With only four sessions of round-robin action to go in the 2008 Currie Cup, we can expect a mighty scramble for positions as the race for semifinals heats up.
Of the ‘big five’ unions, it is Western Province who are in deepest trouble as the competition enters the home straight – or are they?
The Capetonians have created a little bit of breathing space for themselves with an opportunistic win over the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday, but despite the victory, they remain nine points adrift of the fourth-placed Lions, who currently occupy the last semifinal spot.
Interestingly, WP and the Lions face each other on October 4 – the final day of round-robin action before the semifinalists are revealed.
Province also seemingly have the ‘easier’ run-in, as they have only one remaining fixture against a ‘big five’ union (Lions).
The Lions on the other hand have to negotiate both the Sharks and WP over the final two weeks of round-robin action.
At the top of the log, the Sharks have displaced the Bulls after their convincing 34-25 win over their Pretoria rivals on Saturday.
It is debatable which side is the favourite to end the season top of the log, even though the Bulls have only one ‘big five’ opponent to face, in the Cheetahs, as opposed to the Sharks, who have both the Cheetahs and the Lions to negotiate.
However, the Sharks remain three points ahead of the Bulls at this stage, which means that their destiny is firmly in their hands.
Six teams still have a mathematical possibility of ending the season in top spot on the log, while the two teams at the foot of the table, Boland and the Falcons, can only end third, even if they achieve perfect results and those teams above them conspire to remain on their current points tallies.
The Bulls and the Sharks can end no worse than sixth, as the points difference between them and the bottom two teams has become greater than 20 points – the maximum amount of points that a team can score over the last four rounds.
Here are the permutations for the Currie Cup teams:
Sharks
Current position: 1
Best possible finish: 1
Worst possible finish: 6
Remaining fixtures: Cheetahs (h), Falcons (a), Lions (a), Griquas (h)
Blue Bulls
Current position: 2
Best possible finish: 1
Worst possible finish: 6
Remaining fixtures: Boland (h), Cheetahs (a), Griquas (a), Falcons (h)
Cheetahs
Current position: 3
Best possible finish: 1
Worst possible finish: 8
Remaining fixtures: Sharks (a), Blue Bulls (h), Falcons (a), Boland (h)
Lions
Current position: 4
Best possible finish: 1
Worst possible finish: 8
Remaining fixtures: Griquas (h), Boland (a), Sharks (h), WP (a)
Western Province
Current position: 5
Best possible finish: 1
Worst possible finish: 8
Remaining fixtures: Falcons (h), Griquas (h), Boland (a), Lions (h)
Griquas
Current position: 6
Best possible finish: 1
Worst possible finish: 8
Remaining fixtures: Lions (a), WP (a), Blue Bulls (h), Sharks (a)
Boland
Current position: 7
Best possible finish: 3
Worst possible finish: 8
Remaining fixtures: Blue Bulls (a), Lions (h), WP (h), Cheetahs (a)
Falcons
Current position: 8
Best possible finish: 3
Worst possible finish: 8
Remaining fixtures: WP (a), Sharks (h), Cheetahs (h), Blue Bulls (a)
Courtesy of Rugby 365
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All we have to do is win win win win.
None of this fielding a weakened team against the Valke or any of that kak.
The Bulls will probably win all four their matches.
If they take max points from each match which is quite easily possible then four wins for us won’t be enough to finish top.
We will then have to get at least two BP’s along the way as well.
Going to be tight at the top and at 4th
I really did not think this was possible two weeks ago but the Cheetahs have a more than even chance of not making the play offs at all.
It is not unlikely at all that the Cheetahs go down in their next two matches, it is also very likely that WP will take max from their next two.
That will leave WP and Cheetahs level pegging on 32 each with two rounds to go.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : Yes yes yes yes!! 😀
NEVER, imo, field a so-called weaker team, unless it is for the purpose of trying out a new player or combination. And then sparingly.
