THE Currie Cup premier division kicks off tomorrow when the Sharks host Griquas in Durban, in just one match with several juicy subplots.
The Sharks go into the competition under a new coaching staff, led by director of rugby Brendan Venter, while Griquas coach Pote Human has chosen several new caps in his line-up including former Springbok flank Hilton Lobberts at lock and exciting former Sharks U21 centre Howard Mnisi.
There is no denying that despite the Currie Cup’s tradition and wonderful history, it has become a secondary tournament to Super Rugby.
It runs its course in 12 weeks. The Currie Cup offers a mixture of former and current Test players, solid journeymen and rising up-and-comers the opportunity to the share the same field more commonly than Super Rugby.
As a breeding ground for new talent, we take a look at six players who should catch the eye in 2013.
Blue Bulls – Jurgen Visser
He’s not a newcomer to Currie Cup but this could be the season that he takes a further step up. Visser represented the Bulls sporadically during Super Rugby but will almost certainly have sole rights to the number 15 jersey during the Currie Cup. Fast, elusive and possessing a stellar kicking game as a result of playing flyhalf for much of his career, he poses an all-round threat .
Cheetahs – Boom Prinsloo
The robust backrower will have to fill the Heinrich Brüssow-sized void during the Currie Cup, but in 12 Super Rugby outings off the bench this season, he showed he is capable of doing a fine job. He has a classic openside build and is immensely strong, while his technique over the ball and anticipation have been honed as Brüssow’s understudy. He is former SA Sevens player as well.
Lions – Anthony Volmink
The strong-running flyer set a South African first-class record scoring nine tries in a single match against the Limpopo Blue Bulls in a Vodacom Cup match earlier in the year. That didn’t necessarily underline his fine credentials considering the Lions won the match 161-3, but Volmink is a threat given the tiniest of spaces against far better opposition.
Griquas – Howard Mnisi
The electrifying midfielder will return to Durban where he made a name for himself with the Sharks U21 team.
He has great hands and vision and while cutting holes through defences, he’s also able to throw tremendous off- loads at pace. He could be a star in the Griquas backline if the forwards provide enough quality ball.
The Sharks – Fred Zeilinga
He missed out on SA U20 selection to Handre Pollard in 2012 but has continued to blossom throughout the Vodacom Cup.
With the dependable flyhalf Pat Lambie on Bok duty and Butch James coming to the end of his career, Zeilinga will have opportunities to display his wonderful all- round skills at a higher level. Much is expected of him.
Western Province – Cheslin Kolbe
There isn’t a better stepper and more balanced runner in South Africa and arguably, in world rugby at moment.
Kolbe was a sensation at the recent U20 World Championships where his ability to beat three or four defenders in a space the size of a shower cubicle had the tournament abuzz. He has the ability to give Province that needed lift.
Six to add spice to the Currie Cup
The Sharks go into the competition under a new coaching staff, led by director of rugby Brendan Venter, while Griquas coach Pote Human has chosen several new caps in his line-up including former Springbok flank Hilton Lobberts at lock and exciting former Sharks U21 centre Howard Mnisi.
There is no denying that despite the Currie Cup’s tradition and wonderful history, it has become a secondary tournament to Super Rugby.
It runs its course in 12 weeks. The Currie Cup offers a mixture of former and current Test players, solid journeymen and rising up-and-comers the opportunity to the share the same field more commonly than Super Rugby.
As a breeding ground for new talent, we take a look at six players who should catch the eye in 2013.
Blue Bulls – Jurgen Visser
He’s not a newcomer to Currie Cup but this could be the season that he takes a further step up. Visser represented the Bulls sporadically during Super Rugby but will almost certainly have sole rights to the number 15 jersey during the Currie Cup. Fast, elusive and possessing a stellar kicking game as a result of playing flyhalf for much of his career, he poses an all-round threat .
Cheetahs – Boom Prinsloo
The robust backrower will have to fill the Heinrich Brüssow-sized void during the Currie Cup, but in 12 Super Rugby outings off the bench this season, he showed he is capable of doing a fine job. He has a classic openside build and is immensely strong, while his technique over the ball and anticipation have been honed as Brüssow’s understudy. He is former SA Sevens player as well.
Lions – Anthony Volmink
The strong-running flyer set a South African first-class record scoring nine tries in a single match against the Limpopo Blue Bulls in a Vodacom Cup match earlier in the year. That didn’t necessarily underline his fine credentials considering the Lions won the match 161-3, but Volmink is a threat given the tiniest of spaces against far better opposition.
Griquas – Howard Mnisi
The electrifying midfielder will return to Durban where he made a name for himself with the Sharks U21 team.
He has great hands and vision and while cutting holes through defences, he’s also able to throw tremendous off- loads at pace. He could be a star in the Griquas backline if the forwards provide enough quality ball.
The Sharks – Fred Zeilinga
He missed out on SA U20 selection to Handre Pollard in 2012 but has continued to blossom throughout the Vodacom Cup.
With the dependable flyhalf Pat Lambie on Bok duty and Butch James coming to the end of his career, Zeilinga will have opportunities to display his wonderful all- round skills at a higher level. Much is expected of him.
Western Province – Cheslin Kolbe
There isn’t a better stepper and more balanced runner in South Africa and arguably, in world rugby at moment.
Kolbe was a sensation at the recent U20 World Championships where his ability to beat three or four defenders in a space the size of a shower cubicle had the tournament abuzz. He has the ability to give Province that needed lift.
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