Putt banks on Argentinian talisman

KwaZulu-Natal rugby coach, Kevin Putt, is hoping a talisman that worked for Ian McIntosh will do the same for him in the Currie Cup season which started on Friday night.

The Sharks play their first game next Friday night in Durban against South Western Districts Eagles - and Putt will have at hooker, world-rated Argentine Puma Federico Mendez, who was a valued part of the Natal team which won the Currie Cup under McIntosh in 1996. Natal have not won the Cup since.

Putt, in a decisive move this week, shored up gaping holes in his team's resources at hooker and scrumhalf by signing Argentinians Mendez and halfback Nicolas Miranda for the duration of South Africa's premier rugby competition.

Mendez, of course, was in the Test team against the Springboks in Springs, and Miranda captained the Pumas against South Africa A at Witbank.

"I'm highly motivated about winning the Currie Cup," said Putt. Putt emphasised that the signing of the two Puma stars should not be seen as a negative reflection on the young players. Mendez, a 30-year-old veteran, debuted for Argentina as an 18-year-old, and has played in three World Cups.

"Signing these players is an investment for the future of the younger guys in my squad. They will have the opportunity of learning from them.

"Miranda has played in 23 Tests and is a proven performer. He has the abilities I need, and will also be able to pass on experience and that tough edge that Test players develop to youngsters like Neil Cole and Ryan Walker. At some stage they, too, should see some Currie Cup action."

The Argentinian pair were met at Durban airport yesterday by Putt and other members of the NRU. Mendez was beaming from ear to ear.

The veteran of 12 years of international rugby said: "I've played for clubs in England and France, but none of those places can compare with Durban. I think Durban is possibly the best place in the world in which to play rugby."

Meanwhile, Putt is expecting several of his walking wounded to be back on duty by next Friday - notably Mark Andrews who will be looking for some solid performances to enhance his bid to return to the international scene later in the year. Others over injury problems are Warren Britz, and flyhalf Herkie Kruger, who is fully fit once more.

Butch James, with a hamstring tear, should be ready soon, and the same goes for centres Clyde Rathbone and Andre Snyman. Out for the rest of the season are Trevor Halstead, Davidson, John Smit and Van Biljon. Gaffie du Toit leaves shortly to do duty for the SA sevens team at the Commonwealth Games.