Some would say that brains would trump brawn most times. Add the variables of pace and tactics to the mix, though, and it becomes even trickier to decide which camp to back.
That is the scenario in tomorrow’s blockbuster Currie Cup semi-final at Newlands between Western Province and the Blue Bulls, so who’s it going to be?
Normally one would think that because it’s a play-off game, it’s going to be tight and teams should creep into their shells and play it safe. But doing that would be a serious mistake on Province’s part.
The Streeptruie are the team with the brains and pace, whereas the Bulls have more brawn and tactical awareness, especially with star Springbok Handré Pollard back in the starting line-up. Province play with greater ingenuity than the Bulls, who rely on an old formula of looking to dominate with their forwards and letting their flyhalf take total control.
So, while coach Allister Coetzee’s pack can’t avoid the physical confrontation upfront – it doesn’t mean that WP should lock up their game-breakers and throw away the key.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke and his troops would like nothing more than a slow slugging match with the Province forwards, and endless tactical kicks from halfbacks Nic Groom and Demetri Catrakilis. That would see strike-runners such as captain Juan de Jongh, Seabelo Senatla, Kobus van Wyk and Cheslin Kolbe without the ball in their hands.
The Bulls have a highly combative eight-man forward unit, with heavyweights such as Dean Greyling, Paul Willemse and Jacques du Plessis waiting to punch holes in the WP defence around the fringes. So, it would be vital for Province to stretch those big men across the field and force them to make tackles, which will take some bite out of their ball-carrying when they do have possession.
That is when the gaps will eventually open up for the likes of Nizaam Carr, Michael Rhodes and later Sikhumbuzo Notshe as the Cape side would be wearing their opponents down rather then engaging in a boxing match.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that someone like Kolbe must just aimlessly run back every ball he gets at No15. When there is a well-stocked Bulls defensive line in front of him, a little dink over the top could win valuable territory or even create a try-scoring opportunity if the ball lands in space.
But the Province back-three must be brought into the game as often as possible, as they are the special players who can produce that decisive moment in the game.
Mind you, that doesn’t mean that the WP forwards are off the hook and can just watch their backs wave their magic wand. Their discipline in the scrums will have to be top-notch, especially with a referee like Pro Legoete handling the game.
Ultimately, Province need to continue with the approach that got them to the top of the log and saw them score 40 tries in the league stages, second only to the Lions (44).
It would be a great shame if, while trying to rein in their attacking game, this exciting WP side are sucker-punched by a traditional Bulls physical onslaught. - The Star