Author: froberholzer

Scorers:

Menlopark XV 34 (17) – Tries: Gihann Parsons (3), Johan Vermaak, Eduan Bothma, Marco de Bruin. Conversions: Julian Nel (2). Dr Malan 22 (15) – Tries: Dylin Hopkins, Jason-Lee Oosthuizen, JJ Kruger. Conversions: Kruger (2). Penalty: Kruger.

Ben Vorster 50 (19) – Tries: Johrné Davis (2), Kobus de Beer (2), Joshua van der Mescht, Lolos Letlabola, Josua van Eeden, Ryan Gerhardt. Conversions: Van Eeden (4), Letlabola. Randburg 12 (7) – Tries: Dwaine Scotson, Lucky Khumalo. Conversion: Hendrico van Reenen.

Fichardtpark 8 (5) – Try: Ofentse Tseko. Penalty: Guiteau Petrus. Heidelberg Volkskool 5 (5) – Try: Albie Botha.

Affies 5^th XV 55 (22) – Tries:  Ben Swarts (2), Ewald Hamman (2), Liam Kock (2), Deronne Meiring, Calyle Stoltz. Conversions: Dante Meyer (5). Overvaal 14 (14) – Tries: Austin Coetzee, Luan Botha. Conversions: Geovandre Louw (2).

Hoërskool Pietersburg 47 (35) – Tries: Ziahn Lombaard (2), Ignus Ferreira, Ryno Mienie, Armand Venter, Frederich Cronjé, Johanndré Fourie. Conversions: Mienie (6). Tygerberg 10 (0) – Tries: Abdul Isaacs, Uyanda Makaba. Conversions: Muchiano Loggenberg.

Ligbron 59 (40) – Tries: Henco Scheepers (3), Katleho Sibiloane (2), Banele Mthombo, Gaston Brown, Franco Groenewald, Werner Nortje, try. Conversions: Brown (7). Merenksy 29 (17) – Tries: Armand Ellof (2), Christiaan de Lange, Christo Venter, Ruben de Beer. Conversions: Francios Smith, Mier Mojapelo.

Stephan Janse van Rensburg and the rest of his pack from Hoërskool Pietersburg delivered a commanding performance as the Polokwane side outmuscled Hoërskool Fichardtpark 47–12 on Saturday in the final match of the opening day of the Fairtree Sport Festival.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Pieties‘ win made it back-to-back victories for Limpopo’s two leading schools, with Ben Vorster also recording a convincing win.

Janse van Rensburg dictated proceedings. The experience he gained at the SA Rugby u17 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp in late 2025 was evident, as he anchored a dominant scrum that forced Fichardtpark onto the back foot throughout the contest.

In support, the Pietersburg loose trio, particularly flankers Andru de Beer (openside) and Ignus Ferreira (blindside), were relentless and highly effective in broken play.

Behind them, inside centre Hanru Marais and his midfield partner, Juan Dreyer, added further impetus, capitalising on the dominance their pack had established at both scrum and line-out time.

Lock Dian Visagie stood out for Fichardtpark, producing a tireless performance, despite the Bloemfontein school’s pack being under sustained pressure. Shortly before the final whistle, he was rewarded with his side’s second try.

The Buffels of Hoërskool Ben Vorster ran eight tries in their emphatic 56–17 victory over Hoërskool Dinamika in the penultimate match of the day. The Tzaneen team’s back three were outstanding.

Tumi Ramohale (left wing) and Ronnel Komana (right wing) both crossed the whitewash twice. However, their tries were not merely the result of finishing moves. They consistently created opportunities out of nothing, treating the spectators to some exceptional rugby.

The combination between flyhalf Lolo Letlabola and scrumhalf Joshua van Eeden was also highly effective, with many of the Buffels‘ scoring opportunities originating from their interplay. Lolo Letlabola also crossed for a try and added two conversions, while Joshua van Eeden succeeded with six kicks at goal.

Earlier in the day, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen was forced to battle until the final moments to scrape a narrow 23–22 victory over Hoërskool Merensky Landbou Akademie. A late penalty from flyhalf, Ovayo Jonas, proved decisive. It was the third of three penalties landed by the no. 10, who also added two conversions.

They landed on the losing side, but Plasies played the majority of the rugby. Scrumhalf Christiaan de Lange shone for the Tzaneen outfit, dotting down twice for the Light Blues, but it was not quite enough to see them to victory.

