ADFSL

So all of us know neither the Lions nor the Sharks can finish last on the log and are safe. This is an incredible achievement by the Sharks because off all their players being at the Boks. It has to be said that after starting the season with a plethora of injuries they are at this stage relative injury free. But enough of that end.

In this shortened CC prem div it is the bottom of the log that has become the interesting part. Not that any of the current bottom 4 should lose against the Kings at this stage. But still only the humiliation of having to play the 2 games will be enough to see these teams give their all.

From 3 – 6:

WP – Currently sitting in 3rd spot (only by better points difference) they have had the worst run of form of the bottom 4. Losing 3 out of their last 4 games. (one being a home game) They have been severely affected by Bok call-ups and injuries (esp in loose-trio but also among the backs) That said the manner in which they lost is particularly worrying. AC decided not to take any chances this weekend by including all his boks.

Kwas – The surprise package of the season. Winning at home against the “big teams” is nothing new. But winning against all of the Bulls, Sharks and Lions(home and away) has to be some sort of new record. It has to be said their players are not as fatigued as the S15 provinces and of coarse are not interrupted by bok call-ups. Still for such a small union to go this far in the CC. Is a real achievement

Tahs – Like most of the “big teams” having a real up and down season. Also affected by Bok call-ups and injuries but not as bad as some of the others. Naka’s decision to leave Sias and Andries on the bench for signing with other clubs next season. Did back fire to my mind. Causing them to lose games they could have or should have won. I know you wan’t to develop your next in-line but playing a 9 at 10? Not sure if that was such a smart move.

Cows – Propping up the log at this stage. Somewhere the Bulls have not been in years. It must be said that they also lost quite a few players to the Boks. And getting some back only to lose them with others again must be disruptive. A lot has been said that the impact of losing so many stalwarts at the end of ’11and that it is only being felt now. Not sure I buy that though. Maybe the back-up at this stage just isn’t so good. Bulls have bought a lot of young tallent but that is the thing they are all still very young and the older guys just ain’t that good.

Games of the weekend:

Sharks vs Kwas: Pote called on the boys for a last push. But I just can’t see that happening. The Sharks are in good form (with Lambie back) and will prob smash the Kwas in Durban. There is an outside chance of a bonus point. So 21 it will be.

WP vs Tahs: This will be a close one. Both have their boks back and are using them. Both have injuries to crucial players. Being at Newlands one prob have to favour the WP. But that said this is a decent Tah team and an upset is well on the cards. I would go with a narrow win for WP. 4 points.

Lions vs Bulls: This will be like a dead rubber for the Lions and I can see them taking the foot of the peddle. This will help the bottom of the log Bulls who have also included all their Boks. So the Bulls to comfortably win this one. 5 points.

In the end it looks like either a Tahs or Kwas at 6th position. Thing is even if the Kwas losses badly in Durban the Tahs still needs atleast 2 points out of the game. Which is not impossible.

My gut tell me it will be the Cheetahs propping up the log. (but I am a WP supporter though)

Who do you think will end last??