I guess it was just a matter of time before the coronavirus hit our shores.
And last week it happened, the first case in South Africa - a 38-year-old man who returned home from an Italy trip with “the plague”.
Over the weekend, the number of infections apparently doubled and while it will undoubtedly have an impact on all sectors, sports men and women have to ready themselves for a big hit as well.
Imagine watching a Stormers match on the telly and hearing every single word spoken on the field because there are no spectators in the stands.
It’s happening all over the world, with Italian Serie A matches being played behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the virus at events.
In Germany, they look like they are going a similar route, while the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games are also under threat.
It may seem like a long shot now, but if the situation continues to get worse, I can see Sanzaar calling for Super Rugby games to be played in empty stadiums.
I reckon teams like the Bulls and the Lions will adapt easier to this, they’ve had some training in recent weeks.
SELECTIONS: Coach John Dobson. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
As for the Stormers, I am afraid it will be a big blow.
Much of their campaign is built around bringing the game to the people and the people to the campaign.
They want to fill Newlands to capacity every single week in a bid to win their first ever Super Rugby trophy.
With it being the final season at the Old Lady of South African rugby, I can’t think of anything more catastrophic - rugby-wise - for the last season at Newlands.
Anyway, as it stands you can still go to Newlands and enjoy Super Rugby action live.
This weekend sees the Sharks make their way to Cape Town in what is the biggest South African derby of the year to date.
Both teams have been impressive so far in the competition, with the Stormers losing only one match to the Blues before their bye last weekend.
FORM FLYHALF: Curwin Bosch. Picture: BackpagePix.
One battle that will be particularly interesting to watch this week will be the one at flyhalf between Damian Willemse and Curwin Bosch.
The latter won the Man of the Match award in their win over the Jaguares on the weekend and is in the form of his life this year, getting regular game time in the flyhalf position.
Having played fullback last year, Bosch has adapted well to being a pivot again.
The same can’t be said for Willemse, who has not been at his best in the No.10 jumper this year.
Seen as the future in the Bok flyhalf berth, Willemse will have to prove his worth against Bosch, who at the moment looks like a better bet for the Green and Gold.
MISFIRING: Damian Willemse will be tested. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
The match is bigger than them, though, and will go a long way in determining who will win the South African Conference this year.
Therefore, it won’t surprise me if Stormers coach John Dobson is mulling at change at flyhalf, possibly bringing in Jean-Luc du Plessis to start this encounter.
Not only will it give Willemse some time to assess things from the touchline, but it will undoubtedly rattle the Sharks’ plans for this match as well.
With both teams looking to play an expansive game plan, there will be a number of other key battles in the backline that will be worth the entry fee alone.
ALTERNATIVE: Jean-Luc du Plessis may get a shot in the flyhalf jersey. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
One of them is at No.15 where Dillyn Leyds will cross swords with up-and-coming youngster Aphelele Fassi.
The Sharks fullback is one of the most exciting talents in the country, while Leyds has also made his intentions clear - he wants to wear the No.15 jumper against the British and Irish Lions later this year.
I haven’t even touched on the battles out wide, where Seabelo Senatla and Sergeal Petersen are up against Bok duo Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi.
If ever there was a match to make a statement, it is this one for Senatla and Petersen.
Anyway, stay safe out there and enjoy the live sport while we still can.
Let’s hope they sort out the coronavirus issue quickly, not only to prevents deaths, but also so sports fans can go to matches on weekends to forget about all the other troubles in the world.