Author: mbloem

Last weekend, with a 66-14 victory over Wynberg Boys’ High, Paarl Gimnasium hit a 10-game winning streak.

They visit Riversdal on Saturday, where Oakdale Landbou’s Bulle will be snorting, intent on ending Gim’s impressive 10-match run, which has produced an average margin of victory of 55-13.

They’ve scored 64, 66, and 66 points in their last three matches.

Kickoff in Riversdal is at 13:20, and the action is LIVE on SuperSport Schools. 

The Farmers are in good form. In their last match, on 16 May, they beat Hoërskool Outeniqua 27-21 in a King Price Derby Series clash in Riversdal.

Paarl Gim, meanwhile, went off at Wynberg Boys’ High last weekend, with fullback Thomas Saunders bagging an impressive four tries. The scary thing for Gim’s opponents is that he’s just one of many prolific try-scorers in the visitors’ backline.

Oakdale outside centre Myburgh Eksteen is similar to Saunders in his ability to find the try line. Perhaps, though, the most interesting and most consequential battle between the sides will be up front, especially in the lineout, where Oakdale is one of the most clinically drilled and effective sides in the country.

Last year, though, Gimmies were one of the few sides that looked better in the lineouts than the Farmers when they scored a 29-9 win at home.

Oakdale captain and eighthman, Jacobus de Villiers, made the SA Schools and SA u18 sides last season. He’s the complete package: strong, fast, intelligent, and with an engine to match. He could trouble both the Gimmies’ defence and offence on the weekend.

Of course, the Paarl locals aren’t without their own exciting loose forwards. Flanks Dirk Hugo and Corné Niemand hunt like wild dogs on defence, and Niemand’s been getting his name on the scoresheet consistently in recent outings.

Oakdale are a rugged bunch. The most points they have conceded thus far this season were 28, in a 17-28 loss to Affies, which is just over half the number of points that Paarl Gimnasium is averaging during their 10-match winning streak. Which gives on Saturday?

Hoërskool Parel Vallei’s nine-game winning streak was ended by SACS last weekend, when they went down 5-19 in Cape Town.

Fortunes favoured Hoërskool Brackenfell on the same day. They squeezed past Hoërskool Strand, winning 30-29.

They meet on Saturday at 12:20 in Somerset West.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Last year, as the home side, Brakkies won the affair 19-12. But the Bulldogs will pose a more formidable challenge this time around. They’ve constructed an excellent campaign, and they’ll be smarting after losing their unbeaten record last weekend. That will make the task that much more difficult for Brackenfell.

Parel Vallei captain and outside centre Owen Cockroft is an important pivot in the Bulldogs’ backline. He is often the creator of opportunities for the home side’s leading try scorers, fullback Shudley Rhoda and left-wing Rafael von Loeper.

That’s not to take away from the skills of Rhoda and Von Loeper. They often still have to beat defenders, and they’ve proven themselves to be deadly finishers.

Lock Manya Prayer was a solid unit for Brakkies in their win over Strand on the weekend. He’s tough to stop when carrying the ball, and he’s a diligent worker around the field. The PV forwards will feel his presence.

Despite last weekend’s setback, Parel Vallei carries plenty of momentum into the clash. Brackenfell, though, will be equally hungry to win and record a second successive victory for the first time this season.

Hoërskool Strand and Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) are set to meet at 12:10 on Saturday.

Hugenote fell 36-43 to Worcester Gimnasium last weekend, while Strand, Saturday’s home team, was edged out 29-30 at Brackenfell.

Strand scrumhalf Jason Hartogh backed his vision and found gaps to exploit with strong runs last week. One of those brought him a try. With the form that he’s in, Hugenote will need to keep a close eye on him.

Openside flank Josh Lourens also bagged himself a try and delivered a heavy shift at the breakdown in the tight loss. Strand’s captain and eighthman Rohan Bezuidenhout is also relentless in the rucks.

Hugenote’s loose forwards will need to produce high levels of stamina to deal with the challenge posed by Strand in the battle for possession.

It’s a tough one to call. Suffice to say, it has the look of a contest that could go down to the wire.

TEAMS

Oakdale Landbou: 15 Nathan-Lee Gordon, 14 Luan van Tonder, 13 Myburgh Eksteen, 12 André van der Merwe, 11 Luan Mortlock, 10 Caleb Williams, 9 Mich van Eeden, 8 Jacobus de Villiers (captain), 7 Bernard Badenhorst, 6 Kane du Plessis, 5 Rico Ferreira, 4 Ruan Groenewald, 3 Francois le Roux, 2 Adrian Smith, 1 Kyle Burger.

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Thomas Saunders, 14 Corné de Beer, 13 Derik Cloete, 12 Ethan Barker (Captain), 11 De Waal Vivier, 10 Louis Koen, 9 Mickyle Booise, 8 Hendré van Zyl, 7 Dirk Hugo, 6 Corné Niemand, 5 Jean Dreyer, 4 Bernhardt Schulze, 3 Sebastian Bekker, 2 Charles Whitehead, 1 Jayden Steyl.

