Smaller unions should not be allowed to die

We stopped short of breaking into a mournful rendition of Auld Lang Syne but there was a touch of sadness when the Cape Town based media people left Kimberley's ABSA Stadium last Saturday.

While Griquas did pick up the bonus point (for scoring four tries) which they needed to remain in contention for a Top Eight spot, it appears unlikely that they will be part of the elite Currie Cup competition next season.

That means Kimberley will no longer be on the Western Province schedule. Unless a friendly is organised, it means we will not be going to Kimberley again in a hurry.

Now there are some people out there who are probably asking "Who the hell wants to go to Kimberley?" Well, maybe I am a trifle different to most people, but I quite enjoy the atmosphere for big matches in Kimberley. And make no mistake, there have been some big ones over the years.

It was at the same stadium, then named Hoffe Park, that Griquas drew with the All Blacks in 1996. That was the only time on New Zealand's triumphant march through South Africa that the Kiwis were at least matched by a provincial team.

In 1998 I was there again for a Currie Cup semi-final. Although Griquas lost comprehensively to WP that afternoon, it had been a highly successful season for them, with their Gaffie du Toit inspired Vodacom Cup victory earlier in the year standing out as a highlight.

Griquas have never quite reached the same heights again. But this may be as much due to their inability to hold onto top players - Gaffie du Toit, Albert van den Berg, Victor Matfield, the late Robert Markram and Philip Smit are just some of the top players lost to the province - as any other fault in their system.

As indicated by the featurettes on Griquas rugby run on Supersport earlier this year, rugby remains a big sport in the Northern Cape. WP loose-forward Adri Badenhorst, who hails from Prieska, is another of those who grew up playing the game in the area.

My question is: When next year we revert to the strength versus strength system, what becomes of the Griquas development programme? Once condemned to the obscurity of the B Section, where will the union get the revenue to sustain their drive to spread the rugby word?

Another question: What will become of the stadium, which has had some impressive modifications made to it over the years? Will the suite-holders be interested enough to continue occupying the boxes in 2003 when the big game of the season might be one against the Boland Cavaliers or Border.

Of course, Griquas are far from the only union who made improvements to their physical assets when the Currie Cup became a 14 team competition in 1996.

No-one who has ever visited Outeniqua Park in George could fail to be impressed by the dramatic face-lift to a stadium which was once just one rickety old stand being rusted by the all-year Southern Cape rainfall.

Like all the smaller stadiums, suites have been built, the press box has been improved, and the seating has been extended to cover just about the entire perimetre of the playing field.

Sorry if I sound like a melancholic fool in saying it, but I will miss my trips to George as much as I will miss my visits to Kimberley. East London, where the stadium has changed almost as much as its name (it used to be Basil Kenyon, now I think it is ABSA Park but it was several other things before now).

Okay, some of these teams will avoid the drop. The Eagles, who played in a Currie Cup semi-final in 1999, may have done enough this season to sneak into the top echelon.

But the effect a drop to oblivion will have on these unions does worry me. There are some good players parading their talents at other provinces who were spawned in these areas.

While Border were comprehensively outplayed by WP when I was there a few weeks ago, the team was not without promising individuals. They also have one of the better coaches in Cobus van der Merwe.

The Currie Cup must revert to something resembling strength versus strength, that is not debatable. I just think it is a pity that some way was not found to keep the more organised and committed smaller unions involved.

Maybe a few amalgamations here and there to bring the Currie Cup proper to 10 teams, which if you played cross-section would be both manageable and provide the competitiveness we are looking for.

Or what about my suggestion of a few weeks ago that the elite Currie Cup be contested by Super Teams made up of Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Central (Free State and Griquas), Gauteng (Lions and Falcons), Northern Gauteng (Bulls, Pumas) and the Sharks?

These big regional teams could still play the occasional home games at the smaller union venue, while the better players would not have their path to top flight Currie Cup representation blocked by geographical location.

Just a thought, but still one worth considering.