Author: mbloem

Wynberg Boys’ High faces an imposing challenge when they host Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday at 12:30 on Hawthornden Field.

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Last year, Wynberg was overrun in Paarl, going down 22-68.

After a 41-17 triumph over Grey High last weekend, they’ll be aiming to deliver a performance of similar substance in the friendly confines of home this weekend.

Gimmies most recently won 66-14 against Bishops. A win this weekend would extend their winning run to 10 successive matches.

Centres Ethan Barker and Derick Cloete have been at the forefront of their challenge, regularly crossing the whitewash in recent matches, with their flanks, Corné Niemand and Dirk Hugo, also scoring threats.

All four of those players have high work rates and get themselves involved in the action as much as possible. Their industry makes them difficult to stymie.

Wynberg scrumhalf Rauf Ahmed scored twice against Grey, which reflects the danger he poses from the base of the ruck. Hooker Ridhau Johnson, at the back of the rolling maul, is another try-scoring threat.

In April, in a 9-20 defeat to Paarl Boys’ High, the hosts showed they know how to get down and dirty in the trenches. Gim will know that Wynberg is an underdog not to be underestimated.

Last season, Hoërskool Parel Vallei narrowly lost 12-14 to SACS at the Wynberg Rugby Festival. This season, the Somerset West school is unbeaten, with nine wins from nine matches.

They face, arguably, the toughest fixture on their schedule when they take on SACS at 12:30 on Memorial-A Field this Saturday.

SACS will be eager to hand the upstart Bulldogs their first loss of 2026, especially since the home side heads into the clash off the back of a couple of tough losses:  22-26 to Boland Landbou and 17-19 to Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Captain and hooker Zac Dall is a key player for the Newlands outfit. He’s battle-hardened, a veteran of many tight contests, and he’ll be keen to rain on PV’s parade.

It has been a fantastic season for the Bulldogs thus far. The closest a team has come to them has been 12 points in a 19-7 win over Swartland. They’re likely to find the challenge to be far stiffer on Saturday, though.

PV fullback Shudley Rhoda is an incredible attacking threat, while left wing Rafael von Loeper has consistently dotted down. Both will relish the opportunity to display their skills in a high-stakes showdown against a high-profile opponent.

Since losing their first five games of the season, Hoërskool Bellville has gone on a four-match winning run. They could make it five from five when they host Hoërskool Melkbosstrand at 12:20 on Saturday.

Bellville topped 30 points for the first time this season in a 45-29 victory over Hoërskool Punt last weekend. They appear to have hit their stride, and they’ll aim to add to the momentum they’ve already built up.

Centres Caylem du Plessis and Xandru Büter both scored tries last week, and are a tough pair in the midfield. The visitors will need to maintain their defensive discipline to keep the duo off the scoresheet.

Melkies have not been as fortunate in recent times as Bellville. They last won in April, when they beat DF Akademie 26-10. They’ve lost their last three, with their offence faltering and producing only 15 points combined in those three matches.

Utility back Craig Solomons has, nonetheless, kicked well all season long, and he is also often involved in the creation of tries. It’s time for him to find his try-scoring form again.

Loose forward Beuren Geduld does much of the dirty work for Melkies, often protecting the ball at the breakdown and making hard carries through the heart of the opposition defence.

Bellville will be favoured at home, but matches are played on the field and not on paper. Nothing is guaranteed.

TEAMS

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Laeeq Davids, 14 Zachary de Kock, 13 Ithandile Nkohla, 12 Luke Gertze, 11 Chad Campbell, 10 Achmat Behardien, 9 Rauf Ahmed, 8 Esa van der Schyff, 7 Naeem Mohammed, 6 Alvin Machinja, 5 Jack de Beer, 4 James Orwin, 3 Solam Gegana, 2 Ridah Johnson, 1 Boitumelo Mabohlo.

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Thomas Saunders, 14 Corné de Beer, 13 Derick Cloete, 12 Ethan Barker (captain), 11 De Waal Vivier, 10 Louis Koen, 9 Alexander Kotze, 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.

SACS (likely): 15 Nahum Koen, 14 Luke McKenzie, 13 Luca Orgill, 12 James Sale, 11 Josh Gorgens, 10 Jake Dave, 9 Daniel Draai, 8 Stephan Kruger, 7 Jack Burgess, 6 Kwakhanya Gobe, 5 Cameron Hirst, 4 RJ Cunningham, 3 Qiraan Hermans, 2 Zac Dall (captain), 1 Luca Liebenberg.

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

Hoërskool Bellville: 15 Alvino Loggenberg, 14 Marlon Claasen, 13 Caylem du Plessis, 12 Xandru Büter, 11 Liam Kuyk, 10 Marno Botes, 9 Juvan Rousseau, 8 Cade Mong, 7 Henré Kleynhans, 6 Zandro Stramrood, 5 Corné Smit, 4 Steven Steyl, 3 Alex Cronje, 2 Ryno Higgs, 1 Werner Slabbert.

Hoërskool Melkbosstrand: 15 Calvin Farelo, 14 Enrique Kastoor, 13 Craig Solomons, 12 Arno Visser, 11 Reese Jooste, 10 Alzano Vigeland, 9 Cole Japhta, 8 Ethan Loncq, 7 Beuren Geduld, 6 Leslie Smyth, 5 Kevin Wessels, 4 O’Ryan Crouse, 3 Jorden Lewis, 2 Darius Prinsloo, 1 Joshua Cloete.

Last May, Hoërskool Framesby lost 25-41 to Hoërskool Outeniqua in George. The Kwaggas will try to repeat that success in Gqerbeha on Saturday.

The hosts last played on 1 May, when they went down 26-45 to Hudson Park High in KuGompo City.

It has been a challenging season for Framesby, who have lost their last three matches. Overall, they have a record of six wins and five defeats.

Outeniqua gave Oakdale Landbou a tough game in Riversdal last weekend, but was eventually beaten 27-21.

They’ve put together a good season, playing attractive rugby while losing only two other games – 26-55 to Affies and 22-26 to Paarl Boys’ High. They’ve won six, and they also drew 24-24 with Hoërskool Waterkloof.

Framesby’s Miles Feltham has been a steady operator in the backline, controlling the attack whether at fullback or flyhalf. He could be the key to the hosts creating some attacking opportunities.

Kwaggas’ captain and loosehead prop Matthew Prins has led his side from the front this season, often serving as a powerful ball carrier. Outeniqua has shown plenty of grit up front, and Prins will be a challenge for the home front row to deal with in Saturday’s set pieces.

Nippy scrumhalf Fagon Hendricks has been at the heart of the Kwaggas’ attack, providing quick distribution from the breakdown, while contributing tries and assists when he sees an opportunity for a run from the base of the ruck.

The visitors, Outeniqua, will head into the contest as the favourite.

The Framesby 1st XV is well-rested, which might help them. Then again, it might work against them.

Despite Framesby having played 11 matches, Saturday’s showdown will be only their third home match in 2026.

They lost 34-35 to Nico Malan in their most recent home-ground outing, which means one has to go back to their season-opening 24-17 victory over St Andrew’s College on 14 March for the hosts’ last home win. They’ll be desperate to add another.

TEAMS

Hoërskool Framesby: 15 Miles Feltham, 14 Calestine Felkers, 13 Dieter Voigt, 12 Charles Blignaut, 11 Marco van Jaarsveld, 10 John van Rooyen, 9 Caristan Marney, 8 David Matyani, 7 Janco Faber, 6 Josh Potgieter, 5 MJ Bonthuys, 4 André Grundling, 3 Zandré Schnetler, 2 Hendré Viviers, Luke Didloft.

Hoërskool Outeniqua: 15 Darnell Delport, 14 Ray Jordon, 13 Jean Capes, 12 Jade Lothering, 11 Heiliano Beukes, 10 Tylor Marias, 9 Fagon Hendricks, 8 Aldo Gouws, 7 Andreas Gouws, 6 Wiaan Baard, 5 Franco Pienaar, 4 Sam Augustyn, 3 Logan Jacobs, 2 Chunks Olivier, 1 Matthew Prins (captain).

Last year, Paarl Gimnasium was the big bad wolf which no side seemed able to tame. Then Paarl Boys’ High showed up and defeated them 35-33 on the final day of the season.

Grey College, Paarl Gimnasium and Paul Roos Gimnasium were all beaten by Stellenberg High, the big bad wolf, earlier in the 2026 season. Then Boishaai showed up, winning their contest 29-7 in Paarl on Saturday.

Heading into the match, Boishaai had lost their previous two matches, going down 37-40 to Affies and 21-31 to Grey College. They used those setbacks to fuel their challenge and played with desperate hunger from the opening whistle.

Fullback Dante Davids shoved the pedal to the metal to burst over for two tries in the first fifteen minutes of play. Buoyed, the hosts kept up the pressure and shut down the Stellies‘ attack to go into the break with a healthy 24-0 lead.

In the second half, the visitors struck back with a penalty try from a collapsed maul. The home side responded by crossing the whitewash with a maul try of their own.

