Surf and turf for final
10 Oct 2008
The Sharks and Bulls will contest the final of the Absa Currie Cup.
And rightfully so. They’ve been the two most impressive and consistent teams in the tournament. The quality of their squads outshines that of the Lions and Cheetahs respectively and home ground advantage will be massive.
Keo.co.za previews this weekend’s semi-finals.
Sharks v Lions, Saturday 14:30pm, Durban
Much has been made of the Sharks’ 2007 semi-final defeat to the Lions and how that, and 12 years worth of stumbling in semi-finals and finals, will effect them psychologically once more on Saturday.
The reality is that history won’t be a factor as the Sharks’ outstanding squad (they boast 15 Springboks in their match 22, eight of them World Cup winners) and efficient attacking and defensive structures means they’ll be too good for the Lions.
The Joburg boys will base their approach around territory, set phase and breakdown dominance. A fortnight ago when these teams met at Ellis Park that approach proved unsuccessful (the Sharks won 34-20) and they will fail again if they attempt to replicate it.
There will be parity at the set phases, but even with the inclusion of Louis Strydom at flyhalf, the Lions don’t possess a tactical kicker to trouble the Sharks consistently. In addition, if openside flank Cobus Grobbelaar can be nullified in the manner he was at Ellis Park, the Lions stated plans to thwart the Sharks at the breakdown will fall flat.
The Sharks are brimful of quality in their backline, with their 9 and 10 axis and midfield combinations showing outstanding form in recent weeks. In addition, JP Pietersen is showing signs of rediscovering the form that made him so dangerous in 2007. They’ll exploit a Lions defensive line who have leaked 36 tries (the most of the semi-finalists) and special attention will no doubt be reserved for Lions fullback Earl Rose, who is bound to field his share of bombs.
The Sharks’ star-studded bench will ensure that their challenge is carried over 80 minutes and all this amounts to a relatively comfortable victory for the hosts.
Sharks by 12
Sharks- 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (c), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 John Smit, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Albert van den Berg/Nikolai Blignaut, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Bradley Barritt, 22 Waylon Murray.
Lions –15 Earl Rose, 14 Louis Ludik, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Trompie Nontshinga, 10 Louis Strydom, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Justin Wheeler, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (c), 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Subs: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Lawrence Sephaka, 18 Jannes Labuschagne, 19 Wilhelm Koch, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Michael Killian, 22 Jaco van Schalkwyk.
Blue Bulls v Cheetahs, Saturday 17:00pm, Pretoria
The Bulls were clinical in the first half of their last match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein three weeks ago, leading 23-0 at the break before taking their foot off the gas. And despite not scoring thereafter, their outstanding defensive structure blunted wave after wave of attack with consummate ease.
Gone are the days of the Bulls being a one-dimensional team, over-reliant on their forwards to pummel the opposition into submission. They’ve evolved into a well balanced unit. This can be seen in effectiveness of their attacking play, which has yielded them the most tries in the tournament.
The Cheetahs, by contrast, have been the least prolific of the semi-finalists in terms of tries scored, but are the tournament’s best defensively. The Bulls will have to be inventive and patient if they hope to breach their line. This will necessitate clinical phase play – something which the Bulls are well versed in – before Fourie du Preez, Morné Steyn and the impressive Wynand Olivier look to create opportunities for their outside backs.
Expect Victor Matfield to trouble the Cheetahs at the lineouts, but the scrums should be evenly contested. The other key facet of play will be the breakdown, where Deon Stegmann and Heinrich Brüssow will be engaged in an almighty battle for the ascendancy. The winner of that duel will give their team a significant advantage both on attack and defence.
And while the collective effort will be emphasised by both camps the Bulls possess a proven match winner in Bryan Habana. Much has been made of his indifferent form of late, but the winger is renowned as a big game player. If those on his inside can create space and opportunities for him, he has the ability to single-handedly win this match.