Hoërskool Parel Vallei (likely): 15 Shudley Rhoda, 14 Aydin February, 13 Owen Cockroft (Captain), 12 Brad Brown, 11 Rafael von Loeper, 10 Stephan Niemann, 9 Michael Kent, 8 Reilly Capes, 7 Ethan Ramos, 6 Marcé Els, 5 Keaton Baird, 4 Herman Kriel, 3 Cayden Rautenbach, 2 Luke Terblanche, 1 Bjan Theron.

Hoërskool Brackenfell (likely): 15 Ruan van Tonder, 14 Damian Kruger, 13 Michael Buys, 12 Jordan Engelbrecht, 11 Migile Carelse, 10 Yusuf Hannibal, 9 Hayden Fortuin, 8 Seth Braaf, 7 Derose Manya, 6 Jason Joseph, 5 Hanré van Dijk, 4 Manya Prayer, 3 Joshua Wallace, 2 Joshua Defreitas, 1 Eckard Esterhuyse.

Hoërskool Strand (likely): 15 Duval Roode, 14 Connor Luke Julies, 13 Preston Lee Tobias, 12 Waldo Newton, 11 Haydriane Pieterson, 10 Leathan Lewis, 9 Jason Hartogh, 8 Rohan Bezuidenhout (captain), 7 DC Fourie, 6 Josh Lourens, 5 Schalk Beukes, 4 Robert de Villiers, 3 Brand Nel, 2 Benjamin de Reuck, 1 Duane Lombard.

Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington): N/A. 

HTS Drostdy has produced some of the most exciting attacking rugby in the country this season. In eight matches, they’ve averaged over 48 points per game, tallying 387 points.

They tackle Worcester Gimnasium on Saturday at 13:00. Last season’s rivalry clash finished 35-17 in favour of HTS Drostdy.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

While the Donkies are heavy favourites, Gim is not to be underestimated. They’ve hit their stride in recent weeks, winning three games in succession after losing their first six matches of the season.

The Donkies’ winning run is up to four on the trot. Their wings, Darren Makeza and Tristin Syster, when they last played three Saturdays ago, both bagged braces in a 40-14 victory over Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington). Their match the following week, against Swartland, had to be called off due to flooding.

Flyhalf and inside centre Jano van Deventer has been a key component of their offensive prowess, creating and scoring tries with his skillful hands, boot and strong running. He’s also a sound kicker off the tee, making him a serious threat to Worcester Gimnasium’s chances of victory.

Gim’s left-wing Joyce Baningela has hit a purple patch in their recent matches. Last week, he scored two vital tries in their 43-36 win over Hugenote. The week before that, he notched a hat-trick in a 29-22 defeat of Brackenfell. Their outside centre, Björn van der Westhuizen, has also been in the mix lately. He twice made the dive for five against Hugenote.

A high-scoring try-fest is on the cards. While the Donkies head into the clash scoring close to a half-century of points a game, Worcester Gim, in their three recent wins, has not scored less than 31 points.

TEAMS

HTS Drostdy (likely): 15 Anwill Jacobs, 14 Tristin Syster, 13 Brent-Leigh Exstraal, 12 Willvino Paultin, 11 Darren Makeza, 10 Jano van Deventer, 9 Wernard de Villiers, 8 Simamkele Lahlekile, 7 Joniel Claasen, 6 N/A, 5 Jean-Louis Matthee, 4 Eugene Walker, 3 Jaden Stewart, 2 JP Lotriet, 1 Juann Jansen van Vuuren.

Worcester Ginnasium: 15 Matthew Fortuin, 14 Leagon Brooks, 13 Björn van der Westhuizen, 12 Bonga Allie, 11 Joyce Baningela, 10 Luciun de Bruyn, 9 Jerran Adams, 8 Amaan Adendorff, 7 Arthur Kana, 6 Sisekelo Dlamini, 5 Likhakha Mayeki, 4 Leighcon Du Plessis, 3 Reece Matthee, 2 Kieran Salie, 1 Anzio Brinkhuys.

Boland Landbou delivered a grand performance to hammer Milnerton High 83-0 on Saturday.

Millies were completely overwhelmed by the creativity and speed of the Farmers’ attack.

Tighthead prop Tiaan Malan, eighthman Daniel Hanse, flyhalf Gehano van Bo, and fullback Divan Meyer scored two tries apiece in a combined display of skill, speed, and power.

It was, unfortunately, a one-sided affair. Milnerton’s forwards had no solutions for the problems posed by the Paarl locals at the set-pieces and breakdowns.

Previewing the clash, it was noted that both sides have played difficult schedules this season, resulting in more losses than they’d usually experience. Against a team whose confidence has been dented by a long line of defeats, the Farmers let loose.

Millies will need to go back to the drawing board. They’ll need to improve their share of possession when they take on DF Akademie next weekend. Meanwhile, Boland Landbou will head into their local derby against Paarl Boys’ High with their confidence boosted.

