iafrica.com columnist BJ Botha is putting his money on the Bulls in the Currie Cup Final this weekend, but it isn't going to be easy for last year's losing finalists.

There is no doubt that this weekend's Currie Cup final is going to be a massive contest that will not lack the physicality and aggression expected from these encounters. But the smart money has to be on the Bulls taking it in the end, with home ground advantage and an unbelievably talented outfit giving them the edge.

The Cheetahs have, however, showed in the past how they can lift themselves for the big games, and if they can get on top of the Bulls early in the scrums and breakdown, and bring the same aggression and will to win that they showed against the Sharks, the home team is going to be in for a tough afternoon.

The scrums and breakdown will be massive for the Cheetahs as they try to continue their dominance in that area with Heinrich Brussow and the tight five being the key. The Bulls however will have the upper hand in the line-outs, which will be vital for them as they try to gain momentum with the combination of their dangerous backs and forwards. In the end though the Bulls with the amount of quality and experience in their ranks and the fanatical home ground support will surely see it home.

Don't expect too many surprises

The Springbok team announcement will follow the game, and while it would be difficult for me to predict any bolters — I have not been able to follow the Currie Cup as closely as I would have liked — but I don't think there will be that many surprises.

Hopefully some of the fringe players like Ryan Kankowski will get a look-in in the Test match, while a player like Steven Sykes could get a call-up for the November tour as well. The Western Province scrum has been very effective this year though and they have really worked well as a unit so there may be a surprise selection there. Like I said though it would be difficult for me to pinpoint a player out with the amount of games I have seen.

The selectors might want to try one of the players who have been on the fringe of selection as a starting option in one of the Tests though. The November tour is a tough tour as you not only have to deal with the opposition but also battle the elements, however it is a good opportunity to test players likely to come into the frame in the future. You can always have back-up on the bench if things do not go according to plan.

There is also the option of the midweek games against Saracens and Leicester. The Springboks could very likely go with an enlarged squad and use some new faces in those games. It is a great chance to bring the younger guys into the set-up, give them an opportunity to get a feel of the camp and an idea of what touring with the Boks is all about.

There is even talk of two sides going over, so it should be interesting to see how it all plays out.

French the biggest threat

Of the three Tests on tour, the French will probably be the toughest. Even though the Irish who we play later in the month are the Six Nations Champions, the French showed against New Zealand earlier this year just how they can perform. Even though their combinations are still being put together and the French team is a relatively new outfit with a new captain, they have that unpredictable edge to them that makes them so dangerous.

Playing in Toulouse will also be difficult. I remember chatting to Freddie Michalak, when he was with the Sharks, about how passionate the supporters in the region are. They are absolutely crazy about the game and the French will have them cheering them on all the way when they face the Boks.

It will be on hell of a game, but a win over France will set the tone for the remainder of the tour.


RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook