Issuu

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Fond Farewell

shark king

Robert The Head Coach Reigns Here February 2017 Edition

#9 A tribute to Joost

oost van der Westhuizen is undoubtedly one of the best rugby union players South Africa has ever produced. His ability to stay low to the ground, take quick possession of the ball after a scrum put-in and weave his way through the giants before him and score a try, was awe inspiring. He was quick, had great technique and well, was a rather fantastic rugby player. The former Springbok scrum half earned himself 89 test caps for the Boks and scored a record 38 tries. Joost played in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final. During the dying moments of the game, Joost passed the ball to flyhalf Joel Stransky who sent the ball through the uprights to clinch victory for South Africa. In March 2011, this South African hero was diagnosed with Monto Neuron Disease (MND). South Africa saw a new side to Joost. He was not so strong anymore and becoming rather frail over the next six year. But the Springbok glory heart of gold still beat inside Joost and he was determined to beat his illness. This is a real example of a true champion. The 45-year-old fought a hard fight with the support of so many people by his side across the globe. At Joost’s memorial held at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria on Friday, 10 February, South Africa’s captain in the 1995 World Cup final Francois Pienaar said: “He always pushed the boundaries. An individual spirit that would do anything for his teammates. On the field, he played like a rock star. On the field and off the field, he partied like a rock star, because he was after all a rock star.” Upcoming Springbok scrumhalves have some big boots to fill. A fighting spirit has left the sporting world a little dull. Farewell Joost, the number 9 jersey just won’t be the same again… By Sharl Els

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Photos: Google

Inside From The Editor Welcome to the first edition in 2017 of That Sports Mag, we hope you enjoy the read.

2017 is upon us and what a sports year it promises to be. We have the ICC Champions Trophy, Proteas in England, India, Australia and the launch of the global T20 competition. In Rugby we have the Super 18 and maybe even a South African winner, The French visit, The Rugby Championship, The Currie Cup and The end of the year Northern Hemisphere tour. We will also be covering The Comrades Marathon, Golf and we will be looking at our stars of the future.

In this edition we have 3 sad farewells, the Super 18 Rugby tournament and we also look at the Duzi. Enjoy the read.

Frank Davidson

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Publisher Alcari 830 (PTY Ltd) t/a Reigning Elephants Address P.O.Box 2597 Hillcrest 3650 ISSN Number 2221-6707 Tel: 087 943 2418 Design: design@reigningelephants.co.za Editor: Frank Davidson editor@reigningelephants.co.za Sales: advertising@reigningelephants.co.za www.reigningelephants.co.za DISCLAIMER: The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition.Copyright That Sports Mag. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from That Sports Mag. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

Sharks Come Out Guns Blazing

For New Season

he Sharks have the metal to win the Super Rugby tournament and Currie Cup this year. With fresh blood on the field in the form of young talent, the Sharks are set to put a few trophies on the mantelpiece this year…

By Sharl Els Not try and jump too quickly. We want to play more ball in hand, but with that comes a big responsibility. So I’m looking for a well-balanced approach between attack and defence,” he said.