Before last weekend my prediction was:
1.Bulls
2.Sharks
3.Lions
4.Cheetahs
5.WP
It’s probably still the same
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 5) : Hello Walter. I expected you to defend your guys on the other thread. However, this would not be too far out, only need to put the Sharks in no 1 spot.
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 5) :
I hope you are “probably” wrong and would personally think it will be
Sharks
Bulls
Cheetahs
Lions
WP
would prefer a
Sharks
Bulls
WP
Lions
Cheetahs
I don’t want to play either WP or the Bulls in a Semi. Would prefer either Cheetahs or Lions
@KSA Shark © (Comment 7) : Now that is not a proper Sharks comment. 😈 😈 😈
If we cannot beat any of these sides anywhere, we do not deserve to win. I say, bring it on minnows….. 😈
This is how I see the last 4 weeks:
Sharks 38
Blue Bulls 35
Cheetahs 32
Lions 31
WP 22
Griquas 19
Boland 13
Valke 13
Sharks: Cheetahs tuis (4), Valke weg (5), Lions weg (1), Griekwas tuis (5)
Bulle se wedstryde oor: Kavaliers tuis (5), Cheetahs weg (4), Griekwas weg (5), Valke tuis (5)
Cheetahs: Sharks weg (1), Bulle tuis (1), Valke weg (5), Kavaliers tuis (5)
Lions: Griekwas tuis (5), Boland weg (5), Sharks tuis (4), WP Weg (1)
WP: Valke tuis (5), Griekwas tuis (5), Kavaliers weg (5), Lions tuis (5)
Finale punte :
Bulle = 54
Sharks = 53
Lions = 46
Cheetahs = 44
WP = 42
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 9) :
You have that Lions Sharks result wrong IMO 😉
and that will then put you 4th (joint with WP) and us 1st. Other than that I think you are spot on with your results.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 10) :
I base that result on the fact that the Sharks last won a Currie Cup match at EPS in 1996.
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 11) :
I’m hoping that that record will end this season as well as the one (I may be wrong here) that we have not won a playoff or final against you guys in Dbn ever.
lions will not beat the sharks
firstly they cant dominate the sharks up front and they do not have the back line to contain the sharks
walter dreamin is good and fels good mate , it is just that though A DREAM lmao
@KSA Shark © (Comment 12) :
Not quite ever…LOL! The last time you beat us in a SF in Durbs was 2001
http://www.transvaal.co.za/winratiodetail.asp?team=Natal
my concern is more the cheetahs that seems to have things niggle against the sharks that seems to unsettle them
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 11) : Several historic stats have fallen just in the Tri-Nations. I personally do not set store by those type of stats, unless there are factors like high altitude etc that play a part.
you forget sharks in semi’s without about 12 players with world cup squad etc last year walter
this year this will not be the case
you will face a full sharks team 👿
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 14) :
FEELS like forever.
thanks for the link even if it does only remind me that you have beaten us on both occasions when we met in Finals in Dbn. 🙂
actually walter pepsi park 😆 is a happy hunting ground for the sharks
@sharks_lover (Comment 15) :
Don’t worry about the Cheetahs they have just lost the 1st of what will be 3 consecutive defeats IMO. (And Walter’s opinion from his post # 9 above)
@sharks_lover (Comment 19) : Not in the currie cup. Walter is right, as always. We last won a cc game in Joburg in 1996. It was also the last time we won a final 🙂
@KSA Shark © (Comment 20) :
That’s why I think the Cheetahs will at best end 4th
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 22) :
I think all you picks above (comment # 9) are correct except for our result against you.
that will then take 4 points away from you, dropping you below the Cheetahs for 4th place.
What I am trying to say is the Cheetahs’ 3rd/4th place fate is in your hands really.
agrred rob but remember always losing with the lose of many boks to bok team
this year we have all our players back 😉
well i am hoping for lion s ans cheetahs to be in semi’s
and wp to stay out
@sharks_lover (Comment 25) :
I think it’s pretty certain that WP will end 5th
eish walter and you will be without 2 players for drugs???
