The Currie Cup Heats Up

Sorry abut the delay and long break, but writer block, lack of motivation, whatever you want to call it has been a major problem for me. I was looking for inspiration to write and then it happened. Although not in the way that one would want.

A good friend, work, college, and fanatical sports fan passed away this past week. Husband, father and friend! If there was one flaw that Rob Kruger did have it was that he was the biggest Lions fan that I have ever known.

Last night while all Sharks fans were rooting for Transvaal to beat WP, I somehow just knew that the Lions would pull it off. Call it a great team performance or just Rob throwing his weight around up in heaven it was a fantastic result for all die hard Lions supporters. Rob, my friend, thank you.

So the Currie Cup is at its final stages and four very strong and worthy teams are readying themselves for next Saturday. In the first semi-final, The Sharks take on the Cheetahs at Kings Park. Many would feel that the Sharks with their Springboks should be clear favorite to make the finals, but as all locals know Free State always seems to have the better of the Sharks. It is going to be a cracking game.

Will the Sharks tight five be able to dominate the Cheetahs pack and hence neutralize the loose forwards of Free State? The backs are pretty much even with pace to burn on the wings, however, Pienaar and Hernandez as the 9/10 link might be the ultimate factor and the three quarter domination.

But do watch out for the delay counter-attack of the Cheetahs.

The mighty Blue Bulls travel to Newlands to face Western Provincein the “Old Firm Derby.” On paper the Bulls should smash Province with a better pack and backline also star studded with Springboks.

But if there is one thing that always plays a huge factor, are the partisan Western Province fans and of course the Cape weather. The forecast for Saturday is 26, with South Westerly winds, but no rain. But we all know how quickly the weather changes in the Mother City.

The lock pairing of Botha and Mattfield will be a deciding factor in the lineouts however I feel that the loose forwards battle will be a very interesting one and very evenly matched. Again the 9/10 option for Du Preez and Steyn should de too strong for Province.

If I were a betting man I would predict a repeat of last years final again at Kings Park but as we all know in sport it all comes down to the day.

In the First Division SWD Eagles will travel to Witbank to take on the high flying Pumas in the Final on Friday night. The Puma are clear favorites to take the Cup. Although SWD have a formidable pack and a very strong 9/10 and 12 they will come up against an extremely strong defense of the Pumas. Do yourselves all a favor watch the game on Friday night; it is going to be a cracker.

Kick off Times for the Weekend:

• 16 October 2009            Pumas Vs Eagles          19H00   Witbank
• 17 October 2009            Sharks Vs Cheetahs      14H30   Durban
• 17 October 2009            WP Vs Blue Bulls          17H00   Cape Town

Until next week, take care and enjoy the rugby.

OneTime

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