Cup a proving ground for future stars

There is something mystical about the day of the Currie Cup final, which has gripped the country for decades and created brief division between the closest of family and friends, and it becomes difficult to stay impartial.

The electric atmosphere and tension greatly add to the vibe, especially for the select few who get to attend the showpiece of the local rugby calendar.

Several Springbok players over the last few weeks have spoken about the importance of treasuring this competition, and not allowing it to become watered down, after it was feared this was going to happen this year when the format was shortened to just six matches and no double-round scenario.

Players such as flyhalf Elton Jantjies, fullback Dillyn Leyds and wing Sbu Nkosi recently underlined how they still loved to be involved in the domestic competition, even though the participation of Bok players in the Currie Cup had been minimised due to a saturated programme and managing players for big Test matches.

It remains a fantastic breeding ground for future stars and the next step up from the Varsity Cup or national Under-21 competitions.

Just look at some of the names who excelled this year: Province had scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, centre Ruhan Nel and lock JD Schickerling, while the Sharks had fullback Apehele Fassi, centre Jeremy Ward and lock Tyler Paul.

The Bulls gave more experience to players like flyhalf Manie Libbok, flank Ruan Steenkamp and lock Hendre Stassen, while the Golden Lions introduced wing Wandisile Simelane, flank James Venter and flyhalf Shaun Reynolds.

These are players who could take big steps in Super Rugby next year, and maybe even at higher levels like the national team, but if they did not get proper exposure in the Currie Cup, their real potential might never have been unearthed.

As the hosts of tomorrow’s final against the Sharks at Newlands, Province will go into this potential thriller as the favourites, as home teams normally do.

And while home sides have won seven of the last 10 finals, the three times it did not happen all involved finals between the Sharks and Province.

In 2012, 2013 and again last year, the home teams lost, with Province winning in Durban in 2012 , the Sharks in Cape Town in 2013, and Province again in Durban last season.