DF Akademie was at Porterville on Saturday, where the combatants played to a 22-22 draw.

DF captain and hooker Meyer Brits twice crossed the try line to keep his side in the fight. The visitors’ tighthead prop Cor Hoving and right-wing Tarquin Newman also went over for five each.

Even when the visitors enjoyed dominance, the Porterville locals did not give way, fighting back to land blows of their own.

While DF might have been left frustrated by the result, they’ll aim to put that right when Milnerton High visits them next Saturday.

Scorers

Boland Landbou 83 – Tries: Divan Meyer (2), Gehano van Bo (2), Tiaan Malan (2), Daniel Hanse (2), Erchel Hanga, RE van Deventer, Kobus Jordaan, Steyn Lamprecht, AN Other. Conversions: Meyer (8), Charl du Plessis. Milnerton High 0.

DF Akademie 22 – Tries: Meyer Brits (2), Tarquin Newman, Cor Hoving. Conversion: Joshua Simon. Hoërskool Porterville 22 – N/A.

Other Results

U19 – Porterville II 20 DF Akademie II 12.

U16 – Porterville A 54 DF Akademie A 12.

U15 – Porterville A 54 DF Akademie A 3.

U14 – Porterville A 27 DF Akademie A 17.

Paarl Gimnasium defeated a southern suburbs’ side 66-14 on Saturday. Last week, they beat Bishops by that score. This time around, Wynberg Boys’ High was the victim.

The visitors took their winning streak to 10 games in succession by delivering a complete performance on Hawthornden Field.

Gimmies‘ fullback Thomas Saunders was in his element, using his excellent speed and smart running lines to score four tries. He appears to have a sixth sense for knowing where space in the opposition’s defence will open up, and he put those instincts to devastating use.

Openside flank Corné Niemand got himself onto the scoresheet for the third week in a row. He’s long been consistent in defence, but now appears to be evolving into a consistent try-scorer as well.

Left-wing De Waal Vivier, who’s also an excellent cricketer, made his presence known with a brace, while scrumhalf Alexander Kotze backed his feet to also race over for two tries.

Flyhalf Louis Koen collected 16 points off the kicking tee, once again providing consistency with the boot.

With less than 20 minutes played, the hosts were 0-26 behind, but they cut into the Gim lead at last. From a lineout just outside the Paarl Gim 22, flyhalf Achmat Behardien, with superb touch, stabbed a delicate grubber behind the opposition’s defence, and outside centre Ithandile Nkhola collected the ball before going over for a try.

That was, however, the only scoring sequence from Wynberg in the first half, and Paarl Gimnasium led 40-7 at halftime.

The visitors continued their impressive all-round play in the second half, again depriving Wynberg of possession and territory.

After such an intense encounter, Wynberg will welcome a less demanding showdown with Hoërskool Bellville next weekend. Meanwhile, Oakdale Landbou will aim to end Paarl Gim’s winning streak in Riversdal.

In another match played in Cape Town, SACS broke Hoërskool Parel Vallei’s 11-game winning streak, which included nine wins on the trot this season. In a hard-fought contest, the home side triumphed 19-5 on the Memorial-A Field.

Fullback Shudley Rhoda bagged the Bulldogs’ five points, which was no surprise. He’s been their most prolific attacking threat all season long.

SACS flank Kwakhanya Gobe twice forced his way over the line for tries as the home team won most of the forward battles at the breakdown and set-pieces, which left the visitors short of quality ball.

While one of the standout qualities of the PV side has been their clinical finishing, a team needs the ball to be able to finish.

SACS prop Deen Fortuin was a good example of the tenacity shown by the hosts up front, which also brought him a try.

The 14-point win was a confidence booster for the SACS players, who will come up against a wounded Paarl Boys’ High next weekend. Booishaai lost to Paul Roos Gimnasium in a King Price Derby Series clash on Saturday.

After their first loss of the season, Parel Vallei will have an opportunity to put the lessons they took from their defeat to good use when they tackle Hoërskool Brackenfell at home.

Scorers

Paarl Gimnasium 66 (40) – Tries: Thomas Saunders (4), De Waal Vivier (2), Alexander Kotze (2), Dirk Hugo, Corné Niemand. Conversions: Louis Koen (8). Wynberg Boys’ High 14 (7) – Tries: Ithandile Nkhola, Ridah Johnson. Conversions: Achmat Behardien, Luke Gertze.

SACS 19 – Tries: Kwakhanyo Gobe (2), Deen Fortuin. Conversions: Jake Dave (2). Hoërskool Parel Vallei 5 – Try: Shudley Rhoda.

Other Results

U19 – Wynberg II 7 Paarl Gim II 54, Wynberg III 5 Paarl Gim III 33, Wynberg IV 15 Paarl Gim IV 14, Wynberg V 0 Paarl Gim V 40, Wynberg VI 12 Paarl Gim VI 64.

U16 – Wynberg A 31 Paarl Gim A 29, Wynberg B 10 Paarl Gim B 21, Wynberg C 7 Paarl Gim C 54, Wynberg D 0 Paarl Gim D 61.