Stellies tried again and again, but couldn’t get past the blue and white wall. The home side defended with a sense of desperation. Play continued for many phases until the hosts either stole the ball or the visitors knocked on.

The win was a crucial confidence booster for Boishaai, who have yet another big May fixture to play at Paul Roos Gimnasium next weekend. Stellenberg will aim to take out its frustrations on Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Hoërskool Durbanville, meanwhile, tore through Hoërskool Tygerberg, romping to a 64-5 home victory.

Fullback Wihan Roux enjoyed his outing, collecting 24 points from two tries and seven conversions. Openside flank Jean de Vries made carry after carry over the gain line, which also brought him two tries.

It was mostly one-way traffic for Durbies. They made frequent visits behind the Tigers’ try line, 10 times in all. They slipped through tackles and were able to get the ball out wide without the Parow locals putting their attackers under much pressure.

Durbanville will hope to continue their high-scoring form against Bishops next weekend. Tygerberg has a two-week break before they take on Hoërskool Bellville.

After losing their past four matches, DF Akademie delivered a staunch defensive performance in a 29-0 win over Fairmont High on Saturday.

Fullback Pieter Delport, who was a significant influence in DF’s previous wins over Fish Hoek High and Curro Hermanus, contributed nine points via a try and two conversions.

The home team did an outstanding job of retaining possession through many phases, while also often sending the ball out wide. It was a worthy way of breaking their recent run of defeats.

They’ll need to be on song again next Saturday when they travel to Hoërskool Porterville.

Scorers

Paarl Boys’ High 29 (24) – Tries: Dante Davids (2), Dirk Farmer, Steven Muller. Conversions: Daniel Meisenheimer (3). Penalty: Meisenheimer. Stellenberg High 7 (0) – Try: Penalty try.

Hoërskool Durbanville 64 (38) – Tries: Wihan Roux (2), Jean de Vries (2), Farrel-Leigh Dido, Muller Jansen van Vuuren, Hadley Erasmus, Cole Carls, Hanno Rhode, Jeandré Janse van Rensburg. Conversions: Roux (7). Hoërskool Tygerberg 5 (0) – N/A.

DF Akademie 29 – Tries: Pieter Delport, Sebastian Botha, Meyer Brits, Gerhard Groenewald, Jayden Plaatjies. Conversions: Delport (2). Fairmont High 0.

Other Results

U19 – DF Akademie II 29 Fairmont II 14; Boishaai I 29 Stellenberg I 7, Boishaai II 34 Stellenberg II 26, Boishaai III 26 Stellenberg III 3, Boishaai IV 47 Stellenberg IV 7, Boishaai V 62 Stellenberg V 7, Boishaai VI 101 Stellenberg VI 7.

U16 – DF Akademie A 0 Fairmont A 5; Boishaai A 34 Stellenberg A 36, Boishaai B 28 Stellenberg B 0, Boishaai C 63 Stellenberg C 3, Boishaai D 141 Stellenberg D 0.

U15 – DF Akademie A 5 Fairmont A 17; Boishaai A 42 Stellenberg A 8, Boishaai B 24 Stellenberg B 10, Boishaai C 61 Stellenberg C 3, Boishaai D 50 Stellenberg D 0.

U14 – DF Akademie A 57 Fairmont A 0; Boishaai A 54 Stellenberg A 0, Boishaai B 24 Stellenberg B 5, Boishaai C 104 Stellenberg C 7, Boishaai D 94 Stellenberg D 0.

Paul Roos Gimnasium were at their best on the Tinkie Heyns Field on Saturday, outplaying Rondebosch Boys’ High 41-17.

Six different players crossed for tries for the Maroon Machine, from loosehead prop Thomas Meyer to fullback Kyle Snyers.

The scorer’s wide variety was a testament to the visitors’ all-round dominance. They found rhythm in their set-pieces and created space in open play to produce impressive running rugby.

With his forwards doing the dirty work, scrumhalf Jaedon Powell consistently released the ball from the rucks quicker than the ‘Bosch defence could assemble.

The hosts’ big lock Bertus Versfeld and loosehead prop Finn Watermeyer powered over the try line for five-pointers.

Unfortunately, for Rondebosch, their opportunities were limited, and they often surrendered possession after working their way into the Stellenbosch outfit’s 22-metre area.

Ou Polla’s Boys may not find scoring as easy against Paarl Boys’ High next Saturday. Rondebosch faces a tough challenge on the same day. They head to Bellville for a battle with Stellenberg High.

In a hard-fought match, Hoërskool Strand avenged last year’s 18-41 loss by scoring a 22-17 home victory over Milnerton High on Saturday.

Both sides crossed for three tries each, but the boot of Strand flyhalf, Leathon Lewis, separated the two sides. He slotted two conversions and a penalty while his opposite number, Chadlin Sellidon, was successful with only one conversion.

Millies’ eighthman Likhona Filtana was a handful for the Strand defenders. He constantly tested them with his strong carries, which brought him a try, and he also tested Strand’s endurance with his relentless work at the breakdown.

Nonetheless, Strand played with zest and gusto to claim victory in front of their home crowd. Their captain and eighthman Rohan Bezuidenhout rose to the occasion and bagged himself a much-needed try.

Unsurprisingly, left wing Haydriane Pietersen was responsible for another five-pointer, and tighthead prop Brandt Nel chimed in with a rare but extremely valuable try.

Next Saturday, Strand will chase a fourth win in a row at Hoërskool Brackenfell, while Milnerton will continue their quest for victory against Boland Landbou.

Scorers

Paul Roos Gimnasium 41 (17) – Tries: Thomas Meyer, Chris Meyburgh, Kyle Snyers, Cadynn Samuels, Werner de Bruin, Reilly Combrinck. Conversions: Daniel Whitehead (2), Travis Pheiffer (2). Penalty: Pheiffer. Rondebosch Boys’ High 17 (0) – Tries: Bertus Versfeld, Janu Pretorius, Finn Watermeyer. Conversion: Eathon Williams.

Hoërskool Strand 22 – Tries: Haydrianne Pietersen, Brandt Nel, Rohan Bezuidenhout. Conversions: Leathon Lewis (2). Penalty: Lewis. Milnerton High 17 – Tries: Nurudeen Wanza, Joshua Marran, Likhona Filtana. Conversion: Chadlin Sellidon.

Results

U19 – Rondebosch I 17 Paul Roos I 41, Rondebosch II 24 Paul Roos II 29.

U16 – Rondebosch A 14 Paul Roos A 27.

U15 – Rondebosch A 0 Paul Roos A 38.

U14 – Rondebosch A 14 Paul Roos A 28.

Wynberg Boys’ High defeated Grey High for the second year in a row on Saturday in Cape Town. With a couple of draws sprinkled in, the Gqeberha boys’ winless streak against Wynberg extends back to 2017.

Once the southern suburbs’ side took the lead, they steadily increased it. They led 17-10 at halftime. By the final whistle, though, they had stretched their advantage to 24 points, scoring a convincing 41-17 victory.

Wynberg scrumhalf Rauf Ahmed used his vision to find holes around the fringes of the rucks, which he then exploited with his speed to bag two tries.

Flyhalf Achmat Behardien showed why he was selected for the Western Province Craven Week outfit last year, slotting all five conversion attempts, along with two penalties, for a contribution of 16 points.

Grey High produced some good moments. Their hooker, Micah Wessels, scored off the back of a rolling maul, while flyhalf Likhona Nakani weaved his way past a couple of opposition defenders for an impressive try.

Nonetheless, the hosts were the more clinical side. They turned their possession into territory and slowly wore down Grey’s defence over time.

That delivered the fruits of their labour in the second half, when they converted more chances inside the opposition’s 22-metre area.

Paarl Gimnasium will take note of Wynberg’s offensive capabilities and will prepare accordingly this week before the teams meet at Wynberg next Saturday.

Scorers

Wynberg Boys’ High 41 (17) – Tries: Rauf Ahmed (2), Esa van der Schyff, Ithandile Nkohla, Laeeq Davids. Conversions: Achmat Behardien (5). Penalties: Behardien (2). Grey High 17 (10) – Tries: Likhona Nakani, Micah Wessels, Daniel Naudé. Conversion: Nathan Trytsman.

Other Results

U19 – Wynberg I 41 Grey High I 17, Wynberg II 24 Grey High II 27, Wynberg III 10 Grey High III 24, Wynberg IV 17 Grey High IV 33, Wynberg V 12 Grey High V 40, Wynberg VI 0 Grey High VI 12, Wynberg VII 47 Grey High VII 5.

U16 – Wynberg A 26 Grey High A 10, Wynberg B 28 Grey High B 27, Wynberg C 26 Grey High C 7, Wynberg D 19 Grey High D 19.

U15 – Wynberg A 25 Grey High A 15, Wynberg B 10 Grey High B 12, Wynberg C 19 Grey High C 27, Wynberg D 17 Grey High D 15, Wynberg E 17 Grey High E 24.

