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.”
@The-Pill – 236
Yes, I want to do it too. Will be a awesome outlook from the top. Will probably see all the way to Umhlanga and to the otherside to the Bluff. Stadium looking really awesome now.
My Scot visitors took many photos to show their mates back home. They were very, very impressed with that stadium.
@Irish Devil – 239
Bulls by 12
Sharks by 7
Hoping…LOL.
@Puma – I am going down to CT in about a week.Last time i was there 2006 for a friends wedding.
@grootblousmile –
@240
Wat maak sooo n pens in n WP-hoed?
@Boerboel – 227
Very impressed if your company was involved with the Durbs stadium.
It is so unusual that design. Looking really great.
@Puma -@242
About right there Puma.
My predict almost the same…..
Folks, this web site of OURS is just great…. man it’s good to be alive.
@Pietman – How you Pietman? See you speaking gaelic!
234@Puma – I’ve got similar pics of the Durbs Stadium, will see if I can find it here on my PC (it is on my laptop in the office).
@The-Pill – 243
Enjoy. I have not been for about 5 years now. Way over due a visit to the Cape. Love the place especially now that the winter is over.
@Boerboel – 249
Please do Boerboel and let GBS put them up here. Would like for Irish to see that stadium too.
@grootblousmile – It’s really great GBS
@Irish Devil – Echo that
@Pietman – 246
Well that is me guessing Piet, just think it could be that kinda scores. Hoping. Could be totally wrong and WP and Cheetahs win.
@Boerboel – Just wish I had more time to chat. Can’t miss today for anything though.
The Sharks Game Thread will appear in 4 minutes, as if by magic… remember folks, the game starts at 14:30 SA Time
@grootblousmile – 247
It is GBS really enjoy this blog. Thank goodness no fights here and just banter and its all good.
@Puma – Doubt it mate – possible but not probable
A heartly good day form the Newlands press box. Sunny day with a few clouds and a slight wind.
Let the rugby begin……….
The Stadium in Durban is called the Moses Mabida Stadium, not so?
@Irish Devil – 255
You going to blog a bit with us during the game Irish?
I am getting a bit nervous now. Still very overcast and think it could rain.
Think rain will suit the Sharks.
@The-Pill – Maak nog een k@k opmerking oor WP en ek reël ‘n hit op jou! Anders geniet die besoek!
@Irish Devil –
Aayyee!!!
I am from County Cork lad, through the whiskey, and Kilkenny is in my blood via the malt….I am Eyrish today, so don’t mess with on a day like today ….
259@isigidi – Hello our Cape Town correspondent… take a pic or 2 from the press box and MMS it to me.
Pietman, jy die eerste rugby talker om gegroet te word uit die Nuweland press box.
Halllloooooooooo Pietman.
@isigidi – 259
Howzit isigidi. Enjoy it there mate.
259@isigidi – Blog nou net reg daar uit die box! Hou die WP aan die wenkant! Flok “unbiased”, wees partydig.
@Puma – Yes I am – got my blue shirt on and will change it to black after the first game buddy.
@isigidi –
Ag dankie Isi….
Hoe lyk daai box, is daar darem n dop en n ietsie om te kou?
@grootblousmile – Min mense nog hier en ek dink al die press manne drink iets elders.”unhappy smiley”
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