Scorers

Pietersburg 47 (26) – Tries: Fredrich Cronje (2), Ignus Ferreira. Ziahn Lombaard, Hanru Marais, Juan Dreyer, Andru de Beer. Conversions: Ryno Mienie (6). Fichardtpark 12 (5) – Try: Dian Visagie, Dillon Louw. Conversion: Guiteau Petrus.

Ben Vorster 56 (21) – Tries: Tumi Ramohlale (2), Ronnel Komana (2), Lolos Letlabola, Ruben Pohl, Zane Trollip, Edwin Matola. Doelskoppe: Josua van Eeden (6), Letlabola (2). Dinamika 17 (3) – Tries: Gucci Sithole, Jaden Mathysser. Conversions: Caiden van der Merwe, Andrew Marais. Penalty: Van der Merwe.

Marais Viljoen 23 (7) – Tries: Ondi Njili, Juan Booysen. Conversions: Ovayo Jonas (2). Penalties: Jonas (3). Merensky 22 (15) – Tries: Christiaan de Lange (2), George Steenkamp, Heinrich Kirchner. Conversion: Francois Smith.

Ligbron Akademie powered their way to a convincing 33–14 victory over Hoërskool Randburg at the Fairtree Sport Festival on Saturday.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Playing at Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria, Liggies, from Ermelo, asserted their dominance early. They crossed for three tries in quick succession, with their forwards providing good quality ball, and Hoërskool Randburg was unable to contain them.

Lihbron’s loose trio was outstanding, led by captain Henco Scheepers, who wore the no. 19 jersey. Their relentless work rate set the tone from the outset.

Both Scheepers and openside flank Johardt Swanepoel crossed the try-line, with Swanepoel opening the scoring for Liggies.

Hoërskool Randburg‘s standout performer was their flyhalf, Hendrico van Reenen, who contributed nine of his side’s 14 points, including a try, which was a classic number 10’s effort – selling a dummy before slicing through the defence shortly before half-time.

For much of the first half, Randburg kept Ligbron‘s defence honest, but the Liggies’ superiority eventually brought them a 19-point victory.

Earlier in the day, the Die Hoërskool Menlopark Invitational side withstood a spirited fightback from Hoërskool Overvaal to claim a hard-fought 36-27 win.

The Parkies’ victory was a product of their forwards’ dominance, which was underlined by the fact that all six of their tries were scored by members of their pack, with hooker Gihann Parsons and openside flank De Wet Holtzhausen each crossing the whitewash twice.

The man of the match honours, though, went to blindside flank, Eduan Bothma, whose engine ran on all cylinders throughout the contest.

All credit to Hoërskool Overvaal, they refused to buckle. Their challenge was led by left wing Eckardt Hanse van Vuuren and outside centre Connor Eley, who kept the Invitational side under pressure throughout the contest.

In the day’s opening match, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool‘s (Affies) 5th XV, better known as the Bruinbere, ran out 37-20 winners over Hoërskool Dr Malan.

Flyhalf Danté Meyer, the younger brother of former Affies 1st XV scrumhalf Zirk Meyer, delivered a standout performance, contributing 17 of his side’s points from two tries, two conversions, and a penalty.

Hooker Dylan Hopkins kept Dokkies competitive. He also crossed for two tries, which was a deserved reward for his industrious performance.

Scorers: 

Ligbron Akademie 33 (19) – Tries: Johardt Swanepoel, Banele Mthombo, RW Beyleveld, Henco Scheepers, Ndumiso Dlamini. Conversions: Gaston Brown (4). Randburg 14 (0) – Tries: Hendrico van Reenen, Ewan van der Walt. Conversions: Van Reenen (2).

Menlopark XV 36 (24) – Tries: Gihann Parsons (2), De Wet Holtzhauzen (2), Eduan Bothma, Johan Vermaak. Conversions: Julian Nel (3). Overvaal 27 (15) – Tries: Austin Coetzee, Luan Botha, Jeandre Potgieter, Eckardt Janse van Vuuren, Connor Eley. Conversion: Geovandre Louw.

