As the Absa Currie Cup semis are drawing closer it is with great interest that I follow any breaking story about the Blue Bulls, Sharks, Western Province and Cheetahs. I read all the newspapers, search online for rugby news snippets and visit all the role players’ websites, just to find that extra little bit of information.
As a self proclaimed Blue Bulls supporter, I am amazed to find the overall rugby supporters and press favors the Bulls and Sharks as favorites for this weekend clashes. I am not.
Yes, the Sharks is playing at home against the Cheetahs and yes on paper the Sharks looks much stronger than the Cheetahs but the game is not played on paper. The Cheetahs made on woeful start to their campaign but rectified it with some superb performances. The Sharks have great Springboks in their line up and with John Smit as captain they will be hard to beat but in one match, 80 minutes a lot can happen. Don’t forget the Cheetahs have had some great success against the Sharks in the not so distant past. It is just to close to call.
The Blue Bulls as favorites? Forgive me, but I am a worried man. The Blue Bulls did win the 2009 Super 14 trophy yes, and they do have some awesome players in Matfied, Bakkies en Steyn and probably the best rugby player in the world – Fourie Du Preez. What makes me uneasy about the team is that we haven’t seen them fire on all cylinders since the Super 14.
The Western Province on the other hand finished second on the Currie Cup log, is playing (as Div would describe) total rugby. They have a great tight five, their lose trio is so strong they are benching Schalk Burger. And then there is Luke Watson as captain. Never a big fan of Watson but I am sure he is to the Western Province what Smit is to the Sharks and Boks.
Bulls favorites? Sharks Favorites? Not in my book.