In January, the Sharks announced that Pat Lambie would lead the The Cell C Sharks are off to a good start to the new season after a squad in the 2017 Vodacom Super Rugby tournament. Taking on well-rounded performance against the Toyota Cheetahs on Friday, the captaincy duties, Lambie said it will be good to have teammate 3 February at King Zwelithini Cobus Reinach back on the in Umlazi, defeating their field. The scrumhalf has been opponents 35-7. The Sharks out of the squad for some have a lot to play for this season. time due to a knee injury back In the lead-up it seems that the “I’m very chuffed for Kobus, Scrumhalves: props: franchise is looking for players to it’s a very nasty injury to get Cobus Reinach Tendai Mtawarira prove themselves and get some through. But I think he’s come Michael Claassens Lourens Adriaanse silverware under their belt. through with flying colours. Hanco Venter Thomas du Toit On the coaching front, former I’m sure he’s chomping at the Rowan Gouws Coenie Oosthuizen Springbok scrumhalf, Robert du bit to get some game time Flyhalves: Juan Schoeman Preez helped steer the Leopards and I think he’s in for a big Patrick Lambie John-Hubert Meyer to an ABSA Currie Cup first division year this year,” said Lambie. Garth April Hookers: trophy in 2015. Undoubtedly Inny-Christian Radebe Franco Marais, good experience and pedigree Being appointed as Benhard Janse van Rensburg Chiliboy Ralepelle will assist the coastal side captain, Lambie has plenty Centres: Stephan Coetzee in achieving victory in 2017. experienced players at his side Andre Esterhuizen Locks: to help with the challenges Lukhanyo Am Etienne Oosthuizen Also a former Sharks player of captaining the squad. With Jeremy Ward Stephan Lewies who played for the franchise the mood in the Sharks camp Johan Deysel Hyron Andrews during the nineties, du Preez is on the up, all eyes will be on Marius Louw Ruan Botha passionate about Sharks rugby. the young flyhalf. “There are Tristan Blewett Jean Droste Speaking at a pre-season press a number of relatively young Wings: Loose Forwards: conference in the first week of faces in the group. But there Odwa Ndungane Keegan Daniel February, du Preez was optimistic also are a hand full of players Lwazi Mvovo Jean Deysel about the season ahead. who have been around for a S’bura Sithole Tera Mtembu Reflecting on the 2016 Currie number of years. So my job Kobus van Wyk Daniel du Preez Cup and off season training, du has been made very easy S’busiso Nkosi Jean-Luc du Preez Preez said he’s noticed things so far. There are players all Fullbacks: Philip van der Walt have had a positive turnaround. around that I can look to for Curwin Bosch Khaya Majola “I think there’s been a huge input and for advice. Likewise Rhyno Smith Francois Kleinhans improvement. There’s certainly for the younger players. Clément Poitrenaud Jacques Vermeulen been big improvements in terms of our conditioning.

2017 SHARKS Squad:

There’s been big improvement in terms of the skills level of the guys - that’s what we would like to see in a game situation.” With the pre-season games now underway and the Super Rugby fixtures drawing near. The Sharks will look to start the season on good footing. “We obviously want to have a good start. We’ll take it one game at a time. When we play the next game hopefully there will be improvements. And it’s also game fitness. I think game fitness is a big thing. Over the last two weeks we’ve done a lot of simulated plays, but it’s never the real thing. We haven’t done full contact sessions. So this will be our first real contact session,” said du Preez. The win over the Cheetahs at King Zwelithini Stadium may just be an indication of how the Sharks are looking to play their rugby in the new season. Coach du Preez said the camp has a vision in mind. “Ultimately we do have a vision on how we want to play. We’ll have to take that one game at a time and build on the successes from the previous games.

They’ve got a lot of seasoned campaigners that they can look to, and some good examples that they can follow,” he said. Having not played for the Sharks for some time, Pat says he is looking forward to running out in black and white. “It almost feels like a new start again at the Sharks. I’ve hardly played any rugby for them in the last few seasons. I can’t wait to get out there and I’m really going to try and enjoy myself,” said Lambie. Vol 1 Issue 3

The Lions

he Emirates Golden Lions had a stellar Super Rugby campaign last time around, going all the way to the final where they succumbed to the Hurricanes in New Zealand. They were consistent throughout and this was seen with them finishing second after the round robin stage of the tournament. They became the darlings of the South African rugby public as the other franchises fell by the way and it was an unbelievable journey by a franchise that a few seasons prior could barely win a match at any level, lost sponsorship and had to endure a season out of Super Rugby. If ever a rugby fairytale needed to be written, this was it. Having had that barren season without any Super Rugby, the Lions returned to the competition in the 2014/5 season, winning seven out of 16 matches to finish 12th overall. It was a platform they could build on and they did just that in 2015/16 where they notched nine wins from their 16 matches, narrowly missing a play-off spot. Coach Johan Ackermann has established himself as the most successful Lions coach in Super Rugby with 29 wins from 50 games. He has instilled a style of play that is absorbing to watch and an

example to fellow South African franchises. His men are able to bounce back from setbacks on the field, they play the full 80 minutes and they match like with like, taking on the New Zealand sides with a brand of running, constructive rugby which speaks for itself. This should be another exciting season for the Lions. Although they have lost flank Warwick Tecklenberg to retirement, they still have the inspirational leadership of Warren Whiteley. The squad as a whole is excellent and well balanced, but a key focus will be the halfback combination of Faf de Klerk and Elton Jantjies. These two `generals’ will need to be on top of their game and dictate terms early on to ensure go forward momentum and space for their exciting runners.

