Currie Cup is a Joke

I don't get it. Please explain it to me as if I am a two year old. How can the Blue Bulls be billed as the best rugby team in the country after winning the final of the Currie Cup?

I hear you say that they won the competition. They beat the Free State Cheetahs in the final, you will go on to say. What rubbish!

Look at the stats before you sprout you so-called rugby knowledge.

I am going to start by looking at the Currie Cup table after the group stages were played. I am getting it from the source that seems to be the be all and end all of rugby in South Africa, www.supersport.com/rugby

ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division | Log

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	BPts	Pts
1	Sharks	14	12	0	2	424	231	193	48	21	6	54
2	Vodacom Western Province	14	10	0	4	445	226	219	51	19	10	50
3	Vodacom Blue Bulls	14	9	0	5	475	299	176	56	28	10	46
4	Vodacom Free State Cheetahs	14	8	0	6	485	280	205	62	27	8	40
5	GWK Griquas	14	8	0	6	404	447	-43	50	52	8	40
6	Xerox Lions	14	7	0	7	391	292	99	43	26	9	37

I have included only the top six in the league as the bottom two should not even be in the competitor.

I want you to have a good look at the top four teams. Have a good look at the amount of games won in their fourteen competitive matches. We are talking percentages here.

The Bulls won 64% of the matches they played. That is less than two-thirds of the games. That's right folks, this team that you claim are the best team in South Africa, and others are proclaiming as the best franchise side in the world will only win less than 2 out every 3 games that they play.

The opposition in the final were the Free State Cheetahs. Their winning percentages are even lower. 57% to be exact. How sad that South Africa's premier rugby competition is played between two teams that cannot win a third of the matches that they play. In fact, one of them struggles to win every second game.

Now, if you please, look at the top two teams in the log. Oops, did I use the the words, "top two"?

Western Province have a winning percentage of 71% while the Sharks winning percentage is 85% yet both of these teams did not contest the final of the competition. Is it just m or something really foul in the nation of South Africa?

Imagine if the last 3 weeks of the English Premiership was contested in a semifinal and final to decide who win the competition. Manchester United play Arsenal and Liverpool take on Chelsea. Chelsea win away from home thanks to an injury time penalty awarded by a blind referee. In the other semi, Arsenal win 3-2 at Old Trafford, again, Rooney fouled someone and the Gunners go to play the final at home and go on to win.

Sound right? Of course not. That is not the way it works.

In England, the team who plays and win the most matches in the league are the League Champions. Once having won, they don't go on to play in a knockout-cup-style competition and only then go on to win. That makes no sense, yet here our amazing rugby brains think it's okay to do.

C'mon SARU, get yourself towards yourself.

And as for every journo that think the Bulls are the best, think about this for a moment. You were beaten by the Shark in both of your league games.

Get a life.

LOST CITY CYCLING WEEKEND IN AID OF CANSA

The Powerade Lost City Cycle Classic in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will take its 12^thyear on Saturday 22 August 2009 at Sun City Resort. For the past 11 years, the event has raised R 2 million for the CANSA cause and has a strong emphasis on road safety, medical assistance, and sheer riding pleasure.

Powerade adds to the prestige of the Lost City Cycle classic and their major support has ensured the continued success of this classic cycle race. Joining forces with Sun International means that the organisers can maintain the high standard of quality and safety. Entries are once again limited to 4,500 cyclists.

In 2008 the safety record was mainly accident free with only minor casualties being reported. This year, there will be 25 motorbikes on the road to assist all cyclists, and notify motorists of the cavalcades ahead. There will be over 50 traffic officers to direct motorists and other traffic. An emergency vehicle and a standby helicopter will be stationed at the Finish to assist in case of accidents or dire emergencies.

The organisers have arranged for medical stations on route and will facilitate first aid kits at all water points, physio-therapists at 2 points, doctors, and ambulances at the start/finish point. Security will be provided by Sun International on route with 250 marshals and support team members, including 25 motorcycle marshals.

This will be the third year that the Subaru Mountainbike Challenge is added to the weekend’s festivities and has proven to be an immensely popular route. The event will take place on Sunday 23 August, starting at 07h00. There will be 3 water points en route and entries are limited to 1,500, with 60 marshalls.

The budding mini-cyclists can take part in the Sparletta Tricycle/walk/run experience on Saturday. The Subaru kiddies 4x4 run/ walk/ride will be take place on the Sunday and various prizes as well as special medals will be presented at the lucky draw at the finish point. Children can be entered on the day.

After both days’ events, there will be entertainment at the Valley of Waves, where the family can enjoy an exciting day at the spectacular Sun City resort.

