Super 15 Line-up for the weekend
Highlanders/Bulls in Dunedin
My colleague and ardent Bulls fan (is there any other type?) says he is quite happy with what his team has achieved so far. Even if they score no more points on tour, he regards it as mission accomplished. This weekend’s clash against a formidable Kiwi foe, followed by the one next weekend against the Chiefs, may be the reason for his optimistic pessimism. I have yet to come across a Bulls team who will not go on to the paddock fully motivated, so wait and watch. Ludeke’s comment after last week’s narrow escape will be tested over the next week and a bit: “This side has now reached the maturity we have been working towards over the last two years.”
Reds/ Lions in Brisbane
The Reds have improved steadily over the last few weeks. Quade Cooper back at flyhalf may add a new spark, but after his disappointing world cup performance, one has to wonder whether he will make the impact he is capable of, having been out of the game for so long. The Lions can do no worse than last week, which is about as positive as I can be. They are not doing their chances of avoiding relegation any good thus far.
C
heetahs/Sharks in Bloemfontein
The Sharks should feel at home from home in Bloemfontein, and may even fit in a hunting trip or two on the family farm. Jokes aside, this is a must win game for both teams. It will be interesting to see whether “True Blue” Smit can continue in the same vein as when he took over from Sias Ebersohn. My heart really bled for the latter last week. He is far beter than that performance.
Stormers/Waratahs in Cape Town
The weather gods are not smiling favourably on the Cape this weekend. This could affect both sides equally, and maybe the Stormers will surprise themselves and their fans who have virtually given up on them ever achieving a five pointer. The Bulls and Stormers have a game in hand against the Chiefs, who have a bye this weekend. The permutations and speculations I will leave to those experts who, in hindsight, can tell you exactly why their predictions did not pan out.
Oh, to be at Lords…
From Cricinfo: “England, who received the ICC mace in the build up to the game, were looking to re-establish their reputation as the world’s No. 1 Test side after losing four out of five Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka on their winter tour. The West Indies need to address a record of only two wins in their last 30 Tests.”
If England lose, they also lose their number one position to the Proteas.
How sad that players like Chris Gayle, Sunile Narine and Dwayne Bravo are not in England representing their country. I can understand that Gayle had prior commitments due to his fall-out with the authorities, but the other two seem to represent a morality which I cannot fathom.
The fact that the IPL also takes precedence over a test in England again underscores the power of India in world cricket. Another bone of contention in my book.
Ag nou ja. Binnekort looi ons die Engelse op die rugby- en krieketvelde, dan is alles weer vergewe.
Jy moet konsentreer ou Grote. Die Engelse sê mos, there is many a slip between the glass and the lip. Met eisj, ja. Met eisj.
