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Hoërskool Stellenberg skop Saterdag af met die eerste van ‘n strawwe lys bepalings, wanneer Paarl Gimnasium in die Moederstad kom besoek aflê.

Die Jade Brigade is egter oorgehaal om nuwe hoogtes vanjaar te bereik en sien derhalwe uit na die groot uitdaging wat die Paarl-reuse bied.

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

Verlede jaar het die Gimmies weer onder die topspanne in die land geëindig, danksy staatmakers soos Freek de Kock, Kobus Blanckenberg, Chandler Green, Ely Williams en Liam Burger, wat die eerstespan tot groot hoogtes gelei het.

Die Gimmies het in hul jaarlikse interskole teen Hoër Jongenskool Paarl (Boishaai) koning gekraai met 20-17 om ‘n uitstekende seisoen af te sluit.

Stellenberg bou egter nou al ‘n geruime tyd aan hul rugbyprogram en wys jaar na jaar dat hulle saam met die groot honde kan blaf.

In 2022 het Paarl Gim met 12-6 gewen, maar verlede jaar was daar slegs ‘n enkele punt verskil tussen die twee toe die Gimmies vir ‘n naelskraapse sege van 24-23 op hul tuisveld kon vasbyt.

Stellenberg se blitsige vleuel, Luc Cilliers, het in die doodsnikke van daardie wedstryd gedruk om sy span binne trefafstand van ‘n geskiedkundige oorwinning te bring.

Die tafel is dus gedek vir ‘n riller waneer die twee mekaar Saterdag weer aanvat.

Die span van Paarl se groot loskopstut, JJ du Preez, het uitgestaan in hul voorseisoense chukkas teen HTS Drostdy. Du Preez was verlede jaar in Helpmekaar-kollege, so dit sal interesant wees om te sien hoe hy by die Gimmie-patroon inpas.

Met vyf van Stellenberg se pak voorspelers wat verlede seisoen reeds hul staal getoets het as deel van die eerstespan, behoort die Jade Brigade nie ‘n enkele tree terug te staan nie.

Die kragmeting belowe om een van die hoogepunte van die naweek te wees, met albei spanne wat ‘n uiters hoë standaard aan hulself stel, met die oog op groot seisoene.

Die spanne is:

Stellenberg t. Paarl Gim om 13:00:

Hoërskool Stellenberg: 15 Dehan Neethling, 14 Marco Staples, 13 Estian Steyn, 12 Ruben Pretorius, 11 Luc Cilliers, 10 Stefan Roux, 9 Christiaan van der Bijl, 8 Dale du Toit, 7 Stefan Visser, 6 Alex Schoeman, 5 Zian Erasmus, 4 Sebastian Johnson, 3 Ryk Groenewald, 2 Almero Keizer, 1 Dean Janse van Rensburg.

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Josh O’Neill, 14 Freek de Kock, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Kobus Blanckenberg, 11 Markus Moolman, 10 Chandler Green, 9 Melt Viljoen, 8 Nicolas Nel, 7 Wihan Kotze, 6 Jan Koegelenberg, 5 Stiaan de Goede, 4 Liam van Rooyen, 3 Ely Williams, 2 Liam Burger, 1 JJ du Preez.

Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se Wit Bulle sal na Saterdag presies weet hoeveel slypwerk nog vir hulle vir die Noord/Suid-toernooi voorlê.

Affies reis na Johannesburg waar hy teen Helpmekaar-kollege te staan sal kom. Die wedstryd skop om 12:30 af.

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

Die twee skole se eerstespanne het mekaar al 66 keer vantevore op die rugbyveld ontmoet. Helpies was slegs in 20 aan die wenkant waarvan die laaste keer in 1998 was.

Albei die spanne kon darem al vanjaar die litte losmaak. Helpies moes sweet in Balgowan om vir Michaelhouse met 10-7 in ‘n klipharde stryd tot oorgawe te dwing. Affies het na Kimberley gereis en Diamantveld met 33-10 die loef af te steek.

Helpies se truie word vir die wedstryd deur die voormalige Italiaanse veelsydige speler Gert Peens uitgedeel. Die oud-Helpie het Italië in 24 toetse verteenwoordig.

Helpies se afrigters sal hoop dat daar ‘n stukkie Peens-magic aan hul span afsmeer. Peens het in ‘n toets teen Ierland met ‘n skepdoel van 58 meter geslaag en is ook bekend vir die duikslag op die All Black makro-vleuel Jonah Lomu.

Affies se skakelpaar, Ruben Pienaar en Hendré Schoeman, is sleutelspelers vir hul span. Pienaar het teen Diamantveld met sy skopvoet sy span op die voorvoet gehou, terwyl Schoeman se seepgladde diens asook sy oog vir ‘n gaping om die afbreekpunte goud werd vir die Wit Bulle was.

Die Wit Bulle se SA Skole-binnesenter, Janco Purchase, sal ook uitsien na sy tweestryd teen Michael Benzien in die middelveld. Benzien was verlede jaar al een van Helpies se staatmakers. Voorlangs sal die span van die Goudstad se vaskopstut, Ulrich van der Merwe, ook ‘n speler wees om dop te hou.

Die spanne is: 

Helpmekaar: 15 Tiaan le Roux, 14 Ty Ax, 13 Clinton Cloete, 12 Michael Benzien, 11 Pieter Möller, 10 Wian Storm, 9 Tristan van Niekerk, 8 Moloi Motlatsi, 7 Darius Haasbroek, 6 Eugene de Lange, 5 JP Lombard, 4 Christiaan Tonkin, 3 Ulrich van der Merwe, 2 Gustav Grotius, 1 Dylan Engelbrecht.

