Strange
message
on rugby
A STRANGE message comes this way on the digital hocus-pocus, purportedly from Multichoice. It reads: "We would like to inform you that all Vodacom Super Rugby matches in which the Vodacom Bulls rugby team feature will from now on be aired on Cartoon Network Channel 301 in order to create space for serious games. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Okay, the Jaguares did set up a bit of a stampede among the Bulls last weekend, but let's not laugh until the Sharks have seen them off tomorrow. This will be a tough 'un – the toughest so far. Switch the name tags and it's actually the Pumas – the Argentine national side – that we're playing.
But what's a game of rugby without a challenge?
And in this context, an interview by our rugby scribe Mike Greenaway with Jaguares coach Gonzalo Quesada (himself a former Puma) yielded this fascinating passage: "The Sharks fly super-quick at you, it is a very tough defence and you have almost no time or space for decision-making, so we have to be smart in how we deal with it … but if you play around it, it can also be risky for them …"
Hmmm. Are we going to see from the Jaguares a tactic of chip-kicks, grubbers and diagonal punts? Interesting stuff. Our back three must be extra on the alert, ready to pounce and run.
And of course there's a philosophical dimension to all this, the old debate as to which would win in a fight between a shark and a lion (or in this case a jaguar)? Impossible to hypothesise because they inhabit different elements, the sea and the land.
But tomorrow the common element is the turf of King's Park. Who's best at home there?
See you in the Duikers'! Should the lads pull it off, a little Cossack dancing on the bar counter will be in order.
'Erewego, 'erewego, 'erewego!
Another Kariba?
INTRIGUING, this announcement by King Zwelithini that he's been discussing with Prince Charles and business interests in Britain the building of "Africa's biggest dam" in the Tugela Basin. He said it at the opening of the provincial Legislature this week.
Is the dust at last being blown off plans for the Basin – hydro-electric generation, vast irrigation schemes - that had been researched over a 50-year period then unaccountably dumped? People had spent their careers on it, earned PhDs. But then nix.
The Tugela has an outflow to the Indian Ocean that is sufficient to support a conurbation the size of Greater London, the researchers found. It and its tributaries have great hydro-electric potential.
The politicians dropped the ball (and not just today's lot – their predecessors as well). Is it now being left to ceremonial/traditional leaders like Zwelithini and Charles to pick it up and run with it?
This is unusual, to be sure, yet something to be watched with interest. Could it be the beginnings of the kick-starter to get us out of the current malaise? We live in hope.
Tailpiece
THIS young man-about-town is showing his friends his new digs.
"What's that big brass gong for?" one asks.
"It's the talking clock." So saying, he picks up the hammer and deals a mighty blow. The gong resounds.
A voice from next door screams: "Knock it off, you idiot! It's four o'clock in the morning!"
Last word
I have learned to use the word "impossible" with the greatest caution. - Wernher von Braun
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