Author: correspondent

Just as they did last year, Paarl Gimnasium defeated Grey College.

This time, they won by 29 points to 14 on the JA Kriel Field in Paarl in the King Price Derby Series on Saturday.

With the defeat, Grey College has, for the first time since 2015, lost three successive matches.

They previously went down to Stellenberg and Australia’s St Joseph’s Nudgee College.

The Bloemfontein outfit opened the scoring just over 10 minutes into the game through left wing, JG Horn. He chased a high kick from flyhalf, Christoff Crous. Under pressure, the ball was spilt, and Horn pounced onto it, running in the opening try of the contest.

Gimmies’ flyhalf, Louis Koen, responded with a try only three minutes later. From about 25 metres out, he sold a dummy, then cut inside to slice apart the Grey defence.

A couple of old Greys would’ve had déjà vu at this moment, as the last time they lost against Gim in Paarl was back in 1994. Paarl Gim won 10-0 back in 1994, with a certain Louis Koen as their flyhalf, playing a pivotal role.

The father of Louis, who scored the first try in Saturday’s clash. Louis sr. also represented the Springboks in 15 tests. The bragging rights in the Koen-family don’t stop here as Louis jr. older brother, Liam, played a major part in Gimmies’ victory of 18-16 over Grey during the Monnas’ Centenary Festival in 2021.

The action was intense, but Grey found their attacks consistently stymied by the Gim defence.

Hooker, Charles Whitehead, scored next for the hosts. From there, the difference widened. Near the end of the half, captain and inside centre Ethan Barker broke the line to score, and the home side went into the half-time break with a 17-7 lead.

Barker’s try was named the Suzuki Game Changing Moment of the match. Whitehead was named King of the Match for his stellar performance.

In the second half, Paarl Gimnasium added another two tries. Fullback, Lamla Mgedezi, pulled one back for Grey College with one of his trademark darting runs, but it was a lonely moment of individual brilliance in a frustrating match for the Bloemfontein school.

Since losing 19-20 to Stellenberg High at the start of the season, Paarl Gim has been a force to be reckoned with, and they’ll be aiming to extend their five-game winning streak at the Absa Wildeklawer Festival next weekend, where they face Helpmekaar Kollege and Durban High School (DHS). When those sides met at the Kearsney Eastern Rugby Festival, DHS won 39-27.

Scorers:

Paarl Gimnasium 29 (17) – Tries: Louis Koen, Charles Whitehead, Ethan Barker, Jayden Steyl, Corné Niemand. Conversions: Koen (2). Grey College 14 (7) – Tries: JG Horn, Lamla Mgedezi. Conversions: Christoff Crous (2).

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It was a case of so close, but yet so far for the Wit Bulle of the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria.

Affies almost managed to overturn a 20‑point deficit in their King Price Derby Series encounter against Hoërskool Garsfontein into a victory. The match was played at Garsies’ Bere Park.

In the end, the Bere claimed a 38-34 victory after Affies’ right wing, Dandré Brink, was tackled out just short of the try line with time already expired. Only a desperate tackle by replacement Eukan Meyers was the difference between winning and losing for the Garsie Bere.

It was the turquoise‑clad team’s first win over its biggest rival in the Jacaranda City since 2023.

The Wit Bulle trailed by 30-10 at the turnaround. In the first half, they had no answers to the home side’s attacking flair.

The home team’s back three, consisting of left wing Neil de Kock, right wing Yuvrah George, and fullback Drewyn Baron, was, as usual, a constant threat.

All three crossed the visitors’ try line. Baron’s try was probably the most spectacular and was named the Suzuki Game Changing Moment of the clash. This award highlights the specific moment that ultimately had the greatest impact on the match’s outcome.

The Bere’s openside flanker, Stefan “Kwagga” van der Vyver, was named King of the Match.

Van der Vyver was outstanding, and it was especially his high work rate over the full 70 minutes that set him apart from the rest.

For the Wit Bulle, no one was better than inside centre, Rico du Plessis, and left wing, Joshua Gouws. Gouws played the leading role in the visitors’ comeback effort. His hat‑trick of tries delivered 15 crucial points.

