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Montana en Heidelberg Volkskool se netbalspanne het hul plekke bespreek in die eindstryd van die NWU Prestige-reeks met oortuigende seges in verlede naweek se halfeindronde.

Die semi-finale het opwindende kragmetings opgelewer, met spanne wat goeie strukture, kliniese afronding en soliede spanwerk tentoongestel het.

Montana het indrukwekkend vertoon om vir Potchefstroom Gimnasium met 41–20 af te ransel in hul halfeindstryd. Die Monties het hul ritme vroeg gevind om Gimmies se verdediging deurgaans onder druk te plaas en het met elke kwart hul voorsprong vergroot.

In die ander semi-finaal was Heidelberg Volkies klinies en gefokus teen Hoërskool Klerksdorp om ‘n ewe oortuigende sege van 31–13 te behaal. Volkies se verdediging het min spasie gebied, terwyl hulle doeltreffend en blitsig was op die aanval.

Marais Viljoen het vir Wesvalia met 37–21 geklop danksy puik samespel tussen hul senters en aanvallers, terwyl  Pietersburg in ‘n naelbytstryd met 24-20 vir Zwartkop getroef het. Sowel die Pieties as Zwarries het rotsvas verdedig, maar eersgenoemde het op kritieke oomblikke die oorhand verkry en hul kanse in doele omskep.

Potchefstroom Volkies het hul naam hoog gehou met ‘n oorwinning van 37–23 oor Hugenote. Volkies se doelskieters was akkuraat, terwyl hul verdediging ‘n groot rol gespeel het met ‘n aantal kritieke onderskeppings. Bergsig het indrukwekkend vertoon in die middelveld, waar hul oorgang tussen verdediging en aanval vloeiend was, om met 34–24 as oorwinnaars uit die stryd te tree teen Die Anker.

Uitslae:

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Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has named a competitive Junior Springbok squad consisting of 31 players for the 2025 edition of the Rugby Championship U20, which will be staged from 1 to 11 May at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Five capped Junior Boks are in the squad, including three who took part in last year’s inaugural Southern Hemisphere tournament in Australia, where the SA U20s finished second behind New Zealand.

Batho Hlekani (loose forward), Haashim Pead (scrumhalf), JC Mars (outside back) are the trio who will be returning for their second Rugby Championship, while the two other returning Junior Boks are Wandile Mlaba (loose forward) and Herman Lubbe (prop). Divan Fuller (flanker), who has also been capped by the Junior Boks, will miss the tournament through injury.

The naming of the 31-man Junior Bok squad is the culmination of a thorough preparation process, which started with two training camps at the end of last year, another training block after the festive break, a short tour to Georgia, followed by a third training period in preparation of the season.

Foote said there is excitement in the camp in the build-up to the keenly anticipated tournament in the Eastern Cape.

“The Rugby Championship is a great opportunity for our players to test their abilities against quality opposition from New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina and we are looking forward to the challenge to play quality opposition in front of our passionate Eastern Cape fans,” said Foote.

“We worked with 80 players during our various training camps, which gave us a fantastic opportunity to test and assess our depth.

“I believe we have selected a competitive Junior Bok squad, consisting of players who have really put up their hand during the camps. A few missed out due to injury while there are also a couple who were retained from last year.”

According to the Junior Bok mentor it was not an easy task to reduce the squad, and he commended the entire training group for their effort during the preparation blocks.

“The players all did their part, and I am pleased with their effort,” said Foote. “We could only announce a 31-man squad, but that doesn’t mean those players who will not play in Nelson Mandela Bay are out of the reckoning for the World Rugby U20 Championship.”

Foote added that they will monitor player progress in SA Rugby’s U21 Cup competition, which starts next month, and emphasised that the door is not closed at all considering there is still another training block to come after the Rugby Champs in the build-up towards the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

The Junior Bok squad will assemble next Tuesday in Gqeberha where they will fine tune preparations for the tournament.

Junior Springbok squad for the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha:

Props: Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), HB Odendaal (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Locks: Neil Hansen (Fidelity ADT Lions), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls).

Loose forwards: Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Elrich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kyle Smith (DHL Western Province).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Scott Nel (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), JC Mars (DHL Western Province).