Lions Squad Forwards: Justin Ackerman, Ruan Ackermann, Fabian Booysen, Cylce Brink, Robin Coetzee, Hacjivah Graham Dayimani, Ruan Dreyer, Lourens Erasmus, Andries Ferrerira, Corne Fourie, Johannes Jonker, Jacobus Kriel, Robert Kruger, Malcolm Marx, Francois Mostert, Marvin Orie, Sitembiso Sithole, Dillion Smit, Kwagga Smith, Dylan Smith, Armand Van der Merwe, Jacques Van Rooyen, Hendrik Van Wyk, Warren Whiteley Backs: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Ross Cronje, Fancious De Klerk, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Elton Jantjies, Sylvian Mahuza, Grenton Mapoe, Xolani Mnisi, Jacques Nel, Shaun Reynolds, Courtnall Skosan, Michael Tambwe, Jaco Van der Walt, Anthony Volmink, Harold Vorster

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The bulls The Vodacom Bulls are a side in transition under coach Nollis Marais There have been a few personal changes with their marquee signing Lood de Jager welcomed to the fold. The South African teams, competing in two separate conferences, seem to be relatively evenly matched. The early prediction is that the Lions will be the team to beat and the Kings likely to be the basement dwellers again. In between we are likely to see a close contest for supremacy between the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Cheetahs. As we know, it is a very long tournament and anything could possibly happen. The Bulls welcome back Handre Pollard. The Loftus faithful will have missed his natural leadership, accuracy off the tee and ability to take the ball to the line in 2016, the pivot having missed the entire year with a knee injury. He will lead the Bulls for the first few games of the 2017 season. Adriaan Strauss will take over the reigns as soon as he has completed his rehabilitation after back surgery.

The return of Handre Pollard should unleash the phenomenal firepower out wide that the Bulls have built up over the last two seasons. Players such as Jamba Ulengo, Jan Serfontein, Jessie Kriel, Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaeil, Johnny Kotze and Burger Odendaal have the ability to test any defense. Hopefully they will not be used as kick chasers in 2017. Jessie Kriel is tipped to have an outstanding season and could well turn out to the Bulls match winner. The Bulls-despite being the only super trophy winner in South Africa -have not enjoyed much success in Super Rugby in recent years and their fans will hope that this is their year

2017 bulls Squad BACKS:

Ulrich Beyers Warrick Gelant Jesse Kriel* Travis Ismaiel Luther Obi Jamba Ulengo* Jade Stighling Duncan Matthews Kefentse Mahlo Sibahle Maxwane Johnny Kotze Dries Swanepoel Burger Odendaal JT Jackson Jan Serfontein Francois Brummer Tony Jantjies Tian Schoeman Handre Pollard* Ivan van Zyl Piet van Zyl Rudy Paige* Andre Warner

forwards:

Hanro Liebenberg Renaldo Bothma** Roelof Smit*** Lood de Jager* Trevor Nyakane* Martin Dreyer Lizo Gqoboko*** Corniel Els

Arno Botha* Nick de Jager Jannes Kirsten Jacques Potgieter* Shaun Adendorff Ruan Steenkamp RG Snyman*** Jason Jenkins Conraad van Vuuren John-Roy Jenkinson Jacobie Adriaanse Pierre Schoeman Adriaan Strauss* Edgar Marutlulle Jaco Visagie

* Springboks ** Namibian international *** Springbok tourist v Barbarians Players in: Johnny Kotze (Stormers), Jacques Potgieter (Sharks), Conraad van Vuuren (Free State).

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Jaguares Rugby Club The club is based in Buenos Aires in Argentina. They are also known as Los Jagueres. The club was established in 2015 and is the first Argentina team to play in the Super Rugby. In 2016 they competed in their first season and had a successful season for a new comer. To finish 13th place in your first appearance in the tournament, ahead of a team like the Reds who won the tournament before. There was a lot of positives that the club could take out of 2016. The biggest challenge for the team in 2017, is to be able to put on the pitch all the experiences they have gained from the previous season. In order for them to achieve more success, they have to improve in their discipline. They had the most yellow and red cards in 2016. Even with a lack of discipline they still crushed the Kings 73-27 and they beat the Lions in there penultimate game. The team comprises of a majority of the current Argentina team and the way the country played in their end of year tour proves they are learning and improving. Coach Raul Perez is very confidence about this season and with inspirational captain Agustin Creevy leading the team, they can surprise us this season.

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jaguares Squad Forwards: Crustain Bartoloni, Santiago Garicia Botta, Facundo Gigena, Ramiro Herrera, Lucas Noguera Paz, Enrique Pieretto, Roberto Tejerizo, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Facundo Bosch, Agustin Creevy, Julian Montoya, Matias Alemanno, Juan Cruz Guillemain, Marcos Kremer, Igbacio Larrague, Tomas Lezana, Benjamin Macome, Pablo Matera, Javier Ortega Desio, Santiago Portillo, Leonard Senatore Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Felipe Ezcurra, Martin Landajo, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, Nicolas Sanchez, Santiago Gonzales Iglesias, Juan Martin Hernandez, Gabriel Ascarate, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Bautista Ezcurra, Santiago Alvarez, Matias Orlando, Santiago Cordero, Manuel Motero, Emilano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Joaquin Tuculet.

Craig Joubert

THERE was much disbelief and shock last year when renowned South African and world rugby referee Craig Joubert announced he was hanging up his whistle. At 39, he had been a referee since 1992 and had reached the pinnacle of his profession by being the man in charge of the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park, Auckland, where the All Blacks pipped France 8-7. Joubert’s figures are impressive. He has 69 Tests, two Currie Cup Finals, three Super Rugby Finals, a host of Six Nations matches and 103 Super Rugby matches to his credit. His first Test match was the USA against Wales in Conneticut, in 2005 plus he has blown the whistle at sevens, with 19 tournaments on his CV including the Sevens World Cup in Hong Kong and six matches at the Rio Olympic Games last year. Now all that is past as from 11 January this year, he took up the position of Referee Talent Development Coach for the IRB. It wasn’t an overnight decision and is something world rugby had created. The position was advertised, Joubert had the credentials to apply and there was a proper process which resulted in his appointment. “It involves a lot of involvement with sevens rugby. This is the breeding ground where great referees are grown and my new adventure will involve me attending all tournaments on the world circuit where I will coach and develop referees from developing countries, basically mentoring them and preparing them for the life of a whistle blower,” said Joubert. With sevens now an Olympic sport, it’s the obvious platform from which to start as a budding referee. From here, the obvious move is to the 15-man game and Joubert is already looking ahead to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. “There will be a new group of referees coming through then and it is vital to keep track of the game, to move with the speed of its development and understand what the game demands,” said Joubert. “In this regard, world rugby has seen a need for someone to mentor the next generation coming through as such and that’s where I come in.” When analysed, Joubert’s task can be viewed as one that stretches to infinity. There are always new referees coming through and the laws of the game are always changing. “That’s the positive of the job and also its biggest challenge – to keep abreast of what’s going on and introducing those changes to those who determine the ultimate success of the game on the field,” he said. “It’s easy 14