Entry to the resort is free for all participants, family members and spectators, provided arrival is at 06:30. All cyclists and their families will also receive free entrance to the Valley of Waves on the race day between 11:00 and 14:00.

Entries open on www.cansalostcity.co.za all relevant information will be on the website.

For special accommodation packages available for the weekend, bookings can be made with Sun International central reservations on 011 780 7800 or visit www.cansalostcity.co.za for more info.

When the going gets tough, the Dome2Dome gets going

When you read a newspaper, switch on the radio or watch television these days you inevitably get bombarded with the same message of economic doom and gloom every day. The message is simple - it’s getting more and more expensive to survive on a daily basis.

But, even in these tough times, not everyone is intent on burning a hole in your back pocket. Leandro le Roux, from Perx Sports, organiser of the Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular, is a firm believer in the principle of more is better.

That’s why he decided not to increase the entry fee for his event this year, which takes place on 13 Septemer at the Coca-Cola Dome. “It obviously becomes more and more expensive every year to organise an event like the Dome2Dome. For example, the cost of getting the Metro Police to help us direct the traffic during the race is expensive. That is just one of our major expenses. But for us it has always a case of a race for cyclists by cyclists.

“That is why we had to look at a way of cutting cost and still ensuring that it is a quality must-do ride on the local calendar.”

On the change of distance – the long ride Argus qualifier has been changed to 91km – Le Roux says they had to be realistic. “Our race is only the second big event after winter and we know that a lot of cyclists only start cycling early in September when it gets warmer. So, to have a long and tough race is actually not a wise move.

“Our reasoning is that we would rather have more cyclists racing and enjoying themselves over a shorter distance because that would ensure that we can keep the entry fee as it is.”

“That is how we came to the conclusion to shorten the race to 91km. In the past we had a lot of riders who found themselves in no-mans land with the event. They felt that the 80km was too short and the 116km too long and difficult. The 91km is a distance that most cyclists can conquer.”

But, according to Le Roux, the new Dome2Dome route will still qualify as one of the toughest races on the local cycling calendar.

“I would even go as far as to say it is Joburg’s toughest race. One has just to compare the profile of the Dome2Dome to that of any of the other races. The new route takes in 4 big climbs on the outskirts of the West Rand and it remains a tough test for any cyclist.

“However with the distance reduction, it does bring it into line with most 100km events that act as seeding races for the Cycle Tour’s Alpha Pharm-series.”

Another reason for the shorter race is to give cyclist more time to enjoy the Getaway Show, which is presented in conjunction with the Dome2Dome at the Coca-Cola Dome. “With a 116km race it meant that a lot of cyclists only finished round about 12:00 to 12:30, which left them so tired that they just wanted to go home. Now the majority of cyclists should finish by 11:30 giving them an extra hour to enjoy the Getaway Show.”

Dave Bellairs, convener of the Cycle Trust Alpha Pharm-series, complimented Le Roux and his team for shortening the race.

“I, for one, will enjoy racing the shorter distance. I rode the Dome2Dome twice before and I must admit I suffered big time. You end up riding either up or down the whole time and that really tires your legs.”

Entries and further information on the Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular are available on www.dome2dome.co.za

ALL WELSH FRONT ROW FOR SECOND TEST

The Springboks will face a full Welsh front row when they pack down at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in the vital second Test.

Ospreys prop Adam Jones and Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees are among five changes to the British & Irish Lions side from the first Test defeat and join Cardiff Blues loose head Gethin Jenkins in the starting XV after coming on as second half replacements in Durban.

But it won't be the first time the South Africans have faced a front row from one country in a Lions Test. Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones will be following in the footsteps of some illustrious predecessors.

Back in 1955 it was the Welsh trio of Billy Williams, Bryn Meredith and Courtenay Meredith who battled against the Boks in the four Test series. They ended with a share of the spoils as the series was tied 2-2.

Then in 1968 it was the turn of the English to provide the Lions with a front row from the same country. On that occasion it was the third Test in Cape Town which brought together Mike Coulman, John Pullin and Tony Horton.

"It is a huge honour to play for the Lions and we are aware of the incredible history of the jersey. We've been told about the all-Welsh front row of 1955 and it would be nice to match or better their achievements," said Rees

Newport's Bryn Meredith was, like Rees, the hooker in that front row and had Swansea's Billy Williams and Neath's Courtenay Meredtih as his props. The three played together for the Lions seven times - winning four, losing three.

ends

They played in the opening defeat to Western Transvaal, wins over Orange Free State, Rhodesia, the first and third Tests and defeats in the second and fourth. As a unit, they played nine times together for Wales, winning seven times, to give them a combined record for Wales and the Lions in internationals of P13 W9 L4.

