What a rugby weekend of play offs. The Bulls vs Brumbies was not a game to be remembered by their supporters and fellow South Africans. Bulls lover or not, I hate to see a SA rugby team lose against an Aussie team, and to rub salt in the wound, the Brumbies was coached by a South African. Man oh man, that hurts a lot. Well done Jake White, once again for what you got right with this very young Brumbie team. Why did we let a coach of his calibre go after he won us the RWC? I think only Father Christmas would know this answer.
Across the World in Australasia, the Chiefs showed supremacy by beating the Crusaders narrowly by one point. What matters is that they win, with five tries or one point, is does not matter. A final is a final and you just make sure you win the game, even if you win it with kicks only. Losing a final and scoring five tries will not put the silverware in the showcase, nor will it fill your stadium. SA teams must realize this, and play to win with this in mind.
Speaking about kickers! This will always be a critical component of a champion team’s strike force. You just do not run on to the field with an average kicker. The NZ teams must have the best and most accurate kickers under pressure in the world. When it matters, they put them through the uprights.
I must congratulate the Lions on their awesome win over the Kings, their first promo game. To beat a team in its own backyard testifies to dedication and termination which is underlined with passion. The Lions Coach, Johan Ackerman and his team did their homework well. What is sad is that the Kings are already looking for excuses and a way back, should they not win the second promo game! Guys, take the shot on the nose, cry and walk away and go and play Vodacom Cup.
Elton Jantjies did well, after all the critics thought he would not come to the party and deliver when it matters. The team’s defence was very well structured and they made sure no doors were left open for the Kings to sneak in. Well, almost true! The Kings on the other hand struggled a lot coping with the passion of the Lions tackles and contesting at the breakdowns. Derick Minnie lead the loose forward to a convincing victory at the breakdowns, making sure they win quick balls and a few valuable turn overs.
Ellis Park will be sold out this weekend, and I really hope we will have a sea of red Lions supporters cheering the team back into Super rugby for 2014. Go Lions Go!