Hasn’t WP already played Griqua’s and Boland?
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 28) :
Yes they have but not in the second half of the season.
Their 2nd half started off with Sharks, Bulls, Cheetahs. Not an easy start that
I see Walter is back with his 1996 story… 🙄 can’t wait to bury this piece of history…
1.Sharks
2.Bulls
3.Cheetahs
4.Lions
@sharks_lover (Comment 24) : um – we haven’t won there in 12 years, mate! The missing Boks excuse only goes so far
@blackshark – (Well done Serena!) (Comment 30) :
It will no doubt be broken some day, but lets hope it’s not this year!
@robdylan (Comment 31) :
Rob, and I have to be honest that I didn’t know this until you brought it to my attention…LOL!
@robdylan (Comment 31) :
yip and the boks have only been gone for three years.
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 32) : Let’s hope it’s this year… 😈
And while we are still hoping…let’s hope you’ll be coming down to Durban for the SEMI’s again…so we can sort that part out as well…
@blackshark – (Well done Serena!) (Comment 35) :
We’ve shown that we can win at Loftus and Durbs…and that is what we will have to do this year as we won’t end higher than 3rd. Bring it on!
I reckon it’s safe to say that the Sharks & Bulls will end in 1st & 2nd position. And as a Province supporter I have to still cling to the very slim chance that Province will make the semi’s even though my head says otherwise.
@robdylan (Comment 31) : How the hell have they managed to find a dodgy ref for 12 years running.
@Salmonoid (Comment 38) :
Jy is snaakser as ‘n mens!
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 33) : I know 😉
Walters whats the news on Rose & Benjamin drugs charge? If find guilty will the rugby lot do something about it?
@PaarlBok (Comment 41) :
They appear in court today, so I’m sure we will hear during the course of the day.
Was just starting to see Rose in a green 10 jersey now this. Anyway looking at this for some reason I think the Cheetahs have the hardest road. Their loss last weekend and a maybe one this weekend, at home against the Bulls may hurt the Tin Ears more then they would have bargain for. The race for top place not the only race but surely the bottom lot will play out of their skin to get out of the danger zone. This just maybe one hard match for the Cheetahs at Brakpan in the second last round. WeePee surely have a nice run into the business end and if they qualify my hopes is sky high they may end with the shares. If they can do the S14 roll they sure wont be a easy team whoever or wherever they have to play. Think the Lions had the similair road last year from this time on.
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 42) : The news reports are a bit vague…but I guess we’ll know what’s up in due course…
@PaarlBok (Comment 43) : One thing for sure…there’ll be no favours from any side…every man for himself. We’re still going to see some great rugby in this CC…
@blackshark – (Well done Serena!) (Comment 44) :
Sounds like they were caught in posession of enough of whatever they had to be considered dealers..but they claim it was planted on them.
@walter van transvaal.co.za (Comment 46) : Let’s hope it was planted indeed…
Bring on the Siverware 12 years is just too bloody long for the Sharks faithfull 😉
My spelling must be caused by the flu medication?/? 😕
or was it flu medication??, oh shit I’m due in court in a hlaf hour 😳
@Pokkel (Comment 50) :
Surely not for the Rose / Benjamin case?
@PaarlBok (Comment 41) :
Well it will be difficult getting weekend leave from chookie to play every week. 😉
I don’t expect anything to happen today though, surely it will be remanded for this that or the other reason, for weeks or months.
@Pokkel (Comment 49) :
Was it planted on you or did you take it volunteraly?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 52) : Problem is I know Rose to well. He have a sort of a past. 😉
His Paul Rosers should have use cane (rottang) the right way. 🙄
Looks like Only Benjamin appeared in court…after the arrest the case was not taken further against Rose…..This is Ice, Sharksworld News, Johannesburg.. 😉
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 55) :Ice, Sharksworld News, Johannesburg 😎
dankie Ice,
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 55) : So you mean that Earl come out smelling like roses? 😉
@blackshark – (Well done Serena!) (Comment 56) :
You’re Welcome.. 😉
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 55) :
Hey lady, You can’t just come in here an splurb stuff like that.