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to always blame the ref for a poor game or a dodgy result but we are human and can only endeavour to give of our best with the best understanding of what is going on and what is required.” Another challenge for Joubert is the language barrier. English is obviously his mother tongue and while he admits he could face a hurdle or two when dealing with officials from around the globe, the language of rugby will always be the winner. “That is what binds us together. Our love for the game and wanting to see it improve and move forward in the right way, as a spectacle in world sport,” said Joubert. “We all speak and know that language so well that rugby will always be the winner regardless of the minor hurdles faced along the way.” Despite having to travel, Joubert will still be based in Kloof and he admits the new role is easier than he anticipated. “With a young family, being away is tough on the family. I will still travel in my new role but there is a structure to sevens rugby tournaments and planning is easier,” he said. “My contract with South African Rugby was due to run through to the end of the 2019 World Cup with the possibility of doing the Lions tour to South Africa in 2021. This is not a decision I have taken lightly and I am chuffed to be able to walk away on my own terms with no regrets. It’s an opportunity which came my way and I had to take.” The bottom line is development of the game. “That is my primary role,” said Joubert. “The game goes on and moves forward and the big names and best brains have been put together to move the game forward and do what is best for the game we love. While it was disappointing to leave refereeing as such, I see a silver lining in what lies ahead and the exciting role I can play in that journey.” As for what he has left behind, Joubert believes there is a healthy line of South African referees coming through the ranks. “We have some top class whistle men with healthy representation on the sevens roster. We are always looking to recruit those who are willing to give back to the game,” he said. “Some of the bigger schools have programmes running and for those who love the game but don’t quite have the talent to produce on the field, what better way than to stay involved. Ask me, I was a run of the mill fullback at school and look what I achieved.”

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Daryn Smit FORMER Dolphins captain Daryn Smit (32) has decided to call it a day with the franchise at the end of the current season and head with his wife Sarah to England, where he will devote his time to English club side Ramsbottom, where he has played the past three seasons during the South African winter. A 14-season veteran of the Dolphins, Smit was captain in a tough 2012/13 season under then coach Lance Klusener and he departs with his head held high having given his all to the badge. With wicket-keeping his first love, the arrival of Morne van Wyk from the Knights saw Smit relinquish the captaincy and keeping duties and despite being used as more than useful leg-spinner on occasion, keeping is his first love. “This has been a tough, emotional decision but it was something on my mind after my third season at Ramsbottom where I captained the side to their sixth league win in about 150 years. The team and I had a great season considering it was one of the wettest on record and I leave Durban with the intention to keep playing for at least another five to six years. This is not retirement. “Keeping is my passion and the older I get, that is what I want to do. Perhaps, while being able to devote my full attention to Ramsbottom, I could get lucky and perhaps secure a county deal. At the end of last season, I made a double hundred on trial for Derbyshire’s 2nds, but nothing was forthcoming probably in the knowledge that I was returning to South Africa.” With ancestral visas in hand, Smit and his wife are looking to stay in England for at least six years in order to qualify for a British passport. “There is nothing stopping us returning to South Africa after that period but having that passport is a good banker to have if we need to move on,” said Smit. “As the overseas professional at Ramsbottom I feel the club needs to get their money’s worth and having established myself in my second season where I broke the record in becoming the leading run scorer in a season, I feel that’s where my calling lies.” As a senior player at the Dolphins, Smit said he had the support of players and administrators who respected his decision. “I have been out of the T20 side for the past few seasons and have been in and out of the side on occasion. My recent shoulder injury has not helped matters but I honestly say I leave the Dolphins with no anger and resentment, remembering the good times.” There have been some moments to remember for Smit, most notably winning the then Ram Slam domestic T20 competition in 2013/14 against the Cobras at Newlands and he remembers his debut for the Dolphins in the inaugural domestic T20 match against Western Province Boland, also at Newlands, in April 2007. “That was the first 16

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provincial T20 match played in South Africa and I made my debut behind the stumps. Although we lost by six wickets, I will never forget snapping up Graeme Smith with a diving catch behind the stumps off the first ball of their innings, bowled by Shaun Pollock,” said Smit. “Here was the new Protea captain (Smith) being nicked off by the former (Pollock) and I couldn’t have asked for a better start.” Smit enjoyed the perfect ending to his first class career with the Dolphins when he played in the final two Sunfoil Four Day Series matches this season, replacing the injured Morne van Wyk behind the stumps. In the final match, a drawn affair against the Cobras in Durban, he knuckled down to produce his highest franchise score, a magnificent undefeated 150, underlying his value to the side as a dedicated player, always good to have in the trenches, who gave his all for the badge. “At the end of the match, even though there were hardly any people to witness the occasion, I was cheered off the field and given a guard of honour by my team-mates,” said Smit. “That spoke volumes for me and was very special, something I will always cherish in my time at the Dolphins.” Smit was a useful middle-order batsman and at one stage of his career, was pretty crafty with his leagspinners, getting a hattrick in a four day match. He never reached international honours but was good enough to play for the SA and Natal U19 teams in 2003 as well as the Natal Schools side. When he eventually became a regular in the Dolphins set up, he took over