Bulls by 10
Blue Bulls – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 John Mametsa, 13 Marius Delport, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Derick Kuün, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Juandré Kruger, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Tiger Mangweni.
Cheetahs – 15 Bevin Fortuin, 14 JW Jonker, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 David de Villiers, 3 Kobus Calldo, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Subs: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Nico Breedt, 19 Hendro Scholtz, 20 Jandre Blom, 21 Hennie Daniller, 22 Kabamba Floors.
100 Comments
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10 Oct 2008, 11:19 am
And looking for some old 2007 S14 pre final write ups (which really hurt me to look through)… the ones I could find all stated the Bulls as favourites
10 Oct 2008, 11:20 am
#49 Cheetah 4 Eva:
On the udder hand Darren..the Bulls showed they can take the game away from the Cheetahs in less than 20 minutes…
10 Oct 2008, 11:27 am
#50 Shark182:
Just explain to me then, how can you finish top of the log, beat the Bulls earlier in the competetion, and have home advantage and NOT be the favourite?
What made the Bulls the favourite then?
I also believe this will be the year of the Sharks, and if you take it, you certainly deserve it. If the Bulls cant make it, I want no-one else but the Sharks to win. You guys have been playing good rugga for a few years now, time to get some silverware to show for it.
A Sharks/Bulls final will be a cracker…but we still have to get past the Cheetahs and that wont be easy.
10 Oct 2008, 11:29 am
#51 Shark182: Just remember that it doesn’t mean that when a journo puts a favourite tag on a team, that that team is realy the favourite. Bottom line: Sharks and Bulls have home ground advantage, Ended at the top of the Log, have more quality players, and should therefore be favourites. So was the Sharks of 2007.
10 Oct 2008, 11:29 am
Good luck to our Sharks for tomorrow. GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10 Oct 2008, 11:37 am
#53 Supa Die Bloubul:
Yea, certainly looking at it like that, it would look like the sharks had the edge, But I do remember at the time, most of the press gave it to the Bulls, and I certainly didn’t go to the game feeling confident… Optimistic maybe, but not confident.
It’s been a fantastic CC so far, with all the permutations around WP trying to make the Semis, and some of the great rugby that have been played by a couple of the teams, I think it’s already one of the best CC’s we’ve had for years, and I can’t wait to see how it pans out. Any of the 4 remaining teams COULD take it, but for the first time in a while, I’ve got a little confidence to go with my Optimism.
Bulls – Sharks final would be HUGE considering the history.
10 Oct 2008, 11:40 am
#51 Shark182:
Absolutely agree with you that before the ’07 S14 final the Bulls were favorites, the one eyed bulls supporters gave us no chance, especially after their huge win over the Reds.
Fans outside of KZN love to label the Sharks “Chokers”, but at least the Sharks make semi’s and finals, unlike a lot of the other teams. Just like I enjoy calling the All Black’s “Choker’s”, while secretly knowing they are the best team in world rugby.
Anyway, Sharks to kick butt at King’s Park tomorrow.
10 Oct 2008, 11:58 am
Sharks will defnitely feast on the Lions tomorrow. They are just to good for the Lions. With the Likes of JP, Adi Jacobs and Waylon Murray, not to mention the BEAST. these are worldclass man eaters.Kanko is a machine like no other and Bismark is just the world’s best hooker.The Lions only have one talented player Earl Rose.the Rest are just average.Lions to lose by 30.
10 Oct 2008, 12:04 pm
#49 Cheetah 4 Eva: Being up 23 at end of second half doesn’t develop a need for point scoring in second half. Great Afrikaans expression ” Die Koel is deur die kerk” (Don’t know how to put liitle dots on “e”), that was situation going into second half.
10 Oct 2008, 12:06 pm
#57 jonnow: And in the end, after the game,the “One eyed Bulls supporters” were right to give you no chance. He He!!! Even the journos were proven right.
