With so little separating the teams, it could come down to who knocks over the kicks in Bloemfontein today to decide who between the Cheetahs and Bulls lifts the Currie Cup. But the two No 10s have so much more to do than simply put leather to boot and here rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen compares the generals of the finalists.
Niel Marais
Age: 24
Weight: 98kg
Height: 1.82m
Competition statistics: 2 tries, 20 conversions, 7 penalties, 71 points (6th)
The bearded No10 learned his rugby at Grey College and went on to star for the University of the Free State in the Varsity Cup, leading his team to their first and only title so far, in 2015, under the guidance of current Cheetahs boss Franco Smith. Marais didn’t start the competition as the first-choice flyhalf, that job going to Fred Zeilinga, hence his only scoring 71 points in the competition to date. But when he was given the starting role Marais flourished and together with scrumhalf Shaun Venter the Cheetahs half-back pairing have been the best in the competition. Marais is a powerful runner with the ball but he’s also an excellent distributor and reader of the game, while his accurate goal-kicking and ability to thrive under pressure make him a man the Cheetahs will be banking on today.
Tian Schoeman
Age: 25
Weight: 90kg
Height: 1.82m
Competition statistics: 2 tries, 35 conversions, 19 penalties, 137 points (1st)
By some margin the leading points-scorer in the competition, Schoeman has become the regular first choice No10 at the Bulls, both in Currie Cup rugby and for the Super Rugby side. He’s gained plenty of experience over the past few years, since taking over from Morne Steyn, and will not be over-awed by the occasion today. Like his opposite number, he too was a star in Varsity Cup rugby, turning out for Tukkies and helping the Pretoria side win the title in 2013. Schoeman’s a player who’s matured over the last few years and he doesn’t make the mistakes he once did, and his attacking style has transformed the Bulls into a formidable try-scoring outfit. Also a very reliable goal-kicker, the Bulls will be looking to him once again to provide the spark to get them across the line.
Saturday Star