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the keeping duties from Duncan Brown. In time, he developed into a nuggety batsman who valued his wicket, although having to bowl did hamper his progress with the willow. There is no time for regrets though as an exciting chapter beckons. He has been and continues to be a dedicated and valuable overseas signing for Ramsbottom and their gain is definitely the Dolphins’ loss. A farewell was held at Kingsmead for Smit, attended by friends, team-mates and invited guests and it was plain to see how popular and respected he is. His mates signed a Dolphins shirt of him and one thing is a dead certainty…..Smitty will be missed in the Dolphins changeroom next season and beyond. Thankfully we still have him doing some commentary on television, something he has again handled like the gentleman and professional he is and always will be. His comments and thoughts provide an interesting insight into the game he loves, knows and plays so well. Farewell Smitty and thanks for the memories. Smit heads for England on 5 April and starts his season with Ramsbottom on 9 April. Stumps off the first ball of their innings, bowled by Shaun Pollock,” said Smit. “Here was the new Protea captain (Smith) being nicked off by the former (Pollock) and I couldn’t have asked for a better start.” Smit enjoyed the perfect ending to his first class career with the Dolphins when he played in the final two Sunfoil Four Day Series matches this season, replacing the injured Morne van Wyk behind the stumps. In the final match, a drawn affair against the Cobras in Durban, he knuckled down to produce his highest franchise score, a magnificent undefeated 150, underlying his value to the side as a dedicated player, always good to have in the trenches, who gave his all for the badge. “At the end of the match, even though there were hardly any people to witness the occasion, I was cheered off the field and given a guard of honour by my team-mates,” said Smit. “That spoke volumes for me and was very special, something I will always cherish in my time at the Dolphins.” Smit was a useful middle-order batsman and at one stage of his career, was pretty crafty with his leag-spinners, getting a hat-trick in a four day match. He never reached international honours but was good enough to play for the SA and Natal U19 teams in 2003 as well as the Natal Schools side. When he eventually became a regular in the Dolphins set up, he took over the keeping duties from Duncan Brown. In time, he developed into a nuggety batsman who valued his wicket, although having to bowl did hamper his progress with the willow. There is no time for regrets though as an exciting chapter beckons. 18

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He has been and continues to be a dedicated and valuable overseas signing for Ramsbottom and their gain is definitely the Dolphins’ loss. A farewell was held at Kingsmead for Smit, attended by friends, team-mates and invited guests and it was plain to see how popular and respected he is. His mates signed a Dolphins shirt of him and one thing is a dead certainty…..Smitty will be missed in the Dolphins changeroom next season and beyond. Thankfully we still have him doing some commentary on television, something he has again handled like the gentleman and professional he is and always will be. His comments and thoughts provide an interesting insight into the game he loves, knows and plays so well. Farewell Smitty and thanks for the memories. Smit heads for England on 5 April and starts his season with Ramsbottom on 9 April.

Daryn Smit First Class: Matches 125 Runs 5711 HS 156* Avg 37.32 100x9 50x33 Catches 332 Stumpings 19 Wkts 106 Best 7-27 Avg 32.49 List A (50-Over): Matches 107 Runs 1870 HS 109 Avg 31.69 100x1 50x10 95 Catches 11 Stumpings 45 Wkts Best 4-49 Avg 38.17 T20: Matches 80 Runs 701 HS 57 Avg 24.17 50x2 Catches 46 Stumpings 7 Wickets 28 Best 3-19 Avg 25.75 (Figures correct to 28 February 2017)

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dusi 2017

HIS year’s FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon in mid-February was deemed by many as the toughest on record, or at least in the last 15 to 20 years. Those who take on the three-day journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban know what it’s all about and they prepare accordingly, knowing they will have to carry their boat, do some running and dig deep into their physical reserves to get to the finish at Durban’s Blue Lagoon.

