As Western Province crashed to defeat against the Sharks in the Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands last weekend, it marked the end of an era.
You’re probably wondering if this bra is gerook, obviously it’s the end of an era because they will never get to play at the ground as WP again.
But I’m not there. I’m talking about the playing personnel now.
To be honest, everything about the union leaves a bitter taste in my mouth at the moment.
From administration to on-field matters and I’m sure the one has a big impact on the other.
That’s why I can see a big exodus at Western Province rugby this year.
The rumour is that Province will lose Springbok captain Siya Kolisi to the Sharks because of his link to Roc Nation and MVM Holdings – the American company that bought shares in the Sharks after a proposed deal with the Stormers turned sour.
Seems like that was kind of a big deal to miss out on – especially in terms of marketing and global appeal.
Here you have the poster boy for rugby worldwide at the moment, and with the Stormers entering the European market with the Pro14, Kolisi would have been a perfect drawcard for new fans.
Roc Nation, who is part of the Sharks deal and is in charge of Kolisi’s marketing affairs, knows the World Cup-winning leader of the Springboks is kind of a big deal in world sport and that’s why they wanted in on the action.
As far as marketing is concerned, Kolisi will be a huge loss if he decides to further his career in at Kings Park.
So I would find it strange if Kolisi did not move to Durban soon.
From where I’m standing the Sharks franchise looks a lot more stable than what we are dealing with in the Mother City at the moment.
When it comes to on-field matters, Western Province and the Stormers have enough depth to cover for the national skipper.
Nama Xaba has been eyed as a replacement in the No.6 jumper, while I feel the versatile Jaco Coetzee has been very unlucky at this union.
Coetzee can slot in anywhere in the backrow, maar nou hoor ek a few overseas clubs are interested in his services.
Losing him will be a big blow to Cape rugby and at 24, I believe even South African rugby.
If there are a few extra krone lying around at the union, spend it wisely and keep hold of this man. He is a good investment if he can stay injury free.
Maar nou ja.
I also wonder if we’re ever going to see Pieter-Steph du Toit in a Streeptrui ever again. Ruled out for the season, the 28-year-old World Player of the Year is struggling with injury and I believe that if he has good advisers, they would tell him to go and collect that one big final pay pakkie abroad.
Who knows, with the money men now in charge of the Bulls and the Sharks it might even be in South Africa.
Die man het mos hoeka vir die Sharks gespeel.
It’s an open secret that some national players will chase that big pay day at the conclusion of the British and Irish Lions, so I’m just wondering out loud if Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe will also stick around.
Kitshoff was strongly linked with a move to English club Sale Sharks in 2019, but with not much to play for after the Lions series, who wouldn’t want who I consider to be the best loosehead prop in the world?
Eben Etzebeth and Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who came through the system with these guys, have already moved on.
And I believe with the team moving to Cape Town Stadium soon, there will be more than just an exit at Newlands.
As far as the coaching staff is concerned, I think John Dobson deserves more time. Let’s see what he can do when it’s his turn to produce household names.
WP might pull a rabbit out of the hat to keep these players in the Mother City, maar dit voel vir my that with the history that is Newlands gone now, there’s not much left to play for.
Sjoe, Cape Town Stadium has a lot to live up to. Good luck!