Rugby Championship U20 fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):

 Thursday, 1 May

14h00: New Zealand v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

14h00: New Zealand v Argentina

16h10: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

14h00: Argentina v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Scorers: 

Hilton College 29 (15) – Tries: Liyema Nela, Ricky Adonis, Zander Vorster, Khazimla Makali. Conversions: Nela (2), Tristan Uys. Penalty: Uys. St John’s College 5 (0) – Try: Gerald van Wyk.

Pretoria Boys High School 43 (5) – Tries: Neo Matlaletsa (3), Michael Fourie, Blake Mager, Pieter Lindeboom, Reece Holman. Conversions: Blake Mager (3). Diamantveld 29 (5) – Tries: Dian Ellis, Jonathan Harding, Zuan Rautenbach, Penalty Try, CJ Meiring. Conversion: JG van Heerden.

Hoërskool Nelspruit 34 (12) – Tries: Werno Heyns, Tye Habib, Vaughn van Zyl, Ruben Greef, Tinyiko Silubane. Conversions: John Duncan (3). Penalty: Liam Pringle. Welkom Gimnasium 31 (10) – Tries: Nathan Muller (2), Rewaldo Farmer, Byron Klaasin.

SACS 28 (21) – Tries: Cameron Hirst, Sipho Dyantji, Siphe Mbungendlu, Langa Moyo. Conversions: Mike Skeeles (4). St David’s Marist Inanda 3 (3) – Penalty: Luca Cabion.

Maritzburg College 43 (31) – Tries: Caleb Scheepers (2), Wasi Vyambwera, Alande Ngubane, Adam Cahill, Dacid Colenbrander, Theo Boshoff. Conversions: Dom du Toit (3), Cahill. Golden Lions XV 0.

Graeme College 21 (21) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Karabo Ralethohlane, Inathi Planga. Conversions: Alden Walters (3). Voortrekker 10 (10) – Try: Atitila Ozturk. Conversion: Nolen du Plooy. Penalty: Du Plooy.

Kingswood College 41 (7) – Tries: James Mackenzie (2), Likhona Kepe (2), Kungawo Badli (2), Imbusiwe Matshoba. Conversions Praise Matsila (2), Hames McHamon. Hoërskool Randburg 21 (14) – Tries: Jayden Oosthuizen, Jayden Todd, Curwin Hill. Conversions: Jaydon Todd (3).

 

Scorers: 

Helpmekaar 38 (12) – Tries: Xander van Niekerk (2), Francois Tonkin, Kyle Beyleveld, Clinton Cloete, AN Other. Conversions: Wian Storm (2), Ethan Lourens (2). Diocesan College 12 (7) – Tries: Rynard Gordon, Boytjie Fyfer. Conversion: Alex Laspatzis.

Wynberg Boys’ High 19 (3) – Try: Morné Noble. Conversion: Achmat Behardien. Penalties: Behardien (4). Hartpury College 10 (5) – Tries: Ruben Cummings, Henry Packham.

St Charles College 38 (7) – Tries: Eben Crafford (3), Ajibade Raphael (2), Likuthi Mbalana. Conversions: AJ Bosman (3), PJ Dlamini. Hoërskool Windhoek 22 (12) – Tries: Eathen Sinden (2), Lorenzo Awaseb, Steven van Wyk. Conversion: William Beukes.

Michaelhouse 65 (34) – Tries: William Ridl (2), Oliver Guy, Dan Carr, Laird Hamilton-Brown, Noah Bates, Oliver Davis, Khethelo Mazibuko, Stefan Moolman, Lwandle Nzama. Conversions: Alex Jankowitz (6). Penalty: Jankowitz. St John’s College (Harare) 14 (7) – Tries: Joshua Green, Sean Takaindisa. Conversions: Sebastiaan du Toit (2).

St Andrew’s College 54 (26) – Tries: Connor Malan, Amohelang Habi, Coel Trollip, Joshua van Zyl, Will Stevens, Myles Sansom, David Chaarley, Adam Nurse. Conversions: Stevens (4), Daniel Arnold (3). Northcliff 26 (12) – Tries: Christian Adams, Michael Nwogwugwu, Connor Verster, Ryan Niemand. Conversions: Matthew Hunt (3).

St Stithians College 32 (25) – Tries: Oliver Groves (2), Cade Elsey, Louis McAslin. Conversions: Oliver Wilson (3). Penalties: Wilson (2). Clifton College 0.

Hartpury College II 31 (19) – Tries: Hendry Packham, Arthur Shrimpton, Ellis Bowman, Jackson Bowles, Edward Collins. Conversions: Dylan Davies (3). Rand Park High 20 (10) – Tries: Cian de Jongh, Aston Billson, Siphelele Nonjola, Nkosana Nkosi.

Scorers: 

Westville Boys’ High 31 (12) – Tries: Avumile Lisa (2), Langalihle Mncwango, Bandile Mncwango, Lwandile Simelane. Conversions: Jade-Will Koopman (3). Framesby 0.

Monument 26 (14) – Tries: Tasliem Guyan, Jason Joubert, Ayden van Zyl, Jaydon Viljoen. Conversions: Cameron Kourie (2), Viljoen. Glenwood 26 (19) – Tries: Nkululeko Khumalo, Lizwe Mtetwa, Sambesiwe Ndamase, Rorisang Ngwenya. Conversions: Joshua Kopp (3).

EG Jansen 29 (19) – Tries: Bukho Hlwatika, Otlotleng Zulu, Juan van Aswegen, Jordan van der Westhuizen, De Wet Muller. Conversions: Van Aswegen (2). Kearsney College 24 (0) – Tries: Lwandile Mkhize, Simanye Mlakalaka, Joseph Roylance, Doan Nel. Conversions: Lwazi Mbebe, Nel.

Durban High School 41 (15) – Tries: Zingce Simka (2), Milisuthando George (2), Richard Gyamfi, Mthiyane Zinkosi. Conversions: Jordan van Wyk (3), Roberts. Penalty: Van Wyk. Hoërskool Rustenburg 7 (0) – Try: MJ Otto. Conversion: Ricardo Enos.

Hoërskool Durbanville 66 (21) – Tries: Xander Muller (2), Jeandré Ungerer, Tiaan Kearns, Muller Janse van Vuuren, Louwrens Rademeyer, Cole Carls, Jaun Smit, Milani Madide, Penalty Try. Conversions: De Wet Viljoen (7). Dale College 22 (5) – Tries: Lakhanya Mbewu, Phikolomzi Mtyalela, Owethu Siswana, Penalty Try.

Milnerton 34 (10) – Tries: Morgan Lodewyk (2), Nicholas Young, Kgaugelo Mokgobu, Akho Mkaya. Conversions: Mkaya (2), Lodewyk. Penalty: Lodewyk. Peterhouse 18 (8) – Tries: Mufaro Mawoyo, Michael Marimo. Conversion: James Watt. Penalties: Andrew Maringa (2).

The opening day of the Standard Bank St Stithians College Easter Hockey Festival in Johannesburg was clouded by stoppages, delays, and uncertainty, because of the weather.

Only two matches were fully completed on Wednesday because of the threat of lightning, which resulted in three matches being cut short.

Early in the day, St David’s Marist Inanda and Die Hoërskool Menlopark played out a 1-1 draw before St Andrew’s College defeated St Benedict’s College 1-0, courtesy of a Daniel Meihuizen goal.

Reddam House Constantia picked up a 1-0 victory over Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), thanks to their skipper, Joe Gitlin, who scored a wonderful solo goal in a game that went on for only one chukka.

The heavens cleared after that clash, just in time for the Pretoria Boys High (PBHS) vs Clifton College meeting.

PBHS was made to work hard for victory, but they pulled off a nervy 1-0 triumph after a Mwela Mutale goal.

Finally, the conditions cleared for the night clash between Hilton College and St Stithians and it turned out to be a cracker.

The hosts were on fire from the start and dominated possession in the early going. Their pressure was rewarded in the second chukka when Aidan Blatch found the back of the net.

It appeared as if the home side would head into the break leading 1-0 until a moment of magic from Reagan Mudau delivered the ball into the circle, and a touch by Tino Hove forced it into the back of the net for the equaliser.

Fireworks went off in the third chukka, and Saints, once again, started brightly.

