RUGBY: Jon Swift
THE big man with the ruck-roughened ears carries a mixture of perplexity and exasperation across the scar tissue which serves as his brow.
“The Currie Cup this season,” he says. “Don’t ask me. The only thing I know for sure is ek bet nie en ek buy nie.
“I mean, Natal beat Transvaal and then Free State klap them. Free State murder Transvaal and then the Vaalies make Northerns look like skoolmeisies. Who can have a serious bet?”
On the first half of the big man’s two-part promise, you have to agree. With the South African side campaigning in New Zealand — and ever more replacements being drafted into the injury-hit touring party — the season has a somewhat topsy-turvy look.
The second part is equally valid, even though it is perhaps not politic to point out that he seldom — if ever — offers to buy a round. As he himself points out: “Selfs nie vir Natal supporters nie.”
It has become difficult for the big man, the self-appointed rugby authority in the corner hostelry, to have a cold one in peace. Especially after the 57-13 rout inspired by Gavin Johnson at Ellis Park last weekend.
“Daai bliksemse Johnson,” he mutters. “How did Northerns throw him away? And Gerbrand Grobler too!”
Both Johnson, playing a pivot for Transvaal, but in a hurry to re- establish himself as the leading contender for the No 15 South African jersey in next year’s World Cup, and Grobler are in the side to face Western Province at Newlands tomorrow.
“Ja,” says the big man, grudgingly acknowledging the contributions of Johnson’s 29-point tally and Grobler’s rock-steady experience. “But this week they have Joel Stransky to worry about.”
Stransky, it has to be admitted, has played better and better since pulling the blue and white hoops over his head this season. Being discarded from national coach Ian McIntosh’s plans has been just the spur the talented Stransky has needed.
The big man broods over Stransky — also once the wearer of a Blue Bulls jersey — and his brew. Then the eyebrows almost meet as another thought strikes him.
“And this week we’ve got Natal at Loftus,” he says. “The way die Bulle are playing right now I think I’ll stay at home and watch the soccer.”
This, you feel, is not a time to contradict him. Or to mention that Free State, with a day off and atop the Currie Cup log, will probably be doing exactly that.