It’s been more than 30 years since THAT tackle at Loftus, but the names Morne du Plessis and Naas Botha still perfectly sum up why Western Province-Blue Bulls clashes are so special. Saturday’s Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands will be no different.
In 1977, Du Plessis felled the darling of Loftus with a great tackle, perfectly within the laws, but marginally late. The crowd exploded, and the gangly Du Plessis, hated up north at the best of times, had to be escorted off the field by police after the final whistle.
Botha was stretchered off and Pierre Edwards nailed the winning penalty for Northern Transvaal.
‘this rivalry is the one that stirs the blood the most’
It remains one of the most talked-about incidents in the history of South African rugby.
Fast forward to 2009. Du Plessis and Botha are legends of the South African game, but they are still polarised by provincialism.
Du Plessis this week equated WP-Bulls games with Tests between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
“You know, without any disrespect to the other provinces, I just think that, as far as I can remember, it seems to be that this rivalry is the one that stirs the blood the most. It’s almost akin to the Springboks playing the All Blacks.
“There is just something in it that, through the ages, has grown,” said Du Plessis.
Botha couldn’t hold back when he got an opportunity to get a jibe in at the former WP and Springbok captain – but all in a good spirit of course. “That tackle was part of the play, but it cost Western Province a Currie Cup. It didn’t win it for them, it cost them.
“Pierre (Edwards) kicked over the penalty. When they lost there, they were out of the Currie Cup. It was us and Free State in the final.”
@sharky_forever – 90
No just been out getting everything ready for the braai later.
Will go check it out now.
Getting a little nervous now for the game. Deysel and Botes better keep Brussow in check today.
@sharky_forever – 90
Weather report from here. Comepletely overcast at the moment. May rain later.
@Puma – lol me too
@Puma – damn was hoping they are wrong like normal lol
@Puma – 88 Trinidat and Tobago , i was also badly out yesterday. TT had to get 50 of 30 balls and is thought okay thats it a have one right , that last bat of 54 in 18 balls killed me and NSW
Support for WP is pouring in, with politicians and former players all wishing the team luck.
“There are times in life when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges. At these times we draw upon the very essence of our characters. Young men: be brave, be strong and be true,” urged Premier Helen Zille.
Brendan Venter, former Springbok and WP centre and current director of rugby at Saracens, said: “This group of players have formed a special bond. Their unity will make them victorious against all odds.”
“Go Province! The City of Cape Town is fully behind you! Make us proud and I will be there to spur you on!” said Mayor Dan Plato.
“Stick to the game plan and believe in your team-mates!” advised former Bok strongman Keith Andrew.
ID leader Patricia de Lille said: “We’re praying for rain! The Bulls won’t know what to do in it. And to Luke Watson: go on and show the Bulls what leadership is all about!”
Cope’s Allan Boesak said: “It will take intelligent play, guts and the will to win and I think you have what it takes. We all want you to win. Go for it boys and make us proud.”
@superBul – 95
Ja, really wanted to pick them but thought NSW would do it. Missed out there. Now hope that the Cape Cobras do it today. Not sure who I picked next will have to look. Do my picks too quick with not thinking too much about it as not very sure about some teams.
Tank Lanning says-
Together with Hernandez, the Sharks have 13 players with test experience in their 22! It should be a walk in the park for Plumtree’s boys … Surely? Mmm – It was just 12 short years ago that the same was being said about Teichmann’s boys, but they woke up on the Sunday to the nasty surprise that they had taken a 44-20 hammering in a Currie Cup semi final to a previously unheralded Cheetahs team! Will history repeat itself?
@sharky_forever – 94
Weather not looking good.
That was a interesting article about the sharks.
@Puma – I dont take that one serious, just pick how i feel at that moment.
@Pietman – 3
Morning Piet, Ja that was our first CC win.
@superBul – 100
Not taking this too serious either as I don’t know some of the teams. Still enjoying it though. First thing I do when up is look at the superBru….hahaha. This can become addictive..hehe.
@superBul – 98
I know, I know. WE must not take it for granted that we will win. Must respect the Cheetahs. Think Plum does and so does the players and us supporters. It could go anyway today. Only one point can win you the game. No bonus neede in the knock out stages. Going to be tough and the weather is rubbish too.
@superBul – that was 12 years ago , lol rather remember the bulls also comming a croppa 3 and 4 years ago and 2 years ago drawing in the final
LOL
anyhows jokes aside , bulls and sharks to win
gm hinja k9 lol
gm gbs boet
96@superBul – nou ja, BB het hul Steve Stofsuier, en die WP het hul Alan Boepsak … maar die span kan nie sy eie ondersteuners kies nie ! 😉
Hellooooooooooooooo
Now let me go catch up what you guys have said above..
@bdb – hehehehehehe bdb dis so waar
@grootblousmile – this going to take long? hehehe
good morning gunner
109@sharky_forever – Yip…
Okay everyone out with your predictions. I am not on Superbru in the CC so cant see who said what there.
Sharks by 7
Bulls by 12
@sharky_forever -#109 yes…gbs is using his magnifying glass to find his glasses….then only……
Bulls by 6
Sharks by 14
@grootblousmile – lol hows the nerves this am??
113@K9-MonsterLeeu – Flok, my oge lyk juis soos padkaarte vandag, met so bloedblerts in die een oog se hoek…. waar’s my oogdruppels, ek kan niks sien nie!
Sharks by 17
Bulls by 13
115@sharky_forever – Rustig soos ‘n landmyn….
@grootblousmile – @K9-MonsterLeeu – hehehe. You both are very confident of the Sharks today.
I feel Bulls going to blow WP away totally.
OK Good morning again.
I want to spend some quality time here and then leave for Newlands, the best place to be today. No match for this game, the other game at 15h00 just a curtain raiser for the main game at 17h00.
I’ll take my cell phone to update you guys in case the moment is too big for KP in the press box.
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