The Talented Mr Daniel

Let’s start this by addressing the elephant in the room… No it’s not the conclusion drawn in Mendoza as Nick Mallet already summarised a nation’s disappointment. It’s the latest Bok squad and the absence of one Mr Daniel. Ok, this should be a Currie Cup prediction post but with things as close as they are in the domestic battles, the exclusion or inclusion of players plays a massive part in the outcome of our weekly entertainment.

Keegan Daniel is one of the BEST, yes I said that, loose forwards in the country. To put this in context I would like to remind everyone that this skinny little  twig of a man has made more tackles and running meters gained than any other Nr 8 in South Africa and while some might say his style is not suitable for International Duty I’d say this… Isn’t Super Rugby International?

HM should be ashamed. Ok enough about our esteemed coach as unlike some, I am yet to lose my respect for him and his gutsy move to include the likes of Francois Louw, Dwayne Vermeulen and Johan Goosen proves that HM does indeed see the cracks in the wall and rather than smearing it with polyfilla, he’d like to start building..

Yes, Vermeulen and Goosen has barely returned and an end of year tour would be a more suitable platform for inclusion, but there is no deeper end than Australasia and to swim in those waters guarantees continuous Bok selection.  

Back to Currie Cup as this week we have the epic North/South derby and here is how it will play out…

Lions v Griquas

Yes, I didn’t mention the exclusion of Elton Jantjies and believe me I do feel for the Micheal Owen of Springbok Rugby but even though it’s was sad day for the Jantjies family, it’s was happy one for every Lions fan. The strength v strength competition format clearly provides insight as to which team didn’t enjoy more than 20 weeks of 80 minute action. The Griquas has run out of gas in every game this season and I’m afraid to say it will happen again… Lions by 13

Sharks v Cheetahs

The only thing that stood between the Sharks and their Loftus victory was Mr Fouche and please don’t let that score line fool you as the Sharks are still the team to beat. With Keegan back their efforts will only be strengthened and I wouldn’t be surprised if this team goes unbeaten for the remainder of the season. The other team that I will curse with the favourites tag is the Cheetahs but with the loss of Goosen and the injury of Riaan their flyhalf pickings are very slim and with Sias back in the orange jersey… Sharks by 9

Province v Bulls

Province are stuck in the corner and the punches are a flowing and Allister, aai, poor man. The injury ridden Cape Town squad seems to be the go-to excuse this season as empty promises of better performances start to annoy the Newlands faithful. Shout to that mountain all you want it won’t rain tries at Newlands, not this season and especially not when the Bulls are in town. Louis Fouche is the next big thing and with the performance at Loftus the previous week, I struggle to see Province enjoying the Home ground advantage… Bulls by 4

Return of a Shadow

Let’s face it, when it comes to Rugby critique the real judges of the game meet in pubs and around braais with odd-shaped bottles of fermented hops in hand. These are the individuals that keep the beautiful game alive, the people who buy those overpriced test tickets and sponsored franchised merchandise, the people who eat, drink, live and die for this game… All these people have one thing in common, they love Johan Goosen.

Never before has any South African player promised so much by merely doing what he does so naturally. The man can’t be mentioned in the light of Naas Botha or Morne Steyn, because he can score tries. He can’t be mentioned with the likes of Henry Honiball, because tackling brick walls is not where his talent ends, he can’t even be compared to that drop goal by Joel, because Johan has already slotted better. When it comes to the flyhalf discussion the promise of Goosen casts shadows on legends.

This week, the Shadow (as I shall from now on refer to him) returns from the injury he sustained when scoring an astounding single effort try against the Highlanders, lifting the Cheetahs to new heights. If for some unfounded reason you have postponed tuning into Currie Cup 2012 your reason arrives Saturday at 15h00 on the rock hard plains of Kimberley.

