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Grey High School is back in Cape Town this weekend and this time they’ll attempt to bring Wynberg Boys’ High‘s rampant run of form to a halt.

The Wynberg 1st XV is flying high, still unbeaten this season, and coming off an historic first win against Paarl Boys’ High since 1991.

Don’t miss a moment of the action on SuperSport Schools – Register now – Link to the game

The Wynberg starting lineup, unsurprisingly, is unchanged from the team that recorded that famous victory over Boishaai, with captain Aden da Costa at the side of the scrum and their star flyhalf, Yaqeen Ahmed, at his post in the midfield.

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Grey boys, but they tasted success in the Western Cape when they downed SACS at the Bishops 175 Festival. It was a gruelling, low-scoring match that saw fullback Meyer Prinsloo cross for the sole try of the contest.

Judging by the exciting brand of rugby Wynberg is putting on show this season, Saturday’s showdown will be more open, and it will be exciting to see the flyers in the backline operating in space.

Grey’s captain Lavela Pongolo and his flyhalf Zephyr Smith are both exciting attacking options for the side from Gqeberha.

Milnerton will aim to add another big name to their already impressive record for the season when they take on an injury-riddled Bishops Diocesan College on the Piley Rees Field.

Despite four more changes to a team that was already plagued by injuries going into the match against Boland Landbou last weekend, which they lost 10-52, Bishops will defend their turf with all their might.

The new look lineup provides an opportunity to see the exciting Lucca Mynhardt at scrumhalf. He has been a shining light at fullback for Bishops so far this season, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the halfback role.

Riding the momentum from back-to-back away wins over Rondebosch (34-33) and Hugenote (17-14), the visitors will fancy their chances.

Rondebosch Boys’ High takes on SACS without their stalwart hooker Justin Amos, and Ismaeel Conrad steps up to take his place in the front row – link to the game

Meanwhile, SACS is bolstered by the return of Matt Carrick at centre. He’s the first of the six first stringers they lost early in the season to return to fitness.

SACS is flying high after a dominant performance last weekend saw them storm to a 54-27 victory over Brackenfell, and they will be eager for a shot at ‘Bosch after losing both of their matches against their southern suburbs’ rivals last season.

Flyhalf David Simon crossed the whitewash in both of those games for Rondebosch and he will be keen to continue that perfect strike rate against the visitors this weekend.

His opposite number, Rayaan Solomons, has emerged as a star player in the SACS lineup and, with Ikhona Maxegwana and the rest of the big forwards providing front-foot ball, there’s more than enough outlets in their attack to cause the hosts trouble on Saturday.

 

TEAMS

Wynberg Boys’ High vs Grey High at 15:30

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Morné Nobe, 14 Kunene Gadu, 13 Albert Lourens, 1F2 Brandon Ashburner, 11 Levi Brown, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Tyrone Gombe, 8 Torren February, 7 Aden da Costa, 6 Jamie Stride, 5 Tjeripo Karuhumba, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Xabiso Mkiva, 1 Benjamin Matthews.

Grey High: 15 Meyer Prinsloo, 14 Zubenathi Skosana, 13 Lavela Pongolo, 12 Dylan Garrod, 11 Luc de Villiers, 10 Zephyr Smith, 9 Liyema Ndlondlo, 8 Jon Hobson, 7 Blayton Ward, 6 Caylum Jansen, 5 Steven Lee, 4 Likhona Sodlaka, 3 Ross Atkinson, 2 Ben Wessels, 1 CJ Naude.

Diocesan College vs Milnerton at 12:30

Diocesan College: 15 Ammar Laatoe, 14 Rynard Gordon, 13 Alex Newton, 12 Alex Laspatzis, 11 Ben Koenig, 10 Jordan Petersen, 9 Lucca Mynhardt, 8 Aza Gabada, 7 Alex Smith, 6 Daniel van den Heever, 5 Rieko Kidha, 4 James Kotze, 3 Yusuf Ahmed, 2 Jack Campbell, 1 Gareth Mckinon.

Milnerton: 15 Chadlin Sellidon, 14 Litha Tasana, 13 Morgan Lodewyk, 12 Frank Hitimana, 11 Keagan Wood, 10 Chadwin Sellidon, 9 Devon Damons, 8 Briint Davids, 7 Dylan Peverett, 6 Joshua Vomberg, 5 Matthew Gabriel, 4 Keenan Togni, 3 Chadley Davids, 2 Keagan Harding, 1 Sheldan Puma.

Rondebosch Boys’ High vs SACS at 12:15

Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 David Kadima, 13 Randall-John Davids, 12 Alutha Wesi, 11 Shakeel Abrahams, 10 David Simon, 9 Caleb Belelie, 8 Joshua Neill, 7 Danil-Nicolas Oosthuizen, 6 Matthys du Plooy, 5 Tom Barnard, 4 Carl Geddie, 3 Matthew van der Merwe, 2 Ismaeel Conrad, 1 Luke Pretorius.

SACS: 15 Jack Benade, 14 Imtiaz Abrahams, 13 Nic Reynolds, 12 Matt Carrick, 11 Endi Sidinile, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Matt Forbes, 8 Connor King, 7 Daniel Grant, 6 Zac Wilson, 5 Pierre van Selm, 4 Callum Hirst, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Ethan Combrink.

Nadat Framesby verlede naweek in Worcester met 5-22 teen HTS Drostdy  vasgeval het, sal hulle uitsien na die geleentheid om Saterdag tuisveldvoordeel te benut wanneer die Bulle van Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale kom besoek aflê.

Die Riversdal-boere het verlede naweek uitstekend gevaar om met 29-22 teen Stellenberg te seëvier, en tot dusver was dit slegs die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl wat vir Oakdale se eerstespan kon stuit.

