Several questions were answered emphatically during the Currie Cup final, questions that many have asked during the season and what better way to provide clarity on these matters than in the final of the biggest domestic competition in world rugby.

Is Lambie good enough to step up and play test match rugby? Is Schalla captain material? Can the veteran Stefan Terblanche silence the gilt edged speed and guile of De Jongh and prove he has another season left in him? Just how good is the electrified backline of Western Province?

All these queries and more were answered in 80 minutes of compulsive viewing, wherever we watched the match. With perfect timing Pat Lambie patiently waited for the biggest stage to underline what so many had already said, that he is a magnificent  rugby player who is not only ready to play test match rugby but will go on to become a great Springbok.

Schalk Burger despite his passion and skill simply is not captain material and failed dismally to inspire his team to imitate his tireless example. When confronted in the heat of battle with the decision to take the points or go for a lineout with the hope of getting a try, he repeatedly made what turned out to be a poor decision which led to further problems for a panic stricken backline.

As if they were running in a sea of wet concrete the Western Province backline struggled to make any impact on a Sharks defence that had decided not to budge that day. In a chaotic period of extreme terror they attempted to run from behind their goal line in what resembled a circus that had been let on the loose.

Many had questioned whether captain Terblanche should still be playing at his age, yet he answered the critics with a display of leadership and determination that proved he will one day leave a massive gap to fill. But that day is not near.

For the Sharks fans it was the perfect way to win, they did not want another closely fought affair; they had endured enough final minute failures this season. To take the lead and shut out the opposition was what was needed. In what must go down as a near perfect display they terrified the favourites and claimed the title of the Champions of South Africa.

Lwazi “the mover” Mvovo, the Keegster, and the Lambighini, nobody can deny they deserve their place in the EOYT Springbok tour. They will join fellow team mates Kanko, Beast, Willem Alberts, Alistair Hargreaves and the Du Plessis brothers as the best of South Africa take on Europe. One thing is for sure the Sharks have the potential to dominate SA rugby for years to come.