10 Oct 2008, 12:11 pm
#60 Die Griek:
If you watched the game properly you would see that in fact the Sharks actually outplayed the Bulls, but the Bulls won due to a brain **** by Frans Steyn followed by some totally incompetent reffing by Steve Walsh.
But records show that Bulls won and are ’07 S14 champs.
End of story.
10 Oct 2008, 12:18 pm
#58 Coloured XV: Don’t be over confident. Lions have some really good players. Front row strong, great tight loose forwards and fair locks. Earl is not at flyhalf, Jacque outside centre and their no 8 Ernst Joubert is the most under-rated in the country and in thight game may fare better than Kanko. Not sure what conditions are tomorrow, anyone got a prediction.
10 Oct 2008, 12:22 pm
#61 jonnow: Agree 100%
10 Oct 2008, 12:27 pm
#2 GroenEnMaroon: in reality it is quite opposite – the more we drink the higher IQ we think having
10 Oct 2008, 12:31 pm
#58 Coloured XV:
I think 99% of rugby fans out there would rate Earl Rose slightly below Jaque Fourie in terms of talent, but that’s just my personal opinion.
10 Oct 2008, 13:05 pm
Earl Rose is defnitely by far better then any other 10 in RSA. He is the closest that SA will get to Dan Carter.He will get better with time. He is better then Carlos Spencer, D Hougaard, B James, which ever other Flyhalf that needs to be mentioned
10 Oct 2008, 13:18 pm
Lions had little chance, but now have no chance of turning the tables – the f/h is not up to it. Should have stuck with Rose and hoped he had one of his good days.
So Sharks / Bulls MUST be on.
10 Oct 2008, 13:19 pm
#66 Coloured XV:
Dude, your nick gives away your one-eyed view on the matter…
“Better than Carlos Spencer”
You shouldn’t let your bias cloud your view of Rugby, and the truth.
10 Oct 2008, 13:28 pm
#66 Coloured XV:
You been at the tik again?
10 Oct 2008, 13:40 pm
#64 Nils: Howzit my friend! How is Latvia today?
10 Oct 2008, 14:02 pm
#59 FrenklyMuDeah: If you believe that you really are naive. The Bulls were defending for their lives the second half, and did it very well. And the lead was gifted by some terrible play by Chris Rossouw. But if helps you to believe that the Cheetah’s stands no chance cos they were so whipped in the last game, don’t let me stop you.
It will just make the victory so much sweeter should the Cheetah’s pull it off.
10 Oct 2008, 14:03 pm
Here to say good luck to all the teams. Respect to the Free State especially from a Bulls perspective, the game will be decided tomorrow in 80 minutes on the field. Hope it is a good one too. Nothing easy at this stage.
Same with the other semi. No insults today (for now), may the best team win. Whoever wins and if the Bulls do what they should – win – we will see you on the other side and we’ll be prepared… Sharks or Lions bring it on.
10 Oct 2008, 14:14 pm
I nearly hosed myself laughing. Carlos Spencer had to have been playing in the 2nd Division cause I missed him completely in the Premier Division of the Currie Cup. Coloured XV, if you told me that Ricky is the best scrummie in the country, I might agree or Beast is the best prop in the country or Habana the best wing in the country, I will agree but the only for Earl Rose to be best flyhalf in the country is to be the only flyhalf in the country, which he’s not. Thank you for the laugh though. GO SHARKS!!!!
10 Oct 2008, 14:20 pm
#73 Carcarius: I wanted to reply but after your post not more neccesary!
10 Oct 2008, 14:21 pm
#74 Die Griek: To Coloured XV that is.
10 Oct 2008, 14:25 pm
#66 Coloured XV: Better than Carlos…WTF!Hey at least you have a sense of humour….
10 Oct 2008, 14:29 pm
#66 Coloured XV: Is that you Earl?
