THIS was quintessential rugby – King's Park packed to the rafters, two sides laying it on, ball in hand; hard, driving play, great handling and formidable tackling; the crowd totally involved, high emotion. I'd never before noticed the national anthem being sung before a Currie Cup final. Was this a first? Whatever, it was entirely appropriate. This was the culmination of the 2010 season, the best of South African rugby, as important as any international, an emotional event.
Let's hope our rugby administrators got the message. The Currie Cup is not just the best and most entertaining rugby competition in the world, it's the white-hot crucible in which Springbok rugby is forged. It's always been that way and this season proved it again.
But of particular significance is the way our rugby developed during the Currie Cup. The Tri-Nations showed Springbok rugby to have adopted obsolescence as its game plan. New Zealand especially, but the Aussies also, were light years ahead of us in adapting to changes in the laws that favour a free-flowing, running game. The Currie Cup showed how well our provincial teams have adapted. They were playing a totally different game.
It was not just ourselves. Western Province, the Bulls, the Lions and Griquas were also playing the ball-in-hand game. It made for an enthralling, absolutely spectacular Currie Cup competition. Translate that into the national side and we're looking good for the World Cup next year. But unfortunately these things do not translate easily and automatically. There are different coaches, different game plans. And, of course, different opponents.
The point is that if Springbok rugby is to be rescued from the humiliation of the last Tri-Nations, the Currie Cup has shown the way. And a second point arising is that we tamper with the Currie Cup at our peril. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This year's competition proved its worth. It must not be watered down or neglected in any way just because the Super-14 has become the Super-15 or because of the World Cup. Even if the international players are not available the whole time, the Currie Cup is vitally important. Some of its great moments this year were before the Springbok players became available.
Back to that final. What a corker! What a culmination of a dream season for Patrick Lambie. Michaelhouse will be jubilant that they at last have a rugby Springbok. Give it another 50 years or so and they could draw level with Durban Girls' College, who already have two (Wally Clarkson and Pat Lyster, who were in the Girls' College kindergarten in the 1920s).
And what a confirmation of the qualities of Keegan Daniel in his selection for the Boks. What a season he's had. That tackle he made on Brian Habana late in the second half last Saturday had it all – speed, brawn and mathematical precision. Habana looked like he'd been shot by an Exocet missile.
Ireland tomorrow. The Boks are up against it – injuries, lack of training time, arriving just before kick-off. I know it's only the end of season tour, but shouldn't these things be taken a little more seriously, be organised better?
This is a fixture for The Pub With No Name. What a great season it's been. Crème-de-menthe all round! Frappe!
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