Affies Bruinbere (5th XV) 37 (20) – Tries: Danté Meyer (2), Franco de Bruyn, Deronne Meyer, Divan Dreyer, Bjorn Pendlebury. Conversions: Meyer (2). Penalty: Meyer. Dr Malan 20 (3) – Tries: Dylin Hopkins (2), Jordan Bouwer. Conversion: JJ Kruger. Penalty: Marcelle Pearson.

Scorers: 

Pietersburg 47 (26) – Tries: Fredrich Cronje (2), Ignus Ferreira. Ziahn Lombaard, Hanru Marais, Juan Dreyer, Andru de Beer. Conversions: Ryno Mienie (6). Fichardtpark 12 (5) – Try: Dian Visagie, Dillon Louw. Conversion: Guiteau Petrus.

Ben Vorster 56 (21) – Tries: Tumi Ramohlale (2), Ronnel Komana (2), Lolos Letlabola, Ruben Pohl, Zane Trollip, Edwin Matola. Doelskoppe: Josua van Eeden (5), Letlabola (2).
Dinamika 17 (3) – Tries: Gucci Sithole, Jaden Mathysser. Conversions: Caiden van der Merwe, Andrew Marais. Penalty: Van der Merwe.

Marais Viljoen 23 (7) – Tries: Ondi Njili, Juan Booysen. Conversions: Ovayo Jonas (2). Penalties: Jonas (2). Merensky 22 (15) – Tries: Christiaan de Lange (2), George Steenkamp, Heinrich Kirchner. Conversion: Francios Smith.

Ligbron Akademie 33 (19) – Tries: Johardt Swanepoel, Banele Mthombo, RW Beyleveld, Henco Scheepers, Ndumiso Dlamini. Conversions: Gaston Brown (4). Randburg 14 (0) – Tries: Hendrico van Reenen, Ewan van der Walt. Conversions: Van Reenen (2).

Menlopark XV 36 (24) – Tries: Gihann Parsons (2), De Wet Holtzhauzen (2), Eduan Bothma, Johan Vermaak. Conversions: Julian Nel (3). Overvaal 27 (15) – Tries: Austin Coetzee, Luan Botha, Jeandre Potgieter, Eckardt Janse van Vuuren, Connor Eley. Conversion: Geovandre Louw.

Affies Bruinbere (5th XV) 37 (20) – Tries: Danté Meyer (2), Franco de Bruyn, Deronne Meyer, Divan Dreyer, Bjorn Pendlebury. Conversions (2): Meyer. Penalty: Meyer. Dr Malan 20 (3) – Tries: Dylin Hopkins (2), Jordan Bouwer. Conversion: JJ Krugeer. Penalty: Marcelle Pearson.

Slegs sewe dae na sy 31-14 nederlaag sal die Rhinos van Hoërskool Nelspruit die geleentheid kry om die bordjies teen Hoërskool Oos-Moot te verhang.

Die Rhinos reis na Pretoria waar hulle om 15:00 Satermiddag vir die tweede agtereenvolgende week met die Oosies van Oos-Moot swaarde kruis.

Dié stryd, veral in die Moot, is geskiedkundig ’n taai een. Dit is ook ’n uitstekende bepaling om vanjaar se Plaat-afdeling van die nuut vernoemde Virseker Noordvaal Cup af te skop.

Die Rhinos, wat slegs drie van hul beginspan in verlede naweek se wedstryd teen die Oosies gehad het, verwelkom die meeste van die afwesiges terug.

Kaptein en binnesenter, Rian Botha, neem weer die leisels. Sy terugkeer is egter nóg belangriker om sodoende verlede naweek se doring in die vlees, Oos-Moot se binnesenter, Karel de Kock, te tem. Jeandré Aucamp neem weer sy plek langs Botha in om die Rhinos se middelveld weer na volsterkte te bring.

Skrumskakel Kamo Monkwe is ook terug op sy pos, wat vir die Rhinos moontlik ekstra woema agterlangs behoort te gee. Vir die Oosies sal Doneal Weideman in die middel van die skrum op haker sak. Dit beteken dat die woelige Thando Telelo se dienste Saterdag op loskopstut benut sal word.

Hoërskool Wesvalia en die gevaarlike Wit Bulle van Hoërskool Montana is reeds Vrydag om 19:30 in Klerksdorp haaks. Albei spanne lek nog wonde na nederlae in die NWU Prestige-reeks se halfeindrondes verlede Saterdag. Boonop is dit die Wit Bulle se terugkeer na die Plaat-afdeling nadat hulle verlede jaar se Skild-afdeling oorheers het. Dus sal ’n sege weg van die huis af met ope arms verwelkom word.