U14 – Wynberg A 12 Grey High A 5, Wynberg B 11 Grey High B 10, Wynberg C 7 Grey High C 7, Wynberg D 0 Grey High D 40, Wynberg E 10 Grey High E 10.

Paarl Gimnasium enjoyed a field day at home on Saturday, defeating Bishops 66-14 while running in 10 tries.

Gimmies’ captain and inside centre Ethan Barker dotted down twice, while last week’s hat-trick hero, Corné Niemand, matched him.

The visitors acquired 14 points, all in the first half. Hooker Joe Lanning forced his way over the try line, followed by a score from outside centre Danny Newton, and flyhalf Caleb Clark converted both.

The hosts were dominant in all aspects of the game. They secured and stole possession from the scrums, lineouts, and breakdowns.

With a surfeit of possession, they had numerous opportunities to express themselves, and that resulted in some exciting tries. Their creativity and skillful hands proved to be too much for the Bishops’ defence.

At halftime, the hosts were already 40-14 up. They added another four tries in the second stanza.

Paarl Gim will aim to continue their try-scoring form at Wynberg Boys’ High next Saturday, while Bishops will be focused on picking up their first win in five games against Hoërskool Durbanville.

Boland Landbou outside centre Louis du Plessis crossed the try line twice as the visitors scored a hard-fought 26-22 win at SACS on Saturday.

The Farmers‘ lock, RW van Deventer, and blindside flank, Juan Visagie, captain and vice-captain, respectively, were excellent and led by example. In addition to their robust defensive work rate and leadership efforts, they scored a try each.

The visitors’ fullback, Divan Meyer, played his part by keeping cool under pressure and slotting three conversions that delivered crucial points in a narrow victory.

SACS took the Farmers head-on, bagging tries through carries from lock Cameron Hirst and eighthman Stephan Kruger. Their flyhalf, Jake Dave, kept the Newlands outfit within scoring distance for much of the game, landing two conversions and a penalty.

SACS, though, didn’t do enough with their possession. They’ll need to look for new avenues of attack if they are to impress their home crowd against Hoërskool Parel Vallei next weekend.

Playing in Mossel Bay on Saturday, Hoërskool Bellville won a fourth successive match after opening their season with five losses. In a high-scoring affair, they beat Hoërskool Punt 45-29.

Centre Caylem du Plessis and Xandru Büter were once again on the scoresheet, with both crossing for tries.

Blindside flank Zandro Stramrood also got himself over the try line. He’s impressed with his defensive work of late, but his hard running and carrying brought Stramrood a five-pointer on Saturday.

Scrumhalf Juvan Rousseau also made it onto the scorers’ sheet, but more importantly, he distributed with haste from the breakdown in a match that was won by the side that set the faster tempo.

While Punt scored their fair share of points, they were done in by their defence. Against centres like Du Plessis and Büter, missed tackles quickly turned into try-scoring opportunities.

Bellville will be hoping to deliver more of the same when they take on Hoërskool Melkbosstrand next weekend.

Scorers

Paarl Gimnasium 66 (40) – Tries: Ethan Barker (2) Corné Niemand (2), Corné de Beer, Derick Cloete, Dirk Hugo, Bernhardt Schulze, Ruan Lindeque, Hannes de Kock. Conversions: Louis Koen (7), Adrian Conradie. Diocesan College 14 (14) – Tries: Joe Lanning, Danny Newton. Conversions: Caleb Clark (2).

Boland Landbou 26 – Tries: Louis du Plessis (2), Juan Visagie, RW van Deventer. Conversions: Divan Meyer (3). SACS 22 – Tries: Cameron Hirst, Stephan Kruger, Dayaan Conrad. Conversions: Jake Dave (2). Penalty: Dave.

Hoërskool Bellville 45 – Tries: Zandro Stramrood, Liam Kuyk, Steven Steyl, Caylem du Plessis, Juvan Rousseau, Xandru Büter. Conversions: Marno Botes (5). Hoërskool Punt 29 – N/A.

Results

U19 – SACS I 22 Boland Landbou I 26, SACS II 12 Boland Landbou II 22, SACS III 45 Boland Landbou III 33, SACS IV 22 Boland Landbou IV 21, SACS V 30 Boland Landbou V 22, SACS VI 31 Boland Landbou VI 14.

U16 – SACS A 41 Boland Landbou A 41, SACS B 7 Boland Landbou B 12, SACS C 8 Boland Landbou C 16, SACS D 0 Boland Landbou D 19.