You’s gots to gives us your sauce?
@Ragged (Comment 57) :
Or sumthing like that – I just stood in for someone else covering a major story in putsonderwater…
@blackshark – (Well done Serena!) (Comment 56) :
Ahhh – you meant I am saying it wrong…Ok – Ice, Sharksworld News, Johannesburg..better? 😀 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 59) :
You forgot who ya talkin’ too??? 🙄 😉
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 61) :
Ohhhhhhhh I forgot, it was you. 😳
Does that mean you have forgotten where you heard it already? 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 59) :
BTW…I AM the sauce…
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 63) :
Magdel Fourie….Beeld.. 😎
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 63) :
Ahhhhh, cool
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 64) :
I see the report on keo confirms that is was Cocaine they were caught with.
President of the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) Jannie Ferreira confirmed the players will appear in court in order to try and clear their names after they were arrested earlier this year. The pair were found with cocaine, but the amount has not been disclosed.
So should we wait for the Coke Park jokes or start our own?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 66) : Why follow when you can lead?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 66) :
Earl BrrrrrrrrrrrRose
@KSA Shark © (Comment 66) : Luckily Joe Van Niekerk was not involved 🙄
@Charlie (Comment 70) :
My initial thought exactly… 😎
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 71) : Shot Angel
@Salmonoid (Comment 51) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 53) : I deny it all. It was planted I’m sure or did I buy it….no no no I was selling….ok enough GO SHARKS
Give eeerrrr THEM some blood tests and sort it out once and for all.
@Pokkel (Comment 73) :
OHHH Jinne…Pokkeltjie, mail my, ek ken ‘n baie baie goeie dokter… 😉
@I’ce (Rebel With a Cause) (Comment 75) : verkoop my ‘under the counter’ 😉
@Pokkel (Comment 73) : you going for the insanity defence??????? 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 77) : Are you calling me insane ❓ I dunno ….where is my Griep medisyne?
Lions winger in court for drugs
09/09/2008 12:07 – (SA)
Johannesburg – The case of Golden Lions left wing Rayno Benjamin was postponed in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after he was charged for drug dealing, his defence lawyer Boela Van Der Merwe said.
Benjamin was arrested along with Lions flyhalf Earl Rose and two others, Chatna Cloete and Heinrich Gordon, in a flat in Randburg earlier this year. They were charged on January 31.
Only Benjamin appeared in court. Charges against the others were dropped, he said.
“At the time of the incident it was found that the other three who were initially accused were just at the flat as visitors.”
The case was remanded to October 2 for the defence to submit written representations.
Golden Lions executive Manie Reyneke told Beeld newspaper that the rugby union was aware of the charges, but that they believed the drugs had been planted.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 79) : Cannabis is planted, Cocaine which is nothing to stiff at is not planted but processed. But then again neither Benjamin or Rose is my Her(i)o(n).
Rugby is is not a game for dopes but it can be habit forming.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 79) :
Hey – did you by any chance doubt my journalism..??? HUH/// HUH??? 👿
@KSA Shark © (Comment 79) :
Ag, this was old news
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ICE told us!!!!!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : you are missing two wins. it should be win win win win win win.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 79) : yeah earl and benjamin are reall tikked off with the charges.
SA rugby soap opera….Two druggies and a porn star
@try time (Comment 83) :
nah we don’t need any extra games before the semis. 😉
@KSA Shark © (Comment 86) : the way the sharks are playing at the moment, get as many games in as possible. we can’t be sure how long this streak will last.
@Pokkel (Comment 85) :
Don’t forget the gay guy.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 88) : ????
@Pokkel (Comment 89) :
If i recall correctly Johan Prinsloo was accused of sexual harrasment sometime back, by a GUY.