Britz on the brink
23 Jun 2006
The Absa Currie Cup kicks-off this evening, but the usual fanfare that accompanies such an event has been dimmed.
The biggest news this week is the career-threatening neck injury sustained by Schalk Burger, while the showdown between the Springboks and France has been at the forefront of rugby chat for days.
But the Currie Cup, without it’s Springboks, continues regardless, with the most anticipated clash undoubtedly the Sharks v Lions in Durban.
That match marks a major milestone for hard-working Sharks flank Warren Britz – it will be his 50th appearance in the competition.
“I’m actually quite chuffed it’s in a big game against the Lions and also that it is being played at King’s Park,†Britz told keo.co.za.
Britz almost achieved the goal last year, but concussion ruled him out of the Sharks final round-robin match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. They lost that game 17-3, but tonight they are firm favourites to get off to a winning start.
“The Lions are always a physical team and they have some quality players. And they will be especially dangerous after the bad run by the Cats in the Super 14. We are taking nothing for granted.â€
Britz feels the fact that the Sharks did not have a warm-up match will actually count in their favour later on in the match. “The first 10 to 15 minutes we are sure to be a bit rusty, but as the game goes on we will get stronger. The rest has done us wonders.â€
The other matches this evening see the Pumas host Western Province, while the Falcons travel to Loftus Versfeld to play the Bulls. On Saturday the defending champion Cheetahs meet Griquas in the central derby in Bloemfontein.
By Andrew Hollely
13 Comments
23 Jun 2006, 06:23 am
first! i forgot about the curry cup! i guess rugby is becoming like cricket in that domestic competitions are not that important any more. The top players spend most of the season playing international rugby, whilst domestic competitions are filled with future stars, past stars, and players that never were, or ever will be stars.
perhaps it is not so bad.
23 Jun 2006, 06:32 am
Just missed No.1. What a way to start the day.
Go the Sharks
23 Jun 2006, 06:41 am
Lol, its all down hill for you iceT!
23 Jun 2006, 07:28 am
GO SHARKS, DOWN WITH PROVINCE !!!
I reckon it will be a Bulls vs Sharks final again. Only this time the Sharks are looking good for an upset. We just have to get past Cheetahs cause they’ve been upsetting us and Province for a few years now…
23 Jun 2006, 08:31 am
Sharks pack is pretty solid looking, the back line will improve as the u21 / Boks return (discards.
Good Luck to Brits who has been a stalwart.
23 Jun 2006, 09:17 am
SharkBait1, Lol what do you mean, Bulls Sharks final, Again? when last did that happen?
23 Jun 2006, 09:31 am
BLOU MASJIEN
23 Jun 2006, 09:37 am
Bluecap 1990 I think. LOL
23 Jun 2006, 09:39 am
Ok, Enough Guppy talk, lets turn this into a Monster Bulls thread, far more interesting, Lol.
23 Jun 2006, 10:10 am
The last Blue Bulls vs Sharks Final was in 2003…you guys obviously suffer from alzheimers…
23 Jun 2006, 10:30 am
Walter, exactly, so you can’t say again when it was 3 years ago, lol. What were we talking about? this altzeimers is great, you meet nu friends every day.
23 Jun 2006, 10:34 am
Well, perhaps it’s just the sharky that’s got it then, 1990 and 2003 are a bit far apart…
24 Jun 2006, 02:39 am
Wobs.
I still haven’t forgiven yuo for calling me Puss in Booys when we were kids!
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