They made it 2-1 after a Dylan Burger strike, which came after good work by young defender Jason Joiner. Soon after that goal, Blatch struck again, this time a well-placed drag flick made it 3-1.

Hilton was not going down without a fight and, with three minutes to play, they cut the deficit to one through Hove, who created space before slotting his second of the day.

Leading 3-2 heading into the final chukka, the hosts were dealt a blow when Rob Burman struck with a PC drag flick to level matters.

The score was deadlocked for only a minute, though, before Saints regained the lead through Blatch.

They earned a short corner and opted for route one, going straight to Blatch, who made no mistake and deposited the ball past Kayson Holtzhausen for his hat-trick.

Hilton pushed hard for a late equaliser, but they were kept out and Saints recorded a memorable win in front of their supporters.

RESULTS

St David’s Marist Inanda 1-1 Die Hoërskool Menlopark
Reddam House Constantia 1-0 Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool
St Andrew’s College 1-0 St Benedict’s College
Pretoria Boys High 1-0 Clifton College
St Stithians College 4-3 Hilton College

FIXTURES

Thursday, 17 April

08:30 – Pretoria Boys High vs Reddam House Constantia; 08:45 – St Stithians College Festival Team vs St Benedict’s College; 10:00 – Hilton College vs St David’s Marist Inanda; 11:00 – St Andrew’s College vs Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool; 12:00 – St Stithians College vs Clifton College; 13:15 – Reddam House Constantia vs Die Hoërskool Menlopark 15:15 – Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool vs St Benedict’s College; 16:45 – St David’s Marist Inanda vs Clifton College; 17:45 – Pretoria Boys High vs St Andrew’s College; 19:00 – Hilton College vs Die Hoërskool Menlopark.

Epworth School, DSG Makhanda, and Hoërskool Waterkloof ambled to comfortable victories on Wednesday, the first day of the Standard Bank St Stithians Hockey Festival.

The event pauses on Friday and concludes on Saturday, 19  April.

Epworth registered a comfortable 4-1 win over Beaulieu College, DSG  beat Hoërskool Garsfontein 3-0, and Waterkloof outplayed Springfield 2-0.

The hosts, St Stithians, were held to a 0-0 draw by Bethlehem Voortrekker and Hoërskool Menlopark‘s encounter against the St Stithians Festival XI lasted only a single chukka before it was called off because of lightning, with Menlopark leading 1-0 at the time.

In Beaulieu’s game against Epworth, the Midrand school immediately took the game to Epworth and threw bodies into their opponent’s final third in search of an opening goal. The Pietermaritzburg girls, however, showed great composure to repel the Gauteng side’s attacking forays.

Then, they found a small opening and launched a counterattack that resulted in the first goal of the festival four minutes into the game. They led 1-0 after the opening chukka.

Within five minutes of the restart, they led 2-0 and they continued to dictate terms until the halftime break.

Once again, after the pause, Epworth found early success, scoring five minutes into the third chukka to move off of the tricky two-goal cushion. Being 0-3 down did not kill Beaulieu’s spirit, though, and they kept hunting for a reply to cut into their opponent’s lead. That spirit was rewarded when they pulled one back.

Epworth quickly restored their three-goal lead, however, before a goalless final quarter left the Pietermaritzburg school with a comfortable opening win.

DSG Makhanda and Garsfontein looked evenly matched in a goalless first chukka. However, the ladies from Grahamstown soon found their stride and they took the lead from a penalty corner variation.

A slip from the stop to Abigail Holderness, on the left, set up the DSG captain for a flick and she made no mistake, converting the opportunity.

The Eastern Cape team was on fire, and they doubled their lead three minutes later through an Ava van der Walt field goal. Garsfontein fought hard to find an answer, but the DSG defence was solid.

From their third penalty corner, DSG extended their advantage to three goals. They went back to what had worked earlier for them, with Holderness, on the left, again firing the ball into the back of the net.

Waterkloof brought the curtain down on the action of the first day of the festival with a 2-0 win over Springfield, striking in the second and third quarters.

On Thursday, the St Stithians Festival team takes on Beaulieu, followed by a duel between Garsfontein and Epworth. At 19:00, a mouthwatering contest between St Stithians and DSG Makhanda concludes the day’s action, which includes 11 matches.

