I am yet to meet a single Super League A first-team player that doesn’t believe that if he had been born in any other African country, he would have played international rugby.
That notion was put to the ultimate test on Tuesday evening when struggling SLA outift Durbell – currently in 10th place on the log – faced the Kenya national team in their run up to their Test against Germany later this month and also to serve as warm-up for their World Cup Qualifiers.
And Cape Town, it turned out that you’re right – our club rugby is healthier than any other African tournament not involving the Springboks.
What was evident from the Kenyans was that they were much better conditioned than the Durbell team that ultimately won the match 24-12.
I’m not talking about gym conditioning, but naturally they just look bigger, better and faster – but with no skill.
Apparently a few of their players also ran out for Primrose against Hamiltons this past weekend.
Now with Jerome Paarwater being the head coach of the Kenya team and also the head of talent identification in Cape Town, I actually like this idea.
A number of teams around the globe have used the the Pacific Islanders from Samoa, Fiji, Tonga etc. in their national teams for years now.
And if Kenya have the natural athletes that might even boost our rugby further – even if it’s just at club level – then why not invite these guys to come and play in South Africa.
Anyway, Durbell won the match comfortably in the end, while the Kenyans in the Primrose side couldn’t help their “team” in their 55-6 defeat to Hamiltons.
So I don’t know if they’ll add much value in any case.
Enough about them for now.
The Super League A log is starting to take shape nicely now.
As usual, it’s Maties at the top after five wins from as many matches.
They are followed by Hamiltons in second place, False Bay in third and Tygerberg in fourth.
I doubt whether the top four will change over the season and that’s why it’s the relegation battle that has my interest this year.
As it stands, Pniel Villagers and NNK look to be the two teams in real danger early on.
Pniel, currently bottom of the log after three defeats in three outings, will remain in that position at the conclusion of this weekend as they have a bye.
I’ve spoken about the weird fixtures list before and won’t go into it again.
NNK, though, have a chance to lift themselves out of their misery and claim their first win in four matches when they host UWC at the Jan Burger Sports Complex on Saturday.
Chester Williams’ UWC did so well winning the Varsity Shield this year that you expected them to be a comfortable mid-table team this season.
But with only one win in five attempts, NNK will smell blood and will know that this is one of the games they must win if they want to compete successfully in this league.
Never have I imagined that I would talk about Ikeys in the relegation battle and while it’s still early, a defeat to Primrose at Rosmead Avenue on Saturday will definitely see them fight that battle this year.
In other action, Brackenfell host UniMil, Belhar host Hamiltons, while the unbeaten Tygerberg will look to extend their run against SK Walmers at Florida Park.