Although Du Plessis did not cross the try line himself, his work at the breakdowns was exceptional. He played like a powerful loose forward and repeatedly won turnover possession for his team.

In addition, his contribution to the attack was a key part of Gouws’ try‑scoring exploits. It can also not be a coincidence that Affies’ wings have scored a total of eight tries in the two matches that Du Plessis started in the midfield.

This also created an exciting head‑to‑head battle with Garsie’s inside centre, Keegan Knighton. Knighton’s direct running line tested Du Plessis and often allowed the home team to get over the gain line.

Affies’ hooker, Charl Els, crossed the try line twice himself. Els is a strong contender to run out as hooker for the Blue Bulls at this year’s Craven Week. It was specifically his first try, shortly after half‑time, that swung the momentum in the visitors’ favour and kept it there for much of the second 35 minutes.

Despite the defeat, it was still a special day for Affies’ forward coach, Jaco Koch, who was part of the Wit Bulle coaching staff for the 150th time during the encounter.

Scorers:

Garsfontein 38 (30) – Tries: Neil de Kock, Drewyn Baron, André van Wyk, Yuvrah George, Justin Blom. Conversions: Ruan Fluks (2). Penalties: Fluks (3). Affies 34 (10) – Tries: Joshua Gouws (3), Charl Els (2), Fourie Roberts. Conversions: Reuben Venter (2).

Bellville, South Africa.- Hoërskool Stellenberg has stunned the South African schoolboy rugby landscape after becoming the first school in the country to adopt the same tactical technology used by the Springboks in their World Cup triumphs, and then backing it up with historic on-field results.

In February 2026, the Bellville-based school quietly implemented OutFox, a tactical simulation and cognitive learning platform developed by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and refined over more than a decade at the highest level of international rugby.

Within six weeks, Stellenberg recorded three landmark victories: a narrow 20-19 win over Paarl Gimnasium and, shortly thereafter, their first-ever triumph over Grey College as well as a historic first victory over Paul Roos Gimnasium (20-19).

For many observers, the sequence of events marked more than a strong start to a season. It signalled a potential turning point in how elite school rugby in South Africa is prepared for and coached.

From World Cups to School Fields

OutFox was originally designed to solve a problem faced at the top end of the professional game: how to accelerate decision-making and tactical understanding without overloading players physically or exposing strategies on the training field.

The platform uses game-style simulations, allowing players to control themselves in realistic match scenarios. Tactical structures are rehearsed cognitively before being executed physically, embedding patterns of play under pressure long before match day.

The Springboks famously relied on OutFox in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, using it to rehearse plays they could not safely run in open training sessions. The system remained a key part of the Springbok preparation cycle through their 2023 World Cup campaign.

Until now, that technology had not been available at school level.

“Obviously, as a parent, and with my daughters having been at the school, there will always be a soft spot for Stellenberg. The way they’re currently playing on the rugby field makes you proud. Congratulations to everyone involved in making both the rugby and the school such a success. It’s also great to see the boys making use of Outfox,” said Rassie Erasmus.

A Landmark Launch

OutFox was officially introduced to the school rugby community at a launch event hosted by Hoërskool Stellenberg, attended by more than 60 leading schoolboy coaches from across the Western Cape.

For those present, the occasion was widely viewed as more than a product demonstration. It marked the first time a tool developed by one of world rugby’s most influential coaches had been made available to the school coaches responsible for developing the next generation of Springboks.

Stellenberg committed immediately, becoming the first school in the country to integrate the platform into its rugby programme.

Results That Made History 

The impact was swift.

On 14 March, Stellenberg edged Paarl Gimnasium 20-19 in their opening fixture of the season — a result that immediately caught attention. Two weeks later, at the NMI Toyota Noord/Suid Tournament hosted by Affies in Pretoria, Stellenberg produced an even more significant performance, defeating Grey College 26-21.

The victory was unprecedented. Grey had beaten Stellenberg convincingly in recent years, winning 43-27 in 2022 and 31-8 in 2023. This time, Stellenberg matched them physically and tactically across 70 minutes.