RESULTS

Epworth School 4-1 Beaulieu
DSG Makhanda 3-0 Garsfontein
St Stithians First XI 0-0 Voortrekker (Bethlehem)
Waterkloof 2-0 Springfield

FIXTURES

Thursday

07:30 – St Stithians College Festival XI vs Beaulieu, 07:45 – Garsfontein vs Epworth School, 08:45 – Menlopark vs Voortrekker (Bethlehem), 09:45 – St Stithians College vs Springfield, 12:15 – Waterkloof vs DSG Makhanda, 13:00 – St Stithians College Festival XI vs Epworth School, 14:15 – Garsfontein vs Voortrekker (Bethlehem), 14:30 – Menlopark vs Springfield, 15:30 – Waterkloof vs Beaulieu, 16:30 – St Stithians College Festival XI vs Alumni ladies, 19:00 – St Stithians College vs DSG Makhanda

Saturday

08:00 – Epworth School vs Menlopark, 08:45 – Waterkloof vs Voortrekker (Bethlehem), 10:15 – St Stithians College Festival XI vs Springfield, 11:00 – St Stithians College vs Epworth School, 12:15 – Beaulieu vs DSG Makhanda, St Stithians College vs Waterkloof, 14:45 – Springfield vs Garsfontein, 15:30 – Menlopark vs DSG Makhanda, 15:45 – Beaulieu vs Voortrekker (Bethlehem), 18:00 – St Stithians College vs Garsfontein.

The Teams: 

St John’s College: 15 Nic Searle, 14 Lwandile Khupe, 13 Kael De Goede, 12 Alec Psillos, 11 David Ireland, 10 Gerald van Wyk, 9 Nicholas Morrell, 8 Mako Mandizha, 7 Cameron Coetzer, 6 Tumelo Bopape, 5 Andrew Russell, 4 Allan Njanfang Patu, 3 Stephanus Kritzinger, 2 Dimitri Campbell, 1 Joshua Shannon. Replacements: 16 Luke Scott, 17 Matthew Kaplan, 18 Simon Musset, 19 Menzi Bongwe, 20 Lwazi Khupe, 21 Oliver Kirk, 22 Adam Haselau, 23 Lehlohonolo Molwantoa.

Voortrekker (Bethlehem): 15 Siya Mdubo, 14 Sizwe Qwabe, 13 Karabo Ralentloane, 12 Nolen du Plooy, 11 Renier van Niekerk, 10 Adriaan Bonthuys, 9 Edré Wille, 8 Attila Ozturk, 7 Jayden de Jesus, 6 Wian Muller, 5 Berto van Niekerk, 4 Theo van Wyk, 3 Maropa Lepondo, 2 Wessel Hattingh, 1 AJ Myburgh. Replacements: 16 Francois Cornelius, 18 Thys Parsons, 19 Francois Grove, 20 Lourens Roux, 21 Vlag Janse van Rensburg, 22 JC Pretorius, 23 Christiaan van der Sandt.

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Asakhe Ranuga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Inathi Planga, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Alden Walters, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayamila Bill, 7 Ayola Mali, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Mikhulu Yolani, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele. Replacements: 16 Lilo Booi, 17 Athi Manyati, 18 Stafford Avis, 19 Andrew Müir, 20 Iviwe Mshubheki, 21 Ethan Bokbaard, 22 Torres Fourie, 23 Masi Maboza.

Steiner Pest Golden Lions Invitational XV: 15 Luca Montana, 14 Nthando Lamola, 13 Busa Tom, 12 Tyler Pharo, 11 Musawenkosi Ntshangase, 10 Jacob Primstein, 9 Jovan Plaaitjies, 8 Keith Ncube, 7 Daniel Kruger, 6 Logan Adam, 5 Mathew Hlongwane, 4 Adida Ngey, 3 Relonhle Mamakoko, 2 Keanen Windle, 1 Khaye Mukhanda. Replacements: 16 Obakeng Rametsi, 17 Phatuxolo Gqoloda, 18 Thembani Ndlovu, 19 Moise Folo, 20 Jonathan Mutambayi, 21 Jason van der Merwe, 22 Gavi Graff, 23 Chinonso Nwasavooma.