U15 – SACS A 13 Boland Landbou A 24, SACS B 3 Boland Landbou B 10, SACS C 14 Boland Landbou C 13, SACS D 10 Boland Landbou D 17.

U14 – SACS A 21 Boland Landbou A 17, SACS B 14 Boland Landbou B 14, SACS C 21 Boland Landbou C 7, SACS D 45 Boland Landbou D 14.

Paarl Gimnasium hosts Bishops at 12:45 on the J.A. Kriel Field on Saturday.

Having lost the fixture 0-50 at home last year against a dynamic and high-scoring Gimmies juggernaut, one might expect the Cape Town school isn’t feeling too good about their chances ahead of their showdown on Saturday.

However, under head coach Sam Mofokeng, Bishops has leaned into what many consider to be their biggest strength: free-flowing, running rugby, based on keeping the ball alive.

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Their style shows that they have confidence in backs like Eljaron Geduld to get the ball out wide quickly. The centre bagged himself a try in a 38-20 southern suburbs derby loss against Wynberg Boys’ High last weekend, and also crossed for a five-pointer in their previous outing, a 17-26 defeat against Hilton College.

Bishops, whose record is an even four wins and four defeats, has scored less than 20 points in only two of their eight games this year; in the aforementioned defeat to Hilton and in a battling loss to SACS by just five points. While that is a decent enough achievement, their highest output is only 31 points, achieved against Worcester Gimnasium and Strand in their first two matches.

Gimmies‘ captain and inside centre Ethan Barker scored a try in his side’s emphatic 64-15 victory against Boland Landbou in a Paarl derby.

He’s got the speed of a centre, but also carries the ball into contact with the brutish strength usually associated with an eighthman. He also sets the standard on defence, delivering crushing tackles.

Paarl Gim has failed to score less than 40 points in only three out of their nine games this season, so the clash in Paarl should be high-scoring.

SACS narrowly lost in a southern suburbs’ derby last weekend, falling 17-19 against Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Boland Landbou will be aware of that when they visit the Memorial-A Field at 12:45 on Saturday. Their meeting with Rondebosch, in Paarl, on 18 April, ended in a tight 43-41 victory. That suggests a tight contest awaits.

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Despite their loss to Rondebosch, SACS flyhalf and dangerman Jake Dave delivered another strong performance, scoring 12 of their 17 points via two conversions, a penalty, and a try.

The Farmers‘ flanks will be focused on restricting Dave’s share of possession by utilising their phenomenal work rate at the breakdown. Captain Juan Visagie and Jacques Bester are industrious players. They reach breakdowns quickly, and they inject pace when in possession of the ball.

Last year, on the farm, Boland Landbou scraped a tight 21-18 win.

Both sides have faced some of the top teams in the Western Cape this year and, although neither has recorded an upset, both have been battle-hardened by those clashes. They’ll be up for another bruising battle this weekend.

TEAMS

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Thomas Saunders, 14 Corné de Beer, 13 Derick Cloete, 12 Ethan Barker, 11 De Waal Vivier, 10 Louis Koen, 9 Mickyle Booise, 8 Hendré van Zyl, 7 Dirk Hugo, 6 Corné Niemand, 5 David Jacobs, 4 Bernhardt Schulze, 3 Sebastian Bekker, 2 Reynhart du Toit, 1 Jayden Steyl.

Bishops: 15 Miyolo Ngculu, 14 Shafiek Joseph, 13 Danny Newton, 12 Christian Toweel, 11 Elihle Tsobo, 10 Caleb Clark, 9 Jack Fleck, 8 Jack Venter, 7 Luke Hofmeyr, 6 James Gordon, 5 Alex Vintcent (Captain), 4 Dan Coetzee, 3 Jack Hibling, 2 Joe Lanning, 1 Jarred Kowen.

Boland Landbou: N/A.

SACS: 15 Nahum Koen, 14 Luke McKenzie, 13 Luca Orgill, 12 James Sale, 11 Josh Gorgens, 10 Jake Dave, 9 Daniel Draai, 8 Stephan Kruger, 7 Jack Burgess, 6 Kwakhanya Gobe, 5 Cameron Hirst, 4 RJ Cunningham, 3 Qiraan Hermans, 2 Zac Dall (Captain), 1 Luca Liebenberg.

Stellenberg High will have an opportunity to slay a fourth giant in 2026 when they hit the road to take on Paarl Boys’ High at 12:40 on Saturday.

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The visitors have produced a phenomenal season so far, which has included victories over Grey College, Paul Roos Gimnasium and Paarl Gimnasium. Their only flaw in 12 games was a last-minute 20-21 loss to Hoërskool Garsfontein in March.