Griquas v Cheetahs

An early surge by Griquas provided the home side with a 12 point lead against last year’s semi-finalist but the lead was short-lived as fatigue hit the Griqua defence harder Etzebeth’s hit on Bismarck. The Cheetahs proved that when it comes to games played at home they should never be underestimated and with the well anticipated return of the Chosen One, this momentum should easily be carried to the away games. The Cheetah’s backline is more established and more dangerous than that of their Capetonian counterparts and the second half should ensure for a detailed explanation as to why the Cheetahs should be considered as the most dangerous side in Currie Cup 2012. Cheetahs by 29

Lions v WP

The return of the Springbok rejects sees both sides strengthened and better timing there couldn’t be as both sides can’t afford to go 1 in 3. Even though the Lions lost their Super status, their Defending Champion one still remains and if Province goes to the Jhb CBD in expectation of playing the wounded, a lesson they shall learn. Kolisi and De Jong should have a massive impact on the depleted Province side but seeing as though the Joburg air agrees with Mr Jantjies, I have to say advantage Lions. Lions by 4

Bulls v Sharks

The well oiled machine that is the Sharks’ backline was nervously interrupted by the inclusion of Marius Joubert and if the loss of the free-spirited wing/hooker is taken into account, everyone should agree that only something special will result in a Sharks victory. Seeing as though the most dangerous Bull is the injured one and going back home usually doesn’t result in the licking of wounds but rather pure unadulterated retaliation then you have the game of the weekend. Unfortunately for the Bulls this Sharks side is used to providing something special. Sharks by 2

Doing your best

When all’s said and done, all roads lead to the same end. So it’s not so much which road you take, as how you take it.

Insist upon yourself, be original.

Don’t use a lot where a little will do.

Better slip with foot than tongue.

If you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just.

When you reach the top, keep climbing.

Blue Cheese and Holey Defence

The 2012 rendition of the Currie Cup is quickly developing into a good Roquefort, known by most, not enjoyed by many. For those with a rather educated palate the first week dished up some belters.

Last Friday the Blue Bulls welcomed a new star in young Louis Fouche who single-handily capitalised on the dreadful Griqua discipline. In all fairness to the Kimberley based side, the scoreboard didn’t quite represent their efforts with the difference being the somewhat 5000 penalties conceded. But the result does provide the fans on the other side of the boerewors gordyn with a massive smile as they prepare for the battle against the Cheetahs in week two.

In Johannesburg the Lions came out roaring to a not-so-warm reception beating their fellow felines by a massive 22 points. On the field they seem to have the game last seen in October 2011, their defensive efforts reminiscent of a quality side. It is off the field, in the boardrooms of Ellis Park, where the Lions’ battle was fought and lost leaving much room for speculation. I for one think that the recent decision to drop them from Super Rugby 2013 has more to do with mismanagement of coaching staff and finances than the promise to let the Kings join the party.

The Sharks travelled to fortress Newlands with pockets full of salt for that infected wound. Yes, the mountain men looked ominous for about two seconds, but when composure was required they forgot that the game starts with catching a ball. Their second half comeback was firmly halted by Joe Pietersen’s inability to conjure up that so-called BMT. Slowly but surely the Sharks develop into a side firmly camped in Cape Town’s psyche and my suspicion is that in years to come it won’t be the team but the name that’s feared.

This weekend the tables are turned as home sides go searching for away victories but with the odds being so even in the strength vs strength format, no one can be guaranteed victory.

Cheetahs v Bulls  

With Willie Wepener at centre, the Bulls’ “backline” seems unstoppable and with Frik Kirsten on his outside I predict some hard-hitting action come Friday night. Yes, the Cheetahs are always competitive at home and more so when the competition doesn’t have a Super attached to the front, but the hometown confidence is heavily dented after the loss against the Lions. Needless to say, Super Sarel will be the difference, but only until Louis Fouche makes the Cheetahs say his name. Bulls by 8   