Die Wessies, reeds ’n jaar in dié afdeling, blyk altyd kompeterend te wees en sal ’n sege in hul tweede laaste tuiswedstryd vir die seisoen baie beteken, veral omdat vanjaar se Plaat reeds van meet af kompeterend lyk. Die Monties se pak sal fyn dopgehou moet word, veral omdat gevaarmanne soos loskakel Rubel Bester en buitesenter Luan Barnard kan losbrand. Die Wessies se antwoord hierop sal egter agtsteman Tiaan de Kock wees. De Kock skuif na agtsteman in die afwesigheid van Quewen Fourie. Jean van Wyk neem syu plek op steelkantdlank in.

Hoërskool Zwartkop se Vikings is vanjaar een van die groot gunstelinge om met dié afdeling se titel weg te stap, maar sal reeds in hul eerste wedstryd teen Hoërskool Klerksdorp in Centurion getoets word. Dit was juis die Zwarries wat vir Montana ’n week gelede die loef afgesteek het, terwyl die span van Klerksdorp met ’n gelykopuitslag (17-elk) tevrede moes wees.

Die Zwarries se buitesenter, Stiaan Botha, blyk op sy beste te wees en sal dit vir ’n gedugte tweestryd in die middelveld sorg tussen hom en David van Jaarsveld, asook die besoekers se Simphiwe Nero en Marco Symmington.

Die spanne is:

Oos-Moot t. Hoërskool Nelspruit om 15:00 in Pretoria:

Oos-Moot: 15 Michael Bhuda, 14 Brian Jacobs, 13 Jayden Meintjies, 12 Karel de Kock, 11 LJ Vaughn, 10 Tesuis van der Merwe, 9 Arno Badenhorst, 8 Riyaan Wilson, 7 Juandré Botha, 6 Divan Summers, 5 Ulrich Gerber, 4 Emile Kotze, 3 Sinawo Stengana, 2 Doneal Weideman, 1 Thando Telelo.

Hoërskool Nelspruit: 15 Randzu Mkhabela, 14 Tye Habib, 13 Jendré Aucamp, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Hanré Smit, 10 Ewan van der Merwe, 9 Kamo Monkwe, 8 Vian Louw, 7 Christiaan de Klerk, 6 Aldo van Jaarsveld, 5 Robroy Mac Gregor, 4 Ruan Ehlers, 3 Marcel Lindeque, 2 Sebastiaan Rheeder, 1 Christiaan Viljoen.

Wesvalia t. Montana om 19:30 Vrydag op Klerksdorp:

Wesvalia: 15 Wilson Letholi, 14 Ruben de Klerk, 13 Jaco Combrink, 12 Dundré Hales, 11 Markus Muller, 10 Wian du Preez, 9 Brandt Muller, 8 Tiaan de Kock, 7 Jean van Wyk, 6 Christiaan Swanepoel, 5 JP Hattingh, 4 Dominic Kath, 3 Charl du Preez, 2 Christiaan Naudé, 1 Jordan van der Schyff.

Montana: 15 Edrich Strydom, 14 Corban Kruger, 13 Luan Barnard, 12 Henroe Colyn, 11 Christiaan Booysen, 10 Rubel Bester, 9 Du Preez Prinsloo, 8 Ulrich van Biljon, 7 Shawn Moabelo, 6 Reghardt van Biljon, 5 Jayden Cloete, 4 Eric Potgieter, 3 Kyle van Schalkwyk, 2 Juan Theunissen, 1 Louan Erasmus.

Zwartkop t. Hoërskool Klerksdorp in Centurion:

Zwartkop: 15 Shayden Botha, 14 Rowan Badenhorst, 13 Stiaan Botha, 12 David van Jaarsveld, 11 Waylin Papier, 10 Tilon Baron, 9 Ruvan Burger, 8 Wihan Roux, 7 Luan Wepener, 6 Mikka Allers, 5 Jethro le Roux, 4 Herman Potgieter, 3 Ruben Harvey, 2 Regan Blignaut, 1 Matthew Smith.

