Blue tide builds

31 Oct 2009

Loftus is up for the Currie Cup final. But not all the commentators are.

This being my third visit to Loftus for a major Bulls match, the 2007 Super 14 semi versus the Crusaders and the 2009 Super 14 final against the Chiefs being the others, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect in and around the stadium – grown men covered head-to-toe in blue body paint, a plethora of horned hard-hats, bull rings through the nose of men and women who should know better and flags and replica jerseys, creating the impression that you’re swimming in a sea of blue as you make your way into the stadium.

Pretoria, predictably, hasn’t disappointed, although I have to admit I sense an air of apprehension.

There’s none of the intensity you experienced before Derick Hougaard sent his disciples into delirium here in 2007, and certainly none of the hostility that preceded the Chiefs game.

It seems as if the Loftus faithful are acutely aware that today’s visitors are more than capable of spoiling what would be a phenomenal year for the Bulls.

There are a couple thousand supporters soaking up the sunlight in the stands, and thousands more on the outer fields and in the side streets around the ground, some of whom will have to watch the highlights later tonight, despite having tickets to the gig. You catch my [klip]drift, right?

Those inside have watched the Free State Cheetahs’ U19s maul the Lions 47-13, and the U21s edge the Sharks 32-25 in extra-time. Those victories have only contributed to the tension.

Conditions couldn’t be more perfect. It’s cool with a light breeze. It rained heavily in Gauteng for a period last night, and the slow but threatening cloud build-up could see the latter stages of the match marred by heavy rain. Here’s hoping it stays dry.

Some of the players have wandered on to the field, i-Pod earphones stuck deep into their ears, to soak up the atmosphere and prepare mentally for the battle that is about to ensue. One of those is Bryan Habana, whose traditional routine involves strolling over to the corner touch flag and having a stretch. It’s the last time he’ll do so as a Bulls player, and he’ll be hoping he can bid farewell having won the one title that eludes him.

However, not all the major role players in this contest are as focussed as Habana. I write this with one famous commentator slumped next to me in a deep sleep. I’m speculating, but he doesn’t look like he had a particularly good night’s rest, and seems in desperate need of copious amounts of water and caffeine. And no, it’s not the irrepressible Hugh Bladen, who is as sprightly as ever, ready to call his 250 000th Currie Cup match dating back to 1906.

By Ryan Vrede, at Loftus


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