.

75th Min – The Sharks get a penalty and Monty Dumond will attempt the kick from just inside his own half. The kick is wide.

4 Mins to go. The Cheetahs need possession and to get down the other end. A drop kick will do.

78th Min – The Cheetahs get a penalty and kick deep into the Sharks territory. It’s a cracker finish.

80th Min – Potgieter was in the pocket and makes the drop goal! Amazing. Cheetahs ahead 23-21. There’s still time left in this game.

It’s all over!

Full time Cheetahs 23 Sharks 21

What an amazing game. The Cheetahs dominated the first half and couldn’t score. In the second half it was all the Sharks and they couldn’t score.

The Sharks missed 6 drop goal attempts. Potgieter nailed his chance.

Brussow was awesome. He made some great tackles. Ashley Johnson was good with ball in hand, and the Cheetahs stuck to their game plan and just got home. Who will they play in the final?

The Semi finals see the resumption of some of the old rivalries in the South African game.

Natal Sharks vFree State Cheetahs
ABSA Stadium Kings Park, Durban

In recent times the Sharks have tended to struggle against the Free State Cheetahs. They’ll have the benefit of home ground advantage, and a much stronger side on paper. However as has tended to be the case between these 2 sides, it won’t count for much.

The Cheetahs showed in the Super 14, they know how to beat the Sharks, and often spoil their party. This season the Springboks have not had the desired impact on the Sharks that coach John Plumtree would have wanted. Injuries to key personnel haven’t helped in this regard.

However with such a large number of Boks available, this should be no excuse. I believe the problem for the Sharks is two-fold.

Firstly the team selections have not helped. A guy like Adrian Jacobs is fit and ready to go, but has not been given time. The Sharks backline has looked dangerous when he has been on the field, and unfortunately has not when Waylon Murray has been at centre. The loose trio is not settled either.

Secondly, I don’t rate Juan Martin Hernandez. The Sharks have lacked an effective playmaker and someone to dictate their game plan. It’s the same problem that derailed their Super 14 campaign once Ruan Pienaar got injured. I’d have put South Africa’s interests first and played Pienaar at flyhalf.

The Cheetahs have shown the strength of having a game plan that everyone understands. Injuries to key players doesn’t alter their style of play or game plan. They simply need greater consistency.

In key positions, I believe Naka Drotske has erred. The wings have played merry go round, whilst Fabian Juries is in scintillating form he should’ve played every game. He is such a talent and dangerous player, as his try at Loftus showed.

I believe the Cheetahs have the forward pack that can match the Sharks. I’m predicting a tough game, that will hopefully be close. In the end it could come down to the boune of the ball, goal kicking, or the extreme brilliance of 1 or 2 players.

Whilst I expect the Sharks to win, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cheetahs produce a huge upset.

Too close to call. Could go either way.

Western Province v Blue Bulls
Newlands, Cape Town

The traditional North-South grudge match that used to be the biggest game in South Africa.

Province have been playing exceptionally well. However in tight games like these it often comes down to experience, big match players, and guys who have the temperment to deliver under pressure. This is where the Bulls should be too strong.

Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana. Province simply don’t have the same experience or class. They’d need everything to go right for them, and super human performances from Luke Watson and Andries Bekker. I think it’s asking for too much.

If Province fall behind early, it’ll be game over. The Bulls like to get in front, and get their confidence up. Province can’t afford to fall behind by mroe than 7-10 points or it’ll all be over.

Morne Steyn has been my player of the year, and this is where I believe he’ll expose the kicking game of Peter Grant who lacks the accuracy and distance for a modern flyhalf. In Francois Hougaard and Bryan Habana, Steyn will have chasers to reap the dividends of a good kicking game. That’s where the pressure will begin. From there it will only intensify!

A large factor in Provinces’ win over the Bulls in the round robin game was the scrumming of Wicus Blaauw. He was allowed to get away with putting his hand on the ground. As long as the scrum is policed adequately, Province won’t enjoy the same platform they did on that occasion. Just where they could beat the Bulls is hard to find.

Bulls by 15.

Whilst all us Blue Bulls fans will be supporting our boys at Newlands, we can all follow the great example of the Wonderland Nursery school as they show their support by singing the Bulls song!

Week 14 of the Currie Cup 2009 and the semi-finals are confirmed!

It took the last match in the 2009 round robin stage of the Currie Cup to determine exactly who and where the semi-finals will be played between.

