Tygers high and dry in rain

Tygerberg proved that the weather should never be used as an excuse for poor rugby.

On Wednesday night the Ravensmead club, who had to qualify for the main draw, won through to Friday's final of Supersport's national club championships with top rugby.

They beat Potch University's Rugby Institute 37-9 in the one semifinal while Stellenbosch University, the defending champions, were defeated 23-13 by Johannesburg club Pirates in the other.

The night belonged to Tygerberg, who played as if ball and field were dry and opponents did not exist.

On Friday they meet Pirates, who have Kaya Malotana in their ranks and Dick Muir as the coach.

Tygerberg are the first black club to reach the final and they have done so two weeks after beating Border's All Stars in the qualifiers.

"We did it for our country and the people from disadvantaged areas," said coach William Croy. "It's a satisfying feeling." Tygerberg won the Western Province title in 1998.

Pirates played intelligent 10-man rugby after halftime when they trailed 10-0. They reduced the deficit to 13-6 before running out winners.

Malotana, who was part of the Springbok team at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, regarded last night's match as personal milestone.

He came through only his second full game after a knee injury had sidelined him the entire season last year. He drifted between the Pirates firsts, seconds and thirds this year before coming to Stellenbosch.

"Tonight was only my second start since 1999 (World Cup) so it was a big one for me," Malotana said.

He played on the right wing for Pirates last night but would like to slot in at inside centre where he feels he has a better chance of cracking the nod for the Lions Currie Cup squad this year.

"I still have months left on the contract I signed with them after I got back from the World Cup and I believe I've been eased into the game well. I think I'm ready for the Currie Cup," he added.

- TV: Final on Supersport One 4.45pm on Friday