SO WHOSE CURRIE IS HOTTEST?:
Why the Sharks will win . . . . . . . . . . . . Why Western Province will win . . . . . A final full of spice. That is what is on the menu for South African rugby fans in Durban today when the Sharks and Western Province square off in the Currie Cup final
1 We have more Du Preezs than you: 4-1, not bad. Seriously, watch out for huge games from the twins, Dan and Jean-Luc. The man monsters are two thirds of a well-balanced loose trio (with athletic Keegan Daniel) that is tasked with winning the gain-line battle. The burly brothers will look to shut down Province at source while providing an impenetrable wall on defence, not to mention initiating momentum with their powerful ball carries.
2. The Bosch factor: Older readers will recall the legendary Gerald Bosch, a star of the victorious series against the All Blacks in 1976. The Sharks boast a Bosch of a more recent vintage and of possibly the same, if not better, ability. Curwin, despite his tender years, has been a calming influence for the Sharks at flyhalf, running the game smoothly and seldom missing kicks at goal, while his kicking out of hand has been mostly pin point. Dare we mention his brilliant drop goal kicking ability ...?
3. The Shark Tank: It is true home ground advantage held little weight three weeks ago when WP won in Durban but there were only about 15 000 diehards at that game. Many were already saving their money for the final, never mind the semi last week! The 55 000-seater stadium will be close to bursting point today and the vast majority of patrons will be in black and white. The distance between Cape Town and Durban generally precludes travel for most WP fans.
4. A fairytale for Odwa: Province were the party poopers in the official Odwa Ndungane tribute match but perhaps fate has had it in store that the Sharks legend gets a dream send-off today. As fortune has decreed, the 36-year-old is starting the match in his well-worn No 14 jersey instead of playing off the bench (the original plan a few weeks ago). Sbu Nkosi was injured in the semifinal against the Bulls, opening the door for the revered veteran to start his 251st – and final – match for the Sharks. 5 Don’t bet against the bookies: When it comes to predicting results in sport, most of us go with our hearts rather than our heads. That is not the case when you are running a betting agency. Cool, unbiased heads are responsible for setting the odds. Local bookies, BET.co.za, have predicted a narrow victory for the home side, offering odds of 11/20 on a Sharks victory. WP can be backed at 31/20, while a draw is available at 25/1.
1 That loose trio: The Sharks might boast brute force in their back row of the Du Preez twins and Keegan Daniel, but Province’s loose forward personnel is certainly one to watch. Not only can they contribute to the physical battle (as seen last week), but the quickness of No 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe can put the likes of Curwin Bosch under good pressure, while his skillset speaks for itself. Don’t forget about Nizaam Carr – a man on a mission.
2. Wilco Louw: The Sharks’ set-piece strengths need no explaining, but with a tighthead like Wilco Louw, Province have a strong counter to whatever the hosts produce at scrum time. At WP’s team announcement on Thursday, coach John Dobson said the plan is to play Louw deep into the game. And if you look at the kind of shows he has produced at the scrum, it’s not hard to see why the WP coach wants to go with Louw for as long as he can. 3.With a backline like that: Dillyn Leyds, Ruhan Nel, Huw Jones, Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla…with players like these, how can we not expect Province to hurt the Sharks? I’m sure the visitors will do their thing against the Sharks so well that Kobus van Wyk will wish he never left the Cape only to be on the receiving end of what Province’s backline will dish up in the Shark Tank. Willemse’s feet, Senatla’s pace, Nel’s Sevens flair, Jones’ general attacking ability and Leyds’ know-how …can anyone expect a better backline spectacle than this? 4. Robert du Preez’s family
fuel: Robert du Preez has made it a habit of performing well against his father’s team. As Dobson says – he doesn’t know what goes on in the Du Preez WhatsApp group (yes, apparently there is one) – but I’m sure the Durban Du Preezs will be sharing top-notch motivational chain messages with everybody but their bro in Cape Town. I doubt he needs it anyway – I’m sure a repeat of what he did when they met should be enough to fuel another strong performance.
5. Curb Curwin: Curwin Yes, Bosch’s boot is a most dangerous threat – he can slot penalties and drop-goals from anywhere. Maybe WP need to rattle him a bit … run hard at his channel so he has no option but to attempt a tackle (we all know that isn’t his favourite pastime). Also, WP should close down his space and hit him hard. If they manage that, he might shift focus from the drop goal to getting the ball away as quickly as he can. Voila.