The Lions played 25 matches on the 1955 tour and Williams played in 17of them, Bryn Meredith 15 and Courtenay Meredith 14.

The Lions front row in the third Test in 1968, which they lost 11-6 at Newlands, comprised of Moseley Loose head Mike Coulman, Bristol hooker John Pullin and Blackheath tight head Tony Horton.

The famous Pontypool front row of Tony Faulkner, Bobby Windsor and Graham Price played together three times for the Lions on the 1977 tour to New Zealand and Fiji. Windsor and Price were original picks for the tour, while Faulkner joined them as a replacement.

They played together against the Combined Counties/Thames Valley side, Bay of Plenty and Fiji. The latter was not a Test match.

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS COMMENT ON TOUR TICKET PRICING

ollowing significant enquiries to the British & Irish Lions management regarding the level of ticket pricing for the 2009 tour Lions Chief Executive, John Feehan, has today denied allegations that the British & Irish Lions had any involvement in the setting of ticket prices.

"The South African Rugby Union and its provincial Unions had sole responsibility for the setting of ticket prices for the British & Irish Lions tour and the Lions management had no input whatsoever into any of this," said Mr Feehan.

"The Lions did appoint official overseas travel agencies to service the requirements of travelling British & Irish Lions supporters. However, the tickets for this programme were purchased at full price from the South African Rugby Union by the British & Irish Lions."

"It is true to say we are very surprised at the level of the attending crowds. The Lions only visit South Africa every 12 years and it is therefore disappointing that the stadiums have been far from full," added Mr Feehan.

Bafana Update

Bafana Bafana coach Joel Natalino Santana is confident that his side will do well against Spain – the number one FIFA-ranked country in the world. The two meet tomorrow night in the last match of the group stages of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Kick-off is at 20h30.

Speaking after the squad’s final training session at the match venue; Santana said he had no doubt South Africa can repeat what they did against New Zealand, “I expect a good quality performance from my side because I want them to play with confidence, with some personality, we know how strong the opposition will be tomorrow but I have confidence in my team – I cannot be a coward, it’s not my style,” said Santana.

Santana added that the match has the prospects of being exciting with two teams that are attack-minded.

Sitting beside Santana in the press conference, defender Matthew Booth admitted that Bafana Bafana were preparing for the biggest game of their lives, “it would be very disappointing if South Africa would not proceed to the next round, but in any case we haven’t even thought about not going through; We need one point but we mustn’t go with that mentality we must go all out for victory,” said Booth.

Booth is also well aware that he and defensive partner, Captain Aaron Mokoena, will be up against a lethal strike force in Fernando Torres and David Villa, “coming up against those two is a daunting task for any player, but we need to concentrate 110 percent and defend very well. New Zealand were naïve in their play against Spain, Iraq’s defensive plan worked well for them, Spain are a quality team and one chance they get they make the most of it, so we can be punished it we don’t concentrate,” said the towering defender.

Booth has also revealed that Egypt’s one-nil victory over Italy in yesterday’s clash has given the South Africans confidence but it has also added pressure that they have to deliver.

Following one draw and a win, Bafana Bafana have four points in two matches, while Spain has already ensured qualification with six points. The Spaniards are looking at equaling Brazil’s record of 35 matches unbeaten and a 14-match winning streak should they beat South Africa.

Spain is the team that knocked Bafana Bafana out of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan with South Africa needing just a point to proceed to the second round of the competition.

SASA-II athletes prepare for Global Games at Pretoria training camp

South Africa’s premier intellectually disabled swimming, athletics, basketball, futsal and table tennis athletes took one step closer to the Global Games for the Intellectually Impaired in the Czech Republic next month when they completed their last collective training camp in Pretoria in mid-June. The Global Games are to be held in Liberec between 5-14 July.

The 57 athletes and 33 officials, management personnel and coaches congregated in a frosty Laudium to sort out the finer details of their respective assaults on the 2^nd edition of the Global Games. Although athletes had already been hard at work back in their home provinces, the training camp gave them an opportunity to get to know each other. Those involved in team sports also had the chance to get used to the team dynamic, as well as to develop all important strategies and build up relationships within the team.

Lizzie Vogel, the SASA-II (South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Disabled) President, thought that “the training camp went exceptionally well”. “We achieved what we set out to do”, she said, “which was to familiarize the entire team with each other, as well as giving the different codes enough time to ready themselves for the upcoming Games”. Vogel went on to say that “the team spirit was amazing, and the level of commitment of the athletes to the training program was also incredible”.

