Currie Cup preview: Semi-finals
21 Oct 2011
GARETH DUNCAN analyses the key match-ups and picks the winners for Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-finals.
SHARKS vs CHEETAHS, DURBAN, 14:30
Why the Sharks will win: While most South Africans are still mourning the Springboks’ World Cup quarter-final exit, John Plumtree will be overjoyed with the reinforcements he’s gained over the past fortnight. And for this semi-final fixture, the Kiwi coach has brought out his big guns. He’s selected an all-Bok front row (including the best all-round hooker in the game Bismarck du Plessis), powerhouse Willem Alberts, a game breaker in JP Pietersen and a playmaker in Pat Lambie. They all fall into a side that boasts the second-best defensive record in the Currie Cup this season (they have only conceded three more points than WP) and will also strengthen their attacking capabilities. The Achilles heel in this Sharks team is their midfield – a combination that has failed to fire throughout this campaign. Plumtree has selected veterans Marius Joubert and Stefan Terblanche to take charge, but they’ll have to pick up their game to have the upper hand against the younger combination of Andries Strauss and Robert Ebersohn. Despite this, however, the Sharks should still have too much class to lose to the visiting Cheetahs. Barring the centres, this is arguably the strongest team in the Currie Cup.
Why the Cheetahs will win: There’s major hype around the return of 19-year-old flyhalf Johan Goosen to the Cheetahs’ run-on side. And rightfully so – he’s been a standout performer in his debut senior season on attack and with the boot. Although he has a lack of experience, he has the attributes to be a match-winner. The main concern is if he’ll be able to last 60 minutes as he’s been taken off around the half-time mark because of injury more than once in his last six games. Sias Ebersohn will be expected to play a ‘super sub’ role off the bench. While Goosen will be crucial to the Cheetahs’ chances, their loose trio also have a vital role to play. The Sharks showed what they’re capable of against the Lions last weekend once they gained the ascendancy up front. Boom Prinsloo, Ashley Johnson and Lappies Labuschagne will have the responsibility of halting the Sharks’ momentum at the breakdowns and tackle points. The battle between skipper Adriaan Strauss (who would be a regular Test hooker in any other country) and opposite number Bismarck du Plessis will also be immense. However, the Cheetahs’ defensive record at the death this season is a major concern. In hindsight, it’s a problem that’s cost them a home semi-final. It’s unlikley they’ll be able to fix that problem in a week – they are likely to fold in the second stanza.
Gareth’s call: Sharks by 12
Sharks – 15 Pat Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Marius Joubert, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Conrad Hoffmann, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Keegan Daniel (c), 5 Ross Skeate, 4 Jean Deysel/Anton Bresler, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Eugene van Staden, 18 Marcell Coetzee, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Ross Cronje, 21 Adi Jacobs, 22 Lwazi Mvovo
Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Ryno Benjamin, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Cameron Jacobs, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Boom Prinsloo, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Lappies Labuschagne, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 Philip van der Walt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Marcel van der Merwe.
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Johan Wessels, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Nico Scheepers.
LIONS vs WP, JOHANNESBURG, 17:00
Why the Lions will win: Credit must be given to the Lions for their Currie Cup campaign. While the competition field was weakened by the absence of the Springboks, staying at the top of the log for the entire campaign is no easy feat. However, their recent form is a concern, having only won one match in their last four fixtures. That win did come against WP, but they’ll be up against a stronger team this week. It also includes a 53-9 drubbing at the hands of the Sharks last weekend. Allister Coetzee said midweek that nothing can be taken out of that match because John Mitchell made several changes for their trip to Durban. But what can be noted is once the Lions pack is dominated, they struggle. The Lions’ forwards have been central to their domestic success this season, and will need a strong showing if they want to host the final next weekend. You can expect a brave first-half performance up front, but they’ll need to maintain that momentum after the break. Mitchell has also decided to keep Elton Jantjies as his 10 ahead of Springbok Butch James. Jantjies hasn’t been as consistent this season as he was last year, especially with the boot. He’ll need a big performance, and will have the important job of spearheading his team that will face a strong WP backline.
