RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007

The blog will remain green and gold this week. While we wit for Scrumhalf AM's article Let me give you my verdict of the final. My crew watched the game at Monte Casino. The atmosphere was electric. We couldnt get into the Rugby Village for the game but we got in after. SUBLIME AND ELECTRIC.Cant describe the atmosphere.The place went stark raving mad. Monte itself was a cauldron. We got some footage before and after ,caught up with a few people.Once again it was dark outside in the rugby village. The videos will describe the atmosphere. At about 1 we hit the streets,I expected a party on the streets but I made the wrong call. I guesss the final was late and not early as in 95.We didnt bypass Melville. With Mohamed Kaloo piloting the Swoosh mobile we draped a flag at the back ,put Faaiz Oz and Mamoo in the back and set off thumping the hooters. The streets were quite but TIESTO was...........rocking.

The game itself was a bit boring.Skop Skiet and DONDER but how could we miss out on the atmosphere.The rest of the article I leave to the Scrumhalf AM. I must admit Scrumhalf you got it right.I quite enjoyed your articles and hopefully you will stay on with us in the Rugby department. But I await your analysis . BUT WHAT A SAD WEEK FOR ENGLAND. THE EURO CHAMPS IN SOCCER,LOSING THE RUGBY AND LEWIS HAMILTON LOSING THE F1 RACE

Swoosh

We did it but give England credit! They gave us a run for it! It was tight, and dominated by the boot. The 2 younger guys on the field, Steyn and Tait were the only ones to play with real flair. But that’s how finals are won teams don’t take risks and want to play in the opposition half. We came up massive in the lineouts, and after all the talk about the England scrum, OS, CJ AND SMIT were huge. We could have scored a try just before half time but we got three points instead. Cueto’s try will be argued about for years to come. SA supporters will say it was not and England will say it was or the benefit of the doubt must go to the attacking team. I think it was just out. Credit to the England team, they have not moaned and bitched about it and accepted the result. Mind you the press in England have slated the decision! It was a huge turning point! In the end I guess the better team over the entire 7 weeks won and that is important! The defense in the 2nd half was great. Not only to keep them out but not to give away penalties.

Was it not great to see Mbeki lifted aloft with the cup? Great scenes! Got a bit of the celebrations at Melrose Arch, and it was unbelievable. The lads with me were going crazy but these things happen once in a blue moon. It was like rolling back the years to 95 and 96 with the two big wins! Newtown as well was a buzz as we drove through! Sublime! Also great to see the celebrations in the townships, they may not know a lot about rugby and it is a predominantly white team but they got behind the team and for that we have to show respect to the black people of SA. They are 100% behind the team which is wonderful of them.

In the aftermath, the questions begin? Will white stay on? What will happen to the guys going to play in France? What will happen with transformation? 12 years ago we lost the plot after the win. We need to harness this win and its impact and grow the game!
We have 1 more final the currie cup to look forward to! This Saturday, Cheetahs v Lions in Bloem. Will preview later in the week! For now: “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!”

The Scrumhalf AM