U15 – Wynberg A 8 Paarl Gim A 42, Wynberg B 0 Paarl Gim B 33, Wynberg C 0 Paarl Gim C 104, Wynberg D 0 Paarl Gim D 54.

U14 – Wynberg A 19 Paarl Gim A 32, Wynberg B 10 Paarl Gim B 47, Wynberg C 14 Paarl Gim C 41, Wynberg D 0 Paarl Gim D 63; SACS A 26 Parel Vallei 3.

After a tough 7-29 defeat to Paarl Boys’ High last weekend, Stellenberg High grabbed a hard-fought 33-26 home victory over Rondebosch Boys’ High on Saturday.

The Jade Brigade unleashed a blitzkrieg of attacks in the first 28 minutes to race into a 28-0 lead from four converted tries, including from their big tighthead prop Janu van Deventer and hooker Liam Joubert, who ploughed over the line.

Similar to a try that Springbok blindside flank Pieter-Steph du Toit scored against the All Blacks in the opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, loose forward Yanos Molnar went in to cover the ball at a breakdown and sneakily picked it up from beneath his feet to run in under the posts for five.

The pendulum then swung to‘Bosch, who dominated the next 28 minutes of play with four tries of their own. Lock Bjorn Morkel was again among the try scorers. With his large and powerful frame, it’s rare to see fewer than three players needed to bring him down.

Left-wing, Caleb Bell, another regular try-scorer, filled in at scrumhalf on the halfway line, then sniped down the blindside. Faced with a defender, he grubbered the ball through, collected it himself and scored a phenomenal try that covered 50 metres. Bell’s been superb this season and is clearly in the upper echelon of wings.

After 56 minutes, an absorbing contest favoured Stellenberg by only two points, 28-26. It was anyone’s game, but centre JC Swart ensured victory went Stellies’ way with a try in his first game back from injury.

Worcester Gimnasium’s left-wing Joyce Baningela continued his rich try-scoring run – which began with a hat-trick against Hoërskool Brackenfell – in Gim’s 43-36 home victory over Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) on Saturday.

He and outside centre Bjorn van der Westhuizen both dotted down twice as Worcester Gimnasium won for the third successive match after starting the season with six losses.

Scrumhalf Jerran Adams played a major part in his side’s victory by converting five of their six tries and adding a penalty for a personal haul of 13 points.

Gim’s fighting spirit is admirable. They’ll need to tap into it again if they are to upset HTS Drostdy in the Worcester derby next Saturday.

Hoërskool Brackenfell not only scored their first win in three games, but they also ended Hoërskool Strand’s three-match winning streak after squeezing out a 30-29 victory at home.

Brakkies mainly scored with direct carries through their powerful forwards. However, perennial try-scorer and left-wing Migile Carelse still found his way over the try line. But he was the only Brackenfell back to dot down on the day.

Lock Manya Prayer put in a heavy shift for his side. His diligent efforts in the lineouts and on defence were rewarded with a try.

Mr Consistent, Strand captain and eigthman Rohan Bezuidenhout, again bagged a try. Despite his side’s narrow loss, he delivered a standout all-round performance with his work rate and physicality.

The visitors’ scrumhalf Jason Hartogh also had a solid game, distributing the ball with gusto and earning a try of his own. He’s trusting his running more and, as a result, is getting onto the scoresheet more consistently.

Brackenfell faces a tough challenge next weekend. They take on Hoërskool Parel Vallei, who fell to their first loss of the season at SACS on Saturday. Strand hosts Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington).

Scorers

Stellenberg High 33 (28) – Tries: Liam Joubert, Janu van Deventer, Ethan van Biljon, Yanos Molnar, JC Swart. Conversions: Van Biljon (4). Rondebosch Boys’ High 26 (7) – Tries: Bjorn Morkel, Kelebogile Nkwana, Jayden Wyngaard, Caleb Bell. Conversions: Shellvon Mabooi (3).

Worcester Gimnasium 43 – Tries: Joyce Baningela (2), Bjorn van der Westhuizen (2), Sisekelo Dlamini, Jerran Adams. Conversions: Adams (5). Penalty: Adams. Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) 36 – N/A.

Hoërskool Brackenfell 30 – Tries: Migile Carelse, Jason Joseph, Hanré van Dijk, Manya Prayer, Joshua Wallace. Conversion: Yusuf Hannibal. Penalty: Hannibal. Hoërskool Strand 29 – Tries: Rohan Bezuidenhout, Schalk Beukes, Joshua Lourens, Brant Nel, Jason Hartogh. Conversions: Leathon Lewis (2).

Other Results

U19 – Stellenberg I 33 Rondebosch I 26, Stellenberg II 34 Rondebosch II 10; Worcester Gim I 43 Hugenote I 36, Worcester Gim II 26 Hugenote II 14, Worcester Gim III 5 Hugenote III 27; Brackenfell I 30 Strand I 29, Brackenfell II 14 Strand II 10, Brackenfell III 25 Strand III 15, Brackenfell IV 17 Strand IV 15.