Next week we have a Western Province – Bulls clash, and a Sharks – Free State Cheetahs match to look forward to. On form and experience, it looks like it will be a Sharks – Bulls final again in Durban!

Platinum Leopards 24 Blue Bulls 61

The Bulls started off slowly, before finding their rhythm. Whilst it was a convincing win in the end, they Blue Bulls don’t go into the Currie Cup semi-finals with the same momentum and home field advantage we enjoyed in the Super 14. It will be a tougher task, but last year’s disappointment and the return of key players will ensure we give it a good shot.

Griquas 30 Sharks 45

Griquas set the pace in the early stages of the Currie Cup, and started this game well. However they struggled to maintain their intensity and just couldn’t match the class of the Sharks side all over the field.

The Sharks will be sweating on their front row injuries they sustained ahead of the semi-finals next week.

Boland 10 Free State Cheetahs 55

The Free State Cheetahs put in a convincing performance even though they were disrupted bu injuries this week. It ensures they picked up some momentum to give them confidence ahead of their semi-final next week. However two easy games to finish off the round robin stages may not be the ideal preparation.

Golden Lions 27 Western Province 25

The Lions produced the upset of the round when they beat Western Province in a thriller at Ellis Park. Western Province started brilliantly, and were helped greatly by a man of the match performance from Andries Bekker.

However the difference between the good sides and the greta sides is putting teams away when you have them on the ropes. Whilst this Province side is developing well, they lack the expereience, and hard edge needed in the big matches.

What a fantastic year it has been for SA rugby.

The Bulls won the Super 14.

The World Champion Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions, picked up the Nelson Mandela plate, the Freedom cup on the way to decisively winning the Tri-nations and gaining the No. 1 World Ranking.

It’s been a great team effort this year, but in looking at individuals, who has earnt the right to be called South African rugby player of the year when the awards are unveiled in November?

There have been 27 past winners over the 40 year history of the award with such notable names as Naas Botha (4), Gerald Bosch (2), Uli Schmidt (2) Bryan Habana (2), and last years winner Jean de Villiers. Who will join these Springbok legends?

The individuals that stood out for me this year:

Fourie du Preez

There is certainly no better halfback in World Rugby, du Preez has been without peer for several years now. His all round game is brilliant. He has no weaknesses. His pin point kicking, ability to spot a gap and take opportunities has been magnificent, fearless under the highball, and a solid defender too.

Has been at the core of the Springboks and Bulls’ success. If there was ever a weakness, it could be that he was quiet in one or two games, notably the British and Irish Lions series and the Tri-nations encounter against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Victor Matfield

Possibly the World’s smartest player. The brains behind the Bulls and Springboks dominance in the packs. Reads the game brilliantly, and directs play according to his terms.

At lineout time he is the master. He unlocked the best the Northern and Southern Hemisphere had to throw at him this season, testament to his high work ethic.

The try he scored at Newlands after John Smit grubbered through was one of the tries of the year. Extremely agile for a big man, and not afraid of shirking the hard stuff, he made plenty of tackles this year too.

Bakkies Botha

The “enforcer” of the Bulls and Springbok packs. Brings the hard edge to the forward battle, and his presence is most noted when he is not there.

The most consistent season I’ve seen from the big man. His work rate has been tremendous. Always willing to clean out rucks and get involved in the dirty work, but it was the covering tackles he made that showed me the effort he puts in. It’d have been easy not to go the extra yard, but he was always working hard and playing to the best of his ability.

John Smit

Captain Courageous. Had to deal with a new position this year starting off against the British and Irish Lions. Never complains, always happy to be the go to man to carry the ball up. His pace may be down slightly, but he leads the Boks from the front and brings great composure and experience to the Springboks.

His humility and behaviour as one of South Africa’s great role models is a pleasure to watch. He has become the most capped captain in the history of World Rugby which is no mean feat, especially for a country so complex as South Africa.

Bismarck du Plessis

His game has matured immensely. Does the basics of scrumming and lineout throwing exceptionally well. However it is his brute strength at the breakdowns, his ability to act as an extra loose-forward and make steals and this season, remain calm that has seen him produce consistent performances week in and week out.

In the past discipline has been a problem, but my view is that playing with John Smit has helped him massively.

There were other great performers, Heinrich Brussow, Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen, The Beast Mtawarira. Almost the whole side in fact.