In their most recent match, they defeated Oakdale Landbou 15-13 in Riversdal. Oakdale drew 13-13 with Boishaai in April.

Boys’ High has tasted defeat in their past two outings, going down 37-40 to Affies at the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament in Kimberley, and 21-31 to Grey College in Bloemfontein. They’ll welcome the chance to take on a big gun at home.

Last May, Saturday’s hosts, who finished the season ranked number one in the country after edging out Paarl Gimnasium in a game for the ages, won 27-0 in Bellville. This time out, things are expected to be far tighter. The Jade Brigade is in its best shape ever, while Boishaai faces the rare prospect of a third loss in a row.

With Stellenberg High centre JC Swart out injured, wing Ralton Rhode will take over the no. 13 jersey. Morné Pretorius will be responsible for covering Rhode’s usual spot on the right wing.

Boishaai loosehead prop Max Malan is a key player in the scrums. His ability to win possession may shake up Stellies, who have been strong in the set pieces all season long, especially in the lineouts.

Saturday’s showdown should be a thriller, and it could constitute the next chapter in a history-making season for Stellies in 2026.

After a tough 19-64 loss to Paul Roos Gimnasium last weekend, Hoërskool Durbanville will be intent on getting back to winning ways when they host Hoërskool Tygerberg at 12:30 on Saturday.

The Tigers themselves come off a narrow 22-24 loss to Hoërskool Strand. They haven’t won in their last four matches, which will make their hunger for a victory that much greater.

Durbies‘ outside centre Farrel-Leigh Dido is one to watch. He has agility, speed and power, which he used to score off the bench as an outside centre in the Paul Roos encounter. If given time and space, he is dangerous.

Durbanville will be favoured, but Tygerberg could catch them off guard on the counterattack if the hosts become overly confident.

It’s been a tough last four weeks for DF Akademie, who have lost every time. Their last outing ended in a 14-31 defeat to unbeaten Hoërskool Parel Vallei. They have an opportunity to turn things around when they host Fairmont High at 11:50 on Saturday.

Fullback Pieter Delport has a handy boot that will help DF in the battle for territory at the back.

Fairmont takes on one of their fiercest competitors this season. Last season, they went down 5-27. Taking into account that they do not often play opposition as strong as DF, they are underdogs in this one.

The clash presents DF Akademie not only with an opportunity to win, but also to build confidence lost in their last four matches.

TEAMS

Paarl Boys’ High: N/A.

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.

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

Hoërskool Tygerberg: N/A.

DF Akademie: N/A.

Fairmont High: 15 Keagan Nieuwoudt, 14 Achumile Koyana, 13 Connor Southey, 12 Muneo Mbizvo, 11 Max Kruger, 10 Giovanni Adamo, 9 Yaqeen Isamail, 8 Adam Oliver, 7 Aphiwe Ntunja, 6 Boikano Monyaki, 5 Carlaux Landman, 4 Jayden Nieuwenhuis, 3 Connor Casson, 2 Connor Stander, 1 Liyah Mtulu.

One of Wynberg Boys’ High‘s strengths this season has been the rolling maul, and they used it effectively to defeat Bishops 38-20 in a southern suburbs derby last weekend.

Grey High’s last outing was on 27 April, when they beat Glenwood High 34-12 in Gqeberha. That means Saturday’s match against Wynberg will be their first in three weeks. They’re well rested, but they might be a bit rusty.

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Last May, in a fantastic clash in Gqeberha, Wynberg won 32-27.

The Cape Town school has been a bogey side for Grey High. The Eastern Cape boys last won in 2017, taking that game 40-30.

Since then, they’ve mustered draws in 2019 (27-27) and 2024 (10-10), but Wynberg has recorded wins in their other meetings, in 2018 (36-33), 2022 (18-16), and 2023 (35-8).

Based on both sides’ form this season, it should be a tight contest. Wynberg has won five and lost three, while Grey High has five wins and two losses on its record.

Wynberg flyhalf Achmat Behardien and inside centre Luke Gertze, who sometimes plays flyhalf, will have key roles to play for the home side. They are both creative players, able to make the backline sing with their inventive play.

Hooker, Ridah Johnson, is deadly off the back of the rolling maul, as is Naeem Mohammed, who packs down at both hooker and flank.

The visitors’ captain and inside centre Ciaran Killian is a line-breaking threat with his clever running lines. The Wynberg midfield will need to keep a close eye on him if they are to limit Grey’s try-scoring opportunities.

