Cape Town Tens Host Robbie Fleck has urged the rugby public to dress in pink for Saturday's Currie Cup Final - a campaign being driven by former Springbok Rob Louw in aid of cancer awareness.

Fifty-four-year-old Louw is currently in America undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of melanoma (skin cancer), but the Bok legend has responded with typical determination as he attempts to beat the serious illness.

Aside from remaining positive throughout his ordeal thus far, Louw has also sent word back to South Africa that he would like the country to dress in pink on Saturday - in aid of cancer awareness - especially those fans attending the Currie Cup Final.

"I've been fortunate to have known Rob Louw for a long, long time - it basically seems like forever," Fleck told www.capetowntens.com. "I remember meeting him, when I was ten years old, at a friend of mine's house... already then I could see that he was a true rugby legend - both on and off the field.

"He was one of the first guys to congratulate me when I made the Western Province team and he always supported me throughout my playing career. Maybe it's because both of us went to Wynberg (Boys' High), but our friendship has grown over the years and we even move in the same circles (these days).

"Rob's also been a big supporter during my coaching career and he's forever phoning me with advice and comments. But Rob's support has not been limited to my rugby career only, he was a huge supporter of the Cape Town Tens - from start to finish - and we will now do everything in our power at the Cape Town Tens to return that support."

Speaking about the current battle that Louw faces, Fleck continued: "Rob has always supported everyone else and now it's his turn - it's amazing how the rugby fraternity tends to pull together during difficult times like these, but Rob deserves the support as much as anyone else.

"Already, Johann Rupert flew him over to America, plus everyone else back here is rallying around him. Now, he wants us to dress in pink and I am pretty damn sure everyone will give it a good go tomorrow!

"Everyone is willing Rob to get better," added Fleck, "especially as the SA Rugby Legends are trying to organise a surfing contest next year and it just wouldn't be the same without him."

Ironically, Fleck will be away this weekend at one of Louw's favourite surf spots - near Stilbaai in the Western Cape - and he has urged everyone to dress in pink on Saturday in support of the 19-Test Springbok star.

"I've got plenty of pink shirts in my cupboard and I've already put one aside for tomorrow," he chuckled. "I'm going to find a little pub in the area where I'm staying and wear my pink shirt during the Currie Cup Final!"

Speaking of the 2009 Absa Currie Cup Final, which will be played at Loftus Versfeld, Fleck - having seen both teams at first-hand during Western Province's Currie Cup season - is tipping the home side to take it; only just.

"The Cheetahs are one team that can score tries - especially against the Bulls, but the Loftus factor and the presence of Fourie du Preez and Morné Steyn will edge it for the Bulls," predicted Fleck.

"The Cheetahs front row will put the Bulls under loads of pressure and their defence will be able to stop the likes of Bakkies and Pierre Spies with ball in hand, but I don't think the Cheetahs will be able to beat the crowd and the Bulls' world-class halfbacks."


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