Trans-Jukskei derby has ingredients to enthrall
ANYONE loitering with intent around the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow had better do themselves a favour and pop their head in at about 3pm for the second SuperSport Rugby Challenge game of that festival.
At that time, the trans-Jukskei derby between the Vodacom Blue Bulls and the Xerox Golden Lions will play out its umpteenth instalment in the unfamiliar surroundings of Bosmont in a game that is critical for more than just one reason.
On the one hand both sides are in a dogfight for the automatic second qualifying spot for the Rugby Challenge playoffs (the Bulls are on 26 points and the Lions 23), what with the iCollege Pumas – who play the Hino Valke in the 1pm game – having already secured the top spot courtesy of winning all of their games going into the final fixtures of the roundrobin stages.
On the other hand the two sides come packed with Super Rugby talent – the Bulls boasting 20 players in their squad of 22 with experience in that competition and the Lions 17 – as the franchises prepare for their return to the southern hemisphere’s premier domestic tournament.
Long story short, if you’re at a loose end in that area tomorrow turn up to basically watch a Super Rugby fixture for free. (Rugby Challenge festival tickets are free of charge).
A sign of what is in store was Blue Bulls coach David Manuel’s response at hearing about the kind of heat the Lions were packing in their side: “Flippin’ hell, I’ve just seen their team and they’re bringing in the big guns – it’s going to be an interesting challenge.”
Just to give a glimpse of the players on show, the Bulls will have Pierre Schoeman, Jaco Visagie, Jannes Kirsten, Jason Jenkins, Marco van Staden, Thembelani Bholi, Hanro Liebenberg, Andre Warner, Manie Libbok, Burger Odendaal, Jamba Ulengo, Johnny Kotze and Divan Rossouw in their starting line-up.
The highlights in the Lions’ team are the long awaited returns from injury of Malcolm Marx and skipper Warren Whiteley.
While he may have more experience and talent at his disposal, Manuel still has his concerns: “I think the important thing for us is to connect the guys who have not played SuperSport Rugby Challenge to the SuperSport Rugby Challenge vision. They must understand how much this means to the guys who are not playing as a result of their presence in the team.
“While this might be a warm-up game for them, it’s a must-win game for Rugby Challenge guys like Boom Prinsloo, Abongile Nonkontwana and a lot of other guys who have worked hard to get the team to this point in the competition.”
Manuel said he was also worried about combinations between the Super Rugby superstars and his Rugby Challenge players but was encouraged by the fact that the Lions would have similar issues. He did say both sides wouldn’t be lacking for motivation, though.
The other game in that festival will be the Pumas up against the Valke in a game that should be a foregone conclusion for the former regardless of the latter’s newfound grit.
Elsewhere, a Super Rugby player bolstered Cell C Sharks XV will be up against the Toyota Free State XV; and Tafel Lager Griquas face Down Touch Griffons; and SWD Eagles meet Western Province. — DDC