Captain and eighthman Yanos Molnar led from the front and was named Man of the Match, while lock Juvan Burden, playing through a shoulder injury, delivered a tireless defensive performance that epitomised the team’s resilience.

In a landmark encounter later in the season, Stellenberg defeated Paul Roos Gimnasium 20-10, their first-ever victory over the Stellenbosch powerhouse. Against one of South African school rugby’s most storied institutions, Stellenberg controlled territory, made fewer tactical errors, and showed composure under pressure that belied their historical underdog status.

Three traditional “Big Five” schools beaten within one season — a first in Stellenberg’s history.

A Broader Message for Coaches

Those behind OutFox were quick to credit Stellenberg’s coaching staff for embracing the technology early and applying it with intent.

For Erasmus, the message is clear: modern rugby coaching increasingly depends on simulation and cognitive preparation. As the game grows faster and more complex, the ability to think accurately under pressure is becoming as important as physical conditioning.

With OutFox now available to schools, the tools that helped build two World Cup-winning Springbok squads are no longer confined to the professional game.

Stellenberg’s early success has already sparked discussion across coaching circles.

The question now facing South African school rugby is not whether the game is changing, but which school will be next to follow.

Scorers: 

Kearsney College 22 (7) – Tries: Nhlanhla Ndlovu (2), Lwandle Mkhize. Conversion: Daniel Miskey (2). Drop Goal: Miskey. Zwartkop 19 (14) – Tries: Matthew Smith, Stiaan Botha, Jurie Janse van Rensburg. Conversions: Tilon Baron (2).

Durban High School 39 (22) – Tries: Richard Gyamfi (2), Nathan Aneke (2), Iglisias Bruiners, Richard Kriel, Zion Smith. Conversions: Tanwil Onkers, Cilermo Carolus. Helpmekaar 27 (10) – Tries: Zuan Krige (2), Xander Jackson, Daniël van der Linden, Daylan Ferreira. Conversion: Ethan Kruger

Westville Boys’ High 41 (22) – Tries: Lisa Sijadu (3), Jadrian Afrikaner, Bukho Sotaka, Jade-Will Koopman, Drew Hollingsworth. Conversions: Koopman (3). Milnerton 3 (0) – Penalty: Chadlin Sellidon

Hoërskool Rustenburg 26 (7) – Tries: Thian Labuschagne (3), Keegan Harmse. Conversions: Ricardo Enos (3). Peterhouse 17 (10) – Tries: Bongani Dube, Munashe Masamha. Conversions: Victor Watama (2). Penalty: Watama

Glenwood High School 14 – Tries: Makhaya Mbaile (2). Conversions: Vincenzo Loutz (2). EG Jansen 12 – Tries: Christopher van Rooyen, Elshaan Duminy. Conversions: AJ Oeschiger 

Framesby 10 (7) –  Try: Josh Potgieter. Conversion: Miles Feltham. Penalty: Feltham. Transvalia 7 (0) – Try: Lorenzo Flynn. Conversion: Chester MacCammel. 

Scorers: 

Rondebosch Boys’ High 43 (24) – Tries: Caleb Bell (2), Joshua Kirby, Kean van Zyl, Bjorn Morkel Kwaza Gobingca, Eathon Williams. Conversions: Williams (4). Pretoria Boys High 20 (6) – Tries: Emmanuel Honono, Bakang Ramoshaba. Conversions: Blake Mager (2). Penalties: Mager (2).

Michaelhouse 40 (26) – Tries: Laird Hamilton-Brown (2), Reece Cole, Fabiano Fierro, Alex Jankowitz, Tian de Bruyn. Conversions: Jankowitz (5). Jeppe High School for Boys 36 (5) – Tries: Chase Sadler (2), Mihle Dyakala, Glodi Thsipamba, Phano Letsie, Hayden Venter. Conversions: Nazalama Mbhalati (3).