Griquas v Province

The Griquas was very disappointing at Loftus, but they haven’t been the best travellers in history. It’s usually on the diamond fields of Kimberley where the opposition is made to work for every phase. However, this week they are forced to move Brummer to full back as Le Roux sits out and the injury of JP Nel will definitely affect the hard running backs. Province needs this victory more than any other in the last two months and a double loss will bring their campaign to a standstill. Catrakillis is back and this boy can play and even though Pietersen has a little niggle, the Province backline should have enough gas to beat the Northern Cape side. Province by 10

Sharks v Lions

The hammer sounded on Wednesday and it’s now time to see if the Lions have anything left to give to this great game. I don’t believe they are as bad as the media states and last weekend’s efforts against the Cheetahs clearly prove this. Unfortunately, the Sharks welcome back Ludik, Mcleod and Bresler. The three Super Rugby stars should add to the spark that is running rugby and I suspect the holes in the Lions’ defence will surface once again. Sharks by 13      

Currie Cup 2012 – Explosive and Unpredictable

Somewhere between the hype of the London Olympics, the build up to the all new Rugby Championship and KP’s much-to-say-about-nothing episode, planet rugby’s oldest and most competitive domestic competition commenced with an unusual quietness. On the park though, in front of miniature crowds who braved the icy weather the competition was fierce, explosive and lived up to its glorified reputation of warriors spilling their guts on blood stained grass.

It was in all fairness, South Africas B-Class on display this weekend. Take off your hats. There was absolutely nothing second hand about any of the teams’ performance. Even a soaked Newlands pitch could not deter the hunger to flaunt it. Griquas and the Cheetahs will convince you that the scoreboard were not a true reflection of their respective losses. They’d be 100% correct. Teams were willing to spread the ball wide and entertain, but the hard yards and uncompromising collisions were also embraced.Indeed, above and beyond your horrible match predictions there are much to look forward to during this season’s comp.

The defending champions have set the tone with a tenacious performance against the always rampant Cheetahs. It may seem though that the Lions will once more take full advantage of a star stripped tournament. They have even tweaked some areas where they might have seemed a tad vulnerable in the past. Living off crumbs, a superior defensive effort and clever tactical kicking saw the champions prevail with a rather satisfactory bonus point win; the only team to have accomplished this after the weekend’s play.

Western Province came two points short against a gutsy Shark attack. Allister Coetzee promised to also tweak some apparent grey areas, but unlike the visible improvement from Ackermans’ men, Province folk were once again left with a bitter pill of reality to swallow. The cracks in the Cape side’s armour are larger than those from the walls of their 124 year old stadium. With a delusional coach and office bearers that runs a multimillion rugby franchise like a local municipality, the Newlands funeral might just be prolonged. Deep soul searching and a drawing board or two are required.

No other team are more restructured and disabled by internationals than the Bulls. Their legends are gone and the first team are on Bok duty together with the coaching staff. However, the franchise still boasts a fantastic development structure and it is paying dividends. Louis Fouche is a great example of what can be reaped if you sign every able bodied young player with two legs and a rugby ball. The Bulls had to dig deep after trailing 13-9 at the break, but Fouche strutted his stuff like an old school pimp and scored 25 of his teams 35 points. The young Bulls are serious contenders.

Griquas and the Cheetahs will be a different kettle of fish at their respective home grounds, as always. The imminent return of Johan Goosen will elevate the Cheetahs campaign; an unavoidable fact that cannot be denied. The rejuvenated Griquas squad looks exciting and well balanced. It will be extremely disappointing if they do not live up to expectations. Everybody, except their opponents enjoy watching a Griquas team on song, especially in Kimberley.

The Currie Cup is alive and the playing field is even, yet volatile. The competition remains as strong as its fearless warriors that will contest it.
Applause to those of you who scored a perfect in this weekend’s Currie Cup predictions. With only three matches to pick from, results could potentially leave you feeling utterly useless. Men don’t like to feel inadequate and for this one, there is no blue pill to remedy. Yes couch pundits, three strikes and you’re out. No David vs Goliath match ups to help with the breathing.