Hilton College: 15 James Peattie, 14 Khazimla Makali, 13 Guy Fender, 12 Tristan Uys, 11 Requilme Adonis, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Stewart Falconer, 6 Emmanual Dankwah, 5 Andrew Schnell, 4 André Boshoff, 3 Simon Steyn, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Khanya Jekwa. Replacements: 16 Garrick Phillips, 17 Kyle-Reese Clements, 18 Mholi Khuzwavo, 19 Trent Chubb, 20 Callan Kenmui, 21 Benoit Rey, 22 John Grubb, 23 James Ogilby.

Hoërskool Diamantveld: 15 Clinton Britz, 14 VJ Davids, 13 Jaco Beukes, 12 Jonathan Harding, 11 Driaan Jacobs, 10 Ezlin Swartz, 9 Ruben van der Linde, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Waydon Schwemmer, 6 Louis Fourie, 5 Zuan Rautenbach, 4 MG van Greuning, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 Jaydrian Jacobs, 1 Bernard Daniels. Replacements: 16 Jayden de Klerk, 17 CJ Meiring, 18 Chris Retief, 19 Janco Engelbrecht, 20 Victor Greeff, 21 JG van Heerden, 22 John-Leighton Fortuin, 23 Danie van der Merwe.

Hoërskool Randburg: 15 Francois Groenewald, 14 Bradley Butcher, 13 Eduan Bakkes, 12 Zander Drake, 11 Jayden Oosthuizen, 10 Jayden Todd, 9 Rico Vosloo, 8 Curwin Hill, 7 Zander van Tonder, 6 Victor van Blerk, 5 Malan van Heerden, 4 Phillip Rykaart, 3 Kian Kritzinger, 2 Eduard Heine, 1 Tristan Vorster. Replacements: 16 Diedlof Fourie, 17 Divan vander Westhuizen, 18 Jayden Brown, 19 Brandon Pietersen, 20 Chrisjan van Niekerk, 21 Jaycey van Tonder, 22 Vino Price, 23 Josh Wigget.

Hoërskool Nelspruit: 15 Jean Erasmus, 14 Jordan Pretorius, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Prosper Chilloane, 5 André Smit, 4 Ethan Esterhuizen, 3 Gert Cloete, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Lindani Ndlela. Replacements: 16 Dhandré van Wyk, 17 Christiaan Viljoen, 18 Hanco Fuhri, 19 Werno Heyns, 20 Jason Coghill, 21 Kamo Monkwe, 22 Ewan van der Merwe, 23 Gideon Gilliland.

Kingswood College: 15 Matthew McCarthy, 14 James Mackenzie, 13 Likhona Kepe, 12 Matthew Paxton, 11 Kungawo Badli, 10 Praise Matsila, 8 James McMahon, 7 Liyema Katikati, 6 Sandi Peter, 5 Ross Thompson, 4 Mbono Qqoboka, 3 Robert Miles, 2 Sithenkosi Qabaka, 1 Ikechukwu Ukekwe. Replacements: 16 Imbusisie Matshoba, 17 Junior Ndlazi, 18 Abu Mbanga, 19 Olunje Jama, 20 Rozario Fourie, 21 Christiano van Heerden, 22 Kevin Barnes.

Maritzburg College: 15 Lungelo Hadebe, 14 Caleb Scheepers, 13 Amahle Hadebe, 12 Olwethu Kosani, 11 Adam Cahill, 10 Liyema Tsoko, 9 Dominic du Toit, 8 Mumbere Vyambwera, 7 Cyryl Cherayi, 6 Colenbrander David, 5 Rory Stanton, 4 Connor Mountford, 3 Alande Ngubane, 2 Theodorus Boshoff, 1 Indiphile Mlotshwa. Replacements: 16 Lina Mabanga, 17 Mwzamandla Manana, 18 Nqubeko Tsabalala, 19 Jayden Smit, 20 Elethu Mabanga, 21 Jordan Thackwray, 22 JP Jordaan, 23 Matthew Harris.