Why WP will win: Province are keen on breaking their six-year domestic losing streak at Ellis Park, and they’ll have their strongest possible team to do so. With six Boks in their run-on side, they look the better team on paper. The main question will be: can their heavies play a commanding role? Against the Pumas last weekend, they faltered in the scrums and their defence has been uncharacteristically shaky in the latter stages of the league phase. They can’t afford that against the Jozi mongrels. If the forwards can win the ascendancy, then half the battle will be won. Coetzee will be hoping his halfback combination of UCT scrumhalf Nick Groom and flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis can step up to the occasion – this is no Varsity Cup playoff. They have looked impressive this year and will be relieved to be facing Jantjies and not the physical James. WP will hope Catrakilis can last the 80 minutes on this occasion, considering Gio Aplon and Conrad Jantjes are the back-up pivots. The midfield of Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie will be instrumental in the way the backline performs and Aplon will be a huge threat in the back three if the game loosens up.
Gareth’s call: WP by 7
Lions – 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Deon Van Rensburg, 13 Doppies la Grange, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Joshua Strauss (c), 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco Van der Merwe, 4 Wikus van Heerden, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 CJ Van der Linde.
Subs: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 Warren Whiteley, 19 Cobus Grobbelaar/Jaco Kriel, 20 Butch James, 21 Dylan des Fountain, 22 James Kamana.
WP – 15 Gio Aplon, 14 JJ Engelbrecht, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nick Koster, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 De Kock Steenkamp, 4 Adriaan Fondse, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JC Kritzinger.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Frans Malherbe, 18 Tertius Daniller, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Conrad Jantjes.
137 Comments
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21 Oct 2011, 07:45 am
Mmmm curried DRAGON!
21 Oct 2011, 07:45 am
Go WeePee…!!
21 Oct 2011, 07:57 am
Always liked that Gareth fella. Sensible head in his shoulders, not like the other lot.
21 Oct 2011, 08:02 am
well, lets be honest about the fact that just abut everybody sees it that way.
yes, its expected to be tight, how tight we cant be certain, but at the end its probably those two teams that will take it.
21 Oct 2011, 08:05 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-3: lol He is a good friend of mine. Top bloke
21 Oct 2011, 08:10 am
“The Sharks’ starting line-up have a combined age of 27 compared to the 23 years of the men from Bloemfontein. However, the Cheetahs coach told the Volksblad newspaper that experienced players could also panic at times.
“Experience is not everything. You also get experienced guys that panic in tough situations. Then you get young chaps like Johan Goosen (Cheetahs flyhalf) who has shown that he can play under pressure. He is 19 years old, but knows how to handle pressure.”
Drotske is hoping more than predicting…
“Experience will play a role, but the character we have in key positions on the field is enough for me.
21 Oct 2011, 08:15 am
Combined age?!?!
21 Oct 2011, 08:18 am
so sharks not giving the Aura a farewell bash?
Plod should have started……given the Cheetahs a fair chance then…..
Lions by 8
sharks by 12
21 Oct 2011, 08:20 am
@grant10(grant10)-8: Ja they could of done that. For old times sake.
21 Oct 2011, 08:23 am
This Gareth bloke is so naive.
“But what can be noted is once the Lions pack is dominated, they struggle. ”
Clearly this has no bearing on a game against WP.
21 Oct 2011, 08:23 am
Ah, another Lappies Labuschagne
. Transvaal had a bruiser who made Kobus Wiese look small!
This Goosen kid looks promising. Needs to go on the Bryan Habana “supplement diet”, put on 10kgs and he will be able to last 80mins.
The McCabe oke from Aus has guts but is just too skraal, has the same problem as Goosen
21 Oct 2011, 08:25 am
The great man is taking a well deserved break I guess.
The UK will be richer for his presence and invaluable input. Our loss in the end.
21 Oct 2011, 08:26 am
@Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-11: The boy is 19. He will gain muscle. Have you seen how big Taute is compared to 2009?
Cheetahs by 5
Lions by 6
21 Oct 2011, 08:34 am
@Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-11:
at the end of the day, as they say, meat is meat.
21 Oct 2011, 08:39 am
Have province had their latest version of Windows Turbo Reverse Installed?
21 Oct 2011, 08:57 am
@Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-11: no, no, no we don’t want goosen taking ANY “supplements”
Young star banned for failing dope test
November 3, 2010
Posted by Morné
One of South Africa’s most promising young rugby players has been banned for three months for the use of a banned stimulant.