U16 – Stellenberg A 20 Rondebosch A 20; Worcester Gim A 38 Hugenote A 22, Worcester Gim B 17 Hugenote B 0; Brackenfell A 14 Strand A 29, Brackenfell B 7 Strand B 21.

U15 – Stellenberg A 29 Rondebosch A 14; Worcester Gim A 22 Hugenote A 18, Worcester Gim B 24 Hugenote B 21; Brackenfell A 5 Strand A 24, Brackenfell B 8 Strand B 19.

U14 – Stellenberg A 6 Rondebosch A 12; Worcester Gim A 12 Hugenote A 7, Worcester Gim B 17 Hugenote B 24.

Paul Roos Gimnasium extended their winning streak to six in succession on their Markötter Field in Stellenbosch on Saturday, downing Paarl Boys’ High 28-22 in an absolute cracker of a King Price Derby Series fixture.

Ou Polla’s Boys started like a house on fire. They owned the lion’s share of possession in the first 20 minutes, and they certainly made the most of it, scoring three unconverted tries to take a 15-0 lead.

What stood out most was the pace of play from the hosts. Inside the Boishaai 22-metre area, two skip passes out wide from flyhalf Travis Pheiffer to right-wing Tevez Cupido, and from scrumhalf Jaedon Powell to left-wing Cadynn Samuels were all but unstoppable.

By the time the Boishaai defenders had tracked back, trying to set up their defensive alignment, the Maroon Machine’s wings were already diving in for tries.

Behind by 11 points at halftime, trailing 7-18, Paarl Boys’ High demonstrated strong character in the second stanza, fighting back hard and delivering some bone-crunching tackles in their furious defensive effort.

The Maroon Machine’s defence was physical, too, presenting only a few narrow holes for the Paarl locals to exploit.

Paul Roos left-wing Samuels scored again in the second half, using his pace and agility to weave a tight 10-metre path through a handful of Boishaai defenders.

Paarl Boys’ High’s substitute lock Derrick Groenewald was brilliant off the bench, scoring a try and making plenty of carries over the gain line.

In a match full of many outstanding individual performances, Paul Roos’s captain and openside flank, Christian le Roux, earned the accolade of “King of the Match”. He did the dirty work diligently in his tenacious shift, made plenty of tackles, and contested fiercely at the breakdowns.

In the end, the Maroon Machine’s rollicking start proved to be the difference as they delivered a victory to the delight of their happy home crowd.

Scorers

Paul Roos Gimnasium 28 (18) – Tries: Cadynn Samuels (2), Albert Nel, Tevez Cupido. Conversion: Travis Pheiffer. Penalties: Pheiffer (2). Paarl Boys’ High 22 (7) – Tries: Trichard van Tonder, Derrick Groenewald, Xavier Swarts. Conversions: Daniel Meisenheimer (2). Penalty: Meisenheimer.

Other Results

U19 – Paul Roos II 25 Boishaai II 31, Paul Roos III 41 Boishaai III 12, Paul Roos IV 21 Boishaai IV 21, Paul Roos V 17 Boishaai V 7, Paul Roos VI 31 Boishaai VI 31, Paul Roos VII 17 Boishaai VII 0, Paul Roos VIII 24 Boishaai VIII 19, Paul Roos IX 24 Boishaai IX 5, Paul Roos X 31 Boishaai X 5, Paul Roos XI 22 Boishaai XI 14.

U16 – Paul Roos A 45 Boishaai A 20, Paul Roos B 13 Boishaai B 14, Paul Roos C 24 Boishaai C 29, Paul Roos D 21 Boishaai D 26, Paul Roos E 31 Boishaai E 27, Paul Roos F 0 Boishaai F 7.

U15 – Paul Roos A 34 Boishaai A 5, Paul Roos B 30 Boishaai B 0, Paul Roos C 19 Boishaai C 7, Paul Roos D 28 Boishaai D 10, Paul Roos E 17 Boishaai E 5, Paul Roos F 17 Boishaai F 0.

U14 – Paul Roos A 7 Boishaai A 29, Paul Roos B 31 Boishaai B 13, Paul Roos C 31 Boishaai C 26, Paul Roos D 22 Boishaai D 17, Paul Roos E 14 Boishaai E 5, Paul Roos F 25 Boishaai F 14, Paul Roos G 5 Boishaai G 19.

After a comfortable 64-5 success against Hoërskool Tygerberg last weekend, Hoërskool Durbanville will go into their King Price Derby Series clash against Bishops with confidence.

The teams take to the field for a 12:30 kickoff.

Last weekend, the visitors lost 14-66 at Paarl Gimnasium, arguably the most in-form side in the country, which extended Bishops’ run of losses to five.
Those five matches also included two southern suburbs’ derbies and a long trek to KwaZulu-Natal to take on a tough Hilton College team.

