Foreign eyes on Currie Cup showpiece

Foreign eyes on Currie Cup showpiece

26 Oct 2012

Former Lions captain and flank Josh Strauss says the Currie Cup has many followers in the UK.

Strauss made a quick exit at the Lions midway through the domestic campaign, shortly after the announcement that the Lions were relegated from Super Rugby.

The 26-year-old penned a deal with the Glasgow Warriors and has the opportunity to qualify for Scotland in 2015.

He’s made an impressive start to his overseas stint, making valuable contributions in Glasgow’s Pro12 and European Cup campaigns. He’s already established a starting spot in the club’s line-up.

Shortly after his arrival, Strauss said he was surprised to find the locals following the Currie Cup.

‘Many players and supporters watch the Currie Cup this side of the world,’ Strauss told keo.co.za. ‘People even rate Super Rugby to be the most entertaining and best tournament in the world.

‘Three Currie Cup games are usually televised over the weekend. So I’ve had a chance to keep an eye on what’s happening over there. I was disappointed with the Lions’ semi-final defeat against WP, as they lost the match in the dying moments, but they did well throughout the campaign.’

Ahead of the final, Strauss believes the Sharks will down WP to claim their third title in five seasons.

‘It’s a tough one to call, but I feel the Sharks will win on Saturday,’ he said. ‘The Sharks have done really well at home this season and home-ground advantage will be a major factor.’

Will Strauss be watching?

‘Unfortunately, I’m playing on Saturday. But it all depends on the time clashes, I guess. But I’ll definitely follow the action, whether it’s before or after the match. There will also be plenty of other rugby people watching in the UK.’

By Gareth Duncan


7 Comments

  • 1.cane: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 12:16 pm

    “Former Lions captain and flank Josh Strauss says the Currie Cup has many followers in the UK……………………………….”.

    And the Dragons meet annually,
    in the Phone Booth opposite Houndslow West Tube Station.

  • 2.cane: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 12:25 pm

    I doubt 2% of the Scottie, know or care about the Curry Cup.
    Maybe 1% know of the ITM Cup.

    And being really positive, maybe 5% know even what Super Rugby is.

    A different world.

  • 3.cane: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 12:25 pm

    Trifecta.

  • 4.groen: Reply to this comment
    26 Oct 2012, 18:15 pm

    Cane I’ll say something before you start thinking there’s a zombie apocalypse around. Well that or only to make sure you don’t have to speak to yourself anymore.

  • 5.Rhys7: Reply to this comment
    27 Oct 2012, 11:23 am

    Im in the U.K and yes we get atleast 3 Super rugby games & 3 currie cup matches which are televised even when heineken cup matches are on. We get all the Heineken cup game and only about 2 Aviva Premiership games (ESPN for more) and the Rabo Direft Pro 12 in Wales we get one Friday night game and one saturday night game.

    Trust me people know about Currie Cup & Super rugby.

  • 6.Rhys7: Reply to this comment
    27 Oct 2012, 11:26 am

    All the way from West Wales I get to watch the Currie Cup final in my living room on the couch in hope that I get to see my favourite team beat the Sharks

  • 7.TooMuchRugby: Reply to this comment
    27 Oct 2012, 14:38 pm

    I did watch some of the game that Strauss played in the Heineken cup. He was rubbish….

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