Klerksdorp: 15 Jayden Turner, 14 Tyran Masango, 13 Simphiwe Nero, 12 Marco Symmington, 11 Elzeno Schalkwyk, 10 Brendin Mathyse, 9 Rellston Wilson, 8 Gerrit Koen, 7 Daniel Schoeman, 6 Karabelo Maseka, 5 Jayden Hills, 4 SG de Klerk, 3 De Waal Coetzer, 2 De Wyk Pretorius, 1 Ricko le Roux.

Not even icy cold and relentless rain could halt the hosts, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, as they opened the Fairtree Sport Festival with a commanding 64-12 victory over Hoërskool Tygerberg on Friday in Pretoria.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools) 

Parkies dominated up front, laying a strong attacking platform through their powerful scrumming and accurate lineout work, which was an impressive feat in the challenging conditions.

The spotlight up front fell on hooker Jannes Eksteen, who controlled the driving maul superbly and was rewarded with two tries.

Loosehead prop Dean Field also earned a reward for his impressive scrumming and crossed for a try of his own.

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the hosts’ backline thrived. The return of Dylan Stumke at inside centre made a notable difference. He demonstrated his versatile skill set by using his powerful left boot to keep the Tigers pinned deep in their half, on defence.

Jody Abrahams, who took on the role of fullback, settled in as if he had worn the no. 15 jersey all season long, bagging a brace of tries, thanks to his lively performance.

However, none shone brighter than Menlo’s left-wing Zander Hamman. He impressed with a series of powerful runs, one of which resulted in a well-taken try. He then compounded the damage with his boot, converting seven of his nine attempts at goal to contribute 19 points to his side’s tally.

Despite the heavy defeat, the try of the day, arguably, belonged to Hoërskool Tygerberg‘s fullback Calvin Hitmana, who brought the small Western Cape contingent to their feet with a superb solo effort, which began in his own 22 and saw him slice through multiple defenders on his way to the try-line.

Scorers

Menlopark 64 (28) – Tries: Jannes Eksteen (2), Jody Abrahams (2), Zander Hamman, Dean Field, Duran Pieterse, Tyler Burkett, Dylan Stumke, Lucian Reed. Conversions: Hamman (7). Tygerberg (12) – Try: Calvin Hitimana, Penalty Try.

The u19 Teams:  

Affies Geelslange: 15 Barry Liebenberg, 14 Johan Smith, 13 Janco van der Walt, 12 Righard Dreyer, 11 Dihann Janse van Rensburg, 10 Dawie Barnard, 9 Ethan Williams, 8 Hanro Keulder, 7 Rohan Kruger, 6 Spehen Archibald, 5 Remi de Fortier, 4 Hendré Lombaard, 3 Liam de Jager, 2 Zander Hefer, 1 Ziaan Slabbert. Replacements: 16 Ruan Nagel, 17 MJ Wolmarans, 18 Liam Vermeulen, 19 Ruben Bekker, 20 William Rex, 21 Jordan Liebenberg, 22 Blake Curtayne, 23 Waylon Swarts.

Affies Rooiharte: 15 Lohan Mostert, 14 Liam Steinberg, 13 Stephan du Toit, 12 Blake Curtayne, 11 Waylon Swarts, 10 Michael Crafford, 9 Jordan Liebenberg, 8 Okkie Spies, 7 Jaden Herbst, 6 William Rex, 5 André Pretorius, 4 Louis Deist, 3 Liam Vermeulen, 2 Reghardt Bosman, 1 MJ Wolmarans. Replacements: 16 Ruan Nagel, 17 Johan Welman, 18 André Robberts, 19 Ruben Bekker, 20 Ryan Brett, 21 Rickus Rheeders, 22 Robert Janse van Rensburg.

Bergsig Akademie Eagles: 15 Heinrich Krugel, 14 Kopano Modise, 13 Othandwayo Ntshanga, 12 Carlo de Jager, 11 Daniel Addinall, 10 Dan Bogopane, 9 Connor van Dalen, 8 Martin Pieterse, 7 Jacques Vivier, 6 Hayden Harding, 5 Ryan Nagel, 4 Lefa Maloma, 3 Claud Robertson, 2 Keanu Kaljee, 1 Dylan Smith. Replacements: 16 Bokang Sethlomola, 17 Anton Grové, 18 Hendré Krüger, 19 Anthony van Jaarsveld, 20 Mark Uys, 21 Jaco de Klerk, 22 Coetzee Nieuwoudt, 23 Aiden Frieselaar.

