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As they enter their final week of preparations, the Eastern Province u16 team will place a massive focus on gelling as a cohesive unit for the opening match in the Grant Khomo Rugby Interprovincial tournament in Gqeberha next Monday.

This prestigious event, featuring the cream of South Africa’s u16 players, will be held for the first time in Nelson Mandela Bay and will see action on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Grey High School.

Being the hosts, EP will play the feature match of the opening day against Western Province and coach Ashley Carolus knows that they are in for a serious challenge.

“Western Province are always a tough outfit, but we know we have to be ready to compete against the best, so our preparations are on track for that,” Carolus said.

“We have been hard at work with several training sessions held at Pearson High School and we will finalise our preparation this week.”

The coach, who was also in charge last year after serving two years as an assistant coach, is happy with their progress but understands the challenges which they face.

“The most important factor for us will be to work as a group of players, so we are focusing on teamwork as a top priority,” Carolus said.

“We had some really good trial games and have a decent team, and we are excited about the week ahead of us.”

He added that they would like to feature in the main games on the remaining days, but they were not looking any further ahead than the opening match against WP.

“We have to make sure we take it one step at a time, so we are not putting any pressure on ourselves with undue expectations, but will go into the week trying to put into action what we have concentrated on during practice.”

One advantage for the local team is that they will be operating in familiar conditions on Grey High’s Kolisi Field and Carolus said they were looking forward to receiving some support.

“Having the backing of the home supporters will be important for us and the boys will be keen to shine in front of their families and friends,” he added.

The EP-WP clash on Monday will start at 15:30 and will be preceded by the tournament’s opening ceremony at 15:00.

Action will take place on the Kolisi Field and Pollock Oval, with the first games starting at 09:20 when the Pumas take on Griquas (Kolisi) and the Free State XV face Border Country Districts (Pollock).

Those games should set the scene for a weekend of entertaining schoolboy rugby, with two high-profile matches on the opening day featuring Lions versus Boland (10:40 on Kolisi) and Free State against the Sharks (12:10 on Kolisi).

Fixtures | Day 1

KOLISI FIELD 

15:30 – Eastern Province vs Western Province
15:00 – Opening Ceremony
13:40 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province XV
12:10 – Free State vs Sharks
10:40 – Golden Lions vs Boland
09:20 – Pumas vs Griqualand West

POLLOCK OVAL 

15:30 – Leopards vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
13:40 – South Western Districts vs Namibia
12:10 – Border vs Zimbabwe
10:40 – Valke vs Griffons
09:20 – Free State XV vs Border Country Districts

An extraordinary winning try snatched a 26-25 victory for Hilton College over Michaelhouse on Meadows on Saturday.

For a second season in succession, the away team won both games, and for the second season in succession the cumulative scores of the great rivals were even.

Michaelhouse had won 24-23 on Gillfillan Field on 4 May and they appeared to be on course for their first season’s sweep since 2015 when they went 22-7 up with a try seven minutes into the second half on Saturday.

That try, scored by Connor McAlpine in the left-hand corner, came from a long-range counterattack. It was a rare exit from their half for Michaelhouse during the second stanza. Hilton, down 7-17 at the break, dominated possession and territory after half-time.

Missed it? Relive the action on SuperSport Schools!

There’s an expression that goes “death by a thousand cuts”. In this instance, it was victory by a thousand busts.

Time and again, Hilton ground their way up the field with pick-and-goes, busting it up, putting dents into the Michaelhouse defence, occasionally cutting through, and, in the end, it got them within sight of ‘House. Then came that extraordinary winning try.

With three minutes to play, and with Michaelhouse hanging onto a 25-21 lead, ‘House flyhalf Luke Davidson sent a punt down to just outside of the Hilton 22. It was fielded by fullback Ivan Jjuuko, who broke inside from his left-hand touchline. Then, from midfield, about 15 metres inside his own half, he let fly with a long kick.

It came down about 10 metres shy of the home side’s try line and kept rolling over the try line and towards the left-hand corner. Three Michaelhouse players followed it into the in-goal area. The ball headed towards the dead-ball line.

Hilton left-wing Ricky Adonis kept chasing as Michaelhouse held off, waiting for the ball to cross the back line, which would give them a scrum from where Jjuuko had kicked the ball. Then, running parallel to the touchline, right wing Seb Gaboreau flashed through. He dived, right arm outstretched and forced the ball down as the Michaelhouse defenders looked on.

The assistant referee gave referee Aimee Barrett-Theron the thumbs-up. Gaboreau had grounded the ball mere centimetres from the whitewash.

Barrett-Theron quickly conferred with her assistant as the Hilton players celebrated in the corner. Then, she blew her whistle and confirmed the five-pointer. That proved to be the winning score. It’s why this game will long be remembered.

Credit to Hilton, whose first try also came from some sharp thinking and finishing. It gave them an early 7-0 lead.

Their flyhalf Xola Bakana had made a hash of a drop goal attempt from inside the Michaelhouse 22. His low kick was charged down and ricocheted into the hosts’ possession.

Michaelhouse prop Aphiwe Shelembe dived on and secured the ball in front of the home team’s try line. When it emerged from the back of the ruck, as scrumhalf Jack Hughes went to pick it up, Hilton centre Daniel Sweeney, alertly, dived over the ruck and forced the ball down. It was in the in-goal area and the visitors were on the board.

This time Bakana’s kick was good, and Hilton led 7-0.

Stung, Michaelhouse responded well to the setback, quickly working their way deep into the Hilton half. From a five-metre scrum, they drove the ball up towards the Hilton try line. Then, in front of the posts, they received a penalty when Hanu Pieterse and company strayed offsides.

‘House opted for a kick at goal. Davidson knocked it over and the hosts were on the board.

Three minutes later, they took the lead. After a period of sustained attack, through six phases of play, they drew the Hilton defence in. Then, when the ball was swung to the left, fullback Aya Mkokheli sold a dummy and zipped between two defenders. Jjuuko brought him to ground, but as Mkokheli went down, he turned inside and popped the ball up for Connor McAlpine.

Loosehead prop Oliver Proudfoot hit him low, but the wing’s momentum carried him over the try line. Davidson, with an assist from the left upright, made it 10-7 to Michaelhouse.

Michaelhouse was playing with confidence and their play flowed. From the kick-off, some sharp handling from Shelembe put his captain Carlyle Hawkins into a gap.

The 8^th-man charged up towards the Hilton 22. Then, when he was met by a would-be tackler, he passed around his left shoulder back to the inside, where Rourke O’Sullivan, cutting in, received the ball. He saw open space in front of him and raced through to score beneath the uprights. Another Davidson conversion made it 17-7.

After the break, Hilton was onto the attack early, but a spilled pass, just outside the Michaelhouse 22 created a counterattacking opportunity and the home team made it count.

They took the ball blind where Davidson found Mkokheli on his outside and the no. 15 accelerated through a gap after a slight show of the ball.

When Jjuuko confronted him on the Hilton 10-metre line, Mkokheli fed McAlpine, on his outside, and the left-wing stretched out his legs to make the dive for five in the left-hand corner.

With a 15-point lead, Michaelhouse was in a strong position.

Hilton reacted by rolling up their sleeves and relentlessly working the pick-and-go. They were almost in for a try, but Michaelhouse held them up. That was a temporary reprieve for the home side.

Pieterse drove off the back of the five-metre scrum and after a couple more charges at the line, Meyer Malherbe crashed over for a try. Bakana tacked on the extras to make the score 22-14.

Michaelhouse secured possession soon after the restart and forced their way into the Hilton 22, where they were stopped, but the visitors were pinged for going offsides and Davidson had an easy kick from almost directly in front of the posts. He popped it over and ‘House enjoyed an 11-point advantage after 45 minutes of play. Their half-time lead had increased by a point.

Hilton, trusting their game plan, stuck to it and surged onto the offensive. Again, after six phases of driving it up at the line with their forwards, Hilton was held up when over the whitewash.

Then, from a penalty five metres out, Hanu Pieterse was stopped just short of the line. A flat pass wide to the right picked out hooker Josh Grant. He dived low and hard and was over in the shadow of the uprights.

Bakana added two more points with the conversion, bringing the visitors to within four at 21-25.

For the next 15 minutes, there was no score. Then came that dramatic winner.

A charge down of an attempted clearance by Jjuuko in the second meeting of the teams in 2023 had helped Michaelhouse to a 18-15 win at Hilton. This time around it was Jjuuko’s boot which helped secure the win.

SCORES

Michaelhouse 25 (17) – Tries: Connor McAlpine (2), Rourke O’Sullivan; Conversions: Luke Davidson (2); Penalties: Luke Davidson (2). Hilton College 26 (7) – Tries: Daniel Sweeney, Meyer Malherbe, Josh Grant, Seb Gaboreau; Conversions: Xola Bakana (3).

Other Results:

u19 – Michaelhouse II 24 Hilton II 24; Michaelhouse III 28 Hilton III 22; Michaelhouse IV 50 Hilton IV 12; Michaelhouse V 26 Hilton V 7; Michaelhouse VI 57 Hilton VI 0; Michaelhouse VII 12 Hilton VII 17; Michaelhouse VIII 42 Hilton VIII 12

u16 – Michaelhouse A 20 Hilton A 19; Michaelhouse B 70 Hilton B 7; Michaelhouse C 50 Hilton C 0

u15 – Michaelhouse A 8 Hilton A 33; Michaelhouse B 56 Hilton B 5: Michaelhouse C 20 Hilton C 0; Michaelhouse D 45 Hilton D 5

u14 – Michaelhouse A 15 Hilton A 24; Michaelhouse B 7 Hilton B 12; Michaelhouse C 24 Hilton C 19; Michaelhouse D 50 Hilton D 7

The Punchbowl Astro crackled with electricity on Friday evening as Michaelhouse hosted Hilton College for their return 1st XI hockey fixture in front of a jam-packed crowd, which included both schools lining the entire length of the field.

There was also considerable support from old boys, parents, and learners from nearby girls’ schools. It made for a magnificent sight – the entire field was ringed by spectators – and set the stage for a superb showdown.

Watch the game on SuperSport Schools

Michaelhouse had won at Hilton earlier in the season, shocking their more fancied opposition 3-2, so Hilton was determined to do the away trick, too. And they pulled it off, securing a 2-0 victory after a back-and-forth, rabidly contested match.

Hilton coach Damian Kimfley told SuperSport Schools Plus after the match: “The last game, we were quite disappointed. We had nine PCs compared to their two, and we just didn’t convert. Also, the emotion of the fixture at home, trying to protect the legacy, was part of it.

“Our main goal for today’s game was to control our emotions. The boys did it much better this time around. We followed the game plan. Everyone knew what they had to do.”

Hilton settled well, establishing a sound base and moving the ball confidently from side to side as they probed for chinks in the Michaelhouse defence while enjoying greater ball possession. They were rewarded with early success.

In the 10^th minute, a ball played towards the Michaelhouse circle was nicely redirected towards Tino Hove, inside the D. He picked it up, pushed it wide onto his backhand and smashed a sweetly struck reverse stick shot into the far corner. A super strike and a well taken chance.

Michaelhouse defended well. They also enjoyed an advantage in the penalty corner count. But the game is decided by which team takes its chances better, and, on this occasion, Hilton mustered only two PCS, but they scored from the second one.

It was a straight shot from Grant Bridgeford, low and hard. The goalkeeper managed a half-stop, but the ball dribbled past him and over the line to extend the visitors’ lead to 2-0.

Michaelhouse mounted a furious finish and won themselves a number of short corners, but Hilton stood strong and kept them out, even though that required some help beyond that which was dished out by the players and the umpires. More about that later…

An aspect of the game that was pleasing to see was the use of the offensive overhead. Far too often one sees big throws simply to relieve pressure, but both teams threw some good attacking overheads for their players to run onto while the defences had to back-pedal, which also worked to pull them apart.

“They took their chances better than us,” Michaelhouse coach Nick Bérichon said after the game. “It was a game of moments. We hit the crossbar a couple of times, in the same play, which would have got us back to 1-2. Then, we had a number of corners, and we just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net. They defended really well.”

Coach Kimfley agreed: “Defensively, I was very happy. Our ‘keeper was phenomenal,” he said.

On the other end of the park, he also saw reason to be happy: “Today, we were clinical. We took our chances. We had two PCs, we scored one. That was the difference. We needed to be clinical.”

While coming out on the wrong side of the result, especially in a big derby, hurts, Michaelhouse coach Bérichon couldn’t fault the effort his side put forth. “This group has immense character,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of their effort.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t our evening, and well done to Hilton. I thought they played really good hockey. They got their two goals, deservedly, and then put in a good shift defensively, to keep us out. That’s what the game is about.”

Bérichon also expressed his delight with the huge crowd: “That was amazing. What an advert for the game!

“We are big fans of the Friday night games, and to have everyone out here and it’s absolutely packed, it is incredible for these youngsters to play in front of that. I know they enjoyed it, and we really appreciate the support.”

The first day of the Kloof High School Football Tournament delivered an abundance of goals, with teams like Virginia High School and Maritzburg College demonstrating their determination to compete for the title.

On Friday, there was a deluge of goal-scoring, with the contenders separating themselves from the pretenders, resulting in many teams quickly guaranteeing their places in the tournament’s knockout stages.

Group A

The Group A lineup included Northwood School, who produced mixed form in the recently concluded coastal stream of the KZN High Schools Football League. On the opening day of the Kloof High tournament, though, they appeared to have found their form.

Currently, they lie second in the group to the KZN Inland champions, Carter High School, on goal difference, with both sitting on six points.

Northwood’s results included a 14-0 shellacking of Curro Salt Rock and a 3-2 win over Bechet. It was a tough day for Curro, who went down 0-9 to Bechet and 0-15 to Carter.

Group C

In Group C, Virginia Secondary School and the tournament’s hosts, Kloof High School, lead the pack after the first day’s action.

Virginia appears to be in fine form, displaying a sharp and dangerous edge that has positioned them as potential championship contenders.

They were dominant in a 14-0 victory over St Henry’s, and they, then, followed that up with an even bigger 18-0 win over Waterfall.

Kloof High School beat the same schools that Virginia beat, but it was much tighter. They outplayed Waterfall 5-0, before edging out St Henry’s 3-2.

St Henry’s mustered a win over Waterfall

Group G

Mazithi Qasha, Maritzburg College’s exceptional striker, netted five goals in a dominant 10-0 victory over Ashton College Ballito during College’s first match of the tournament.

He was well supported by Ashar Ngcobo, who struck twice, while Jordyn Marais, Malachi Momple and Yash Maharaj each scored once.

Maritzburg College will go head-to-head with Ferrum in the final match of Group G to decide the group’s winners.

In other groups, Vuyiswa Mtolo and Paul Roos look like the teams to beat in Group B, with the former beating the latter 1-0 on Friday. In Group D, Tuks Sport, after two emphatic wins over Amanzimtoti and Maqhutsana, is in the driving seat.

It’s no surprise that HTS Louis Botha is setting the pace in Group E, while Westville, Alexandra and Nqabakazulu are all on even terms in Group F. Glenwood, after wins over Pinetown and Linpark leads the way in Group H.

Full Results

Group A

Bechet 9-0 Curro Salt
Carter 15-0 Curro Salt Rock
Carter 2-1 Bechet
Northwood 14-0 Curro Salt Rock
Northwood 3-2 Bechet

Group B

Clifton 1-1 New Forest
Vuyiswa Mtolo 1-0 Paul Roos
Vuyiswa Mtolo 5-1 Clifton
Paul Roos 1-0 New Forest
Paul Roos 2-0 Clifton

Group C

Virginia 14-0 St Henry’s
Kloof 5-0 Waterfall
Virginia 18-0 Waterfall
Kloof 3-2 St Henry’s
St Henry’s 3-2 Waterfall

Group D

Toti 4-3 DHS
DHS 2-0 Maqhutsana
Tuks Sport 10-0 Toti
Tuks Sport 4-1 Maqhutsana
Maqhutsana 2-2 Toti

Group E

Louis Botha 4-0 Hillcrest
Nilgiri 4-0 Thomas More College
Nilgiri 2-0 Hillcrest
Louis Botha 9-0 Thomas More College

Group F

Westville 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)
Alexandra 0-0 Nqabakazulu
Westville 0-0 Nqabakazulu
Alexandra 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)
Nqabakazulu 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)

Group G

Maritzburg College 10-0 Ashton
Ferrum 5-0 Richem
Ferrum 5-0 Ashton
Maritzburg College 5-0 Richem
Ashton 5-0 Richem

Group H

Glenwood 1-0 Pinetown
Rondebosch 2-0 Pinetown
Glenwood 2-0 Linpark
Linpark 1-0 Rondebosch

The annual LSEN Week (for Learners with Special Educational Needs) kicks off Saturday in Potchefstroom. The matches will be hosted at Olën Park.

The week started back in 1981 as the Lemmer Week.

The hosts, the Leopards, will face the Blue Bulls in the main match of the opening day.

The main curtain raiser between Eastern Province and the Golden Lions promises to be one of the highlights of the opening day.

Fixtures | Day 1 

16:00 – Leopards vs Blue Bulls
14:00 – Eastern Province vs Golden Lions
12:40 – Boland vs Western Province
11:10 – Valke vs South Western Districts
09:50 – Pumas vs Griffons
08:30 – Free State vs KwaZulu-Natal

St Albans College will be aiming to turn things around against St John’s after a fast start from St Stithians saw Saints grab a 26-16 win over the Pretoria school last weekend.

It’s going to be a tough task to beat the Blues, though, with St Alban’s missing several experienced players due to a string of injuries, which have struck the side in recent weeks.

The Hoops will be boosted by their home crowd, however, with kick-off on Moshate Field happening at 13:30.

St John’s have shown this season that they are able to hold their own with a solid defence, but they will be tested by flyhalf JJ Steenkamp, who has demonstrated his versatility, playing in a number of positions in the backline this season.

St Alban’s will be without one of their leading players, no. 8 Patrick Weir, who is one of their injured. His place at the back of the scrum is taken by Daniel Bouwer, who will also wear the captain’s armband.

St John’s is in good form. Last weekend, they crushed St Benedict’s College 54-0 and will be keen to ride that momentum against St Alban’s. Oliver Tait, who starred for the Blues in that win, misses out, while Gerald Van Wyk moves to fullback, with the talented all-round sportsman Joe MacRobert returning to the lineup at flyhalf.

St Benedict’s College has endured a hugely challenging season and have found points hard to come by. Since a successful 2023, it has been an uphill slog all the way.

The visitors, St David’s Marist Inanda, have demonstrated good counterattacking abilities and have picked up several crucial wins during their campaign. Their record includes a 59-0 win over Bennies earlier this season.

St David’s inside centre Theo Fonternel and substitute utility back Owami Maropola each scored two tries when they last met, and they will have another opportunity to add more points to their personal tallies on Saturday.

Kick-off for the first XVs takes place at 12:30, with St David’s College making the trip to Bedfordview. Last year, on the same ground, St Benedict’s picked up a 17-13 victory in a very physical game.

Bennies’ coach Andrew Barnes commented: “We are expecting a big onslaught from them after we beat them on their Old Boys’ Day last year. We have five players in the squad tomorrow that didn’t play in the first fixture earlier this year. Hopefully that creates a dynamic squad that helps the game be competitive on Old Boys’ Day.”

Last weekend’s win over Cornwall Hill College was a big morale boost for St David’s, with the team putting 35 points on the board in the second half after trailing 6-9 at halftime

Diego Ferreira slotted all of his kicks, and his excellence off the tee has secured a number of wins for the team this season, including a defeat of St Stithians College.

The only change to the St David’s side that beat Cornwall Hill happens in the front row, where Siyabongo Nkomo takes over from D’Andre Mushonga.

Bennies lost last weekend after everything fell apart in the second half against St John’s, who turned a 14-0 halftime advantage into a 54-0 romp. St Benedict’s, too, have made only one change, with Zac Raats replacing Luke Carr in the second row.

FIXTURES

St Alban’s vs St John’s

u14A: 09:30 – St Alban’s St John’s (Murray Field)
u15A: 10:30 – St Alban’s vs St John’s (Baloyi Field)
u19B: 10:30 – St Alban’s vs St John’s (Moshate Field)
u16A: 11:40 – St Alban’s vs St John’s (Moshate Field)
u19A: 13:10 – St Alban’s vs St John’s (Moshate Field)

St Benedict’s vs St David’s Marist Inanda

u14A: 08:00 – St Benedict’s vs St David’s (A Field)
u15A: 09:00 – St Benedict’s vs St David’s (A Field)
u19B: 10:00 – St Benedict’s vs St David’s (A Field)
u16A: 11:15 – St Benedict’s vs St David’s (A Field)
u19A: 12:30 – St Benedict’s vs St David’s (A Field)

TEAMS

St Alban’s College: 15 Matthew Nelson, 14 Malesela Sema, 13 Tumelo Mohale, 12 Enzo Olivier, 11 Sihle Msiza, 10 JJ Steenkamp, 9 Joshua Verster, 8 Daniel Bouwer, 7 Thabiso Mbembele 6 Ben Stevenson, 5 Keegan Dick, 4 Jandre Botha, 3 Neo Gama, 2 Craig Milne 1 Andreas Philippou.

St John’s College: 15 Gerald Van Wyk, 14 Bryson Walker, 13 Malan du Plessis, 12 Thomas Ivers, 11 Jacob Smith, 10 ⁠Joe MacRobert, 9 Tom Kruger, 8 ⁠Rohan Sheldon, 7 Menzi Bongwe, 6 John-John Bierman, 5 Zain Newman, 4 Dom Kamangu , 3 Matthew Kaplan, 2 Kakuhle Tunguta, 1 Joshua Shannon.

St Benedict’s College: 15 Matthew Hovelmeier, 14 Tshegofatso Mojapelo, 13 Freddie Durrant, 12 Braeden le Roux, 11 Wade Ramsay, 10 Declan le Roux, 9 Iviwe Mlilo, 8 Jason Cutler, 7 Matthew Joubert, 6 Tebogo Phukuile, 5 Zac Raats, 4 Nicholas Moravec, 3 Matthew Rourke, 2 Thato Ntshangase, 1 Victor Goncalves.

St David’s Marist Inanda: 15 Teegen Rossini, 14 Tristan Lambe, 13 Theo Fonternel, 12 Elliot Skei, 11 Kuzivakwashe Majuru, 10 Luca Cabion, 9 Diego Ferreira, 8 Jack Brady, 7 James Askew, 6 Tahin Patel, 5 Mark Hudson, 4 William Allemann, 3 Marco Bitter, 2 Connor McWilliams, 1 Siyabonga Nkomo.

The Junior Springbok squad for the forthcoming World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Cape Town was announced on Friday, with Zachary Porthen – one of five players who will feature in the tournament for a second time – named as the captain of the team.

Apart from Porthen – who will pack down at prop – the other players who played in the tournament on home soil last year are JF van Heerden (lock), Asad Moos (scrumhalf), Jurenzo Julius (centre) and Litelihle Bester (wing).

Junior Bok coach Bafana Nhleko acknowledged the difficulty in finalizing the 30-man squad due to the high level of commitment and desire shown by the entire training group.

“We had to make some tough decisions to choose what we as coaches believe would be the best selection for the competition,” Nhleko explained.

“I commend all the guys who have been part of the journey thus far and the sacrifices made, but from hereon, the focus will be towards building cohesion within the squad.

“We are excited for the challenge that lies ahead, the players are keen to create their own story and we can only take confidence from the work that the group has put in.”

The training squad reconvened this week to begin their preparations since their return from Brisbane last month, where they participated in the inaugural U20 Rugby Championship arranged by SANZAAR.

Nhleko said: “That tournament gave us an opportunity to play in three very tough, competitive matches, presented us with key learnings and areas to work on, but we also grew as a group. We are keen to keep driving good behaviours and build on the positive aspects of our performances.”

The Junior Boks are grouped in Pool C with Fiji, Argentina, and England. France will defend the title they won in Cape Town last year, and the SA U20s will look to improve on their bronze medal from 2023.

The tournament kicks off on 29 June in Cape Town at DHL Stadium and Athlone Stadium, with subsequent pool match days scheduled for 4 and 9 July. The playoffs, including the semi-finals for the top four sides, will be staged on 14 July, with the final and ranking matches on 19 July.

The Junior Boks will start their campaign on Saturday, 29 June against Fiji in the DHL Stadium, followed by pool games against Argentina on 4 July (Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch) and England on 9 July (Athlone Stadium).

Tickets for the world event are priced at R35 for children 18 years old and younger, and R75 for adults and are available from Ticketmaster, with admission including three encounters at every venue.

Junior Springbok squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship:

Props: Casper Badenhorst (Vodacom Bulls), Liyema Ntshanga, (Toyota Cheetahs), Reno Hirst (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Zachary Porthen (captain, DHL Western Province), Ruan Swart (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Ethan Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luca Bakkes (DHL Western Province), Juan Smal (Vodacom Bulls).

Locks: Adam de Waal (DHL Western Province), JF van Heerden (Vodacom Bulls), Thomas Dyer (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Loose forwards: Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Divan Fuller (DHL Western Province), Keanu Coetsee (Vodacom Bulls), Sibabalwe Mahashe (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Thabang Mphafi (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Tiaan Jacobs (Biarritz).

Scrumhalves: Asad Moos (DHL Western Province), Ezekiel Ngobeni (DHL Western Province).

Flyhalves: Liam Koen (Vodacom Bulls), Tylor Sefoor (Toyota Cheetahs).

Centres: Bruce Sherwood (DHL Western Province), Joshua Boulle (DHL Western Province), Jurenzo Julius (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Philip-Albert van Niekerk (Vodacom Bulls).

Outside backs: JC Mars (DHL Western Province), Joel Leotlela (DHL Western Province & SA Sevens), Litelihle Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Likhona Finca (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Michail Damon (Vodacom Bulls).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

When the Hilton College and Michaelhouse 1^st XVs run out onto Meadow’s at 14:30 on Saturday afternoon, their records won’t be as pristine as those recorded by the 2023 teams, but those records may be misleading, and the stakes are undiminished. 

When they did battle in 2023, it was in home and away meetings of the best teams in KwaZulu-Natal. They finished one-all on the season. In 2024, the label of KZN’s best, though, so far, belongs to Durban High School (DHS).

The event also serves to create awareness of, and to raise funds for, BravHER, a foundation established by Michaelhouse learners Makabongwe Mace, Nhlohlori Shikati and Tshiamo Boikhutso to assist underprivileged women and children. Click the banner above to learn more.

The great rivals have both lost more games than they would have expected this season, but they’ve been competitive in each and every one.

A 10-23 loss at DHS at the beginning of the month was ‘House’s biggest of 2024, but they’ve been within seven points or less in their other five defeats. In those losses, their negative points’ difference is just 19. Carlyle Hawkins and company are always in the game.

Hilton, meanwhile, also has one loss by double digits and it was one that stung. They led Westville 23-8 on Bowden’s on 25 May before going down to a 26-40 defeat. They’ve lost four other matches by a mere 11 points combined.

Of course, contained within those losses was a 23-24 defeat against Michaelhouse on Gilfillan Field on 4 May. That victory was a second in succession for ‘House against Hilton, with both coming away from home.

Before their 18-15 win on 17 June 2023, the Balgowan Boys had last won against their rivals almost exactly seven years previously, when they triumphed 21-17 on Meadows on 18 June 2016.

When it comes to Hilton vs Michaelhouse, there is always plenty to play for. The rivalry began in 1904 and when the red and white won at Hilton last year, they reached 100 victories before their rivals did. Now, in 2024, the record reads as follows: Michaelhouse 101 wins, Hilton College 95 wins, and 10 draws.

One has to go back to 1987 for the last draw, but, astoundingly, it happened in both matches that season, which ended 7 -7 and 9-9.

Heading into Saturday’s super showdown – it’s the only big derby game on the menu in KZN – Michaelhouse will be hurting after an upset 15-19 loss at Kearsney College last time out. The One-Stripe delivered an inspired performance on their Founders Day, but they might have done ‘House a favour.

Playing at home, with the bitter taste of that defeat still in their mouths, Michaelhouse will surely be chomping at the bit and intensely focussed on taking down Hilton again to get their season back onto a winning track. Playing with a chip on one’s shoulder can help lift a team to new heights.

Certainly, their win at Hilton earlier in the season was one of their better performances of the year. The match was already won when the home side scored in the last movement of the game to pull within a point.

Should they win, it would be the first time since 2015 that Michaelhouse completes the double over Hilton. That season, Michaelhouse was undefeated, playing 13 and winning 13.

The Craven Week team’s halfback pairing that year was Hilton captain Matt Dahl (scrumhalf) and Michaelhouse captain Bader Pretorius (flyhalf) – rivals and good friends. Both were named in the South African Schools A side.

Interestingly, that Michaelhouse team included lock Jordan Sesink-Clee, who made the Craven Week team, too. On Saturday, Dom Sesink-Clee will run out in the second row for ‘House, hoping to emulate his older brother.

From 2017 to 2022, it was all Hilton, who did the double each season. Michaelhouse, now, would love nothing more than to put together a streak of their own. They’ve made a start to it, but they’ll need to make sure the visitors don’t win for a fourth match in succession if they’re to build upon it.

Both teams draw inspiration from and feed off the examples set by their no. 8s and captains – Caryle Hawkins (Michaelhouse) and Hanu Pieterse (Hilton) – both of whom have been selected for the Sharks’ Craven Week squad.

Pieterse’s return to the starting lineup is a big boost for Hilton, who have a settled look to their lineup, but there is also a return to the right wing for Seb Gaboreau.

Rukudzo Madinga, whose two interception tries were the difference between victory and defeat against St Charles, moves to outside centre.

Michaelhouse puts out an unchanged team from the one that was upset by Kearsney on Stott Field.

It’s a simple maxim but they’ll know Saturday’s clash will be decided by which team makes better use of its opportunities. At Kearsney, Michaelhouse had ample opportunities to score but their finishing was not up to scratch. Fix that, and a season’s sweep could be their reward.

Saturday’s 1st XV game, and the u15A match, will be refereed by Aimee Barrett-Theron. She is the first professional female rugby referee in South Africa and one of only three in the world.

Barrett-Theron was the first South African woman to referee Varsity Cup, Currie Cup, Super Rugby and the URC.

She is the highest capped women’s test referee in the world and has refereed at an impressive array of prestigious international tournaments, including the Rio Olympics (2016), the Commonwealth Games (2018), and the Women’s Rugby World Cup (2017 and 2021).

Barrett-Theron has a Masters’ degree in Sports Science and is a qualified biokineticist, running her own practice in Cape Town.

TEAMS

Michaelhouse

15 Aya Mkokheli, 14 Lwandle Nzama, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 Connor McAlpine, 10 Luke Davidson (vc), 9 Jack Hughes, 8 Carlyle Hawkins (c), 7 Robert Combrinck, 6 Riley Gehren, 5 Dominic Sesink-Clee, 4 Alexander Ardé, 3 Koketso Bopape, 2 Oliver Davis, 1 Aphiwe Shelembe

Hilton College

15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Sebastian Gaboreau, 13 Rukudzo Madinga, 12 Daniel Sweeney, 11 Requilme Adonis, 10 Xola Bakana, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Hanu Pieterse, 7 Meyer Malherbe, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Kieran Hunter, 4 Trent Chubb, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Oliver Proudfoot

The teams:

Free State: 15 Lamla Mgedezi (Grey College), 14 Lino Mtwebana (Grey College), 13 Eddie Mabenda (Grey College), 12 Ruan Roux (Grey College), 11 Unathi Ntuli (Fichardtpark), 10 O’ryan Kleyn (Grey College), 9 Jonathan Drysdale (Grey College), 8 Henru Erasmus (Grey College), 7 Niel du Randt (Grey College), 6 Steven Muller (Grey College), 5 Prestan Bennet (Grey College), 4 Alexi Tyropolis (Grey College), 3 Hennie Bredenhann (Grey College), 2 Arno de Bruin (Grey College), 1 AJ Hendricks (Grey College). Replacements: 16 Motlatsi Ramahlape (HTS Louis Botha), 17 Diado Jacobs (Sentraal), 18 Dumisani Tshabalala (HTS Louis Botha), 19 Mohale Masiteng (HTS Louis Botha), 20 Motheo Sempe (Grey College), 21 Samson Lackay (Grey College), 22 Ayden Cloete (Grey College), 23 Kingsley Pule (Grey College)

18 Grey College | 3 HTS Louis Botha | 1 Fichardtpark | 1 Hoërskool Sentraal

Free State XV: Ayden Cloete (Grey College), 14 Johan Dormehl (Grey College), 13 Wian van der Berg (Grey Collge), 12 Zander van der Berg (Grey College), 11 Matthew Valentine (Fichardtpark), 10 Samson Lackay (Grey College), 9 Jaco de Waal (Landboudal), 8 Franco Greyling (Jim Fouche), 7 Keaton Pottas (Grey College), 6 Josh Nelson (Fichardtpark), 5 Jannes Krause (Grey College), 4 Ahlumile Mhlahlo (Louis Botha), 3 Chris Nieuwoudt (Grey College), 2 WJ Dippenaar (Grey College), 1 Riko Swart (Landboudal). Replacements: 16 Motlatsi Ramahlape (Louis Botha), 17 Jayden Troskie (Louis Botha), 18 Phumelele Aphelele (Brebner), 19 Siya Bulwane (Grey College), 20 Juan Swart (Jim Fouche), 21 Sean Brown (Jim Fouche), 22 Kia Babu (Sentraal), Neo Lephalo (Louis Botha).

10 Grey College | 4 HTS Louis Botha | 3 Jim Fouche | 2 Fichardtpark | 2 Landboudal | 1 Brebner | 1 Hoërskool Sentraal

Eastern Province: 15 Lucritia Magua (Graeme College), 14 Noah Mbizi (Grey High), 13 Erin Nelson (Graeme College), 12 Ciaran Killian (Grey High), 11 Leighton Lawrence (Nico Malan), 10 Tristan Kemp (Grey High), 9 Zanick Carolus (Brandwag), 8 Joandre van Jaarsveld (Grey High), 7 Ruben van Dijk (Nico Malan), 6 Benjamin Arnott (Pearson), 5 Joshua van Zyl (St Andrews College), 4 Akho Tonjeni (Graeme College), 3 Dewald Niemand (Pearson), 2 Anthenkosi Manyati (Graeme College), 1 Daniel Naude (Grey High). Replacements: 16 Blake Parker (Grey High), 17 Khwezi Mafongosi (Muir College), 18 Sivatho Mjali (St Andrews College), 19 Erich van Zyl (Nico Malan), 20 Lidwala Maliti (Graeme College), 21 Ryan Swarbrick (Grey High), 22 William Stevens (St Andrews College), 23 Nabothy Nyandoro (Grey High).

8 Grey High School | 5 Graeme College | 3 St Andrews College | 2 Nico Malan | 2 Pearson College | 1 Die Brandwag Hoërskool | 1 Muir College

Blue Bulls: 15 Drewyn Baron (Garsfontein), 14 Thabiso Semilane (St Alban’s College), 13 Kealan Cloete (Die Wilgers), 12 Dylan Stumke (Menlopark), 11 Yuvrah George (Garsfontein), 10 Tilon Baron (Zwartkop), 9 Fourie Robberts (Affies), 8 Ockie Spies (Affies), 7 Rueben Flok (Affies), 6 Wandile Mbatha (St Alban’s College), 5 Martin van Niekerk (Affies), 4 Hendre Lombaard (Affies), 3 Hannes Nagel (Affies), 2 Charl Els (Affies), 1 Eshile Mhlongo (HeronBridge College). Replacements: 16 Obakeng Rametsi (St Alban’s College), 17 Matthew Smit (Zwartkop), 18 Morne Bissett (Affies), 19 Queenton Mcube (Pretoria Boys’ High), 20 Bohlale Ledwaba (Overkruin), 21 Vihaan Pretorius (Affies), 22 Nico Klein (Die Wilgers), 23 Mendriano Abrahams (Menlopark).

9 Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool | 3 St Alban’s College | 2 Hoërskool Garsfontein | 2 Hoërskool Zwartkop | 2 Die Wilgers | 2 Hoërskool Menlopark | 1 Hoërskool Overkruin | 1 HeronBridge College | 1 Pretoria Boys’ High

Western Province: 15 Tylo Hess (Durbanville), 14 Tyrece Geneke (Zanvliet), 13 Johan Sebastiaan Basson (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 12 Dayyaan Conrad (SACS), 11 Kyle Doyle (Durbanville), 10 Ethan van Biljon (Stellenberg), 9 Mickyle Booise (Paarl Gimnasium), 8 Hendrik Goosen (Paarl Gimnasium), 7 Divine Kabadi (Tygerberg), 6 Christian le Roux (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 5 Jean Deyer (Paarl Gimnasium), 4 Daniel Mbuyi (Tygerberg), 3 Lehan Barnard (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 2 Kwaza Gobingca (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 1 Sian van Heerden (Paul Roos Gimnasium). Replacements: 16 Charles Whitehead (Paarl Gimansium), 17 Nakeer Dustay (Tygerberg), 18 Anesu Muswandigese (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 19 Juvan Burden (Stellenberg), 20 Esa van der Schyff (Wynberg Boys’ High), 21 Liam de Villiers (Paarl Boys’ High), 22 Tevez Cupido (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 23 Travis Pheiffer (Paul Roos Gimnasium).

6 Paul Roos Gimnasium | 4 Paarl Gimnasium | 3 Tygerberg High School | 2 Rondebosch Boys’ High | 2 Durbanville | 1 SACS | 1 Wynberg Boys’ High | 1 Paarl Boys’ High | 1 Zanvliet

Western Province XV: 15 Eathon Williams (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 14 Caleb Bell (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 13 Ithandile Nkohla (Wynberg Boys’ High), 12 Thomas Saunders (Paarl Gimnasium), 11 Cayden Snyman (Paarl Boys’ High), 10 Achmat Behardien (Wynberg Boys’ High), 9 Israel Manuel (Tygerberg), 8 Juan Visagie (Boland Landbou), 7 Ruan Lindeque (Paarl Gimnasium), 6 Alvin Machinja (Wynberg Boys’ High), 5 Reuben Winter (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 4 Adrian Faul (Paarl Boys’ High), 3 Sebastian Bekker, 2 Naeem Mohammad (Wynberg Boys’ High), 1 Lehan Nieuwoudt (Paarl Gimnasium). Replacements: 16 Jacques Hutton (Paarl Boys’ High), 17 Janu Sadie (Durbanville), 18 Qiraan Hermanus (Rylands), 19 Gabrielernest Alfred (Paarl Boys’ High), 20 Cole Brown (SACS), 21 Laeeq Davids (Wynberg Boys’ High), 22 Wian Delport (Paarl Boys’ High), 23 Jaeger Coetzee (Boland Landbou).

5 Paarl Boys High | 5 Wynberg Boys’ High | 4 Paarl Gimnasium | 2 Rondebosch Boys’ High | 2 Boland Landbou | 1 SACS | 1 Durbanville | 1 Ryland | 1 Tygerberg | 1 Paul Roos Gimnasium

Golden Lions: 15 Loghan Langeveldt (Monument), 14 Joshua Wilkinson (King Edward VII), 13 Juandre Ehlers (Monument), 12 Phano Lestsie (Jeppe High School for Boys), 11 Joel Akilo (Jeppe High School for Boys), 10 Ethan Lourens (Helpmekaar), 9 Shayne Lourens (Helpmekaar), 8 Armand van Eck (Noordheuwel), 7 Ryno van der Westhuizen (Monument), 6 Mahlatse Sekele (Jeppe High School for Boys), 5 Glodi Tshipamba (Jeppe High School for Boys), 4 Kean Lourens (Noordheuwel), 3 Tafadzwa Chiyangwa (Monument), 2 Jeandre van der Merwe (Helpmekaar), 1 Diandro Botha (Helpmekaar). Replacments: 16 Siphosamandosi Cele (St Stithians College), 17 Aluwani Ndlovu (Jeppe High School for Boys), 18 Makmborero Mandizha (St Johns College), 19 Phillip Rykaart (Hoërskool Randburg), 20 Mihle Dyakala (Jeppe High School for Boys), 21 Paballo Moeketsane (Noordheuwel), 22 Luyanda Mbadamana (King Edward VII), 23 Anthony Viljoen (Monument).

6 Jeppe High School for Boys | 5 Hoërskool Monument | 4 Helpmekaar Kollege | 3 Hoërskool Noordheuwel | 2 King Edward VII | 1 St Stithians College | 1 St Johns College | 1 Hoërskool Randburg

Leopards: 15 Aydan Willemse (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 14 Thakamakhoa Kananelo (Wesvalia), 13 Marques Jantjies (Hoërskool Wolmaranstad), 12 Jayden Steyn (Bergsig Akademie), 11 Thabang Tsebiso (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 10 Wian du Preez (Wesvalia), 9 Schalk de Waal (Bergsig Akademie), 8 Tydiane Williams (Hoërskool Lichtenburg), 7 De Wet Grobler (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), 6 Tshepaone Majoafi (Klerksdorp Technical School), 5 Evan van Heerden (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 4 Quewen Fourie (Wesvalia), 3 Christo Minnie (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 2 Francois Linde (Wesvalia), 1 Dylan Smith (Bergsig Akademie). Replacements: 16 Jarren Williams (Hoërskool Vryburg), 17 Thethlekwe Seshupo (Hoërskool Wolmaranstad), 18 Xander Stickling (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 19 Zwoda Munyai (Hoërskool Hartebeespoort), 20 Tiaan de Kock (Wesvalia), 21 Ralston Wilsom (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 22 Wilson Letholi (Wesvalia), 23 Junior Longman (Hoërskool Vryburg).

6 Wesvalia | 4 Hoërskool Rustenburg | 3 Bergsig Akademie | 2 Hoérskool Klerksdorp | 2 Hoërskool Wolmaranstad | 2 Hoërskool Vryburg | 1 Potchefstroom Gimnasium | 1 Hoërskool Lichtenburg | 1 Hoër Tegniese Skool Klerksdorp | 1 Hoërskool Hartebeespoort

Boland: 15 Anwill Josh (HTS Drostdy), 14 Harold de Silva (Bella Vista Secondary School), 13 Willvino Paultin (HTS Drostdy), 12 Robert Prodehl (Hoerskool Hermanus), 11 Darren Makeza (HTS Drostdy), 10 Jano van Deventer (HTS Drostdy), 9 Johan von Landsberg (HTS Drostdy), 8 Ryk van Zyl (HTS Drostdy), 7 Wynand Fabricus (HTS Drostdy), 6 Werno Ramsauer (HTS Drostdy), 5 Nieken Lubbe (Hoerskool Hopefield), 4 Jean-Louis Matthee (HTS Drostdy), 3 Kevin Laubscher (HTS Drostdy), 2 Jean-Pierre Lotriet (HTS Drostdy), 1 Leighcon du Plessis (Worcester Gimnasium). Replacements: 16 Gerald Laker (Labori), 17 Alexander Labuschagne (Jakes Gerwel Tech), 18 Reece Matthee (Worcester Gimnasium), 19 Kayden Biko (HTS Drostdy), 20 Shadlynn Scholtz (Porterville), 21 Brydon Joseph (Hoerskool Robertson), 22 Joshua Arnoldus (Hoërskool Hermanus), 23 Adieu Cramford (Shoonspruit Secondary School).

12 HTS Drostdy | 2 Worcester Gimnasium | 2 Hoërskool Hermanus | 1 Labori | 1 Hoërskool Robertson | 1 Hoërskool Porterville | 1 Hoërskool Hopefield | 1 Jack Gerwel Tech | 1 Bella Vista Secondary School | 1 Schoonspruit Secondary School

Valke: 15 Karabelo Mahlatsi (HTS Carel de Wet), 14 Liam Hector (EG Jansen), 13 Jordan van der Westhuizen (EG Jansen), 12 Vaughn Steynvaart (Heidelberg Volkskool), 11 Enrique Saunderson (Suiderlig), 10 Zian Uekermann (EG Jansen), 9 Dian van Aswegen (Oosterlig), 8 Luca du Plooy (Hoërskool Kempton Park), 7 Almero Gerritson (Hoërskool Kempton Park), 6 Lwazi Molotja (Jeugland), 5 Monde Mngwandi (Vaalpark), 4 Matthew van Deventer (Transvalia), 3 Elshaan Duminy (EG Jansen), 2 Henru Coetzer (Heidelberg Volkskool), 1 Rayzandu van Wyngaardt (EG Jansen). Replacements: 16 Jayden Botha (Hoerskool Kempton Park), 17 Owami Ngwenya (Brandwag), 18 Reuben Bothma (Heidelberg Volkskool), 19 Tumelo Maxama (HTS Sasolburg), 20 Rorisang Ngwenya (Benoni High School), 21 Duwayne Zeekoei (EG Jansen), 22 Ompile Dubase (Kempton Panorama School), 23 Thando Khoza (Sasolburg High School).

6 EG Jansen | 3 Heidelberg Volkskool | 3 Hoërskool Kempton Park | 1 Oosterlig | 1 Hoërskool Suiderlig | 1 Brandwag | 1 HTS Carel de Wet | 1 HTS Sasolburg | 1 Sasolburg High School | 1 Kempton Panorama School | 1 Benoni High School | 1 Transvalia | 1 Hoërskool Vaalpark

South Western Districts: 15 Jordan Abrahams (Hoërskool Gerrit du Plessis), 14 Scott Vaughan-nuwegeld (York High School), 13 Myburg Esteen (Oakdale Landbou), 12 Farrel-Leigh Dido (Langenhoven Gimnasium), 11 Migael Nel (Outeniqua), 10 Qlin Booyse (Hillcrest Secondary School), 9 Caleb Williams (Oakdale Landbou), 8 Jacobus de Villiers (Oakdale Landbou), 7 Bernard Badenhorst (Oakdale Landbou), 6 Willem Baard (Outeniqua), 5 Diaan Augustyn (Oakdale Landbou), 4 Wening Oberholster (Langenhoven Gimnasium), 3 Avenathi Sambokwe (Hoërskool Punt), 2 Adrian Smith (Oakdale Landbou), 1 Kyle Burger (Oakdale Landbou). Replacements: 16 Adrian Kenzeni (Hoërskool Albertina), 17 Henco Vermeulen (Oakdale Landbou), 18 Matthew Prince (Outeniqua), 19 Aldo Gouws (Outeniqua), 20 Zay-Winn Januarie (HTS Eden), 21 Adran Kirchner (HTS Eden), 22 Mark-Hein Fourie (Oakdale Landbou), 23 De Andre Meintjies (Ladismith Secondary School).

11 Oakdale Landbou | 4 Outeniqua | 2 Langenhoven Gimnasium | 2 Hoër Tegniese Skool Eden | 1 Hoërskool Punt | 1 Hillcrest Secondary School | 1 Ladismith Secondary School | 1 York High School | 1 Hoërskool Albertina | 1 Hoërskool Gerrit du Plessis 

Pumas: 15 Katlego Baloyi (Hoërskool Middelburg), 14 Banele Mthombo (Ligbron Akademie), 13 Nhlakanipho Mahlangu (Hoërskool Middelburg), 12 Adriaan Botha (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 11 Zian Hughes (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 10 Andile Mphahlaza (Hoërskool Middelburg), 9 Jeandre Conelius (Hoërskool Middelburg), 8 Vian Louw (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 7 Franco Groenewald (Ligbron Akademie), 6 Siyabonga Mokgoatjana (Hoërskool Middelburg), 5 Christiaan Botha (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 4 Zane Hlungwane (Hoërskool Secunda), 3 Mpho Mushadu (Curro Nelspruit), 2 Damian Niewenhuys (Hoërskool Middelburg), 1 Christiaan Viljoen (Hoërskool Nelspruit). Replacements: 16 Adrian van Wyk (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 17 Seabi Romodike (Hoërskool Lydenburg), 18 Willem Human (Ligbron Akademie), 19 Abongwe Maduna (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 20 Andrea de Wet (HTS Middelburg), 21 Kamogelo Monkwe (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 22 Ewan van der Merwe (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 23 Bulelani Mcira (Hoërskool Middelburg).

7 Hoërskool Middelburg | 6 Hoërskool Nelspruit | 3 Ligbron Akademie | 2 Hoërskool Piet Retief | 1 Hoërskool Secunda | 1 Curro Nelspruit | 1 Hoërskool Lydenburg | 1 Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg

KwaZulu-Natal: 15 Lwazi Mbede (Kearsney College), 14 Amogelang Mataboge (Durban High School), 13 Milisuthando George (Durban High School), 12 Olwethu Kosani (Maritzburg College), 11 Lwandle Mkhize (Kearsney College), 10 Cilermo Carolus (Durban High School), 9 Johannes van der Walt (Northwood), 8 Nhlandhla Ndlovu (Kearsney College), 7 Rory Stanton (Maritzburg College), 6 Duhan du Plessis (Durban High School), 5 Lwandile Mlaba (Westville Boys’ High), 4 Sambesiwe Ndamase (Glenwood), 3 Nicola Salamousas (Michaelhouse), 2 Benjamin Coetzee (Hilton College), 1 Likho Konza (Durban High School). Replacements: 16 Theodorus Boshoff (Maritzburg College), 17 Luke Faure (Kearsney College), 18 Mholi Khuzwayo (Hilton College), 19 Zion Smith (Durban High School), 20 Oliver Guy (Michaelhouse), 21 Iwan Slabbert (Durban High School), 22 Nathan Aneke (Durban High School), 23 Luxolo Sonkononkono (Westville Boys’ High).

8 Durban High School | 4 Kearsney College | 3 Maritzburg College | 2 Hilton College | 2 Westville Boys’ High | 2 Michaelhouse | 1 Glenwood | 1 Northwood 

Limpopo Blue Bulls: 15 Izaire West (Ben Viljoen), 14 Thamsanqa Lunga (Hoërskool Ellisras), 13 Wessel Joubert (Ben Vorster), 12 Basson Wolmarans (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 11 Tristan Arendse (Ben Viljoen), 10 Juan Randall (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 9 Curtis Cloete (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 8 Stephen Pienaar (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 7 Limni Heswick (Ben Viljoen), 6 Andru de Beer (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 5 Pieter Jordaan (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 4 Barend Vorster (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 3 Stephan Jansen van Rensburg (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 2 Ziahn Lombaard (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 1 Rirhandzo Malatji (Hoërskool Ellisras). Replacements: 16 Jonathan Manyunga (Ben Vorster), 17 Christiaan Oosthuizen (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 18 Lekhelwane Magabe (Ben Vorster), 19 Thaba Matlou (Ben Vorster), 20 Tshiamo Boshigo (Ben Vorster), 21 Barnabas Nyamakupe (Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer), 22 Paballo Nkoana (Hoërskool Hans Strijdom), 23 Lesego Malatji (Ben Vorster).

10 Hoërskool Pietersburg | 6 Hoërskool Ben Vorster | 3 Hoërskool Ben Viljoen | 2 Hoërskool Ellisras | 1 Hoërskool Hans Strijdom | 1 Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer

Griquas: 15 Vinchenzo Davids (Diamantveld), 14 Gaydrin Assegaai (Upington High School), 13 Thabo Thole (Diamantveld), 12 Duran Makoni (Hoërkool De Aar), 11 Ashwin Willemse (Diamantveld), 10 Ezlin Swartz (Diamantveld), 9 JG van Heerden (Diamantveld), 8 Azingce Cofa (Hoërskool De Aar), 7 Tiaan Serfontein (Upington High School), 6 Paul-Hendrik Swanepoel (Diamantveld), 5 Marthinus van Greuning, 4 Heinrich Swart (Diamantveld), 3 Christiaan Retief (Diamantveld), 2 Juvan Stander (Upington high School), 1 Jason Southey (Douglas High School). Replacements: 16 Reginald Hughes (Diamantveld), 17 Anethemba Gubula (Upington High School), 18 Jeandre Kuhn (Hoërskool Kathu), 19 Azania Lekhwi (Hoërskool Noord-Kaap), 20 Morgan de Beer (Diamantveld), 21 Geraldo Steyn (Vaalharst Hoërskool), 22 Brian Jacobs (Upington High School), 23 Rivaldo Ruiter (Duineveld).

11 Diamantveld | 5 Upington High School | 2 Hoërskool De Aar | 1 Vaalharts Hoërskool | 1 Duineveld | 1 Hoërskool Douglas | 1 Hoërskool Kathu | 1 Hoërskool Noord-Kaap 

Griffons: 15 Shelvon Mabooi (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 14 Omphile Maphira (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 13 Sizwe Qwabe (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 12 Olereto Sebatana (Hentie Cilliers), 11 Darius Job (Hoërskool Trio), 10 Johannes Pretorius (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 9 Davian Pule (Hentie Cilliers), 8 Lourens Roux (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 7 Caleb Butler (Hoërskool Trio), 6 Katleho Xaba (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 5 Abongile Mamani (Charles Duna), 4 Matthys Parsons (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 3 Cyril Oersen (Witteberg), 2 Myburgh Jacobs (Hoërskool Trio), 1 Gerhardus Labuschagne (Witteberg). Replacements: 16 Abraham Davel (Witteberg), 17 Tumelo Hlakoane (Welkom Gimnasium), 18 Jean-Pierre du Toit (Hoërskool Trio), 19 Damian Zwahlen (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 20 Lyle Afrikaner (Welkom Gimnasium), 21 Johannes van Niekerk (Hoërskool Trio), 22 Byron Klaasin (Welkom Gimnasium), 23 Ashton Grootboom (Welkom Gimnasium).

8 Bethlehem Voortrekker | 5 Hoërskool Trio | 4 Welkom Gimnasium | 3 Witteberg | 2 Hentie Cilliers | 1 Charles Duna School 

Zimbabwe: 15 Rukudzo Mayida (St George’s College), 14 Anesu Murutsi (St George’s College), 13 Mazvita Sithole (St George’s College), 12 Andile Ndlovu (St John’s College), 11 Lee Chigumba (St John’s College), 10 Sebastiaan du Toit (St John’s College), 9 Marcus Eckard (St John’s College), 8 Tapiwanashe Majuru (St George’s College), 7 Luca Spagnuolo (St John’s College), 6 James Manning (St John’s College), 5 Mufarowase Mawoyo (Peterhouse), 4 Tendayi Madzima (Peterhouse), 3 Logan Young (Peterhouse), 2 Sean Takaindisa (St John’s College), 1 Tafara Chirambanegomo (St John’s College). Replacements: 16 Larson Rujuwa (Wise Owl School), 17 Sean Mahere, 18 Mondli Nkolomi (Falcon College), 19 Kotaro Kinoshita (St John’s College), 20 Sebastian Sarpo, 21 Jacob Viki (St John’s College), 22 Zivai Makunike (Lomagundi College), 23 Nathanil Gabi

10 St John’s College | 4 St George’s College | 3 Peterhouse | 1 Falcon College | 1 Wise Owl School | 1 Lomagundi College 

Namibia: 15 Noelle Loubser, 14 Alvandro Diergaardt, 13 Hanre Cocklin, 12 Johan Jankowitz, 11 Drikus Martins, 10 Sergio Pamplin, 9 Dirkie Lochner, 8 Jandre Burger, 7 Tjeruka Tueutjiua, 6 Louis de Wet, 5 Isaiah Kazndovi, 4 Joshua Fourie, 3 Johan van Wyk, 2 Marius de Villiers, 1 Cashton Cloete. Replacements: 16 Eduardo Dunn, 17 Milan Marais, 18 Gert Pretorius, 19 Ruhan Boonzaaier, 20 Bootje Booysen, 21 Jade Langenhoven, 22 Pedri Lacante, 23 Lian Kittler.

Border: 15 Zearon Booysen (Hudson Park), 14 Yamkela Molose (Dale College), 13 Ncutu Kepe (Queens College), 12 Asive Mzamo (Queens College), 11 Sivuyile Mneno ( Selborne College), 10 Liyema Tsoko (Dale College), 9 Connor Fowles (Selborne College), 8 Travis Enslin (Selborne College), 7 Liyabona Mayikana (Toise High School), 6 Bongalethu Mxoli (Middeldrift High School), 5 Kungawo Jaca (Dale College), 4 Acwenge Saul (Queens College), 3 Zeake Mata (Queens College), 2 Luke Bowman, 1 Sanele Bistoli (Graab High School). Replacements: 16 Iyazi Mbhele (Stirling High School), 17 Onga Hashibe (Hangklip High School), 18 Ahlumile Gqwetya (Queens College), 19 Likhanyile Mampunye (Selborne College), 20 Pindokhule Mdalana (Hudson Park), 21 Khazimla Qavile (Selborne College), 22 Aaron Jame (Selborne College), 23 Soyiso Mhleli Ngwenyathi High School).

6 Selborne College | 5 Queens College | 3 Dale College | 2 Hudson Park High School | 1 Graab High School | 1 Hangklip High School | 1 1 Stirling High School | 1 Middledrift High School | 1 Toise High School | 1 Ngwenyathi High School 

Border CD: 15 Amila Jali, 14 Kamohelo Moshoeshoe, 13 Thandolwethu Sthephen, 12 Sazi Mchunu 11 Ndimphiwe Menziwa, 10 Anele Mbana, 9 Mandlekosi Makwhla, 8 Asekho Madikane, 7 Azile Lujabe, 6 Qiqa Beja, 5 Mihali Dyonase, 4 Sinako Sopazi, 3 Athayanda Paul, 2 Lilitha Nomhanha, 1 Ahlume Gxamesi. Replacements: 16 Solwethu Noncithana, 17 Lihle Mfino, 18 Mihlali Doti, 19 Hlumelo Magadla, 20 Indiphile Dyubele.

Kloof High School is gearing up to host its annual National Football Tournament, which runs from 14 to 16 June.

Thirty-two schools from across South Africa are set to vie for the esteemed title and the honour of being crowned the champions of the prestigious event.

The fixture list is jam-packed. Matches start as early as 07:30 and, with a tantalising array of football talent in action, exciting competition, lit up by impressive skills and sportsmanship, is on the cards.

Many renowned football schools are set to be a part of the action, including, among others, HTS Louis Botha, Maritzburg College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Tuks, Carter High School, Westville, and Glenwood. 

FIXTURES

08:00-09:00

Curro Salt Rock vs Bechet: Main Field
Clifton vs New Forest: Top A
St Henry’s vs Virginia: Top B
Toti vs Durban High School: KSP Field

09:00-10:00

Hillcrest vs HTS Louis Botha: Main Field
Westville vs George Campbell: Top A
Ashton vs Maritzburg College: Top B
Pinetown vs Glenwood: KSP Field

10:00-11:00

Kloof vs Waterfall: Main Field
DHS vs Maqhitshana: Top A
Paul Roos vs Vuyiswa Mtolo: Top B
Curro Salt Rock vs Carter: KSP Field

11:00-12:00

Nqabakazulu vs Alexandra: Main Field
Ferrum vs Richem: Top A
Thomas More College vs Nilgiri: Top B
Pinetown vs Rondebosch: KSP Field

12:00-13:00

Tuks vs Toti: Main Field
Bechet vs Carter: Top A
Clifton vs Vuyiswa Mtolo: Top B
Waterfall vs Virginia: KSP Field

13:00-14:00

Linpark vs Glenwood: Main Field
Westville vs Nqabakazulu: Top A
Ashton vs Ferrum: Top B
Hillcrest vs Nilgiri: KSP Field

14:00-15:00

Kloof vs St Henry’s: Main Field
Tuks vs Maqhutshana: Top A
Paul Roos vs New Forest: Top B
Curro Salt Rock vs Northwood: KSP Field

15:00-16:00

Maritzburg College vs Richem: Main Field
HTS Louis Botha vs Thomas More College: Top A
George Campbell vs Alexandra: Top B
Rondebosch vs Linpark

16:00-17:00

Clifton vs Paul Roos: Main Field
Northwood vs Bechet: Top A
Waterfall vs St Henry’s
Maqhutshana vs Toti

Day 2: 15 June

07:30-08:30

Thomas More College vs Hillcrest: Main Field
Westville vs Alexandra: Top A
HTS Louis Botha vs Nilgiri: Top B
George Campbell vs Nqabakazulu: KSP Field

08:30-09:30

DHS vs Tuks: Main Field
Kloof vs Virginia: Top A
Carter vs Northwood: Top B
New Forest vs Vuyiswa Mtolo: KSP Field

09:30-10:30

Ashton vs Richem: Main Field
Maritzburg College vs Ferrum: Top A
Linpark vs Pinetown: Top B
Rondebosch vs Glenwood: KSP Field