Die enigste verandering aan die span wat verlede naweek vir Stellenberg kon klop is Lee-Winn Pretorius, wat weer na vleuel toe skuif, met Christian Vorster wat op buitesenter begin.

Framesby se spanlys vertoon effens anders as dié wat verlede naweek in Worcester verloor het.

Jayden Brewis skuif heelagter toe, met Mondré van Heerden wat in die no. 9-trui begin en Laythan Sass wat inkom op vleuel.

Voorlangs is die pak ook rondgeskommel, met Ewald Muller, wat in die vorige wedstryd op haker uitgedraf het, wat hierdie naweek aan die kant van die skrum sak. Sy naamgenoot, Ewald Labuschagne, skuif van loskopstut na haker, met Zanco Els wat in die voorry sak nadat hy verlede naweek slot gespeel het. Ryan Rousseau beweeg van flank na slot en Juan Grigor kom in as die ander slot.

In 2023 het Oakdale die span van Gqeberha met 47-10 pakslae gegee, maar Framesby het reeds vanjaar hul potensiaal tentoongestel op die Paastoernooi by Kearsney College, waar hulle die gasheerspan (18-17) en ‘n witwarm Worcester Gimnasium (36-34) kon verslaan, en vir Monument laat sweet het vir ‘n naelskraapse oorwinning van 22-17  .

Hulle sal egter op hul stukke moet wees om die gevaarmanne van Oakdale, soos Waylon Kortjie, Kurt Coetzee en Erick Steyn, in te perk.

Intussen is Hoërskool Durbanville in George om vir Outeniqua te pak.

Beleef al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die wedstryd

Die Kwaggas sal ook ‘n stelling wil maak nadat hulle verlede naweek aan die ontvangkant was teen Grey-kollege. Vir die Durbies is hierdie egter ‘n geleentheid om ‘n noemenswaardige sege tot hul rekord te voeg, met heelagter, Valrhino Olckers, en binnesenter, Tobie Roelofse, wat fyn dopgehou moet word.

Die spanne is:

Framesby t. Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale om 13:35

Framesby: 15 Jayden Brewis, 14 Jason Niemand, 13 Ethan Smit, 12 Regardt Viljoen, 11 Laythen Sass, 10 Logan Muller, 9 Mondré van Heerden, 8 Johan van Zyl, 7 Eden Calitz, 6 Ewald Muller, 5 Juan Grigor, 4 Ryan Rousseau, 3 Sean Vermaak, 2 Ewald Labuschagne, 1 Zanco Els.

Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale: 15 Waylon Kortjie, 14 Reinhardt Viljoen, 13 Christian Vorster, 12 Kurt Coetzee, 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius, 10 CT Vosloo, 9 Jandrian Goosen, 8 Erick Steyn, 7 Jannes Snyman, 6 Zack Wessels, 5 Roy Viljoen, 4 Ruan Swart, 3 Tiaan Turck, 2 Gustav van der Merwe, 1 Kai Pratt.

Outeniqua t. Hoërskool Durbanville om 13:10

Outeniqua: 15 Jade Peterson, 14 Keenan Jantjies, 13 Reshaan Damons, 12 Luca Potgieter, 11 Xavier Solomons, 10 Ellie Meyer, 9 Jay-Zee Olivier, 8 Gareth Maree, 7 Ruart Curlewis, 6 Jonothan Schutte, 5 Trent Huisamen, 4 Ruben Rossouw, 3 Zacary Meyer, 2 Luhan van der Sandt, 1 Deven Kleingeld.

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Valrhino Olckers, 14 Dale Martin, 13 Markus van der Walt, 12 Tobie Roelofse, 11 Zayde Cleophas, 10 Claydon Carlse, 9 Kyle Albertus, 8 Adrian Freemantel, 7 Tiaan Kearns, 6 Jayden Short, 5 Liebrecht Winterbach, 4 Murdoch van Dyk, 3 Anru van Rhyn, 2 Juan Smit, 1 Hubert Winterbach.

 

At the Bishops 175 Festival, Hilton College let slip a 25-7 lead and went down 25-26 to Kingswood College. Since then, however, they’ve been on a roll and recorded four wins in succession, including a fine 34-17 victory over Grey High and a 17-14 defeat of Boland Landbou.

After the farmers comfortably beat Maritzburg College, they were favoured to handle Hilton, too. Brad McLeod-Henderson‘s charges were 3-7 down to Boland at half-time, in their clash at the St John’s Easter Rugby Festival, but Rukudzo Madinga breeched their try line twice in the second half of a morale-boosting victory.

Hilton, as always, is well drilled and well versed in their game plan. They’re a tough out. Their two defeats have come by four points in total.

With success has come stable selection, or it could be stated that with stable selection has come success, and the Hilton lineup is settled.

The same cannot be said for Kearsney College, with some changes and positional switches made for Saturday’s game.

Cameron Veenstra does duty at fullback, which should give the One-Stripe an extra attacking edge, while Doan Nel starts at flyhalf. Daniel Eager, their kicker, takes up position on the left wing.

Nqoba Simo Mnqokoyi and Heinrich Fourie team up in the second row, with Ryan Sim dropping to the bench.

Kearsney went down by one point to Framesby in their opening match at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, but were then comfortably beaten by Rondebosch and EG Jansen, who both went unbeaten. Nonetheless, that makes it four defeats on the trot for the One-Stripe – they were beaten 23-0 by DHS before the festival – and they will be desperate to reverse that trend. It will be a massive challenge on Gilfillan Field.

Westville welcomes Glenwood to Bowden’s. Although it’s the Griffin who enter the match having lost last time out, while the Green Machine won, the home side will take some confidence out of their 24-31 defeat to Jeppe in Johannesburg.

They ran in some spectacular tries and the potential that exists in their backline is now showing itself more consistently.

Flyhalf Unathi Mlotshwa‘s goal-kicking at Jeppe was exceptional and his cross-kick to pick out Evan Moolman and free him for a try late in the game demonstrated excellent vision and decision-making.

Captain Chris Cloete starts at hooker. He’s a dynamic force at ruck time, one of the best over the loose ball, and has already handled lineout throw-ins, so that change is likely to be a good boost for Westville. Will he match Jeshua Ferreira‘s impact in the set scrums? That’s a question that will need to be answered on Saturday.

Glenwood also received an encouraging outing from their flyhalf Kungawo Ncamazane against Clifton, but it’s Juan Viljoen who starts at 10 on Saturday.

The Green Machine did a good job of controlling possession and working their way down the field at the Riverside Sports Club, which allowed their backs time and space to do their thing, and they responded by scoring five of Glenwood’s six tries.

It’s going to be a tougher challenge on Bowden’s, but both teams will feel they made some progress last weekend.

TEAMS

Hilton College

15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Rukudzo Madinga 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Dan Sweeney, 11 Ricky Adonis, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Hanu Pieterse (c), 7 Jaque Olivier, 6 Ross Brown, 5 Kieran Hunter, 4 Stewart Falconer, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Oli Proudfoot.

Kearsney College

15 Cameron Veenstra, 14 Valentino Lenge, 13 Lindokuhle Mpungose, 12 Jarred van Staaden, 11 Daniel Eager, 10 Doan Nel, 9 Murray Weyer, 8 Qhamani Mlalandle, 7 Connor McIntyre, 6 Callum Steer, 5 Nqoba Simo Mnqokoyi, 4 Heinrich Fourie, 3 Anele Cele (c), 2 Blake Kruger, 1 Kudakwashe Kachambwa.

Westville Boys’ High School

15 Jade-Will Koopman, 14 Evan Moolman, 13 Michael Satade, 12 Blake Allbon, 11 Jadrian Afrikaner, 10 Unathi Mlotshwa, 9 Ryan Pistor, 8 David Humphreys, 7 Seth Gwynn, 6 Brandon Eke, 5 Rhys Mitchell, 4 Oliver Gcina, 3 Bandile Mncwango, 2 Chris Cloete, 1 Likhona Maseko

Glenwood High School

15 Lesedi Khumalo, 14 Sthabiso Dube, 13 Lize Mtetwa, 12 Sisipho Dwayi, 11 Mvelo Ndwalane, 10 Juan Viljoen, 9 Lian Lochner, 8 Jordan Hargreaves, 7 Tyler Conyngham, 6 Mkhululi Mhlongo, 5 Tylo Madaat, 4 Michael Ize-Iyamu, 3 Uzukhanye Xaba, 2 Martin van Wyngaardt, 1 Lonwabo Nkalitshana

Die groot stryd wat tussen Hoërskool Nelspruit en HTS Middelburg wag, behoort die rugbygemeenskap van Mpumalanga aan die gons te hê.

Beleef al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools. (www.supersportschools.com).

Die Rhinos en die Rooibulle pak mekaar Saterdag by Hoërskool Eldoraigne in die uitspeelwedstryd om die vyfde plek in die NWU Sportreeks.

Albei spanne het tot dusver vanjaar aanskoulike hardlooprugby opgedis, met die Nellies wat tot op hede miskien nét genoeg gedoen het om ‘n rapsie meer te beïndruk.

Die Rooibulle is egter nie te versmaai nie, en daar kan pêrre wees as hul agtelyn aan die gang kom. Dit stryd tussen die twee spanne sal ook spesiale betekenis hê vir afrigter, Jano Venter, wat lid was van die Rooibulle se span wat in 2012 die Nellies met ‘n telling van 36-11 getroef het. Hy sal hoop dat sy span hierdie naweek dieselfde kan vermag.

Daar sal verál op binnesenter, Johnny dos Santos, staatgemaak word om die span van Middelburg op die voorvoet te plaas. Dos Santos is vanjaar uitstekend op dreef in die middelveld en beslis ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op die Pumas se nr. 12-trui.

Hy sal egter eers verby Nellies se staatmaker, en stelskopper, op binnesenter, Divan de Kock, moet kom. De Kock het sover nié alleen met sy skopskoen beïndruk nie, maar sy goeie visie en aanvoeling speel ‘n beduidende rol in die Nellies se gevaarlike agterlyn.

Voorlangs moes die Nellies noodgedwonge ‘n paar veranderinge aanbring. Die vernaamste hiervan is hul staatmaker loskop, Siya Gama, wat homself op die krukkelys bevind en deur Lindane Ndlela vervang word.

Vir die Rooibulle maak Dos Santos se sentermaat, Luhan Graaff, sy terugkeer om die span se middeveld verder te versterk, met WJ Enslin wat terugskuif na sy gunstelingposisie op regtervleuel. Darius Buytendach, wat verlede naweek die nr. 14-trui gedra het, neem sy plek as losskakel in.

Hoërskool Kempton Park sal graag hul reeks met ‘n eerste oorwinning, oor Hoërskool Middelburg, wil afsluit. Die Kempies het hard klippe gekou deur die eerste derde van die seisoen, maar ‘n sege oor ‘n goed afgeronde Middie-span behoort broodnodige momentum te bied, vernaam met die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Plaat-afdeling wat oor minder as twee weke afskop.

Die beseringspook het behoorlik verwoesting gesaai onder die gashere van die dag, Hoërskool Eldoraigne. Die Eldo-Drake sal nietemin alles in die stryd werp om Hoërskool Transvalia te probeer uitoorlê. JP Meyer, hul staatmaker op losskakel, moet noodgedwonge na binnesenter skuif, om die beseerde Kevin Earl te vervang, met Elmar Olivier wat sy plek op losskakel inneem.

In teenstelling hiermee, behoort die span van Vanderbijlpark lekker uitgerus te wees nadat hulle verlede naweek ‘n loslootjie geniet het.

Die spanne: 

HTS Middelburg t. Hoërskool Nelspruit om 14:00 in Centurion

HTS Middelburg: 15 Jaque Stassen, 14 WJ Enslin, 13 Luhan Graaf, 12 Johnny dos Santos, 11 CJ Muller, 10 Darius Buytendach, 9 Reece Botha, 8 Tertius Bezuidenhout, 7 Kayden Wessels, 6 Toy Engelbrecht, 5 Sam Ndwandwe, 4 Janco Aucamp, 3 Kagiso Gumbi, 2 Hanro Terblanche, 1 Dirk du Plooy.

Nelspruit: 15 Theuns Meyer, 14 Jordan Pretorius, 13 Ian Wood, 12 Divan de Kock, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Banele Ngwenya, 6 Prosper Chillione, 5 Ronaldo van Rensburg, 4 Andre Smit, 3 WJ Botha, 2 Regard Vermaak, 2 Lindane Ndlela.

Hoërskool Middelburg t. Hoërskool Kemptonpark om 12:30 in Centurion

Middelburg: 15 Crwaford Joubert, 14 Sihle Mkhatshwa, 13 Echard Marx, 12 Lungelo Maseko, 11 Jacque Greyling, 10 Matthew Abbey, 9 Keabetswe Nkgadema, 8 Henco Janse van Rensburg, 7 Khensani Buthelezi, 6 CW Hanekom, 5 Jabu Mathebula, 4 Rogan van der Walt, 3 Wandisa Mthombeni, 2 Roux Grobler, 1 Wian Olwagen.

Kempton Park: 15 Joshua Meyer, 14 Ettienne Stroebel, 13 Wian Riekert, 12 Jethro Williams, 11 Tian Aucamp, 10 Tiaan Delport, 9 Ryan Smith, 8 Preston Smith, 7 JP Barnard, 6 Armandt Botha, 5 JP Roos, 4 Louis Mouton, 3 Zander Luckay, 2 Deon Mulligan, 1 Aiden Nepgen.

Hoërskool Eldoraigne t. Hoërskool Transvalia om 08:30 in Centurion

Eldoraigne: 15 Hendro van Zyl, 14 Cappie Mashabela, 13 Ivan Vermeulen, 12 JP Meyer, 11 Tristan Lee, 10 Elmar Olivier, 9 Darren Bruwer, 8 Jaydon Niehaus, 7 Jean Gerhard, 6 Ewan Zeelie, 5 Zander Engels, 4 MC Scheepers, 3 Jaco Fourie, 2 Victor Koopmans, 1 Marnus Prinsloo.

Transvalia: 15 Siyabonga Khambule, 14 Dihan Crause, 13 Kyle Esterhuizen, 12 Brandonlee Smit, 11 Tumi Moloi, 10 Dylan Steynman, 9 Anro Nagel, 8 Wynand Stols, 7 Daniel Kazambu, 6 Juan Bishoff, 5 Breyton Kruger, 4 Christiaan Liebenberg, 3 Stiaan breedt, 2 Jayden McPearson, 1 Arne Booth.

 

Die Hoërskool Parel Vallei van Somerset-Wes kom Saterdag tuis te staan teen die besoekende Tiere van Hoërskool Tygerberg.

Na ‘n belowende begin aan die seisoen, toe hulle vir Hoërskool Oudtshoorn (25-7) en Hoërskool Hermanus (13-5) kon troef, het Parel Vallei ‘n paar waardevolle lesse geleer by die Klein Karoo Saadproduksie-rugbyweek in Riversdal.

Hulle het die knie gebuig teen Oosterlig (21-23) en Die Anker (8-29), maar goed teruggekom om vir Zwartkop op die laaste dag met 14-6 te verslaan.

Verlede naweek het Parel Vallei ‘n blaaskans geniet, nadat hulle vroeg in April vir DF Malan met 28-18 geklop het in hul eerste tuiswedstryd van die seisoen.

Losskakel, Shudley Rhoda, en skrumskakel, Michael Kent, is deurgaans aan die spits van hul aanvalle, en met die tuisskare wat bankvas agter hulle staan sal Parel Vallei oorgehaal wees om vir Tygerberg te pak.

Verlede naweek het Hoërskool Bellville die Tiere se tande getrek met ‘n oorwinning van 29-10, maar die trotse skool uit die noordelike voorstede, wat onder andere die Springbok slot-duo van Marvin Orie en Eben Etzebeth opgelewer het, het ook gewys dat hulle oor die nodige skietgoed beskik met ‘n sege van 17-15 oor Hermanus.

Thurlow Goodheart, wat verlede jaar reeds die strepiestrui gedra het, is ‘n speler om fyn dop te hou op heelagter.

Parel Vallei t. Hoërskool Tygerberg om 11:30:

Parel Vallei: 15 Luchen Meyer, 14 Junior Ruzvidzo, 13 Christiaan Louw, 12 Caleb Maasdorp, 11 Iviwe Majingo, 10 Shudley Rhoda, 9 Michael Kent, 8 Renato Tosi, 7 Sebastiaan van Niekerk, 6 Dylan Cockroft, 5 Marko Karsten, 4 Thomas Hoffmeyer, 3 Ian Kleynhans, 2 Diaan du Toit, 1 Ayandisa Mpumlwana.

Hoërskool Tygerberg: 15 Thurlow Goodheart, 14 Frank Atembe, 13 Kean Gousards, 12 Marius Griebenow, 11 Jodrey Yemba, 10 Venito Geduld, 9 Aidon Solomons, 8 Micheal Saal, 7 Prince Misengue, 6 Ray Reynalds, 5 Daniel Banza, 4 Divin Mbomba, 3 Jamie Coetzee, 2 Duhlin Kruger, 1 Tristan Macpearson.

Ander bepalings by Parel Vallei:

o. 19: 08:00 – Parel Vallei III t. Hoërskool Tygerberg III; 09:10 – Parel Vallei II t. Hoërskool Tygerberg II.

o. 16: 10:20 – Parel Vallei o. 16 A t. Hoërskool Tygerberg o. 16 A.

o. 15: 08:00 – Parel Vallei o. 15 B t. Hoërskool Tygerberg o. 15 B; 09:10 – Parel Vallei o. 15 A t. Hoërskool Tygerberg o. 15 A.

0. 14: 08:00 – Parel Vallei 0. 14 B t. Hoërskool Tygerberg o. 14 B; 09:10 – Parel Vallei o. 14 A t. Hoërskool Tygerberg o. 14 A.

Ander bepalings

o. 19: 10:00 – Plumstead t. Somerset College; 11:30 – Fish Hoek vs Camps Bay; 12:00 – Hoërskool Hopefield t. Hoërskool Bellville; 12:05 – Hoërskool Vredenburg t. Hoërskool Piketberg; 12:30 – Bellville THS t. Melkbosstrand.

Goldstone’s will host Maritzburg College and Durban High School (DHS) on Saturday, with the schools resuming a rich rugby rivalry that began in 1910. While College won that first match, the Horseflies won the most recent meeting on Van Heerden’s Field in 2023.

In a bruising early season clash, DHS came away with a hard-earned 14-7 victory, although the visitors were very unfortunate to have a try by captain Sasha Kadira disallowed, which could have levelled the scores.

DHS has made a slightly better start to the 2024 season than College, with their defence being their calling card thus far. Only once have they conceded more than single figures.

Last weekend, though, the seven points they gave up to Northwood were not enough to see them to a win and they had to settle for a 7-7 draw on Reece-Edwards Field.

DHS Director of Rugby Peter Engeldow felt his side’s tactical kicking wasn’t up to scratch, so they will have worked hard on that during the week, especially since College’s fullback Luyanda Kunene is a devastating counterattacking weapon.

In a notable change, the Horseflies have made a big call and moved Allston Cedras to flyhalf, with Aka Boqwana dropping to the bench. Cedras has run out at fullback and wing this season, but his move to no.10 is indicative of School’s struggles at Northwood last weekend and their desire to run the ball better.

There is a trade-off, with Boqwana having served as DHS’s first-choice kicker, but the coaching staff, no doubt, weighed that decision carefully.

One factor that must be considered is College’s home ground advantage. Last season, neither DHS nor College lost at home. In fact, College pushed DHS the hardest on Van Heerden’s Field.

This season, College has powered their way to two big wins on Goldstone’s, most recently 43-15 against Pretoria Boys High. It was tight at half-time, but the Red, Black and White tacked on 22 unanswered points in the second half.

Rambo Kubheka and company appear to be picking up steam. That win was their fourth on the trot since a loss to Boland Landbou at the St John’s Easter Rugby Festival. DHS had won four in succession before last weekend’s draw. In seven matches, they have allowed only 35 points.

Both College and DHS are difficult to stop once they find a rhythm, and College clearly found that in the latter stages of their games against Pretoria Boys High. It will be a tougher test against the rabid DHS defence.

Good offence depends a lot on the quality of the ball the backs receive and the battle up front will be a good one to watch. DHS is not a big team, but they scrum very well.

Their loosehead Unaye Mndau is not the biggest of front-rankers, but he’s performed strongly and will present Sharks’ Craven Week tighthead Aiden Botha with a stiff challenge. On the other side of the scrum, big Teddy Dlamini packs down against SA Schools’ loosehead Rambo Kubheka. It should be a fascinating contest.

It’s a big Saturday for St Charles College. They host Clifton College on Saints’ Old Boys’ Weekend.

Saints is an intriguing team. Their early results suggest they have the firepower to make some noise this season.

A 25-19 victory over Milnerton looks a whole lot better now that Milnerton upset Rondebosch, while a 24-28 loss to Bishops is, maybe, a bit of a letdown, considering Bishops’ early season struggles.

It has been a while since Saints played a game, though. They were last in action on 30 March, when they beat St Alban’s College 22-16. It’s one of those things that could go either way. Sometimes time off helps and sometimes it hurts.

St Charles has brought in Craig Dwyer as their Head of Rugby. He spent the past decade plying his trade in New Zealand, so it will be interesting to see if his charges’ approach differs somewhat from other KZN schools.

Clifton put in a strong shift against Glenwood on the past weekend but were punished when they didn’t take good enough care of the ball.

Getting some parity in terms of ball possession will be crucial if they are to challenge Saints. They’re a hard-working team that is looking for a bit of a spark to ignite their season.

Meadows is a tough place to win for visiting teams, but Northwood has displayed real steel this season and they’ll fancy their chances against Michaelhouse in Balgowan on Saturday.

They will, however, be without their captain and SA Schools A representative Vuyo Gwiji, with Titus Cesonis taking over from him at number eight.

In another big change, Siya Nkosi moves from flyhalf to fullback, with Savio Stevens getting the start in the no. 10 jersey. His matchup opposite Michaelhouse’s accomplished Luke Davidson will be one of the pivotal battles within the war.

Coach Jacques Deen‘s Northwood team is uncompromising. They’ve won three and drawn one, with their signature victory so far being a 10-7 win at Hilton College in their season opener.

At the KES Easter Rugby Festival, they also showed that if they build up a little momentum, they’re a handful. There, they blasted Die Brandwag 50-0 and Hudson Park 40-8.

They’ve surrendered only 22 points in four matches and that kind of defence wins matches.

Michaelhouse, meanwhile, has been up and down in 2024, with wins over Westville and Bishops, but narrow losses to Helpmekaar, SACS and St John’s (Harare) by a combined total of only eight points.

Their only match at home thus far was their opener against Helpmekaar which, unfortunately for ‘House, featured first-match drops and inaccuracy. They’ll expect a lot better on Saturday and will take strength from the fact that they’re running out on Meadows.

Captain and 8^th-man Carlyle Hawkins is a lead-from-the-front type who sets the physical tone on attack and defence. He was part of the KZN Academy team last year, which also featured Tom Baguley, Luke Davidson, Aya Mkhokeli and Aphiwe Shelembe.

TEAMS

Maritzburg College vs DHS at 14:30

Maritzburg College

15 Luyanda Kunene, 14 Langelihle Makhathini, 13 Swelihle Mbatha, 12 12 Nkululeko Sithole, 11 Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein, 10 James Slevin, 9 Rayke Maartens, 8 Imivuyo Kemka, 7 Naz Isaacs, 6 Struan Oosthuizen, 5 Jake Jansen, 4 Wasi Vyambwera, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Siyabonga Nyathi, 1 Phiwayinkhosi Kubheka (c).

Durban High School

15 Jordan van Wyk, 14 Adriano Jackson, 13 Hlumelo Madikane, 12 Duncan Basson, 11 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 10 Allston Cedras, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Khanyisa Stamper, 7 Bradley la Grange, 6 Dale Hendrikse, 5 Thando Luthuli, 4 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 3 Bongani Dlamini, 2 Mahle Sithole (c), 1 Unaye Mndau.

St Charles College vs Clifton College at 14:30

St Charles College

15 Salmaan Mohammed, 14 Athenkosi Qumo, 13 Rashied Isaacs, 12 Okuhle Petu, 11 Matthew Ludick, 10 Ukhanyo Ntsangani, 9 Matthew Fick, 8 Stefan Veldsman, 7 Sam Odell, 6 Lazola Makaula, 5 Reece Curtain, 4 Rafael Ajibade, 3 Christian Allardice, 2 Marlon Mbewe, 1 Lutho Mrwata

Clifton College

15 Handré de Bruin, 14 Lwandile Myeni, 13 Nkanyiso Ntshangase, 12 Bryce Beeslaar, 11 Wandile Ngubane, 10 Adam Selikow, 9 Kyle Akal, 8 Andisa Methembu, 7 Jamie Brown, 6 Matt Ropertz, 5 Lukhanyiso Nala, 4 Matt Hammond, 3 Simphiwe Ngcobo, 2 Richard Castle, 1 Njabulo Dlomo (c)

Michaelhouse vs Northwood School at 15:30

Michaelhouse

15 Stefan Moolman, 14 Aya Mkhokeli, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 William Ridl, 10 Luke Davidson, 9 Jack Hughes, 8 Carlyle Hawkins (c), 7 Robert Combrinck, 6 Riley Gehren, 5 Dom Sesink Clee, 4 Alex Arde, 3 Thomas Peach, 2 Oliver Davis, 1 Aphiwe Shelembe

Northwood

15 Siyanda Nkosi, 14 Joshua Thondhlana, 13 Thomas Lindsey, 12 Bongane Khumalo, 11 Aphiwe Buthelezi, 10 Savio Stevens, 9 Graeham de Swardt, 8 Titus Cesonis, 7 Lian Terblanche, 6 Ethan Macey, 5 Chad Howe, 4 Kwezi Kunene, 3 Reuben Vos, 2 Werner van Niewenhuizen, 1 Sphepelo Ntshangase

Die Wesgrow Sentrale Sportreeks-spanne is oorgehaal vir nog ‘n naweek van opwindende netbal-kragmetings. Agt spanne van die Vrystaat en Noord-Kaap ding mee om die gesogte Wesgrow-titel.

In Bloemfontein is die plaaslike skole slaggereed om mekaar die stryd aan te sê, met Hoërskool Sentraal en Hoërskool Fichardtpark wat mekaar weer pak om 12:30 by Fichies.

In nog ‘n boeiende kragmeting ontvang Hoërskool Goudveld om 11:40 vir Bethlehem Voortrekker Hoërskool by Gouties in Welkom, terwyl Hoërskool Jim Fouché en Hoërskool Diamantveld, van Kimberley, om 11:20 kragte meet by Tralies.

Hoërskool Witteberg en Hoërskool Trio, wat ook deel vorm van die reeks, het reeds vandeesweek teen mekaar gespeel, met Witteberg wat met 43-24 geseëvier het.

Oranje Meisieskool van Bloemfontein betree nuwe horisonne hierdie naweek, wanneer hulle teen die netbalkragte van die Paarl, in die Paarl, te staan kom.

Geskiedenis word ook gemaak met Oranje se heel eerste interskole-kragmeting met Paarl Gimnasium.

Die aksiebelaaide naweek skop af met Oranje en HMS Paarl wat mekaar Vrydagmiddag om 16:20 die stryd aansê.

Saterdag word die opwindingsvlakke selfs hoër gelig, wanneer Oranje om 11:15 vir Paarl Gimnasium in hul geskiedkundige interskole-kragmeting aandurf.

Surita le Roux, Oranje se hoof-netbalafrigter, het te kenne gegee dat haar span hoogs opgewonde is om teen die beroemde skole van die Paarl mee te ding.

“Dit is ‘n groot voorreg om teen HMS Paarl en Paarl Gimnasium, in ‘n eerste interskole-kragmeting, te kan speel,” sê Le Roux.

“Daardie skole se prestasies en resultate oor die jare spreek vanself, en ons voorsien dat hierdie naweek se netbalwedstryde uiters mededingend en hard sal wees. Ons sien nietemin uit na die uitdaging en hoop om vriendskappe te smee in die proses wat veel verder sal strek as die netbalbaan.”

Juline van der Merwe van Paarl Gimnasium sê dat hulle ook harde, kompeterende netbal verwag.

“Ons fokus is egter 100% op onsself en hoe ons ons eie strukture kan verbeter,” vertel sy. “Ons sien uit daarna om netbal van die hoogste gehalte ten toon te stel.”

Na hul kragmeting met Oranje Vrydagmiddag, kom HMS Paarl Saterdag om 11:20 teen nog ‘n gedugte opponent, die Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, te staan.

“Dit is altyd ‘n hoogtepunt op ons netbalkalender om teen Bloemhof te kan speel,” sê Marli Visagie, afrigter van HMS Paarl.

“Ons het hard gewerk en is reg vir ‘n dag van goeie sportmanskap, tawwe teenstand en puik netbal wat opgedis sal word tussen die spanne.”

Oranje se span teen HMS Paarl 

D – Nadine Jonck

HD – Marianne Louw

AV – Karin Truter

S – Diné le Roux

VV – Amy Fröhlich

HV – Marguerite Cronjé

V – Anja Cohen

Reserwes

D of HD  Danielle v Jaarsveld

VV / HV Jessica Barnard

VV – Ane Goosen

V – Kylie Steenkamp

Oranje se span teen Paarl Gimnasium

D – Nadine Jonck

HD – Marianne Louw

AV – Diné le Roux

S – Amy Fröhlich

VV – Marguerite Cronjé

HV – Anja Cohen

V –  Cara Smith

Reserwes

D of HD  Danielle v Jaarsveld

Av/ HD Karin Truter

VV / HV Jessica Barnard

VV – Ane Goosen

HMS Paarl se span 

Anke Stofberg

Sophia Wium

Isabella Cook

Kyla Sabbagha

Mine vd Walt

Elzahn Nel

Jenna Haywood

Angie Cook

Janie Visser

Cara Els

Paarl Gim se span

Anja Smit
Leané Otto
Marli Matthee
Carly Basson
Elené Vosloo
Jana Martin
Cathryn Botes
Annabella Wiese
Eloné Dippenaar
Milla Barnard

Die Griffons-liga en Wesgrow-reeks hervat hierdie naweek, nadat die spelers verlede week aan die eerste ronde streeksproewe deelgeneem het.

Voortrekker is oorgehaal om momentum te behou wanneer hulle vir Goudveld in Welkom aandurf, terwyl Hoërskool Trio en Witteberg vir mekaar in Bethlehem die stryd aansê.

Beleef al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die reeks

Die Trekkers se vyftiental is onveranderd van die een wat in hul vorige kragmeting vir Hoërskool Trio met 38-15 verslaan het. Hul groot Cravenweek-stut, Cecil Parsons, het weer uitgeblink in daardie stryd en twee drieë tot sy naam gevoeg.

Toe Voortrekker verlede seisoen teen die Gouties te staan gekom het, kon Thumi Khoza twee keer agter die doellyn gaan kuier. Hy sal weer ‘n impak wil maak indien hy Saterdag die geleentheid kry om van die reserwebank af te speel.

Heelagter, Kaneng Komane, het ook in daardie wedstryd gedruk om sy span tot ‘n sege van 29-19 oor Goudveld te help, en sal Saterdag weer ‘n beduidende rol hê om te vervul as die laaste vesting.

Die tuisspan sal dringend weer na die wenpad wil terugkeer, nadat hulle in hul vorige wedstryd teen Hentie Cilliers met 15-19 die aftog moes blaas.

Kaptein, Ruben Crous, het voorheen gewys dat hy ‘n kragmeting in sy span se guns kan swaai, en met gevaarmanne soos Ru-Bran Kock (heelagter) en Caleb Lottering (senter) in hul midde sal die Gouties nie terugstaan vir die besoekers nie.

Die span van Welkom se voorspelers sal egter op hul stukke moet wees om die groot Trekker-pak in toom te hou.

Trio het verlede jaar vir Witteberg met 36-22 geklop, nadat die span van Bethlehem teen halftyd nog met 17-15 voorgeloop het.

Hierdie naweek sal die stryd tussen die twee losskakels waarskynlik ‘n bepalende faktor wees. Sydwell Sethi (Witteberg) en Byron Biennas (Trio) is sleutelfigure in hul onderskeie spanne, terwyl Kenyon Morat, die besoekers se binnesenter, nog ‘n opwindende speler is om dop te hou .

Die spanne is:

Goudveld t. Voortrekker om 14:00:

Goudveld: 15 Ru-Bran Kock, 14 Adriaan Muller, 13 Hendro Boardman, 12 Caleb Lottering, 11 KB Sonopo, 10 Ruben Crous, 9 JM Rensburg, 8 Malan Marx, 7 Thabiso Phafudi, 6 Hannes Fouché, 5 Wehan Mostert, 4 Heinru Carstens, 3 Marko van der Westhuizen, 2 Jan Coetzee, 1 Toka Khooe.

Voortrekker: 15 Kaneng Komane, 14 Karabelo Chaka, 13 Frederik Fourie, 12 Craig Mann, 11 Kamohelo Moses, 10 Adriaan Bonthuys, 9 Christiaan van der Sandt, 8 Dawie Fourie, 7 Wian Fourie, 6 Jayden de Jesus, 5 Tristan Meyer, 4 Luttig Roux, 3 Cecil Parsons, 2 Arnold Ras, 1 AJ Ferreira.

Witteberg t. Hoërskool Trio om 13:30:

Witteberg: 15 Janco Swart, 14 Sakkie Brits, 13 JC van Rhyn, 12 Kenyon Morat, 11 Tshepo Motloung, 10 Sydwell Sethi, 9 Kirsten Fourie, 8 Daniel Meintjies, 7 Llewellyn Beukes, 6 Lesego Moskikidi, 5 Marco Grobler, 4 Pieter Nel, 3 Rajesh Laubscher, 2 Jacques van der Merwe, 1 Rian Roos.

Hoërskool Trio: 15 Byron Maggerman, 14 Thuto Kekane, 13 Aaron Kriek, 12 Tyron Adams, 11 Jayden Windvogel, 10 Byron Biennas, 9 Ethan Smith, 8 Tapiwa Mundeta, 7 Pieter van Schalkwyk, 6 Franco de Wet, 5 Danie Fourie, 4 Dian Serfontein, 3 Juandré Vorster, 2 Killian Kriek, 1 Hanco Geel.

Since 2010, two of the powerhouses of South African schoolboy rugby have done battle on neutral ground, often crossing paths at the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament, but that’s about to change.

Regardless of where they’ve met, matches between Grey College and Paarl Gimnasium have always been a showcase of some of the best schoolboy talent in the country. This year, with the introduction of a new annual Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools fixture between the two juggernauts, Paarl Gimnasium will want to make full use of their home-field advantage to keep their unblemished 2024 record intact when they welcome their great rivals from the Free State.

Watch live coverage on SuperSport Schools – DStv channel 216

The Gimmies have been an unstoppable force so far this season, although their most recent outing resulted in victory by only one point over Affies in Pretoria last weekend, when a nail-biting clash ended 20-19.

Exciting winger Immanuel Prinsloo was a revelation in that match and will be one of the players to keep an eye on this weekend.

Before that tight victory, they also racked up impressive wins over Monument (38-21), Pretoria Boys High (75-10) and Boland Landbou (47-13), and a win over the challengers from the City of Roses would be a massive highlight in an already impressive season.

Last weekend, Grey silenced many of their doubters, following their shock defeat to Jeppe at the NMI North-South Tournament, by pummelling Outeniqua 90-3. They’ve been wounded and they’re chomping at the bit with a golden opportunity to reassert their dominance this season.

Last year, when the sides met in Pretoria, Grey ended a two-year losing streak against the Paarl outfit, outscoring them 33-12. They also claimed the position of the top dogs in the country with a 100 percent winning record, but this year there is no doubt that the competition for the number one spot is much fiercer.

In 2021 and 2022, however, Paarl Gimnasium achieved back-to-back wins over the Free State giants, with exemplary performances by their flyhalves proving pivotal on both occasions.

In 2021, Liam Koen was the Gimmie pivot when they beat Grey 18-16 at the Monnas Centenary Festival. The following year, his successor, Kyle Smith, played a key role when they triumphed 22-17 at the Absa Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley.

In fact, on the previous four occasions that they’ve beaten the Bloemfontein boys, they’ve had stars in the no. 10 jersey.

In those others wins, World Cup-winning flyhalf Handré Pollard pulled the strings in a 45-29 victory over Grey at the Kearsney Easter Festival in 2012 and, before that, in 1994, it was none other than Liam Koen’s father, Springbok Louis Koen, who directed Paarl Gim to a 10-0 win.

Chandler Green will have an opportunity to join that elite list of Gimmie-flyhalves when he takes to the field this weekend.

The battle between the two packs should also be monumental, with Ely Williams, JJ du Preez and Dawie Stemmet fronting up against Danie Kruger, Dian Venter and Grey captain, Liam van Wyk, in the front row.

Another interesting clash will be in the midfield where Grey College’s big carrier Ethan Adams and school captain Pieter van der Merwe will come face to face with rising star Markus Muller and his captain Kobus Blanckenberg.

The excitement is palpable as a brand-new chapter in the rivalry between the two South African rugby factories kicks off.

Teams

Paarl Gimnasium vs Grey College at 12:15

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Freek de Kock, 14 Immanuel Prinsloo, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Kobus Blanckenberg, 11 Markus Moolman, 10 Chandler Green, 9 Melt Viljoen, 8 Quintin Potgieter, 7 Wihan Kotze, 6 Jan Koegelenberg, 5 Marinus Daling, 4 Stiaan de Goede, 3 Ely Williams, 2 Dawie Stemmet, 1 JJ du Preez.

Grey College: 15 Heinz Stockenström, 14 Siyabonga Kenny, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Ruben Cilliers, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Philip McLaren, 8 Liam Santos, 7 Juliun Cosmo, 6 Xander Smit, 5 AJ Meyer, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Dian Venter.

Fixtures

JA Kriel: 08:30 – Paarl Gimnasium u16 A vs Grey College u16 A; 09:45 – Paarl Gimnasium III vs Grey College III; 11:00 – Paarl Gimnasium II vs Grey College II; 12:15 – Paarl Gimnasium 1st XV vs Grey College 1st XV.

Stofberg: 08:30 – Paarl Gimnasium u14 A vs Grey College u14 A; 09:30 – Paarl Gimnasium u15 A vs Grey College u15 A; 11:00 – Paarl Gimnasium IV vs Grey College IV.

Oukraal: 08:15- Paarl Gimnasium V vs Grey College V; 09:30 – Paarl Gimnasium VII vs Grey College VII; 10:45 – Paarl Gimnasium VI vs Grey College VI.

Lemoenkloof: 08:15 – Paarl Gimnasium u16 D vs Grey College u16 D; 09:30 – Paarl Gimnasium u16 C vs Grey College u16 C; 10:45 – Paarl Gimnasium u16 B vs Grey College u16 B.

Fonteintjie: 08:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u15 B vs Grey College u15 B; 09:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u15 D vs Grey College u15 D; 10:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u15 C vs Grey College u15 C.

Dammetjie: 08:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u14 D vs Grey College u14 D; 09:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u14 C vs Grey College u14 C; 10:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u14 E vs Grey College u14 E; 11:00 – Paarl Gimnasium u14 B vs Grey College u14 B.