RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNER BUTCH JAMES LAUDS BETWAY SA20

A lively crowd attended Monday evening’s Betway SA20 match between Durban’s Super Giants and Joburg Super Kings and among them was Butch James, the former Springboks flyhalf and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner.

While speaking on the SuperSport Couch to presenter Julia Stuart, James gave his thoughts on Betway SA20.

“It’s been amazing. I think last season really did set the bar and this year they’re somehow exceeding it. The opening few games have been outstanding and I think they’re doing a wonderful job. We all look to the IPL, but I think the SA20 is right behind it chasing it down.”

James was attending the match with his two eldest sons and the two sons of his neighbour, fellow former Springboks player Brent Russell.

“They all fancy Quinton de Kock, it must be rubbing off from myself because I love watching him bat, although I haven't seen much this season… he’s saving himself for the playoffs I suspect.”

Interestingly, while James was being interviewed, DSG were 72-4 and Heinrich Klaasen was just starting to find his groove.

“We were here last week for Super Giants’ opening game … it was one where I think we were saved by the rain. If Klaasen can maybe stay there we won’t need the rain but if he has to go out we might be doing a rain dance again.”

Despite it soon becoming 74-5, Klaasen went on to score 64 as DSG put up a competitive total of 145/8 [which JSK ultimately ended up falling short of to hand the home team a bonus point win].

As it happened, SuperSport commentator Kevin Pietersen was able to give viewers some intel that James had cricket playing pedigree. The pair had been teammates during their high school years at Maritzburg College.

“I played a lot of schoolboy cricket with Kev. He was actually a spin bowler when we were at school and the two of us, me being a wicketkeeper, had to combine pretty well,” James concluded.