It’s about time all South Africans faced it: We are rugby mad.

Some of us would rather skip an evening with Cheryl Cole than miss a rugby game with a few cold beers, mates and a bowl of biltong. For those SA people abroad who miss all the action of the Super 14, or have a friend from the northern hemisphere that needs a little schooling, here’s the low down:

The Super 14 represents the largest rugby union in the Southern hemisphere, consisting of various provincial teams from the countries of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Started in 1996 and set over a period of fourteen weeks, each team gets to play thirteen games.  Televised in 41 countries, it’s no small tournament. Competition is fierce, and SA ranks right up there with the best.

Yet some people in this day and age still don’t know what you’re talking about if you discuss the Super 14 with them. I tried it with my local off-license operator who thrust a pack of Super king-size Mayfair cigarettes at me and grunted something about them only coming in packs of ten. A stark difference to when I was victim to a boozed-up rant by some oke in a Bulle jersey at Oppikoppi who emphatically told me the language he speaks is rugby. Boet.

Now a word from Biltong Bongani, our rugby man on the inside:
Bulls

Wow. Two World Cup heroes down and the Bulls still managed an awesome 16-9 turnaround performance against the Stormers. But attempts by the Bulls to have Victor Matfield released from Toulon for S14 duties have been declined, and some players are injured.  Still, with players like Rossouw and Steenkamp it’s not all bad.

Stormers

With his team off to a shaky start, Rassie Erasmus hopes things will calm down after adding the likes of Jantjes and Fondse to the starting line up. And Schalk Burger is back from his rib injury at the Bulls game. Don’t forget, the world might have Chuck Norris, but we have Schalk Burger. Also expect big things from my man Gcobani Bobo at the S14!

Lions

The Johannesburg based Lions are on a high following their first round victory over the Cheetahs, their first at the S14. Let’s hope current club politics surrounding club president Jannie Ferriera don’t negatively influence their success though. But with the impressive Alberts back in action, the Lion’s pack appears more impressive than ever.

Cheetahs

A few setbacks won’t keep the Cheetahs back. It’s still early days, and despite an early loss to the Lions, captain Juan Smith refuses to go down without a fight. The team’s loss of several key players could be a factor, but hopefully new additions like Daniller and Jonghi Nokwe will prove to everyone that the Cheetahs really do have retractable claws.

Sharks

Respect to the Sharks! They suffered some tragic setbacks in 2007, but Cedric Mkhize is on the long road to recovery. In the meantime all their Springbok internationals will be providing some gorgeous entertainment just like they did against Force, winning 10-17. Look forward to seeing much more of French international Michalak too...