Pretoria Boys High School: 15 Kwanda Mabuza, 14 Blake Mager, 13 Callum Nel, 12 Tyler Mason, 11 Neo Matlaletsa, 10 Reinier Kruger, 9 Michael Fourie, 8 Akin Akingbula, 7 Banele Mashaba, 6 Tristan Heinz, 5 Nils Pabst, 4 FC Furstenburg, 3 Queenton Mncube, 2 Marnus Wessels, 1 Jeffrey Singo. Replacements: 16 Shiloh Beaton, 17 Mufunwa Masibigiri, 18 Pieter Lindeboom, 19 Aldo Serfontein, 20 Rheece Holman, 21 Ruan Leonard, 22 Ofentse Matlebjane.

SACS: 15 Quewinn Lackay, 14 Imtiaz Abrahams, 13 Michael Skeeles, 12 Matthew Carrick, 11 Luke McKenzie, 10 Nathan Potgieter, 9 Matt Forbes, 8 Tandolwethu Sitole, 7 Daniel Grant, 6 Siphesihle Mbungendlu, 5 Harrison Bell, 4 Stephan Kruger, 3 Qiraan Hermans, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Qawe Sawuka. Replacements: 16 Rael Cunningham, 17 Adam Franklin, 18 Siphukhanyo Dyantyi, 19 Langa Moyo, 20 Max Bester, 21 Shuaib Dove, 22 Cameron Hirst, 23 Dayyaan Conrad.

St David’s Marist Inanda: 15 Nick de Zwart, 14 Tadiwanashe Javangwe, 13 Tristan Lambe, 12 Dominic Taylor, 11 Nathan Hwingdingwi, 10 Luca Cabion, 9 Valentino Yiallouris, 8 Matthew Scot, 7 Ronan Hallowes, 6 James Askew, 5 Julian Steven-Jennings, 4 Chris Theodoris, 3 Marco Bitter, 2 Ben Archer, 1 Dev Vallabhjee. Replacements: 16 Roberto Mariano, 17 Raditshego Ditshego, 18 Remo Ferrari, 19 Connor McJannet, 20 Brett Bulger, 21 Danilo Giurichich, 22 Cameron Wade, 23 David Latilla-Campbell.

Welkom Gimnasium: 15 Jadewin Solomon, 14 Vusi Ndayi, 13 Nathan Muller, 12 Dylan Titus, 11 Ruan Theron, 10 Leano Williams, 9 Revaldo Farmer, 8 Emile Mahlelebe, 7 Reagen Jantjies, 6 Relebohile Sello, 5 Jacques Barendse, 4 Dickie Beuken, 3 Abel Makhanda, 2 Kananelo Tutubala, 1 Ewald Booysens. Replacements: 16 Juhoun Juries, 17 Monroe Heiberg, 18 Tumelo Hlakoane, 19 Hlombe Mamani, 20 Lyle Afrikaner, 21 Ruschen Daniels, 22 Byron Claassen, 23 Ashwell Makepann.

International rugby will return to the Eastern Cape next month when the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha plays host to this year’s edition of the Rugby Championship Under-20, SANZAAR confirmed on Wednesday.

The second edition of the southern hemisphere tournament will bring together the best young rugby stars from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia, with double-headers taking place on 1, 6 and 11 May at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Last year’s inaugural Rugby Champs U20 on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia was a huge success. New Zealand edged out the Junior Boks for the title after finishing the tournament unbeaten, following up a draw with South Africa in the first round with subsequent victories over Argentina and Australia.

With the World Rugby U20 Championship taking place in Italy in July, the Rugby Championship U20 will be the perfect springboard for the SANZAAR teams. The format remains the same, with all teams playing each other once in a three-match round robin across three match days.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole will be an excellent host for the second edition of the tournament.

“We are thrilled to bring this tournament to Gqeberha, a city with a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base and we are very grateful for the assistance from the Eastern Cape government in this regard,” said Oberholzer.

“The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium offers top-class team facilities and an exceptional viewing experience for fans, making it the perfect venue for this event.

“The combination of top-notch facilities and accommodation, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the Eastern Cape government and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, will undoubtedly create a memorable experience for everyone involved. Together with the Friendly City, we are looking forward to welcoming and hosting the best U20s from the southern hemisphere in the Eastern Cape.”

The MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms Sibulele Ngongo, expressed her gratitude to SA Rugby for their partnership in bringing the Rugby Championship U20 Tournament to the Eastern Cape.

