This year’s Currie Cup reminded us of some of the game’s most time-honoured truisms. Class is permanent, and experience remains indispensable.
Frans Steyn and Steven Kitshoff are worlds apart in the positions they occupy in their provincial teams, but the two Rugby World Cup (RWC) winners have had a similar impact for the Cheetahs and Western Province respectively .
Steyn, who has two RWC winners’ medals, has been a sheer force for the Cheetahs. Physically imposing by nature, Steyn’s chest-out approach helped drive an inexperienced Cheetahs team that had hoped to successfully defend their Currie Cup crown. The last time that feat was achieved was in 2007 when the Cheetahs backed up their share of the trophy with the Blue Bulls from 2006.
Steyn was pretty much lost to SA rugby after he went to France in 2009 to link up with Racing Metro before stints in Japan with the Toshiba Brave Lupus and back in France with Montpellier. He, however, returned to the place from where his rugby took off, with a bang this season.
Steyn’s RWC-winning frontrow partnership with Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe struck fear into the opposition in the Currie Cup, and is likely to play an even more decisive role in the playoffs.
The 33-year-old has retained his mischievous, boyish charm, which resonated with his teammates, but he has also become a key member of the Cheetahs’ leadership corps.
His direct approach when carrying in midfield and general awareness when sweeping in defence also contributed richly to the team’s cause.
It is, however, his “Big Bertha” boot that has helped propel the Cheetahs and made him the top scorer in the league stages of the competition. He has scored 73 points, thanks largely to a kicking accuracy of 93.55%.
Steyn’s value to the Cheetahs cannot be underestimated but so too Kitshoff to Western Province.
The loosehead who took over the captaincy reins this season has pretty much led from the front with the No 1 on his back. Western Province have delivered the odd flat performance, but by and large they have been hugely competitive with Kitshoff at the helm.
Their scrum has been the most imposing in the competition and has largely helped set the platform for their surge to a home semifinal.
His RWC-winning frontrow partnership with Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe struck fear into the opposition in the Currie Cup, and is likely to play an even more decisive role in the playoffs.
The Lions can also reflect with pride on the contributions of their old guard who have helped secure them a place in the semis when it appeared to be beyond their grasp at the conclusion of Super Rugby Unlocked. They were initially used sparingly, but Willem Alberts, Jaco Kriel and Jannie du Plessis have delivered when they needed to in the Currie Cup.
Alberts in particular has found his niche since his move into the Lions’ second row. While he still prefers No 7, for now he is happy to cause destruction with No 4 on his back.
The pattern continues at the Blue Bulls. Veteran Duane Vermeulen has led the charge bringing composure and bloody-mindedness to the Bulls’ ranks. He has had a galvanising effect on the forwards in particular.
Although only 29, given his experience gained in Europe, Arno Botha has also wound back the clock at the Bulls. Scarily, the Bulls may yet see the best of him.
Behind the marauding pack and perhaps just like namesake Frans in Bloemfontein, Morne Steyn has also put his experience gained in France to good use.
He may not have as many points as his namesake, but his 88% success rate when aiming at goal will be worth gold in the playoffs.
The men who have helped illuminate the Currie Cup had distinguished themselves abroad before returning home. It wasn’t planned that way, but it has helped elevate a domestic rugby landscape in much need of uplifting.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.