10 Oct 2008, 14:30 pm
#65 jonnow: I think its closer to 99.9%
10 Oct 2008, 14:38 pm
#66 Coloured XV: WTF are you smoking? He’s so good he’s been moved to 15 for this game. I think you have rose tinted glasses on
Seriously, he’s a bit of a joke really… at 10 he looks like a fool when playing with the grown ups… and if he wasn’t a man of colour there would be ZERO press around him.
Go Sharks
10 Oct 2008, 14:44 pm
#66 Coloured XV: Mate the guys has talent at fullback but needs to put on at least 7 or so KGs before he can be taken seriously. And Im not trying to start the size debate, its relative to his frame and height as he doesnt have enoguh protecting his bones etc.
10 Oct 2008, 14:58 pm
#65 jonnow: Slightly is perhaps a little too nice… ~I’d rate him a little under Stephen Hawking in rugby ability
10 Oct 2008, 16:54 pm
Stephen Hawking is the more intelligent type of player!
10 Oct 2008, 17:41 pm
Ryan, what else can your crystal ball tell you?
10 Oct 2008, 17:42 pm
Who is to say whether earl rose is not the best flyhalf in the country? The lions are total outsiders to win the cc. The rest of the teams defences and structure are better to protect their flyhalves.
10 Oct 2008, 17:43 pm
#66 Coloured XV: HAHAHA, now that was a good joke. What other jokes do you who?
10 Oct 2008, 17:47 pm
Did france tell merceron to bulk before he played flyhalf and beat the boks in s.a?
10 Oct 2008, 17:49 pm
#14 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Do we have a beer on todays game?
10 Oct 2008, 17:50 pm
Did france tell merceron to bulk before he played flyhalf and beat the boks in s.a? Cipriani not exactly the biggest flyhalf either, but the english believe he is the man for the job. Stop being concerned about size idiots.
10 Oct 2008, 18:32 pm
A swaggering team called the Sharks,
Expected a win at King’s Park.
You don’t need to be iron
To beat up the Lions,
You just need to bring the Narcs.
(Apologies to Earl and Rayno).
10 Oct 2008, 19:24 pm
The lead sentence of this article is very true…
10 Oct 2008, 19:25 pm
I had a dream…
10 Oct 2008, 21:07 pm
#91 Sharkie: an Orange dream?
10 Oct 2008, 21:50 pm
#66 Coloured XV: Siestog. Jy is duidelik of kleurblind en / of jy rook Earl Rose se heavy stuff.
10 Oct 2008, 22:00 pm
#72 shooter: Veels geluk !!! Een van min sinvolle opmerkings.
10 Oct 2008, 22:47 pm
#91 Sharkie: So did I and then I woke up
11 Oct 2008, 05:06 am
The final will be in Bloem. Form and strength on paper count for nothing in play-offs. The pressure is on the Sharks and Bulls to win while their opponents have nothing to loose.
11 Oct 2008, 09:04 am
#96 rugbynut: Wishful thinking on paper also accounts for nothing in play-offs.
Cheetahs to have an early rest this season for sure.
11 Oct 2008, 10:48 am
Bulls and Tjarks to trash the pussycats…..
11 Oct 2008, 11:40 am
#98 Blou Baard Pastei: Bulls and Tjarks have the edge and favourite’s tag, but me thinks any thrashing is highly unlikely, and there are going to be some seriously sore bodies come Sunday.
Sharks to maintain their composure against a Lions side who’s best bet is to spoil, and keep the game very tight.
Bulls to be caught off guard again,m cos the Bulls always believe they should automatically be in the final by virtue of wearing Blue, and for participating in what they perceive as a mere formality, pretty much like their supporters lol
12 Oct 2008, 08:47 am
#66 Coloured XV:
So, your “better than Carlos Spencer” Earl Rose produced another shoker of a game.
As biased as you may be, you have to admit that he’s no where near Springbok quality… certainly not at the moment.
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