“This is a landmark moment for the Home of Legends as the Junior Springboks will be playing for the first time in history in the Eastern Cape Province”, said MEC Ngongo.

SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said: “Following the success of the inaugural tournament in Queensland, Australia in 2024 SANZAAR is pleased to announce that the U20 Championship will head to South Africa this year. Last year the title went down to the last round and we witnessed some very competitive and absorbing rugby.

“This important Championship, to be played at the Nelson Mandela May Stadium in Gqeberha, will not only provide a vital pathway for up-and-coming rugby talent through exposure to essential international competition but will also provide development opportunities for the next generation of coaches, team management and match officials.

“SANZAAR sincerely thanks SA Rugby, that has an excellent reputation for hosting such events, for its support of the Championship, and especially to the Eastern Cape Government who are providing invaluable assistance with the staging of the tournament.”

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the U20 Rugby Championship will be hosted on home soil this year. It’s a rare and special opportunity for the Junior Boks to play in front of our passionate home fans here in South Africa and this tournament is crucial for our preparations ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

“We look forward to testing ourselves against the best young rugby players in the southern hemisphere and we hope the Eastern Cape fans will come out in numbers to support us.”

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets. Broadcast information will be announced in due course.

Fixtures:

Thursday, 1 May

14h00: New Zealand v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

14h00: New Zealand v Argentina

16h10: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

14h00: Argentina v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

With the 28th edition of the St John’s College Easter Festival about to get underway on 17 April, we are profiling five players from the 14 First XV sides in action at the tournament who may deliver standout performances over the weekend.

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

Easter Festivals traditionally showcase some of the best-hidden talents scattered across schoolboy rugby in South Africa and for many it has provided a unique platform to demonstrate their abilities on one of the biggest stages at this level.

Over the years we’ve witnessed future Springboks – particularly at the prestigious St John’s Festival – delighting spectators in Johannesburg with their prodigious skills, with names like Damian Willemse, World Cup-winning Springbok fullback, and the 66th captain of the Springboks, Salmaan Moerat, springing to mind. Both played in this festival in 2016, representing Paul Roos Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High respectively.

This year once again brings to the fore a new generation of players, and SuperSport Schools Plus decided to take a closer look at the following five promising ones to watch over the two days of action:

Jonathan Harding – Hoërskool Diamantveld:
At the centre of attention will be Hoërskool Diamantveld’s Harding. Donning the No. 12 jersey for the Diamonds, Harding made a name for himself as early as the second game of the season with a stellar performance against Affies on home turf in Kimberley. His attacking capabilities make him a major threat with the ball in hand, evoking shades of a young Jan Serfontein – a fitting comparison, as Harding often creates something from nothing.

Vian Louw – Hoërskool Nelspruit:
The physical and imposing figure of Louw will have the likes of Welkom Gimnasium and Maritzburg College sharpening their defences. The blindside flanker from Hoërskool Nelspruit has been in formidable form of late, quickly establishing himself as one of his side’s key players in the pack. His ball carries and crunching tackles, alongside another big name in Vaughn van Zyl (No. 8) and flank mate, Prosper Chilloane, will be crucial for the Rhinos as they aim to make it two from two over the weekend.

Lungelo Hadebe – Maritzburg College:
In response to the Nellies’ loose trio, Lungelo Hadebe will be a major asset for Maritzburg College from the rear. Hadebe is the first of two full-backs to be highlighted this weekend – and deservedly so. Not only does he patrol the backfield like a seasoned professional, but he also ignites the College backline from the back, getting the side from Pietermaritzburg on the front foot.

Aking Akingbula – Pretoria Boys High School:
Leading the pack for the Candies with his bullocking runs, Akingbula will be one to watch in the trenches as the battle intensifies among the forwards. Akingbula plays a traditional No. 8 role, acting as one of his side’s primary ball carriers and playing a key part in the Candies’ defensive structure.

Quewinn Lackay – SACS:
Lackay is the second fullback to feature in our list. A scrum cap, quick feet and the ability to spot the smallest of gaps from a mile away bring to mind a player who has been making waves since transitioning from sevens to the 15-man game. Wearing the No. 15 jersey provides Lackay with the time and space he needs to plot his counter-attacks – few teams have managed to stop him once he is in motion.