Love the Game

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By Andy Turner

The Currie Cup season is reaching closing stages with the play-offs starting this weekend. Lions are facing WP in Cape Town, which in many rugby lovers’ eyes is a dead end for the Lions. I am convinced that the Lions could win this game but then they need to select the right combinations at no9, no10 as well as the right loose trio.

This game will be won at the break point and then the backs must be sent away with speed and in depth. If the Lions decide to run the ball, they need to make sure they have great support to ensure their ball retention is fast and accurate. The kickers must make sure they are accurate, as there is no room for errors in missed kicks. Opportunities kicking for points in play-offs are few, because accuracy is the name of the game.

The Sharks are taking on the lively Cheetahs that can cause an upset in Durban. The odds are however against the Cheetahs to succeed in this mission. The Sharks forwards operate as a well-oiled machine. They can flatten any rhino if they need to but the question is: “Are the men from the shark tank hungry enough?”

The Cheetah back line might be too good for the banana boys. The game will be won in the tight phases of the game. Francois Uys, Cheetah line out specialist, will be a thorn in their flesh and could bring forth the victory for the spotty cats from Bloemfontein. I am going to put my money on the Cheetahs.

I must acknowledge the Lions u.19 and u.21 teams as they are also playing in the play-offs. What a wonderful day would it be if all the Lions teams could play in the final next week. Go Lions go!

In two weeks time the Boks depart for their UK tour. Could we see some new names when the team is announced? It would be great to see Derick Minnie’s name on the touring list. The tour would be difficult as the weather conditions could trip them.