The intense heat in the valley which is a characteristic of the race every year, is expected and dealt with, paddlers ensuring they are well hydrated and that their seconding teams have plenty liquids on hand. Scratches, bumps, bruises, blisters, damage to the boat and falling into the river along the way are all part and parcel of the Dusi experience and the moments remembered over that cold beer afterwards. What the paddlers cannot fully prepare for is what nature will throw at them. There’s the usual hyacinth issue every year, the organisers fighting tirelessly to eradicate the menace and clear decent paths for the paddlers to negotiate and the early water release from Henley Dam helps churn the water and give the early part of the course a decent flush. This year however, nature was cruel. It was as though there was a sense of bitter humour involved, some false pretence which galvanised the paddlers only to turn around and bite them hard as the race progressed. Everyone knew that rain was a major issue and that the country and many parts of the province were in the grip of a harsh drought. Certain areas of the country had experienced healthy rains but the Umgeni and uMsindusi Rivers were thirsty and needed some wholesome nourishment. Typical summer storms in and around Pietermaritzburg in the build up to the race gave hope and promise to water levels as race day drew near. The day before the start, Low Level Bridge looked as though the floods had broken as water cascaded over the checkpoint and it seemed that prayers had been answered and decent water would be available.

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Brett Austen Smith, general manager of Natal Canoe Club, the organisers of the race, was optimistic, saying the rain was obviously a welcome relief for the province and the paddlers. He added that the strong flow meant increased focus on the safety elements of the race, although he had complete faith in the sweepers, rescue personnel and police divers who were on duty along the route. Day one and two, the paddlers were generally pleased with conditions. Times were nowhere near record breaking or threatening and tactical paddling was the order of the day with lines having to be carefully chosen, but all was well, Inanda Dam at the finish of day two a tough, physical challenge for those who hadn’t quite perfected their paddling skills. The dam was a poor reflection of what it could be. Here it was clear to see the harsh reality of the drought, the water level was below where it should have been, slipways looking like some prehistoric relics jutting into the sand far from the water’s edge. It was fair to say the mighty dam was but a puddle and paddlers finished the day in shallow water, with tents and media facilities pitched on banks which should have been well under water. Talk on the situation came to the sombre conclusion that it would take years for the dam to return to its former glory or to get close to what it should be as far as capacity is concerned. Such conditions should have been a warning as to what lay ahead on the third and final day. Normally a release from Inanda Dam meant the final 36km to Durban was similar to a sprint, with paddlers covering the distance in good, comfortable times. Now, it seemed nature had decided she had given enough on the first two days and put the ball firmly in the paddlers’ court, setting the test for them to conquer without much outside help. And so it proved. Seasoned Dusi Rats, folks who had 10 or more races to their names, flopped ashore at the finish and were all in one voice, saying it was the hardest race they had ever done and the worst day ever on the river. Temperatures in the valley had the mercury shooting to 44 degrees and with no water release and the river so low, there was more

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running to tackle than normal. There was no free ride this time, no currents to help ease the strain. Organisers were forced to implement low level rules below Inanda Dam as there was no flow. This meant paddlers more or less ran from Tops Needle all the way to the Burma Road takeout and the usually free flowing section at Pumphouse was low, with hyacinth to add. Burma, normally the most feared portage in the race, lost its status, Austen Smith saying that nearly 90 percent of the paddlers went over the obstacle, an option never considered in normal circumstances. Physically, it was tough going as when the paddlers were on the water, there was no current, no flow to provide some relief. It was solid work, shoulders aching and mental attitudes tested to the limit as lines had to be chosen carefully, rocks dodged and hyacinth negotiated. To cap it all, the long paddle to the finish saw nature throw one last test in the mix, a steady headwind for the paddlers to conquer. All three days were thrown into one but it takes more than that to keep a paddler down. Hard as it may have been, they all dug in, all moved forward, all focused on their goal. Nothing was going to stop them getting that medal and within a few minutes of finishing and realising what had been accomplished, that spirit of true grit and determination, mixed with plain good fun, had them all vowing to return and do it again next year.

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