There’s no let-up. More tough games await Bishops, so the King Price Derby Series clash is an opportunity to pick up a win, to put it in plain terms.

Last weekend, outside centre Danny Newton showed off some exciting skills, even in the absence of his centre partner, Eljaron Geduld. He and hooker Joe Lanning were the only members of the visiting side to get over Gimmies‘ try line.

Durbanville is not short of talent. Without blindside flank Zay-Winn Januarie up for selection last weekend, openside flank Jean de Vries rose to the occasion to bag two tries. Fullback Wihan Roux, who also contributes many points off the kicking tee, also went over for a brace.

It’s expected to be a tight contest. Bishops will aim to end a streak of five losses, and Durbanville will aim to start a streak by winning back-to-back matches for the first time this season.

The teams:

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Wihan Roux, 14 Raydon Williams, 13 Farrel-Leigh Dido, 12 Louwrens Rademeyer, 11 Cole Carls, 10 Hadley Erasmus, 9 Lorenzo Brogneri, 8 Muller Jansen van Vuuren, 7 Jano Hearn, 6 Jean de Vries, 5 Jano Stone, 4 Jeandré Janse van Rensburg, 3 Hanno Rhode, 2 Tristen Muller, 1 Hannes Vermeulen.

Diocesan College: 15 Miyolo Ngculu, 14 Jono Horton, 13 Danny Newton, 12 Christian Toweel, 11 Elihle Tsobo, 10 Caleb Clark, 9 Jack Fleck, 8 Jack Venter, 7 Connor Clark, 6 James Gordon, 5 Alex Vintcent (captain), 4 Dan Coetzee, 3 Jack Hibling, 2 Joe Lanning, 1 Jarred Kowen.

Boland Landbou returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 26-22 win over SACS last weekend. Meanwhile, Milnerton High, who host the Farmers on Saturday, fell to a narrow 17-22 defeat to Hoërskool Strand last time out.

Both sides have endured tough seasons playing tough schedules.

They kick off at 12:45 on Saturday, with both intent on taking out their frustrations on their opponents.

The Farmers are fortunate to have the relentless Juan Visagie at blindside flank. He’s been one of the top performers on the field in almost every game he’s played. His warrior spirit is admirable, and it’s why he leads the Paarl outfit.

Millies will need their forwards to be at their best if they are to afford scrumhalf Callan Lakay and flyhalf Chadlin Sellidon enough of the ball to make a difference. Both are good playmakers if given quality ball.

Based on their recent form, the Farmers will feel confident about recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Millies, still chasing a first win, will be desperate to turn the tide in front of their home crowd.

Last year, Hoërskool Swartland beat Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr 18-10 in Malmesbury. This year, they visit Ceres for a 13:30 kickoff against Charlies.

The Malmesbury locals have been in fine form, convincingly winning their last six matches, but Charlies will fancy their chances with home-field advantage.

The Rockies might be slightly rusty after their showdown with HTS Drostdy last weekend was cancelled due to heavy flooding.

Swartland loosehead prop Dewald Jaars is a ball-carrying threat. He’s a try-scoring threat from 10 metres out. Charlie Hofmeyr tighthead, Ernst Coetzee, will also face a tough challenge from Jaars in the set scrums.

Hooker, Winsor Solomons, has been a regular try-scorer for Swartland. He’s another player Charlies will need to keep in check if they are to win.

After four losses in succession, DF Akademie produced a rock-solid defensive performance in a 29-0 victory over Fairmont High last weekend.

They’re away for a 12:40 kickoff against Hoërskool Porterville, who won 37-28 two weeks ago in their last outing against Hoërskool Vredendal.

DF will, nonetheless, be feeling confident. Openside flank Sebastian Botha and hooker Meyer Brits were contributors to the strong defensive performance against Fairmont, and both crossed for a try each. They’re workhorses who will challenge Porterville and make the breakdown battle tricky for the hosts.

On attack, fullback Pieter Delport has been vital to his side’s offensive efforts. Even if Porterville negates his try-scoring abilities, Delport is a reliable kicker who does a good job of turning penalties into three points.

DF faces a demanding challenge at Porterville, who will draw on the home support to enhance their challenge.

TEAMS

Boland Landbou (likely): 15 Divan Meyer, 14 Kobus Jordaan, 13 Louis du Plessis, 12 Cobus Immelman, 11 Erchel Hanga, 10 Gehano van Bo, 9 Oloff Bergh, 8 Josua Kruger, 7 Juan Visagie, 6 Jacques Bester, 5 Reinier Visser, 4 Chad Meintjies, 3 Tiaan Malan, 2 Adrian le Roux, 1 Nico de Beer.

Milnerton High (likely): 15 Alie Latief, 14 Akho Mkaya, 13 Kyle Lodewyk, 12 James Ferreira, 11 Nurudeen Wanza, 10 Chadlin Sellidon, 9 Callan Lakay, 8 Likhona Filtana, 7 Yenga Moangeli, 6 Joshua White, 5 William de Allende, 4 Gregory Tshibangu, 3 Kyle Janse van Rensburg, 2 Liam Plaatjies, 1 Troy Jackson.

Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr (likely): 15 Shandley Burrouws, 14 Zeph Sass, 13 Willmuth Loff, 12 Chris-Will du Toit, 11 Henry Willemse, 10 Randall Muller, 9 Ashley Reitz, 8 Joshua Selders, 7 Jordan Philander, 6 Louis Reynolds, 5 Heinrich Fourie, 4 Hendré Kotze, 3 Joshua Swarts, 2 Lourens Nel, 1 Dewald Jaars.

Hoërskool Swartland (likely): 15 Vusi Johannes, 14 Juan Hilburg, 13 Adieu Crawford, 12 Enrico Louw, 11 Zaidell Paulus, 10 De Wet van Aswegen, 9 Markus Vorster, 8 Jean Beukes, 7 Christian Cupido, 6 James Joubert, 5 Finn Fowlds, 4 Jared Fredericks, 3 Ernst Coetzee, 2 Winsor Solomons, 1 Jacques van Zyl.

DF Akademie (likely): 15 Pieter Delport, 14 Tarquin Newman, 13 Dylan Thompson, 12 Zuan Lottering, 11 Jayden Plaatjies, 10 Joshua Simon, 9 Sinalo Kethelo, 8 Juan le Roux, 7 Gerhard Groenewald, 6 Sebastian Botha, 5 Salo Schoeman, 4 Christo Fourie, 3 Cor Hoving, 2 Meyer Brits (Captain), 1 Alu Joko.

Hoërskool Porterville: N/A.

Having won their last five games in succession, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) is in form and aiming to avenge last year’s 26-36 loss against Paarl Boys’ High in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Kickoff in their King Price Derby Series clash is at 14:00.

Last weekend, Boishaai beat Stellenberg High 29-7 in one of their best performances of the season. Their defence, especially, was impeccable.

Paul Roos recorded a 41-17 win over Rondebosch Boys’ High on the same day, but scoring will be more difficult against the Paarl locals.

Boishaai’s teams are renowned for their forward power, but like all good outfits, they’re also blessed with talent among their backs. Fullback Dante Davids and utility back Jeneal Davids are confident runners and offer a cutting edge. They’re speedy and strong and run good lines.

Last weekend, Dante dotted down twice against Stellies, while Jeneal has been racking up tries all season long.

Boishaai head coach Sean Erasmus shared his comments on his side, the opposition, and the opportunity to earn another victory in this chapter of the two schools’ rivalry.

“I was really proud of the boys’ character shown last weekend [against Stellenberg],” he said. “Character is something we focus on, as we want the boys to improve from week to week.”

“Paul Roos is a really good team. I have a lot of respect for their head coach Corné Uys. I like that they are rigid in their approach. They have a strong kicking game and defensive mindset. It shows discipline, which I respect.

“This is a rivalry between two traditional schools, so it’s always nice to test ourselves against them. We know it’s going to be a packed Markötter.

“We’re looking forward to showing what we can do. We want to stick to our three pillars: Faith, Family and Team. We also want to continue growing our character as a team.”

The Maroon Machine has also been playing exciting attacking rugby. Lately, left wing Cadynn Samuels and fullback Kyle Snyers have been in the thick of the try-scoring action. With flyhalf Travis Pheiffer back in the mix, one can expect the hosts to have many tricks up their sleeves.

However, before their backs can get their hands on the ball, it’s their forwards who have to earn possession up front. Lock Stef de Villiers and hooker Chris Meyburgh have proved themselves to be a dependable lineout combination for PRG.

Boishaai lock AD Faul led his side brilliantly against the Jade Brigade, and his battle with De Villiers in the lineout will be an interesting battle within the greater war.

Openside flank Steven Muller crossed for a try from a lineout maul in that win over Stellies, but hooker JP Norton is also a dangerous option at the back of the rolling maul.

With both sides in good form, a classic traditional derby is in the offing. Making it all the better, there is no clear-cut favourite to win on Saturday.

The teams: 

Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Kyle Snyers, 14 Tevez Cupido, 13 Jean Hamman, 12 Albert Nel, 11 Cadynn Sameuls, 10 Travis Pheiffer, 9 Jaedon Powell, 8 Werner de Bruin, 7 Gerard Bekker, 6 Christian le Roux, 5 Reuben Winter, 4 Stef de Villiers, 3 Zak Steyn, 2 Chris Meyburgh, 1 Thomas Meyer.

Paarl Boys’ High (likely): 15 Dante Davids, 14 Dirk Farmer, 13 Aleit Stander, 12 Jeneal Davids, 11 Cayden Snyman, 10 Daniel Meisenheimer, 9 Liam de Villiers, 8 Chris Nel, 7 Luhan Hattingh, 6 Steven Muller, 5 AD Faul (captain), 4 Trichard von Tonder, 3 TG du Preez, 2 JP Norton, 1 Max Malan.