Affies 59 (28) – Tries: Joshua Gouws (3), Dandré Brink (2), Ewald van Niekerk, Charl Els, Janno Geyser, Caleb Pretorius, Penalty Try. Conversions: Reuben Venter (6). Grey High School 19 (19) – Tries: Blake Parker, Daniel Naude, Sibonelo Stuurman. Conversions: Nathan Trytsman (2).

Maritzburg College 24 (7) – Tries: Alande Ngubane (2), Theo Boshoff. Conversions: Dominic du Toit (3). Penalty: Du Toit. SACS 7 (7) – Try: James Sale. Conversion: Jake Dave.

Selborne College 26 (7) – Tries: Jonathan Hosking, Connor Fowles, Hlumelo Molosi, Rosh Els. Conversions: Riley Hansel (3). Parktown Boys’ High 5 (5) – Try: Reverence Ihenaco.

Scorers: 

Pretoria Boys’ High 35 (20) – Tries: Aya Mabuza (3), Mashego Mabuto, Bokang Ramoshaba. Conversions: Reinier Kruger (2). Penalties: Kruger (2). SACS 34 (20) – Tries: Jordan Forbes, Zac Dell, Josh Gorgens, Qiraan Hermans. Conversions: Jake Dave (4). Penalties: Dave (2).

Maritzburg College 35 (18) – Tries: Sean Jansen (2), Caleb Scheepers, AN Other. Conversions: Dominic du Toit (3). Penalties: Du Toit (3). Jeppe High School for Boys 12 (12) – Tries: Ndimphiwe Mjiji (2). Conversion: Nazalama Mbhalati.

Michaelhouse 29 (14) – Tries: Reece Cole, Fabiano Fierro, Tian de Bruyn, Trezeguet Hawkins. Conversions: Alex Jankowitz (3). Penalty: Jankowitz. Affies 27 (17) – Tries: Fourie Robberts (2), Dandré Brink, Caleb Pretorius, Charl Els. Conversion: Reuben Smith.

Rondebosch Boys’ High 57 (19) – Tries: Joshua Kirby (4), Caleb Bell (2), Tyler Heyns, Ben Gray, Andrea Mynhardt. Conversions: Eathon Williams (6). Selborne College 17 (10) – Tries: Travis Enslin, AN Other, Mozesh van der Byl. Conversion: Riley Hansel.

Grey High School 40 (12) – Tries: Micah Wessels, Blake Parker, Ciaran Killian, Jondré van Jaarsveld, Noah Mbizi, Ryan Swarbrick. Conversions: Nathan Trytsman (5). Parktown Boys’ High 18 (6) – Tries: Reverence Ihenaco, Kabelo Dlamini. Conversion: Yakhela Ntshona. Penalties: Ntshona (2).

Scorers: 

Kearsney College 33 (26) – Tries: Nhlanhla Ndlovu (2), Luke Grobbelaar, Lwazi Mbebe, Daniel Miskey. Conversions: Daniel Miskey (4). Transvalia 13 (3) – Try: Anro van Biljon, Matthew van Niekerk. Penalty: Jaydee Maree

Framesby 15 (8) – Tries: Jaco George, Handré Schnetler. Conversion: Miles Feltham. Penalty: Feltham. Glenwood High School 14 (0) – Tries: Lebohang Skosana, Andile Mbokazi. Conversions: Vincenzo Loutz (2)

Zwartkop 41 (14) – Tries: Luan Wepener, Stiaan Botha, Waylin Papier, David van Jaarsveld, Dian du Plooy, Penalty Try. Conversions: Ruvan Burger (2), Tilon Baron. Penalty: Baron. EG Jansen 32 (20) – Tries; Rayzandu van Wyngaard, Dian Botha, Jordan van der Westhuizen, Jaco Engelbrecht, Werner Breydenbach. Conversions: Renaldo October (2). Penalty: October.

Durban High School 38 (12) – Tries: Cilermo Carolus (2), Sterling Padi, Hlomela Mbani, Daniel Kazambo, Richard Kriel. Conversions: Tanwil Onkers (4). Hoërskool Rustenburg 7 (0) – Tries: Wicus Arnold. Conversion: Ricardo Enos.

