Crucial derbies
The Brumbies and the Chiefs did the Stormers a massive favour with two major upsets against the Reds and the Blues, respectively. There are two derby matches left for the Stormers. This weekend they will play the Bulls at Newlands and then they will be away against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. The Sharks play the Lions and then the Bulls, which could turn out to be two crucial matches for the boys from Durban. All things being equal, the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks should make it to the play-off stages. A top-of-the-log spot means a home semi-final and that will be of huge importance. The competition has been very long and hard, and for any South African team to travel overseas for a semi-final will be suicidal. So this brings me to the battle of the giants this weekend in Cape Town.
The traditional north-south derby between the Stormers and the Bulls has always been a big attraction in SA Rugby. These two teams have really dominated SA Rugby for many years and their records speak for themselves. In recent years, the Bulls have really dominated and have always played exceptionally well against WP and the Stormers. They have always managed to bully the Stormers in the set phases of the game and then transferred that pressure to the ever-threatening Stormers back line. Slowly but surely, the powers that be in Cape Town have built a formidable coaching unit that has contracted some fantastic players. Slowly but surely, the Stormers have developed a pack of forwards that can stand up against any team in the physical stakes. If ever there was a weekend when they must stand up and show what they are made of then it is this weekend. The Bulls have, in recent weeks, found the form that has made them the most successful South African team in Super Rugby. The Stormers won their previous encounter at Fortress Loftus, but they really need to back that up with another win to signal the changing of the guard. The Stormers will have to deal with a long flight back from Australia, but at least it looks like they might be able to welcome back some players from their long list of injuries. It is crucial for Peter Grant to make a return, as I am convinced that he makes a huge difference in attack and defence. If CJ van der Linde can also make a return then it will really bolster the physical aspect of our pack. This really is the battle of the giants and could have huge implications on the overall log. Stormers' fans will have to put up with the fanatical, and at times nauseating, Bulls supporters. No doubt some of them will be driving down with their Toyota bakkies with blue balls hanging from the tow hitch, rings through their noses and horns on their heads. Let's hope we can repay them for eight years of verbal abuse by beating them convincingly and then showing them that the Stormers supporters actually know how to behave themselves when they have won.
On the international scene, I have read that P Divvy is already preparing the public for a few shocks when he announces his squad for the World Cup. It is a little bit like the ANC using Julius Malema to make a few rash statements like nationalising the mines and taking farms, to see what the reaction will be. In yesterday's paper there was an article in which he mentioned that players like Peter Grant, Francois Louw, Schalk Brits and few more might lose out on going to the World Cup. Asked about Schalk Brits, who has had an unbelievable season for Saracens, he said that he could mention five South African hookers who were on a par: Bismarck du Plessis, John Smit, Chilliboy Ralepele, Tiaan Liebenberg and Bandise Maku. If he thinks Bandise Maku is better than Schalk Brits then I am very worried about some of the selections that might happen come World Cup 2011. Let's hope sanity prevails.