Hendrik Cronje – Sport24
Grey College star flyhalf, Johan Goosen, was named Craven Week Player of the Year at the SA Rugby Awards banquet in Midrand on Monday night.
However, earlier on Monday, Goosen appeared before a SARU judiciary committee and was found guilty.
Sport24 believes Goosen, this year’s Free State Craven Week No 10, took the stimulant unknowingly. He was tested after a Cheetahs Under-19 match against the Griffons.
The stimulant was initially on the list of banned substances, before being removed, only to be added back at a later date.
Due to this, Goosen was only banned for three months – from November 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011.
Goosen was not in Midrand to receive his Player of the Year award.
21 Oct 2011, 08:59 am
Province to take this one with ease, Sharks to perform their normal choke along with another famous team of chokers this week end….
21 Oct 2011, 09:03 am
@grant10(grant10)-8: quite right, i was surprised when i read that Matfield said he would’ve played for the Bulle if they’d made the semi-finals but alas they’re vrot.
21 Oct 2011, 09:13 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-18:
CC semi final is to small for JS, he will wait for the final, the big stage !!
21 Oct 2011, 09:15 am
Hmmm… let me get this right.
Sharks score a 50 against a Lions team with 7 first-choice players rested, but that means the Sharks are incredible!
Cheetahs score a 50 against the Sharks with 6 first-choice players with the boks, but that doesn’t mean anything.
Oh yeah. Everything makes sense.
21 Oct 2011, 09:18 am
@Gunther(gunther)-15: You wearing your blue bulls helmet with the horns and beer holders this weekend?
Oh wait…..
21 Oct 2011, 09:22 am
@justrugby(justrugby)-19: yes, where his “aura” is put to proper use like when plum benched him for 78 min against the bulls @ loftus
21 Oct 2011, 09:26 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-21:
Indeed I will be subduing the peasants of Arnies in full regalia.
Whilst cheering for our cousins across the jukskei.
21 Oct 2011, 09:27 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-22:
Well summed up !!
21 Oct 2011, 09:31 am
If Province don’t man up in the scrums I think we will lose. Mitchell has the Lions playing a good brand of rugby and if their forwards dominate Elton will control the game and nulify our backs, given the home advantage the Lions should edge this one, obviously the heart says something completely different.
Think the Sharks might be to strong for the Cheetahs, however history could rear its head in this one !!!
21 Oct 2011, 09:40 am
@justrugby(justrugby)-25: wp are playing wiith no recognised ball pilferer/opensider. if the lions match you @ the collisions, derick minnie might have a “free lunch” at the breakdown.
21 Oct 2011, 09:45 am
@HHS(Hop Hop Spinnekop)-13:
It’s only a matter of time before the other provinces whip out the chequebooks for Taute. I think he could be a good outside centre too.
21 Oct 2011, 09:49 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-16:
Ja, the problem is most supplements will contain some sort of stimulant. Will a stimulant improve decision making or calm the nerves when kicking at posts? It all remains quite debatable.
21 Oct 2011, 10:19 am
@Gunther(gunther)-23: Good for you boet. Subdue them with my blessing!
21 Oct 2011, 10:25 am
Hi All. I am getting quite irritated with the Butch James agency. The reference to the “physical” James….really? They talk him up like he is Jamie Roberts or Ma’a Nonu.
21 Oct 2011, 10:26 am
@Lions_Soutie(Lions_Soutie)-27: I think he will be in the bok picture in 2012.
21 Oct 2011, 10:59 am
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-3: Have to agree with you there. Sensible opinions with out getting personal!
21 Oct 2011, 11:07 am
I think WP will want to score first and quickly in order to counter the thin air. My prediction and yes it is only a prediction, if the Lions are trailing by 7 at the break, the Lions will take it. The Lions should target the srumhalf and flyhalf combo and shock De Villiers. If that happens WP are in trouble. Lets wait and see if my crystal ball is working!
21 Oct 2011, 11:26 am
@Bouts(Bouts)-20: Let me help you here, as you have obviously been eating too many mielies.
- When the Cheetahs beat the Sharks, the Sharks had SPRINGBOKS missing either due to injury or world cup duty (yes, I know the Cheetahs are also missing a few). Those include JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, Pat Lambie, Bismark Du Plessis, Jannie Du Plessis, Beast Mtwarira, Ryan Kankowski, Alistair Hargreaves, Willem Alberts.