Peterhouse 29 (13) – Tries: Zvinko Matipano (2), Victor Watama, Tasso Dombropoulos. Penalties: Watama (3). Milnerton 23 (11) – Tries: Charl Michaux, Akho Mkaya, Troy Ferreira. Conversions: Chadlin Sellidon. Penalties: Sellidon (2)

At SuperSport Schools, development is not only reserved for the athletes on the field, but it also lives behind the microphone, in the studio, and in the stories of young broadcasters finding their voices. This International Women’s Day, as part of the Give to Gain campaign, we celebrate a powerful example of how one woman’s growth can create space for another to rise.

The journeys of Itumeleng Banda and Yvette Mhlauli are deeply connected, a story of opportunity, courage, and the quiet power of paving the way.

For Itumeleng Banda, the beginning came long before she ever stepped in front of a camera.
“It really is true when they say, your reputation is your résumé when you’re not in the room,” she reflects.

In 2022, during the St Stithians Sports Festival, a recommendation from broadcaster Philasande Sixaba opened a door she hadn’t expected. Despite not coming from a rugby background and despite the nerves, she said yes. That decision would change everything.

What followed was a journey defined by growth. From covering mountain biking and multiple sporting codes to discovering her passion for football at the Engen Champ of Champs, Itumeleng embraced every opportunity placed before her. Working on the Gauteng Development League further sharpened her craft, immersing her in the teamwork, discipline, and behind-the-scenes collaboration that bring live sport to life.

SuperSport Schools became more than a platform; it became a launchpad.

Balancing roles at SABC while continuing her Schools journey, Itumeleng steadily built her confidence and presence as a broadcaster. Then, in 2025, a moment she thought was simply a guest appearance turned into an unexpected audition when she hosted the DStv Diski Challenge clash between Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu. That opportunity ultimately propelled her onto the SuperSport International stage…a dream once thought unattainable.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of her journey lies in what came next.

Recognising SuperSport Schools as a development space, much like the environment young athletes use to grow before stepping onto bigger stages, Itumeleng understood that progression also means making room for others.

And that space was soon filled by a new voice.

Enter Yvette Mhlauli.

Known to many as Flozza Bhozza, Yvette’s rise began through the nationally televised SuperSport MVP Talent Search, where her authenticity, passion, and natural storytelling ability saw her finish in the Top 3. Already a radio broadcaster at YFM and host of The Lunch League, she had been steadily blending sport into her broadcasting identity, discovering a deep love not just for watching sport, but for telling its stories.

Raised in Alberton with roots in Bizana and Umzimkhulu, Yvette’s sporting journey started with netball, touch rugby, and cricket-filled family weekends, while football became a lifelong passion shaped by Soweto Derby traditions and household rivalries.

When she stepped into the role of hostess for Football on 216, she wasn’t just joining a show, she was continuing a legacy built through opportunity and trust.

In many ways, her arrival reflects the essence of Give to Gain.

Itumeleng’s growth created momentum. Her willingness to embrace challenges opened pathways. And by stepping forward into new spaces, she unknowingly created room for Yvette to step in and have her own time to shine.

Today, Yvette carries that opportunity forward with a clear vision: to become a respected and credible sports broadcaster while inspiring other young women to see themselves represented in sports media.

Together, their stories remind us that success is rarely a solo journey. Progress happens when knowledge is shared, doors are opened, and opportunities are passed forward.

This International Women’s Day, SuperSport Schools celebrates not just two broadcasters, but a cycle of empowerment, where giving opportunities leads to collective growth.

Because when one woman rises and reaches back to lift another, everyone gains.

Pool B at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown promises a compelling clash of styles as Affies, Jeppe High School for Boys, Selborne College and Graeme College collide in Pretoria from 4–7 March.

Each side arrives with a distinct identity – including raw grit, explosive talent, hardened pedigree and home-ground confidence – but only two will survive the pool to reach Friday’s playoffs.

The Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown promises a gripping set of Pool A clashes as four contrasting cricketing identities – Hilton College, Paarl Boys’ High, St Andrew’s School, and the CSA Hub Invitational XI – begin their quests for national glory on the Tuks Oval.