Bergsig Akademie Hawks: 15 Aiden Frieselaar, 14 Arthur Barret, 13 Coetzee Nieuwoudt, 12 Penyo Molatsie, 11 Blessing Okeke, 10 Hayden Murphy, 9 Jaco de Klerk, 8 Mark Uys, 7 Orlando Killian, 6 Danniell Sauer, 5 Martin Pieterse, 4 Anthony van Jaarsveld, 3 Hendré Krüger, 2 Bokang Sethlomola, 1 Anton Grové. Replacements: 16 Junior Molokwe, 17 Jayden Joubert, 18 Cornelius Stroebel, 19 Zandré Venter, 20 Johan Scheepers, 21 Rorisang Kokwane, 22 JC van der Merwe, 23 Kamogelo Molatsie.

Frikkie Meyer: 15 John Kotzé, 14 Omphile Phefu, 13 Duan Blignaut, 12 Maré Pieterse, 11 HJ Koekemoer, 10 Ruan van Deventer, 9 MJ Kloppers, 8 Lefa Mothlabane, 7 Coenrad Hugo, 6 Rasmus Erasmus, 5 Leon Deysel, 4 Gert-Hendrik du Plessis, 3 Fredericko Pelser, 2 PJ Beetge, 1 Herman Prinsloo. Replacements: 16 Kevin Scheepers, 17 GC van Dyk, 18 Flip Steenkamp, 19 Stefan Davel, 20 Lefa Makokka, 21 Lourens Mostert, 22 Christiaan Knoetze, 23 James Naudé.

Jim Fouché: 15 Donnovan Pretorius, 14 Stefan Labuschagne, 13 Jayden Pieterse, 12 Madiba Matanzima, 11 Franco de Necker, 10 Jodan Vorster, 9 Reece Sekila, 8 Juan Swart, 7 Anro Smit, 6 JC van Niekerk, 5 Malan Bekker, 4 Rico Kellerman, 3 Ruan Kruger, 2 HJ Noeth, 1 Jordan de Villiers.

Hoërskool Linden: 15 Kehan Visser, 14 William Joubert, 13 Hanru van Aswegen, 12 Jandré Pienaar, 11 Morné Steyn, 10 Joshua Liebenberg, 9 Strauss van der Merwe, 8 Jordan Welle, 7 Marco Olivier, 6 Heinrich Bothma, 5 MJ Engelbrecht, 4 Adriaan van der Colf, 3 Keanu Thomas, 2 Brayden Maxwell, 1 Kyle Kotze. Replacements: 16 Andile Mati, 17 Jaden O’Neale, 18 Sybrand Strauss, 19 Nathan van Aswegen, 20 Wilhelm Lombaard, 21 Alexander Jeppe, 22 Wallie van Zyl.

Monument (Kwaggas): 15 Corné Moster, 14 Ewan Beukes, 13 Dwaylen Swanepoel, 12 Etienne Fourie, 11 Ayanda Mchunu, 10 Jayden Witfield, 9 Caleb Stirling, 8 Arrie Niemand, 7 Shalom Zidwa, 6 Bayron Seagraves, 5 Mathew Schonfield, 4 Samuel Kazadi, 3 Tiaan Beneke, 2 Ryan van Wyk, 1 Bismarck Steenkamp. Replacements: 16 Juan de Bruin, 17 Bruce Maartens, 18 Westley Wait, 19 Luan Blaauw, 20 Rixon Wilson, 21 Ricardo Snyman, 22 Karabo Sedisa, 23 CJ du Plessis.

Monument (Sables): 15 CJ du Plessis, 14 Karabo Sedisa, 13 Marais Rautenbach, 12 Sebastian Steyn, 11 André Fereira, 10 Louw Besuidenhoud, 9 Ricardo Snyman, 8 Busmarch Hatting, 7 Luan Blaauw, 6 Rixon Wilken, 5 Christo Collins, 4 Luke Harris, 3 Bruce Maartens, 2 Juan de Bruin, 1 Westley Waite. Replacements: 16 Matthew Morton, 17 Kayden Venter, 18 Eldrich Joubert, 19 Chad Forster, 20 Jayden Marais, 21 Prince Mokoroane, 22 Randzu Bodiba, 23 Thlogi Kwele.

Rob Ferreira: 15 Bandile Mhaule, 14 Hanro Hopkins, 13 Lefa Ratshwene, 12 Divan Hills, 11 Rhandzo Mabuza, 10 Aiden Stassen, 9 Sheldon Shilubane, 8 Prosper Mkhonza, 7 Katleho Mofokeng, 6 Thabo Shabangu, 5 Prince Nkuna, 4 Malibongwe Mazibuko, 3 Samkelo Themba, 2 Melusi Nkosi, 1 Anton de Beer. Replacements: 16 Marvellous Mlangeni, 17 Junior Khonza, 18 Bandile Mashabane, 19 Lushaba Lwande, 20 Rabe Louie, 21 Sibusiso Makamu, 22 Lethu Mahlangu, 23 Connor van Zyl.

The fixtures are: 

Saturday – 25 April 

10:50 – Frikkie Meyer vs Affies Rooiharte
13:00 – Bergsig Hawks vs Affies Geelsange
14:20 – Linden vs Monnas Sables
15:40 – Rob Ferreira vs Monnas Kwaggas
17:00 – Bergsig Eagles vs Jim Fouché

Monday – 27 April

11:30 – Jim Fouché vs Affies Rooiharte
12:40 – Bergsig Hawks vs Monnas Sables
14:00 – Rob Ferreira vs Affies Geelsange
15:20 – Bergsig Eagles vs Monnas Kwaggas

The withdrawal of Malmesbury’s Hoërskool Swartland has paved the way for Ligbron Akademie to join the Fairtree Sport Festival, hosted by Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria.

Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Swartland was one of three sides travelling from south of the Vaal River to face a strong Noordvaal contingent. In their stead, Liggies, from Ermelo, has accepted an invitation to the new event.

The late change has also resulted in a shuffling of fixtures.

The match between Heidelberg Volkskool and Hoërskool Swartland, originally scheduled for 15:50 on Saturday, has been replaced by a clash between Hoërskool Marais Viljoen and Hoërskool Merensky Landbou Akademie. They were initially set to meet on Monday, but the Plasies, from Tzaneen, will now face that challenge two days earlier than previously scheduled.

Hoërskool Randburg will present the first hurdle for Ligbron Akademie, before Liggies take on Hoërskool Merensky Landbou Akademie on Monday.

The headliner on the opening day is the clash involving Stephan Janse van Rensburg and company, from Hoërskool Pietersburg, against Hoërskool Fichardtpark. The kick-off time has been slightly adjusted to 19:40 from 19:15.

That will be the first of two stern tests for Hoërskool Fichardtpark. The Bloemfontein school tackles Heidelberg Volkskool on Monday. Volkies will use the clash as valuable preparation before they lock horns with Hoërskool Zwartkop in the final of the NWU Prestige Series the following Friday.

The Buffels of Hoërskool Ben Vorster and Hoërskool Dinamika will still feature in the curtain-raiser to the final match on the opening day, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15.

The hosts, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, get proceedings underway against Hoërskool Tygerberg in a one-off 1st XV fixture at 19:30 on Friday. Parkies welcome back their stalwart centre, Dylan Stumke, who returns from an injury sustained against Paarl Gimnasium during the NMI Toyota Noord/Suid at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria late last month.

He will, however, be without his midfield partner, Danie Botma. The Parkies’ coaching staff has opted to rest Botma with the Virseker Noordvaal Cup fast approaching.

Jody Abrahams, usually a threat on the left wing, will do duty at full-back as Die Hoërskool Menlopark aims not only to make a statement against Hoërskool Tygerberg, but also to assess their depth and combinations.

FIXTURES 

Friday, 24 April 

19:30 – Menlopark vs Tygerberg

Saturday, 25 April 

11:55 – Affies XV vs Dr Malan
13:55 – Menlopark XV vs Overvaal
14:35 – Randburg vs Ligbron
15:55 – Marais Viljoen vs Merensky Landbou Akademie
17:15 – Ben Vorster vs Dinamika
19:40 – Pietersburg vs Fichardtpark

Monday, 27 April 

09:20 – Ligbron vs Merensky Landbou Akademie
10:40 – Pietersburg vs Tygerberg
12:00 – Affies XV vs Overvaal
13:20 – Heidelberg Volkskool vs Fichardpark
14:40 – Ben Vorster vs Randburg
16:00 – Menlopark XV vs Dr Malan
17:20 – Marais Viljoen vs Dinamika

The Fairtree Sport Festival, hosted by Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria, is an exciting new platform for schoolboy rugby, creating opportunities for more players to showcase their talents on a big stage.

Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

In previous years, the focus on the long weekend has mostly been on the  ABSA Wildeklawer Sports Tournament in Kimberley.

Although Wildeklawer remains the premier gathering of South Africa’s top schools, other festivals, including the Standard Bank Grey High Festival, have broadened the reach of an overflowing talent pool. The new Fairtree Sport Festival takes place in the Jacaranda City on Saturday, 25 April, and Monday, 27 April.

As always, the team at SuperSport Schools Plus has taken on the challenging task of identifying five potential standouts.

The Five to Watch are:

Dylan Stumke (Die Hoërskool Menlopark)

In 2023, Dylan Stumke took social media by storm when, as a 16-year-old, he slotted a massive penalty from almost 60 metres. That sparked whispers of him becoming the next Francois Steyn. Since then, Stumke’s name has become widely recognised.

In 2025, he was one of only two players from Die Hoërskool Menlopark to represent the Blue Bulls at the Craven Week in Middelburg, despite being in Grade 11 only. Last year, the Parkies‘ midfielder was also included in the SA Rugby u17 Elite Player Development (EPD) programme.

On Friday evening, when Menlopark takes on Hoërskool Tygerberg, Stumke will return from an injury sustained against Paarl Gimnasium at the NMI Toyota Noord/Suid earlier this month. It’s a timely boost for the Pretoria school.

Stumke is a key figure in a dangerous backline, where he combines powerful carries with sharp vision, particularly alongside Jody Abrahams.

Kabelo Thloaele (Hoërskool Marais Viljoen)

The message to opponents of Kabelo Thloaele is simple: give him space at your peril.

An experienced member of the Marais Viljoen side, Thloaele was a standout performer in 2025, terrorising defences with his finishing ability on the wing. He has since transitioned to full-back, where his ruthless counter-attacking is his greatest weapon.

His combination of finishing instincts and attacking vision will make him a major threat against Hoërskool Merensky on Saturday and Dinamika on Monday.

Stephan Janse van Rensburg (Hoërskool Pietersburg)

Stephan Janse van Rensburg epitomises the modern-day prop. The captain of Hoërskool Pietersburg made a significant impact as a 17-year-old in 2025, asserting his authority in the front row.

His consistent dominance was rewarded with selection for the Limpopo Blue Bulls at the Craven Week in Middelburg, and, subsequently, a place at the SA Rugby EPD camp, where he joined the likes of Menlopark’s Stumke and Abrahams.

While his scrummaging forms the foundation of his game, his ball-carrying ability and uncompromising defence complete a formidable skill set, making him one to watch across both days in Pretoria.

Phillip Rykaart (Hoërskool Randburg)

If one is looking for a player with a relentless work rate and a massive engine, Phillip Rykaart is a name that pops up. A consistent performer since he emerged in 2025, he has since expanded his versatility.

Initially a lock, his ability to influence all areas of play has seen him evolve into a Pieter-Steph du Toit-type forward because he is equally effective on the flank.

He is renowned for his punishing tackles and powerful carries, which often require multiple defenders to bring him down.

If Rykaart asserts himself up front, Ligbron Akademie and Hoërskool Ben Vorster will face a tough challenge.

Hein Oelofse (Heidelberg Volkskool)

In a highly talented Heidelberg Volkskool side, Hein Oelofse stands out.

He’s the quintessential scrum-half – nuggety and alert to any opportunities to catch the opposition off guard. He’s playing for the Volkies‘ 1st XV for a second year and is a key figure in their backline.

His service from the base of the scrum, whether on the front foot or under pressure, remains consistently reliable, and he rarely delivers a poor performance.

Oelofse’s consistent form suggests he will be one of the key contributors to Heidelberg Volkskool‘s challenge when they face Bloemfontein’s Hoërskool Fichardtpark on Monday. He and his teammates will be eager to make a strong statement in Pretoria before they face Hoërskool Zwartkop in the final of the NWU Prestige Series a week later.