Tightheads & Loose Balls

● Tightheads was part of the triumphant media team at the Steyn City Golf Challenge last weekend. The event is not without a few verbal jabs and the banter is always lively. In one of the quips of the day a member of the rugby team — that included Breyton Paulse, Naas Botha and Danie Gerber — told the cricket team not to be so scared of the trophy. Someone else remarked that cricketers view trophies the way vampires see crosses.

● Tightheads noted that Cheslin Kolbe was set to become Springbok #911 when the team was named on Thursday. Making his debut a few days before 9/11 may have been a bad omen for some, but thankfully we also know Kolbe as a player who can race out of trouble like a 911.

● Damian Willemse’s Instagram account was lit this week. The utility back had taken in the sights and sounds of Brisbane and he had Embrose Papier along for company. The pair seemed close, which is a good thing as they are likely to partner each other in the not too distant future.

● Congratulations to Saracens, who became the first professional rugby club to open a school this week. In a South African context the Sharks, of course, could have a school, but as for the Bulls, the closest they’ll come is to the School of Hard Knocks.