Blindside flank Blake Parker returns to the Grey High lineup, boosting the Gqeberha boys with another try-scoring threat.

Wynberg may have the advantage at lineout time, but will need to defend tightly in open play if they want to ensure a win at home.

TEAMS

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Laeeq Davids, 14 Zachary de Kock, 13 Ithandile Nkohla, 12 Luke Gertze, 11 Chad Campbell, 10 Achmat Behardien, 9 Rauf Ahmed, 8 Esa van der Schyff, 7 Eli van der Merwe, 6 Alvin Machinja, 5 Jack de Beer, 4 James Orwin, 3 Solam Gegana, 2 Ridah Johnson, 1 Boitumelo Mabohlo.

Grey High: 15 Keanu Linch, 14 Noah Mbizi, 13 Michael Oosthuizen, 12 Ciaran Killian, 11 Sikhu Xego, 10 Likhona Nakani, 9 Santino Goniwe, 8 Zola Yeye, 7 Blade Parker, 6 Sibonele Stuurman, 5 Joandré van Jaarsveld, 4 Jean Nel, 3 Juan Potgieter, 2 Micah Wessels, 1 Daniel Naudé.

HTS Drostdy has reason to be confident for their home battle against Hoërskool Swartland at 13:20 on Saturday.

They’ve won their last four games in a row, and all by handsome margins. Their smallest margin of victory during that streak was the 26 points by which they beat Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) 40-14 last weekend.

The visitors are on a good run of their own, having won their last six matches, including a big 61-28 win over Hoërskool Robertson last time out.

While the Donkies‘ backs have provided a highlight reel’s worth of tries this season, one must not overlook their forwards’ efforts, which have afforded the backs those opportunities.

Eighthman Simamkele Lahlekile gets around the field in a hurry, usually one of the first men to the breakdown, and his strong carrying earned him a try against Hugenote.

Hooker Winsor Solomon is a key contributor to lineouts and the rolling maul, and also an active participant around the field. He scored two tries on the weekend from open play.

The Worcester locals cruised to a 61-9 win in Malmesbury last year, but this is an improved Rockies outfit, which is expected to put up a tougher fight on Saturday.

Hoërskool Hugenote, the winners of six of their eight matches, will aim for win number seven against the visiting Hoërskool Hermanus when the two sides meet at 12:00 on Saturday.

If Hermanus distributes the ball quickly, their outside centre, Juda Stevens, and left wing, Carlin September, are dangerous runners with elusive pace.

Drostdy tested the Wellington locals on the weekend with their dynamic backs, so with those lessons in the book, Hugenote should be well prepared for the challenge that awaits.

Hermanus will be in for a tough physical examination. Against Drostdy, Hugenote’s pack performed admirably, especially in the first half. They’ll go hard at Hermanus.

Hugenote is favoured at home, and they are expected to enjoy the lion’s share of possession. If Hermanus plays to their strengths and gets the ball out wide swiftly, it could be an interesting and contrasting clash of styles.

Since starting their season with five successive losses, Hoërskool Bellville has now won their last three matches in a row. Last weekend, they beat Milnerton High 27-20. They’ll visit Mossel Bay for a 12:40 showdown with Hoërskool Punt.

Bellville won 17-5 the last time they met, and given their recent good run of form, they’ll fancy their chances of a follow-up victory.

They’ve hit their attacking stride lately, with outside centre Caylem du Plessis being an integral part of their try-scoring, which included dotting down twice last weekend.

Turning back the tide at home will be a tough ask for Punt.

TEAMS

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

Hoërskool Swartland: 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.

Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington): N/A.

Hoërskool Hermanus: 15 Jesse Arnoldus, 14 Obinna Enenchukwu, 13 Juda Stevens, 12 Giano Da Kosta, 11 Carlin September, 10 M-Jay Matinka, 9 Alden May, 8 Rehan Gotze, 7 Liam Prodehl, 6 Ronnie Williams, 5 Tony Martins, 4 Xalyn Bazier, 3 Antonio Booysen, 2 Tinus Visagie, 1 Ethan Richards.

Hoërskool Bellville: 15 Alvino Loggenberg, 14 Marlon Claasen, 13 Caylem du Plessis, 12 Xandru Büter, 11 Liam Kuyk, 10 Marno Botes, 9 Juvan Rousseau, 8 Cade Mong, 7 Henré Kleynhans, 6 Zandro Stramrood, 5 Corné Smit, 4 Steven Zyl, 3 Zander van Wyk, 2 Ryno Higgs, 1 Alex Cronje.

Hoërskool Punt: N/A.