Crystal Palace should have little chance, in theory, of overcoming a United whose appetite for the competition will have increased as the defence of the Premiership has waned but a case for the London team has emerged. They are means to an end, usually memorable days but forgettable matches. It may be that the neutral will be willing to endure such today should the result be what is perceived as the dream final of Manchester United v Tottenham

It assumes much. Is there a real chance that the 37-year-old could play in the World Cup? Botha refuses to comment, but Springbok selectors have confirmed there is by picking him for an exhibition game at Ellis Park yesterday.VICTOR UBOGU went for extra training on Thursday – voice training. Ubogu, an opera buff, joined Bryn Terfel, who is starring in Salom at the Royal Opera House, for a few verses of “Swing Low” and “Cwm Rhondda”.

Those within earshot reported that the England prop was more in tune on the pitch.. IT IS part of the FA Cup’s rich folklore that few outside their own support remember the losing semi-finalists Fewer still remember semi- finals. He played a club match last weekend and rumours soon circulated that he would be playing for Northern Transvaal against Western Samoa three days later. Over 45,000 people turned up, just in case, and found the rumour was wrong. Tickets for the showdown are selling fast, 10,500 of the 14,000 had already gone last Wednesday.NOT even Leicester v Bath can sell tickets like Naas Botha.

The comeback of the former Springbok captain, has caused quite a stir. However, it is in the last decade that Bath have been all-powerful: they are 5-3 up on league victories. There, Leicester play Bath and the Courage Clubs Championship will, most probably, be decided. History points to a Leicester victory: the Tigers have won 55 of the 64 times the two have met on their home patch. The situation, however, is unlikely to change.ALL eyes will turn to Welford Road on Saturday.