It’s always a tough call to look to the bench. It’s even tougher when you’re replacing a legend. Like JP was to Ashwell, like Morne was to Ruan, Chowgaps is to Blades.

Richie says: 'Stick to the Canary Yellow, Punter.'

Blades has always been my inspiration, but to be called up at such late notice to fill one such seasoned professional’s boots is really quite stressful. It’s like entering Idols. One day you’re singing along to Britney Spears’s ‘Toxic’ in the shower, and BANG, the next you’re wearing Kahn Morbee’s eyeliner and singing with what’s left of Queen to the cheer of little teenage girls. Score. Blades always used to say commentating was a lot like that.

Rest of the article plus TV Times after the jump.

The harsh reality is that Blades has decided to do a ski season at Tiffindell next year, so he’s taking some time off beforehand to touch base with Percy’s physio in the hope that he’s match-fit for those blue slopes next year. What an athlete. (By the way – has anyone noticed Percy’s newly-adopted kneeling position on the edge of the pitch? It also looks like he’s been eating children since his retirement.) Blades tried to convince Kobus to join him on the runs, but apparently Kobus has a ‘good thing going’ at the moment, even though he would save as he wouldn’t be needing a ski suit. Pity.

Well it’s officially Champions League season and like a good party at King Cake, there’s something for everyone. This last week saw Straaaylia managing to wrap up the ICC Champions Trophy with a win over the black caps in an all-Antipodean affair. Just goes to show that not only is it dangerous when the inner fire of a criminal is stoked (just look at T-bag in Prison Break season 49), but also that Ponting in an off-white, beige, buff or bone-coloured blazer is, according to Richie Benaud, ‘Streeewth, but no me!’ With that being said, the Chowgaps cheer of the week goes to the men in canary yellow.

The Cobras are readying themselves for their opening match-up against the Royal Challengers in this years Champions Leauge T20, and thank goodness, because if it weren’t for them I’d once again have absolutely no idea who to support. I watched, with great enthusiasm it must be said, when the T20 visited our shores earlier this year, but unfortunately didn’t manage to get any permanent tattoos reading ‘Deccan Chargers for life’. I am however setting the PVR to catch Shaggy and Jamelia performing at the opening ceremony. What a treat.

Speaking of which, if there are still naysayers out there regarding the FIFA 2010 World Cup coming to the RSA, I have the ultimate come-around. FIFA are soon set to unveil plans for a Live-8 style performance on the eve of the tournament at the Orlando stadium in Soweto, and they’re bringing out Beyonce! We might be in for another ‘Do it again Diana’ [Ross] moment from 1994.  Fingers crossed.

As we await the first case of jippo-guts from the Cobras in Bangalore, a possible home Currie Cup final could become reality for the Blue and White after a thunderous 50-7 victory over Boland last weekend, heading into the final round. It’s crunch time and those five points mean that if Sharks lose this week and Province beat the Lions in Kurt Darren country, then bring on Fort Newlands and a spoek ‘n diesel for a home final. If all goes well.

Chowgaps

TV TIMES

Thurs 08/10

15:00 – 19:30 Cricket The Airtel Champs League Twenty20: Royal Challengers v Cape Cobras SS2

Fri 09/10

19:00 – 21:00 Rugby  Leopards v Blue Bulls SS1

Sat 10/10

12:15 – 16:00 Cricket The Airtel Champs League Twenty20 Cape Cobras v Otago SS2

15:00 – 17:00 Rugby Griquas v Sharks SS1

17:05 – 19:05 Rugby Lions v Western Province SS1

14:55 – 17:00 Rugby  Boland v FS Cheetahs SS5

16:15 – 20:00 Cricket The Airtel Champs League Twenty20 Delhi Daredevils v Wayamba SS5

17:00 – 00:00 Golf Presidents Cup: Day 4 SS2