My South African rugby player of the year is:

Morné Steyn

What a fantastic season for the Bulls and Springbok flyhalf!

His all round performances have improved markedly, and bear testament to his strong work ethic and extreme humility.

He kicked beautifully for the Bulls, often getting them in the game at crucial stages such as the drop goals against the Crusaders in the semi-final at Loftus. His tactical kicking played a huge role in the Bulls being able to execute their game plan confidently every week.

Whilst he didn’t start against the British and Irish Lions, he produced two match winning performances. In the first test he made a tackle on Lions winger Ugo Monye that kept the Boks in front.

In the second test at Loftus verfeld, in front of his home crowd, he didn’t miss a kick, nailing a conversion from the sideline, and then writing himself into folklore, kicking a  fantastic penalty from inside his own half.

He broke multiple records including kicking 8 penalties and scoring all the points in the 31-19 victory over the All Blacks in Durban. Steyn also earned the distinction of becoming the fastest Springbok player to score 100 test points, remarkably against the British and Irish Lions, All Blacks and Wallabies, including coming off the bench to do so!

It’s been a fairytale season for the Bulls and Springbok flyhalf and he deserves to be recognised for a fantastic year.

The Springboks start off their home season in 2010 with a single test against France, before two test matches against Italy.

The venues are yet to be confirmed, as the 2010 Soccer World Cup has put some major rugby venues off limits.

The Boks will then have a 3 week break before starting their Tri-nations campaign.

The Boks open the tournament by playing the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time since 2001, and then move to Wellington for a second test against the All Blacks. From there they move to Brisbane, a ground that has not been kind for them in recent times, to play the Wallabies.

For the home leg of the Tri-nations, the Boks have made a smart moving in scheduling another 3 consecutive test matches (because they are the only side who has to do this twice, it does disadvantage the Boks) all on the Highveld. The Australasian sides don’t have as good a record, and don’t enjoy playing on the Highveld nearly as much, so it’s a smart move.

First will be the All Blacks at Ellis Park in their first trip their since 2004 (why has it been so long?) before facing the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld and Bloemfontein.

Springboks’ International fixtures for 2010:

Springbok Home Test Matches (venues to be confirmed):

June 12 – South Africa v France, Newlands
June 19 – South Africa v Italy, TBC
June 26 – South Africa v Italy, TBC

2010 Tri-nations schedule:

July 10 – New Zealand v South Africa, Auckland
July 17 – New Zealand v South Africa, Wellington
July 24 – Australia v South Africa, Brisbane
July 31, Australia v New Zealand, Melbourne
August 7 – New Zealand v Australia, Christchurch
August 21, South Africa v New Zealand, Johannesburg
August 28 – South Africa v Australia, Pretoria
September 4 – South Africa v Australia, Bloemfontein
September 11 – Australia v New Zealand, Sydney

Burton Francis is leaving the Bulls and Loftus, to join the Lions at Ellis Park.

The 22 year old Bulls flyhalf, has been granted a release from his contract, and will be leaving Loftus at the beginning of November to move down the road to Ellis Park where he will join up with the Lions.

Francis was the Vodacom Cup Player of the Year in 2008, and is an extremely talented proposition. However being behind Morne Steyn, and possibly Jacques-Louis Potgieter next year is not going to help his rugby. At least at the Lions he will most likely be first choice flyhalf.

Whilst it is sad for us Bulls supporters, as I rated Francis highly, it is a great show of kindness from the Bulls who acted in the best interests of the player. Whilst the Lions don’t have the same experience in the backline as the Bulls, hopefully Francis can be the catalyst for change as the Lions seek to reclaim the glory days of the Mid 90’s.

The Bulls thanked Francis for his contribution over the last four years and wished him all the best for the future.

The Bulls are still served well in the flyhalf position. Aside from Morne Steyn, there will be  Jacques-Louis Potgieter, and have a host of talented youngsters in Francois Brummer, Louis Boshoff, JC Roos and Marnitz Boshoff .

Roos and Louis Boshoff are both still under 19, while Marnitz Boshoff is a former SA Schools flyhalf playing in the national Under 21 competition.

Week 14 of the 2009 Currie Cup and the Cheetahs and Griquas are after the last semi-final spot.

Griquas started the competition so well, but in the end it may come down to 1 log point, or even points differential in the race to see who sneaks into 4th place.

