Gold at Last for South Africa

Was is it not just bliss watching Currie Cup rugby this weekend!

On Friday night Eugene Eloff’s charges put the Valke to the sword with an 83-14 thumping. The young Lions were brilliant and although they went down early in the game, it would be the last time that that they would be down. The Lions ran in 13 tries, with Varsity Old Boy Doppies Le Grange scoring two tries even after moving from centre to scrum half.

This is a team with momentum and with a strong pack of forwards and dynamic backs. They have however had a major setback with the loss of star lock Gerhard Morstert after he dislocated his shoulder and will miss the rest of the season.

Western Problems, sorry, Province ran out convincing winner over the Free State Cheetahs, with a 35-17 victory in Bloemfontein. Even though the game was marred with a red carding of Schalk Burger after a second yellow card offence, Province were just too good. He will miss out of Province’s next game.

The Springboks had a huge impact on the WP side and they now look like a team capable of winning a Currie Cup. But they still have lots of ground to catch up. Free State looked like a provincial team with no internationals and were out played in the second half. It seems that the Springboks coming back into the fold will make a big difference and I think will determine who will win the Currie Cup.

A hat-trick from winger Bjorn Basson helped Griquas to a 48-22 victory over Boland in Kimberly. It is sad that Boland might go down to the first division next year, but in the same tone it will be great to see the Leopards or SWD coming up to the Currie Cup. The leopards and SWD played in an epic battle at Outeniqua Parkon Saturday.

SWD captain Hannes Franklin scored the winning try in the dying minutes of the game to pip the Leopards 35-34. The Leopards are still top of the log with a 10 point lead over South Western Districts.

What can’t Keegan Daniels do? He has the record for the fastest try in Super 14 history, all of just 18 seconds against the run of play according to Murray Mexted. He also through a moment of individual genius or luck depending on which side of the fence you sit, score a bonus point try against the Blue Bulls for the second time this year.

With 19 minutes to go and the Bulls scoring their fourth try, I though tickets. But the urgency and determination showed by the Sharks proved just too much for the Bulls. Whether the Sharks had lost, it would have made no difference it was the greatest game of rugby I have seen this year. Kudos to both teams, you guys made me proud and also remember why I love South African rugby.

Wynand “THE HAIR” Olivier made the first try for the Bulls. Judging by the way he ran over Francois Steyn, I think Steyn was in awe of Wynand’s hair and forgot to tackle him. The Sharks struck back with a try by Odwa Ndungane.

Wynand scored two tries and Victor Mattfield scored the other. For the Sharks JP Peterson, Stephan Terblanche and of course Keegan Daniels. Ruan Pienaar got man of the match in a game that he totally outplayed the Bok first choice Fourie Du Preez. He also kicked four conversions and two penalties.

Morne Steyn on the other hand kicked the bucket, the grass, the dog even the cat, but for the life of him had a mare. Getting only a conversion and a penalty, missing out on 12 points.

In a move that has got the South African rugby administrators hot under the collar the ARU have said that they will now allow none Australians to play in their Super 14 teams, due to the lack of depth in Australia. Their scouts were at Craven week this year and don’t be surprised if we lose our young talented boys to the Aussie Dollar down under.

Bismarck Du Plessis has already been approached by the Western Force, but the Sharks have told them to go and fly a kite. Bismarck in contracted until December 2009.

I would also like to wish Jonathan Kaplan the best of luck on Saturday when he will equal the world record for the most test matches reffed. He will equal the 46 match record of Paul Honnis on Saturday when he runs on at Brisbaneto take control of the Tri-Nations decider between the All Blacks and the Wallabies.

He will have the opportunity of braking the record in November when to referees the Wales NZ test in Cardiff. Well done Jonathan, we are proud of you!

Serena Williams become the worlds leading ladies tennis player earlier this morning when she won her third US Open tennis title. She beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4 and 7-5.

Rodger Federer will be playing in his fifth consecutive US final. If he win he will equal Pistol Pete’s record of 14 men’s grand slam titles. However he won’t be playing Rafael Nadal but Scotland’s Andy Murray.

Yes Sky news are already saying that Andy will be the first male Britton to win a grand slam since 1936, when Fred Perry won the US Open. He dispatched of Nadal 6-2, 7-6, 4-6, and 6-4. My money is on the South African born Swiss master, but then again I do have Scottish heritage, just hope the game is a cracker.

Spa Francorchamps lived up to be a wonderful race, only to be spoilt by a steward’s decision to have Lewis Hamilton’s victory overturned. In an overtaking maneuver Hamilton went in to quick on the corner and had to go across the corner to avoid a collision with Kimi Raikkonen. He moved in front of Kimi but then backed off as he would have gained a place illegally.

However instead of moving off the racing line he allowed Kimi go ahead only for him to over take to move into first position. Kimi tried to come back, but with the rain coming down he put a wheel onto the white line and smashed in the wall.

Lewis came in 14 seconds ahead of now second place Felipe Massa and who was nine seconds ahead of Nick Heidfeld. However three hours later the steward gave Hamilton a 25 second time penalty which moved him down to third and only two points ahead of Massa.

McLaren will appeal and a decision is expected tomorrow afternoon. Ferrari are still 10 points ahead of McLaren with five races left. The next on being the fastest circuit of the year in Monza.

On a sadder note in Formula One last week saw the passing of America's only F1 champion. Phil Hill died at the ripe old age of 85. He won his title in 1961 driving for Ferrari. Of the eight races, yes that is correct eight, he won two, got second twice and third twice. He also had five pole positions in a row. May you rest in peace Mr. Hill!

Bafana Bafana got knocked out of the African Nations Cup for 2010. Good thing we are hosting the World Cup as we would have been out of that as well. South Africa lost 1-0 to the Super Eagles (Nigeria) in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The All Blacks have also qualified for 2010 this weekend by beating New Caledonia 3-1. Not sure if they do the Haka before a game but that could be fun. England, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Germany, Egypt, and Brazil all won their qualifying games. France, however, lost 3-1 to Belgium.

Oh yes how could I forget! The Paralympics have started and you won’t believe it, we South Africa have already won four gold medals and one bronze. Natalie Du Toit has got two for swimming including two world records. Charl Bouwer won gold in the 400m freestyle also a world record and Phillipa Johnston won gold for dressage in the Equestrian discipline. Go Ama Crokka Crokka Go!

Until next time, take care, stay save and keep fit.

Cheers

Onetime

Think beyond the horizon and you will find success!