Everyone has an opinion on the Currie Cup as South Africa’s premier domestic competition and the reflection of Sharks coach John Plumtree and Bulls captain Nizaam Caar suggest which way today’s semi-final will go at Loftus Versfeld.
Plumtree played for the Natal team that won the Currie Cup for the first time, in 1990. The competition was at its zenith those days and the big Kiwi coached the Sharks when the winning of it still mattered massively to local fans.
That was when nobody had heard of the United Rugby Championship (URC) or the Champions Cup and Super Rugby was played in the early stage of the year and the Currie was at full strength towards the end of the season.
Now, Plumtree admits that he has bigger fish to fry as he juggles preparation for the imminent URC with, as he puts it, “honouring” the Currie Cup. Ultimately he admitted on Thursday that “today’s game is a pre-season” run.
“If you look at the bigger picture, it’s a pre-season game for us, and for a lot of players, it’s just their second game back,” he explained.
“As much as the URC and Champions Cup are priorities for this union, we’re taking this week seriously,” he said while hoping to avoid further injuries. “We’ve already got a few injuries, and I don’t want to add to the list.”
You can’t blame Plumtree for seeing it this way but it is also interesting to hear the view of former Springbok, Carr.
The No 8 said: “I will always see the Currie Cup as a great opportunity to play at a higher level going forward. Dream big, regardless of which competition you play in and whether you are 40, 25, or 21 years old.”
The Bulls have brought back some experienced veterans, including Marcell Coetzee.
Carr said it is vital that these players slot seamlessly into the Currie Cup side.
“Marcell made it clear that we are one group. It is not a case of a group of players who got us to the semi-finals but now have to stand aside.”
He also highlighted the spirit within the squad that got the Bulls to top spot in the tournament.
“Whether you play in the first or last match or in the semi-final, everyone has a responsibility. The spirit is good, and the attitude is right.”
The Bulls are seeking revenge after their 24-18 loss to the Sharks in Durban last week.
“We are never satisfied with losing, and it is nice that we get another chance against the Sharks on Saturday,” Carr added.
“They’ll be confident after beating us, but it gives us extra motivation at Loftus. If we can handle their physicality and kicking game, I believe we will do well.”
It seems to this writer that the Bulls have a sharper focus on getting the result this evening and advancing to the final.
Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Litelihle Bester.