When they meet in Bellville at 12:45 on Saturday, both Rondebosch Boys’ High and Stellenberg High will be aiming to rebound after suffering hefty losses last weekend.

‘Bosch tasted a 17-41 defeat at the hands of Paul Roos Gimnasium, while Stellies fell 7-29 at Paarl Boys’ High.

As the underdog, and playing on the Tinkie Heyns Field last year, the Jade Brigade scraped a narrow 23-22 win.

On this occasion, they’ll be the favourites at home. Wings Emilie Cilliers and Ralton Rhode will be hungry to get back to their scoring ways after being left frustrated by Boishaai‘s brilliant defence on Saturday.

Lock Juvan Burden is one of the best lineout jumpers in schoolboy rugby, and he has helped his side to collect a highlight reel’s worth of maul tries this season. The visitors will need to prepare themselves for Stellies’ relentless mauling. They will be tested in that area.

For ‘Bosch, Tyler Heyns, at inside centre and Eathon Williams, at flyhalf, are two playmakers who will have their work cut out for them against Stellies’ stout defence.

Rondebosch locks, Bertus Versfeld and Bjorn Morkel, will also be key players. They’ll need to steal a few lineouts if they are to limit the hosts’ momentum and try-scoring opportunities.

After losing their first six matches of the season, Worcester Gimnasium is aiming to make it three wins in three matches when they host Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) on Saturday, with kickoff commencing at 11:40.

The visitors head to Worcester fresh from a comfortable 64-17 victory over Hoërskool Hermanus.

Their only common opponent this season, thus far, has been Hoërskool Punt. Hugenote beat the Mossel Bay school 44-24, while Worcester Gim won 31-25.

Results like that, though, are not reliable indicators of the outcome of other matches. What the season’s records of Hugenote and Worcester Gim consistently reveal, however, is that Hugenote has scored more freely than Gim, even in matches that they lost.

Worcester Gim left-wing Joyce Baningela bagged a hat-trick in his side’s 32-29 victory versus Hoërskool Brackenfell two weeks ago, which was also the most points Gim has scored this season.

The home side will need to lift their game again on Saturday if they are to outscore Hugenote.

Hoërskool Brackenfell will be chasing a first win in three matches when they visit Hoërskool Strand. While Brakkies lost to Worcestor Gim last time out, their output of 29 points was their highest tally by seven points this season.

Last season, Strand won 45-17, and they’ll feel confident they can make it two in a row against Brackenfell on Saturday. While Brakkies pursue a first win in four matches, Strand will aim for their fourth victory in succession.

Scrumhalf Hayden Fortuin and flyhalf Yusuf Hannibal will be key playmakers for Brakkies. They’ll need to conjure up some magic to get the better of an in-form Strand side.

The hosts’ captain and eighthman Rohan Bezuidenhout has been a frequent try scorer throughout the season. He’s got an engine on him and racks up plenty of tackles and carries in every match

Bezuidenhout is no one-man army, though. Flyhalf Leathon Lewis offers a good boot, which Strand will need against Brackenfell.

TEAMS

Stellenberg High (likely): 15 Liam Jacobs, 14 Morné Pretorius, 13 Ralton Rhode, 12 Daniel Mongie, 11 Emile Cilliers, 10 Ethan van Biljon, 9 Daniel Steffen, 8 Yanos Molnar, 7 Carlo Brink, 6 Seth Coetzé, 5 Juvan Burden, 4 Jayden Young, 3 Janu Van Deventer, 2 Liam Joubert, 1 Uzair Blackenberg.

Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 Shellvon Mabooi, 14 Jayden Wyngaard, 13 Kelebogile Nkwana, 12 Tyler Heyns, 11 Caleb Bell, 10 Eathon Williams, 9 Daniel Arendse, 8 Kirwan November, 7 James Pinnock, 6 Linakho Mehlomakulu, 5 Bertus Versfeld, 4 Bjorn Morkel, 3 Matthew Pelser, 2 Kwaza Gobingca, 1 Finn Watermeyer.

Worcester Gimnasium: 15 Matthew Fortuin, 14 Leagon Brooks, 13 Bjorn van der Westhuizen, 12 Bonga Allie, 11 Joyce Banningela, 1o Archihano Noble, 9 Jerran Adams, 8 Amaan Adendorff, 7 Arthur Kana (Captain), 6 Sisekelo Dlamini, 5 Likhaka Mayeki, 4 Leighcon du Plessis, 3 Reece Matthee, 2 Kieran Salie, 1 Anzio Brinkhuis.

Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington): N/A.

Hoërskool Brackenfell: N/A.

Hoërskool Strand (likely): 15 Duval Roode, 14 Connor Julies, 13 Preston Tobias, 12 Waldo Newton, 11 Haydriane Pietersen, 10 Leathan Lewis, 9 Jason Hartogh, 8 Rohan Bezuidenhout (Captain), 7 DC Fourie, 6 Josh Lourens, 5 Schalk Beukes, 4 Robert de Villiers, 3 Brand Nel, 2 Benji de Reuck, 1 Duane Lombard.