WELL, the Test series interlude is almost over and what a cracker it's been. It's difficult to find the superlatives for last Saturday. The Boks played right out of their socks in the first half. Everything was there – driving, handling, running onto the ball. Not much tackling because England didn't get their hands on the ball, they weren't allowed into the game.
Then England's stirring fight-back to within four points. This was high drama. People say the Boks became complacent when we went into half-time so far ahead. I'm not so sure of that. It's that half-time lull that gives a good side like England the opportunity to take stock, refocus and come back with guns blazing. This they did to brilliant effect.
These are two well-matched sides. Only one try separated us in both Tests. Anything could happen tomorrow. As Katinka, Ukrainian leader of the dance troupe in the Thunder Bar warned last week: "Zese Pommies is full uff tricks!"
England will be disappointed naturally that they didn't level the series last week. But, whatever happens tomorrow, they go away knowing their young side has gelled and is building promisingly for the next Six Nations and eventually the World Cup. Similarly with us. We go into the Rugby Championship – Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and ourselves – in August, knowing we're a crackerjack outfit. By the time the World Cup comes round we could even be drawing on a couple of the youngsters who have been tearing up the turf in the World Under-20 tournament.
And speaking of the Rugby Championship – the Tri-Nations until Argentina joined – who dreamed up this exciting name? Were the Ponytails locked in the loo or something when the decision was made? I'm not saying they should have called it the Southern Hemisphere Rugger Razzle-Dazzle – the way the marketing gurus would like – but the Rugby Championship sounds like something dreamed up by Aunt Mildred. What's wrong with plain Four Nations? It's played at a different time of year from the Six Nations, so what's the problem? The Rugby Championship. Zzzzzz …
Meanwhile, Barney's Army versus the Sharks at King's Park tonight, John Smit's tribute match in aid of charity. This should be an entertaining affair, given the international cast and the carefree spirit of the thing. But what a pity that it clashes timewise with the Under 20 Boks against New Zealand. This match at Newlands should be an absolute humdinger and a foreshadowing of rugby strengths in the years ahead. You can't watch both at once.
The thing to do, I suppose, is go to King's Park for the Barney's Army game then repair to where somebody has saved the Under-20 match with this technological wonder known as the PVR. In fact where better to go than the Thunder Bar, where the gals have absolutely the latest in technology.
As Katinka said, strumming her famous suspender belt. Snap! Snap! "Zese Barney's Army zey velcome too. Some zey play for Bath? Zey like ze soapsuds? Ve got!" Snap! Snap!
CAPTAIN COOK
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