WELL, here we go again. Anything can happen at Ellis Park tomorrow, and we'd better believe it. 'Twas magnificent the way the Boks forced their way across for those two second-half tries that turned the game, but pas op! These were two very evenly matched sides and a lot can depend on the bounce of the ball.
It was odd watching the Baby Boks do much the same – also against England – during the week. Matters just about even at half-time – perhaps slightly in favour of the visitors – then a second half in which our boys rose to the occasion as not before in the tournament. It was like a replay of the Test, except this time four tries – magnifico! I especially like the play of the rooikop prop, Steven Kitshoff. Sunday's semi-final against Argentina will certainly be worth a squint.
What a wonderful Test it was. I was astonished to hear grumbling in the crowd about a boring game. Even in the Duikers' afterwards. What do they expect from a Test? Candy floss? This was an exciting, well-matched game, a great performance from both sides. Strong running, great handling, superb tackling.
And tomorrow things are likely to go up a gear or two. Katinka, lead dancer in the Thunder Bar, as always has the answers in the form of betting slips in her suspender belt. Snap! Snap! "Ze Boks vill do it. Ooh-la-la, zose luffly boys, Lambie unt Fransie Steyn, zey vork ze scissors, you chust vatch! Monkey bitzness in ze midfield. Ve girls here luff zem both. But ze Boks got to be vide avake. Zese Pommies zey got some tricks too." Snap! Snap!
So there you have it, the oracle hath spoken. Meanwhile, what a wonderful rugby get-together at Frans de Beer's tribute lunch last Friday. Former Bok players, former provincial players, former club players, all mingling with great bonhomie at Riverside Sports Club. And it reminded all of us present, I'm sure, of days of yore when players at all levels mixed regularly at club level.
Can those days ever return? There's much talk of revitalising club rugby, restoring its links with the higher levels. Imagine a national club competition – which we used to have here in Durban every Easter. What would that not do for rugby, opening up new opportunities and providing new incentives? Let's hope it gets beyond just talk.
CAPTAIN COOK
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