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September 16 – Defending champions Blue Bulls are only fifth on the Absa Currie Cup log, but the Xerox Lions will probably have their biggest test of character to date in this Saturday’s match at Loftus.
The Blue Bulls and their Super 14 big brothers Bulls have over the years become renowned for their never-say-die attitude. Their average series of performances in the competition to date will act as great motivation to Derick Kuün’s team. The Blue Bulls have won only five from ten and were lucky to get escape with wins against the Leopards and Griquas.
With sides two to six on the log separated by only eight log points and the Lions only a single point ahead of the Blue Bulls, this match is probably the pick of the weekend – notwithstanding the clash between top dogs Sharks and the Free State Cheetahs in Durban, also on Saturday.
For the Lions to win this encounter, they must prepare for a ferocious onslaught from the home side that has the personnel and the attitude for such a battle.
However, the Lions have shown against a strong Free State pack and later against Western Province that they can withstand the pressure up front and then let the ball do the work.
This is what will be needed to win this match.
It is a near-given that the Blue Bulls will try to keep it tight and will strive to retain possession, because it is from this facet that the Lions are so dangerous. The Blue Bulls will also try to attack Elton Jantjies’ channel to take him out of the game.
The Lions scrummaging has gone from strength to strength, and their defence has improved immeasurably. The game could therefore be decided by the battle up front in the scrums; the competition for and protection of the loose ball; and the grasping of opportunities that present themselves.
It will be tough, but the Lions can win this one – and that will put tremendous pressure on the Blue Bulls to make the play-offs.
A Lions win, with only matches against the Free State away, and the Sharks and the Pumas at home remaining, will put the Lions in a position of strength for the run-in to a semi-finals place.
** The clash between the Sharks who host the Free State Cheetahs should be a humdinger – and the log leaders from Durban will find that their huge advantage on the log could be cut substantially by a side that has been playing some superlative rugby of late.
A scrum of great strength and cohesion, a good halfback pairing in Tewis de Bruyn and the very experienced Louis Strydom, and an aggressive and well-drilled pack will provide a platform from where the Free State Cheetahs can win this game.
Add that the Sharks have not been impressive except in short spurts and have not played for the full 80 minutes in their last three matches, and a win by the visitors is not inconceivable.
Their defence, which was outstanding and probably the foundation for last weekend’s win, has also improved beyond recognition of late. The result could well come down to the kicking of the Sharks’ Patrick Lambie and Strydom where a loss for the Sharks will not be quite as devastating as one for the Free State.
** Western Province will find the Pumas difficult customers in Witbank, despite the many injuries to the Pumas team that could make it a much easier match for WP than it would have been otherwise.
Although the Cape side should win the match they will know that they have been in a fight. A casual attitude against a side that is growing in stature and confidence and has also shown remarkable improvement after the first round could see Anton van Zyl’s team stumble at a stage of the season where every point is like gold.
Western Province, after a good start and then three defeats on the trot were also not impressive except for short surges against the Leopards last weekend. They need that four-try bonus point – something that has been scarce this season – as they strive to hang on to their second place on the log.
** The Leopards have been disappointing, to say the least. Without their best back Jevon Bowles and captain Palm Koch who are both injured one cannot see them surprise Griquas in Kimberley, despite the many injuries hampering the home side for which a win is paramount.
** The Griffons need maximum points from their First Division match against the Border Bulldogs to stay on track for next month’s promotion/relegation games.
It shouldn’t be too difficult a task for Griffons in Welkom against a side that has won only one of its matches to date.
Meanwhile the EP Kings should continue their domination when they travel to Kempton Park for their fixture against the Valke on Friday.
In the other Absa Currie Cup First Division game of the weekend, the SWD Eagles travel to Wellington for their clash against the Boland Cavaliers in George on Friday, where a win will put pressure on the EP Kings in the race to top the log.
Fixtures (home teams first):
Friday:
Premier Division: Griquas v Leopards, 7pm; Pumas v WP, 7.10pm.
First Division: Boland Cavaliers v SWD Eagles, 4.30pm; Valke v EP Kings, 3pm. |