Thats an entire Springbok front row. Plus, Marius Jonker was making right for what he did to the Cheetahs in the Super 15. Plain as daylight. South Africa’s Bryce Lawrence – and he has got the match again this weekend if I am not mistaken.
- When the Sharks beat the Lions, the Lions rested a few CURRIE CUP STARLETS, but actually played them off the bench later on in the game including their one and only Bok, Butch James. Ok – and now they have CJ Vd. Linde as well.
If you cant see the difference, you need to stop eating your mom’s koeksusters, because the hyperglycaemia is causing you to suffer from retinopathy and if its not that, stop eating vetkoeke because maybe your eyelids are getting too fat and obscuring your eyesight.
21 Oct 2011, 11:28 am
@Loyal Lion(Loyal Lion)-33:
WP by 7 to 10.
Sharks by 10 – 14.
See you in Durban for the final WP. Don’t have too many nightmares of 2010 !
21 Oct 2011, 11:32 am
Gonna be some good games this weekend no matter what the outcomes.
21 Oct 2011, 11:35 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-35: Lions by 10 and Sharks by 12. Lions Sharks final. Lions to win it by 3 and take the Currie Cup!
21 Oct 2011, 11:36 am
@Loyal Lion(Loyal Lion)-37: Not going to happen. Vodacom Cup ended last weekend. Goodbye Lions.
21 Oct 2011, 11:41 am
Where can I get a message to Marius Jonker ? I am not asking for anything, except a fair and accurate refereeing performance this weekend, or Jonkertjie – you will earn yourself your very own facebook anti-fan site. Myself and the rest of the huge Sharks supporter fan base will personally make sure of that.
I think we all a bit gatvol of referees inconsistent performances. So, make sure you get it right this weekend. Just be fair, if the Cheetahs deserve to win then so be it, but just let it be on the back of a good day for you with the whistle.
Or else I will organise a petition much bigger than the Bryce Lawrence one.
21 Oct 2011, 11:42 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-34: Hmmm. Springboks. Remind me… is it the same Springboks who dropped out ungracefully from the World Cup? Same boks that almost lost to WALES and SAMOA?!?
Yeah… I’m shivering!
21 Oct 2011, 11:43 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-39: 80% of the Sharks fan base are over 65 and are not on Facebook and for those that are on Facebook shouldn’t be. FAIL.
21 Oct 2011, 11:43 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-39: Don’t worry. Common knowledge that the Sharks have all the SA refs in their pocket.
21 Oct 2011, 11:48 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-38: Yeah, CC stopped last week. Future-of-SA-Rugby vs the Old-Age-Homes this week.
21 Oct 2011, 11:48 am
@Bouts(Bouts)-40: You asked, and I gave you an answer. If you don’t think the presence of players like Bismark Du Plessis, Willem Alberts and Pat Lambie make a difference, then you are thicker than I thought – and that would be quite difficult.
21 Oct 2011, 11:50 am
@HHS(Hop Hop Spinnekop)-41: The Sharks have 235 570 fans on facebook. As usual, a thick Lion that didn’t think before he spoke.
21 Oct 2011, 11:51 am
@Bouts(Bouts)-43: Wakakakaka…nice try chop. Quite frankly, I could care less how old the Sharks are in each individual year as compared to whatever team. As long as they keep winning Currie Cups.
Plus, you know we will just buy whatever players we like from the Cheetahs. I hear Goosen is already on the shopping list.
21 Oct 2011, 11:52 am
@Bouts(Bouts)-42: Go snack down on another vetkoek ou perd.
21 Oct 2011, 11:52 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-44: Really. What answer? A number of the Lions player that I referred to could easily have been in the bok squad… and probably should have been. We may have seen the boks playing this weekend.
21 Oct 2011, 11:54 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-46: Really? Since Goosen is contracted for 2 more years with the Cheetahs, will we once again see the Sharks trying their underhanded tactics? Didn’t work out too well last time, did it?
21 Oct 2011, 11:54 am
@Bouts(Bouts)-48: Probably, should have, could have, but weren’t…..
I cant help you any more – send Bryce Lawrence an e-mail and ask him for answers. I think you will be conversing on the same intellect plateau.
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