Meanwhile the Sharks and Western Province have a battle too. Who will earn top position on the log? The victor will earn a much easier semi-final and thus a likely home final. It’s a critical reward, and one both sides will be desperate to achieve.

Platinum Leopards v Blue Bulls

A formality for the Bulls whose aims will be to play for the 80, pick up valuable momentum ahead of the semi-final and ensure a smooth re-introduction for Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez.

They have the benefit of the Friday night game and an extra day to prepare for the semi-finals too.

Blue Bulls by 61.

Griquas v Sharks

Depending on the score in Wellington with the Free State Cheetahs, Griquas go into this clash needing 2 log points. The Sharks will be just as desperate and need 5 to try and secure top spot.

The Sharks have gone off the boil the last few weeks, while Griquas are always tough in Kimberly. Whilst my head say’s the Sharks, don’t be surprised to see an upset.

Sharks by 12.

Boland v Free State Cheetahs

Wet conditions will severely dent the Cheetahs chances of earning a bonus point victory. They’ll have to rely on the Sharks winning and then score at least 4 tries in this one. How did they manage to get into semi-final contention after their poor start!

Cheetahs by 27.

Golden Lions v Western Province

Western Province have top spot to play for, and the luxury of knowing exactly what they have to do to secure it. The Lions have stated they are playing this like a final, but if they go behind early, they won’t have anything to play for and may not be as desperate.

Even though the Lions defence has been quite solid, I think Province will still get plenty of tries.

Province by 22.

Week 13 of the Currie Cup 2009 and the form book keeps changing!

With the semi-finals only two weeks away, sides are no doubt looking for settled lineups, and consistent form.

There are still 2 sides battling out the last semi-final position, but it’s the lack of consistency from the top 3 sides that makes this year’s competition hard to predict.

Free State Cheetahs 60 Platinum Leopards 17

The Free State Cheetahs did what they had to on Friday night, thrashing the Platinum Leopards. After going behind early, the Cheetahs replied with 60 unanswered points! This leaves them with faint hopes of still make the semi-finals.

Western Province 50 Boland 7

Western Province now move to the top of the log courtesy of points difference over the Sharks. Luke Watson was in dangerous form, but was aided by a good platform from his tight five. Province will relish the fact they can finish top of the log, and potentially earn a home final too, which will aid their playoff cause enormously.

Blue Bulls 61 Griquas 27

The Bulls will be pleased with putting 61 points past Griquas, however they will not be happy with the 4 tries they conceded. It’s been the story of their season so far, patches of brilliance, but not being able to maintain it for 80 minutes and leaking in too many soft tries. The return of Bryan Habana from his honeymoon made a massive difference, and hopefully his injury sustained towards the end of the game is only minor.

Griquas now need 2 log points against the Sharks next week.

Video highlights of the Blue Bulls v Griquas from Loftus.

Sharks 19 Lions 17

The Sharks would have expected to win this game fairly convincingly. Against a depleted Lions side however they looked anything like log leaders. With so many class individuals, their form over the last 2 weeks has been inconsistent. It poses a few problems for coach John Plumtree ahead of the semi-finals, especially from a selection poit of view.

Week 13 of the 2009 Currie Cup and 3 sides are starting to sweat on the last semi-final spot.

It’s down to the business end of the Currie Cup and 3 sides are vying for the last semi-final spot. They all need to gain valuable log points, whilst hoping their rival sides all slip up somewhere along the line.

Free State Cheetahs v Platinum Leopards

The Cheetahs need a large win to put the pressure on Griquas, and the Lions who are above them on the log. Should be a 5 pointer for the Cheetahs reasonably comfortably.

Cheetahs by 50.

Blue Bulls v Griquas

It’s time for the Blue Bulls to put together an 80 minute performance. They’ve looked good all season, but not for an entire game. The return of Bryan Habana from his honeymoon may be just the spark they’ve been looking for this season.

For Griquas, it’s important they try to get at least 1 bonus point, which may just get them into the semi-finals.

Bulls by 20.

Western Province v Boland

Boland always seem to lift for these local derbies, but they never seem to win. Nothing will change here, and it may be ight initially, but Province should get home easily enough.

Western Province by 30.

Sharks v Golden Lions

For the Lions to make the cut, they have to produce an upset against the Sharks or Western Province a week later. With injuries, and a Sharks side sure to make up for their disappointing effort last week, it will probably be a bridge to far.

Sharks by 17.