Albert Warnick, SASA-II’s National Public Relations Officer, strongly believes that sport plays a crucial role in the lives of intellectually disabled individuals. “Playing sport affords these children so many more opportunities than just getting involved in the sport itself” he said. “Obviously the physical fitness and motor skills involved in playing sports is beneficial to anyone”, said Warnick, “but the social skills involved cannot be underestimated”. Warnick identified discipline, communication and logical reasoning as the areas in which the children develop the most. “The team sports encourage the development of interpersonal skills, whilst the individual sports require the children to work on their self-discipline, and at all times, no matter what sports code, communication is playing an important role”. Warnick also said that “playing sport is about making the right decisions in split seconds, and this also sharpens the minds of those involved”.

The fact that the sportspersons do a lot of travelling is also a crucial factor in their development into functional members of everyday society. “When the children travel, both nationally and internationally, they see new places and interact with new people and different cultures, and this has obvious benefits in terms of developing and nurturing their young minds” commented Warnick. He also said that “when the children move out of their comfort zone, it stimulates their mental growth, and that is why playing sport and travelling with these children is so rewarding”.

The first Global Games was hosted by Sweden in 2004, after the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney when INAS-FID (International Federation for people with Intellectual Disability) was suspended. The re-inclusion of intellectually disabled athletes in the 2012 Paralympics is a possibility.

The South Africa Sport Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA-II) was established in 1990, and since then its athletes have represented their country at numerous World Championships, Paralympics and other international events. So far, 1460 athletes and officials from 38 countries from all corners of the world have confirmed their intention to participate at the 2009 Global Games.

Durban to host 2009 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier Durban in July

Durban will host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 Qualifier for a fourth year in succession when a record number of African nations compete for the two places at the global beach soccer showcase.

The tournament will host nine African nations, and will be played at the state-of-the-art beach soccer stadium at New Beach on Durban’s Golden Mile from 1 to 5 July 2009.

The sports global governing body has confirmed the participation of defending champions Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mauritius, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the host South Africa.

The nine team entry will necessitate a different format to that used for the first three editions of the African continental qualifier, with the teams divided into three pools. The winners of each pool will advance to the finals automatically, with the best placed second placed team securing the last place in the semi-final line-up.

The competition on the beaches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Host City will be the fourth of six qualifying events in all confederations, culminating in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 to take place in Dubai from November 16-22.

Cameroon and Senegal represented Africa at last year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Marseilles, which was won by the global pacesetters of the sport, Brazil.

Senegal provided one of the tournaments biggest upsets, beating the fourth seeded French side in their first match of the tournament.

Durban’s reputation as the beach soccer capital of Africa has been cemented by hosting the continental showcase for four successive years, entrenching the city’s positioning as Africa’s Sports Capital.

“We are delighted to be hosting this tournament once again,” said Durban’s municipal manager Dr. Michael Sutcliffe.

“The facilities that we provide at New Beach are recognised as being world class, and the tournament gives us a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful beachfront to a massive international audience that will be watching the matches on television.”

The draw for the tournament will be conducted by Beach Soccer Worldwide this weekend, during the European qualifying tournament that is currently under way in the Spanish city of Castellon.

VICKERY TO CAPTAIN BRITISH & IRISH LIONS AGAINST WESTERN PROVINCE

British & Irish Lions Tour Manager, Gerald Davies, and Head Coach Ian McGeechan, today announced the Lions' team for the fifth match of the 2009 tour of South Africa. The selected team will play Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday June 13th and will be led by Englishman Phil Vickery.

Davies said, "As a tour party we are delighted that we have reached Cape Town and the final Saturday provincial match prior to the Test series with an unbeaten record. Team morale is high and each team that takes the field is determined to maintain the momentum and to fight for an individual Test place." 

Commenting on the team selection Head Coach Ian McGeechan said, "The coaching staff is very pleased with the way the squad reacted to some bad injury news this week. The players took the news on the chin, trained well, focussed on the next match and the performance against the Sharks was excellent."

"The squad is very close as a group of players but now there is now a competitive edge developing as we approach the Test series. That is how it should be. I reminded the players when I told them the team to play Western Province that we were not selecting the Test side until next Tuesday following the Southern Kings match." 

"The team for Western Province will be captained by Phil Vickery who is one of the many leaders in the squad. It is just reward for a thoroughly professional player who will play in his tenth Lions match. Vicks is a former captain of England and he played three Lions tests against Australian in 2001." 

"No starting players are backing up from the Sharks match as we continue our desire to see all players involved in at least two full matches prior to Test selection. Martyn Williams comes into the starting XV following his recovery from a shoulder knock and Riki Flutey gets his first starting role after proving his fitness off the bench against the Sharks," added McGeechan.