At the start of every Currie Cup campaign, questions are always asked about the continued relevance of the competition. Blue Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo says in the era of a focus on global competitions, South Africa's premier domestic rugby tournament remains vital for development.
In recent years, the world's oldest rugby tournament has drawn poor crowds but remained a good platform for young players to cut their teeth. Staying true to the tradition of using the competition to introduce and nurture young talent, Nomlomo this week announced a Blue Bulls squad for the Currie Cup that boasts 10 players under the age of 21.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s season-opening match between his team and Western Province in Cape Town, Nomlomo emphasised the importance of a competition that has affected his life.
“I get this question often and the part I don’t understand is there wouldn't be me or other guys if there was no Currie Cup,” he said. “When people say it has lost its spark or it doesn’t have meaning, I struggle a bit with that. Last season we fielded players like Canan [Moodie] and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who have gone on to play for the Springboks. So I don’t think the spark of the competition is lost at all.”
From this year, the Currie Cup has been given a dedicated time slot on the calendar, separate from other international rugby competitions, which it had previously been running concurrently to, downgrading its relevance. This will be crucial in restoring it to former glory.
Asked about the composition of his team for this new format, Nomlomo said the Bulls have assembled a squad with a good balance of youth and experience.
“We have seven guys who will be debutants this weekend and that is the only way to get them to be seen on a higher stage. The Currie Cup has a different feel completely, but it goes without saying that it is an important tournament with a lot of heritage.
“We have been training for the last three weeks and we are looking forward to our first match this weekend against Western Province. We have a good mix of youth and experience, we have a 19-year-old who is starting out with bright eyes and lots of excitement.
“For the young ones, you are not going to fault them for their energy, but we also have guys who have played for the Springboks and they come on board with a lot of experience.
“The exciting part is I have seen them on the other side behind closed doors and I can’t wait to see them on the park. Unfortunately we lost Nizaam Carr because of injury and he is out for the rest of the season, but that has opened the door for Nama Xaba, who is going to be a good leader and I am looking forward to seeing how he goes about his business.”
As much as the Currie Cup presents a major opportunity for players, the same can be said about Nomlomo and he wants to make the most of it.
“If you sit and think about it [coaching the Bulls Currie Cup team] too much, it will overpower and consume you because this is a big establishment that means a lot to the game in the country. The best thing for me is to come in and appreciate the opportunity I have been given because coaching here is not child’s play. But we are going to do it together as a team.”
Nomlomo will work closely with senior coach Johan Ackermann and is excited about what lies ahead.
“They [the players] have put in the work at training and we are under no illusions as to the strength of the competition. There is huge competition for places, so I am looking forward to what unfolds during the season.”
The Bulls' Currie Cup team, to be captained by former South Africa Under-20 flanker Xaba, has experienced players including Lizo Gqoboka, Marvin Orie, Sintu Manjezi, Boeta Chamberlain, Henry Immelman, Stedman Gans, Stravino Jacobs and Zak Burger.
Among the emerging talent, Nomlomo has picked Esethu Mnebelele, Jacobus Grobbelaar, Jean Erasmus, JJ Theron, Cheswill Jooste and Demitre Erasmus, who were part of the Junior Springboks team that won the World Rugby U-20 Championship last weekend.
Bulls Currie Cup Squad
Forwards: Abri vd Westhuysen, Cassie Badenhorst, Dylan de Leeuw, Dylan Smith, Esethu Mnebelele, Francois Klopper, Jacobus Grobbelaar, Jean Erasmus, Jeandre Rudolph, JJ Theron, Joe van Zyl, Junior Pokomela, Lizo Gqoboka, Marco Ferreira, Marvin Orie, Nama Xaba (capt), Ruan Swart, Shaun Schurmann, Sintu Manjezi
Backs: Boeta Chamberlain, Brooklyn Newmann, Cheswill Jooste, Chris Barend Smit, Daimon O’Connell, Demitre Erasmus, Henry Immelman, Jaco van der Walt, Katlego Letebele, Liam Koen, PA van Niekerk, Riyaad Bam, Stedman Gans, Steven Nel, Stravino Jacobs, Zak Burger
Injured: Aphiwe Dyantyi, Celimpilo Gumede, Corne Beets, Cornel Smit, Heinrich Theron, Juann Else, Khutha Mchunu, Nizaam Carr, Simphiwe Matanzima
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