The Free State averted disaster on Friday by edging the Griquas 32-31 in Bloemfontein to qualify for the Currie Cup, as they literally came within inches of missing out on the tournament which has long been their bread-and-butter.

With the SA Cup a qualifying tournament for the Currie Cup, the lack of using technology in the games has simply been mindboggling, as it was last year when referees missed big moments in matches that had an impact. This year again unfortunately, the referees didn’t have the necessary assistance in the game, and more often than not, the finger gets pointed at them.

Following the important win, Steyn said missed big moments in games could have dire consequences and suggested that instead of playing the SA Cup, rather has one big Currie Cup where there is a financial incentive for the biggest teams to compete.

“We’re working hard on our defence, but I’d really like us to play proper Free State rugby again,”said Steyn.

Marco de Witt knocking the ball back over the tryline. Photo: Morgan Piek

“At the moment, things are working well between myself and Pine. We’re spending a lot more time on attack because that’s the kind of rugby we want to play.

“Defence is about heart and attitude. If you’ve got the right mindset and you’re willing to put your body on the line, defence becomes easier. That’s what you saw from us tonight.”

Steyn also highlighted a key moment in the game that nearly proved costly.

“There was that kick into the corner that the player took back over the line. That was a massive moment. From the start, my issue with the SA Cup has been the lack of technology. If we had got the scrum there, maybe we score and the whole game changes.”

“At the end, we almost lost because if he had kicked that ball out, we lose. Those are massive moments in games, and I don’t think people always realise how important this competition is.

“This competition is bigger than the URC and bigger than a lot of other competitions because teams can genuinely be knocked out. What happens to those players and coaches then? It always comes back onto the coaches.

“You can’t blame the referees because there’s no TMO, but there are definitely things that need to be looked at in the SA Cup.”

Ethan Wentzel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn believes the competition structure in South African rugby should also be reconsidered. “Looking at how the teams have performed this year, you could just as well have one big Currie Cup. That’s my opinion.

“The Valke were good and definitely not pushovers, and the Griffons also showed their quality. If you had one expanded Currie Cup, then maybe this competition wouldn’t even be necessary.

“I’ve said before the Currie Cup needs to be made bigger and backed properly financially. There are people who still care deeply about the competition, and with private equity coming into rugby, there’s an opportunity.”

Clayton Blommetjies. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Put proper prize money on the Currie Cup and make the big unions play their strongest sides to compete for something like R10 million. Then the competition will grow again.

“Look at France. Their rugby unions generate some of the biggest revenues in the world. If you watch their first division, second division or even club rugby, the stadiums are full, the supporters pitch up, and the television money is enormous.”

Meanwhile, on Friday at 18:00 the Pumas will host the Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit in the first semi-final, while on Saturday at 13:00 the Griquas and Boland Cavaliers will lock horns at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg