They grow up so quickly these days

It has apparently gotten so bad, that certain individuals qualify for refugee status abroad. But watching the TV over the past two weeks has made me realise that, despite the drama, there’s still hope. I mean, we could be English.

Read the rest of the article plus TV times after the jump.

Being number one in the world at rugby and cricket certainly goes a long way in taking a person’s mind off all the rubbish that is currently going on around us. Throw in a bottle of whiskey, and it’s like you’ve died and gone to a special heaven where Joel Stransky drop kicks you to World Cup glory for the rest of eternity. Yip, when it’s good, South Africa is probably the best place on Earth. The worst place on the planet, for me at all times, must be England. Ridiculously over-priced alcohol and bad teeth are just the beginning of the problems on this island. We shake our heads at Kaizer Chiefs supporters when they throw tantrums at Newlands, but you just have to look at the recent antics between yobo Millwall and West Ham supporters to realise that we’ve actually got it pretty good.

The T20 between the Aussies and the Poms was rained out this week.For the second time. That, for me, sums up how depressing life is over there. The only difference between summer and winter in England is that, in summer, there is only a 75% chance of rain. Weather reporters in the UK deserve Oscars. Every day new, interesting ways are found to tell you that the weather is going to be shyte. Say what you like about South Africa- we host the IPL in winter.

As I write this, the Boks stand on the brink of Tri Nations glory. They’re playing in Brisbane, which is a bit like Durban… but less exciting. We’ve all been seriously impressed with how the guys have performed so far. The side is settled and, truth be told, we should’ve beaten the Wannabies by a bigger margin last weekend. What irritates me though, is the attitude the Aussies and to a lesser extent, the Kiwis, have towards our style of play. The Boks copped a lot of flack in the Aussie media for playing a ‘boring’ brand of rugby- the Fourie du Preez up-and-under followed by the chase. Last week, however, proved we can tan hides using a running or kicking game. But should it matter? No, of course it shouldn’t. And besides, look where the Kiwis run-it-from-everywhere approach got them. The fact that the Aussies and Kiwis haven’t yet learnt how to deal with the pressure applied by the brilliant skills of Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield and Heinrich Brussow (to name but three) really is not our problem. We are shit-hot at the moment, and it’s nice to see a Bok side head over to Australasia with the well-founded belief that they can win all their games. Bottom line: play how we want to play. Stuff the rest. Australian whine: made from pure sour grapes.

The Griquas fall from the top continues at a rapid pace. C’mon, we all knew it was too good to be true. Province’s win over the Sharks could prove invaluable when the Boks come back- a home semi looks to be on the cards. It’s the Bulls this weekend and with a lot of the big guns away, Province have a chance to put one over the ‘biltong-biting-bastards’ who have dominated the competition for far too long. Gonna be tough, but the Bulls’ loss to the Lions last week shows that they are vulnerable without their big players.

If you’re a tennis fan, as I know my young friend Seth is, then you’ll have been savouring the US Open, which is currently on our screens. It brings me back to what I said earlier regarding England and disappointment: Andy Murray (who is Scottish) will dominate headlines on Sky News, get the entire United Kingdom’s hopes up only to lose in the semi finals to Rafael Nadal. The English learnt very little with Tim Henman. Fred Perry was where it started and ended for them. I’ll be holding thumbs for another Federer/Nadal showdown. Serena Williams will, in all liklihood, cruise to victory in the ladies. Now there is one chick who needs some gender testing. Large and in charge, that’s our Serena.

That’s my bundle. I’ve rambled on for quite long enough. The ice block has now diluted the whiskey to the point where to drink it would mean compromising my manhood. Time for that refill. March on Boks. March on.

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TV Times

No Premier League due to WC Qualifiers.

Fri 4/09/09

13:45 Cricket England Cricket: England v Australia 1st ODI SS2

19:00 Rugby Currie Cup: Platinum Leopards v Griquas SS1

19.00 Tennis US Open ESPN

21:00 Golf US PGA Tour: Deutsche Bank Champs Day 1 SS1

Sat 5/09/09

11:30 Rugby Vodacom Tri-Nations: Australia v South Africa SS1

14:50 Rugby Currie Cup: FS Cheetahs v Lions SS 1 SS1

17.00 Rugby Currie Cup: Western Province v Blue Bulls SS1

13:40 Motogp San Marino Qualifying Practice SS2
17.00 Tennis US Open ESPN
21:00 Golf US PGA Tour: Deutsche Bank Champs Day 2 SS2

Sun 6/09/09

10:45 Motogp: San Marino 125cc SS5
12:00 Motogp: San Marino 250cc SS5
13:45 Motogp: San Marino Motogp Race SS5

11:00 Cricket England Cricket: England v Australia 2nd ODI SS2
17.00 Tennis US Open ESPN
21:00 Golf US PGA Tour: Deutsche Bank Champs Day 3 SS1