Affies: 15 Ruben Groenewald, 14 Hugo Snyman, 13 Theuns Maritz, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Nicolaas Grobler, 10 Ruben Pienaar, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Robin Lippold, 7 Albert Smit, 6 Luan Potgieter, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Muntingh Hamman, 3 Ruan Smuts, 2 Ethan van Dyk, 1 Werner Vrey.

Ander bepalings: 

12:30 – o.19A – Helpmekaar vs Affies
11:10 – o.16A – Helpmekaar vs Affies
10:00 – o.19B – Helpmekaar vs Affies
09:00 – o.15A – Helpmekaar vs Affies
08:00 – o.14A – Helpmekaar vs Affies

Hoërskool Wesvalia kom Saterdag voor hul grootste toets nóg te staan vanjaar, wanneer hulle met Hoërskool Rustenburg, in die NWU Prestige-reeks in Rustenburg, kragte meet.

Volg al die aksie op SuperSport Schools – Skakel na die wedstryde.

Die Rusties het oor die laaste paar seisoene taamlik opslae gemaak in die Noordval-rugbykringe. Dit sluit in hul promosie van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Plaat- na die Beker-afdeling, wat van hulle nou een van die groot honde Noord van die Vaalrivier maak.

Die tuisspan sal egter sonder die dienste van hulle ster, Lorenzo Snyers, op buitesenter moet klaarkom. Snyers is ‘n blaaskans gegun om van ‘n ligte besering, in die span se wegholsege van 48-8 teen Hoërskool Oosterlig, te herstel.

Snyers laat egter nie ‘n té groot leemte nie, met die blistisge Jon-Re Jefthas wat van regtervleuel middeveld toe skuif in Snyers se plek. Dit bied voorts aan Christiaan van der Berg die geleentheid om op regtervleuel te wys waartoe hy in staat is.

Voorlangs is die Rusties se pak onveranderd, met die slotte, Pedrie Human en Erich Ackerman, wat die pap dik sal aanmaak.

Die span van Klerksdorp moes een verandering aanbring aan die span wat Hoërskool Montana met 31-21 getroef het. Slot, Wessel Sevenster, bevind homself op die krukkelys, maar Ulrigh du Preez is ‘n waardige plaasvervanger en sal daarna uitsien om die Wesvalia-breiers te beïndruk.

Losskakel, Rickardt van Heerden, sal weer beheer oor die agterlyn neem. Hy het ‘n reuse aandeel gehad in sy span se sege oor die Pretorianers, en sy skopskoen hou verál  ‘n bedreiging in vir die Rustenburgers.

Hoërskool Pietersburg moet sonder hul staatmaker op losskakel, Vincent Luckhoff, in Lichtenburg klaarkom, waar hulle vir die eerste keer vanjaar vir Hoërskool Lichtenburg pak.

Luckhoff is vir ‘n onbepaalde tyd buite aksie nadat hy sy been, in die Pieties se sege van 23-17 oor Hoërskool Die Anker, gebreek het. Hanno van Zyl skuif van buitesenter na losskakel om hom te vervang, met Dustin Terblanche wat op buitesenter inkom.

Die Liggies gaan die stryd met ‘n onveranderde span, wat Potchefstroom Gimnasium met 39-19 afgeransel het, tegemoet. Albert Joubert, die Liggies se losskakel sal weer sy gevaarlike agterlyn op die voorvoet wil plaas en Abrie Coetzee neem oudergewoonte sy plek op agsteman in.

Hoërskool Jeugland het ‘n reuse taak op hande wanneer hulle Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in Alberton aandurf. Ruan Worst maak sy debuutverskyning op skrumskakel in die plek van die beseerde Jorden Verhoeff, terwyl Jeugland se gevaarmanne, Oregopots Shilubane en Jetao Jooste, oor en weer van vleuel verwissel.

Marais Viljoen het slegs twee veranderinge aangebring vir hierdie week, met haker, Tiaan Bruyns, wat ‘n blaaskans geniet en Nathan Bailey wat in sy plek sal diens doen. JD Labuschagne vervang die beseerde Rio Tshimbalanga op agsteman.

Die spanne:

Rustenburg t. Wesvalia om 13:20 in Rustenburg:

Hoërskool Rustenburg: 15 Tiano Combrinck, 14 Christiaan van der Berg, 13 Jon-Re Jefhtas, 12 Awie Alberts, 11 Zulu Khumalo, 10 Jayden Meyer, 9 Adriano George, 8 MC Smit, 7 Dirk Huisamen, 6 Cenraad Coetzer, 5 Erich Potgieter, 4 Pedrie Human, 3 Xander Benedetti, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Carel Schoonraad.

Hoërskool Wesvalia: 15 Marno Dreyer, 14 Ben Bierman, 13 Fafa Calitz, 12 Philip van Rensburg, 11 Justin Adams, 10 Rickardt van Heerden, 9 Chad Hofmeyer, 8 Hanre Venter, 7 Francois Dumond, 6 Joshua Pieters, 5 Ulrigh du Preez, 4 Franco Dumond, 3 Bernard Swanepoel, 2 Junoir Kuhn, 1 Jonathan Botha.

Lichtenburg t. Pietersburg om 12:30 in Lichtenburg:

Hoërskool Lichtenburg: 15 Luan Snyman, 14 Tyrell van Schalkwyk, 13 Dundre Dempers, 12 Benre Pollard, 11 Rea Motsusi, 10 Albert Joubert, 9 Willem van Niekerk, 8 Abrie Coetzee, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 Kgolagano Legodi, 5 John Kleynhans, 4 Regardt Jacobs, 3 JJ Jonker, 2 Juan van Rhyn, 1 Donovan Rosata.

Hoërskool Pietersburg: 15 Brydan Retief, 14 Lerisch Duba, 13 Dustin Terblanhe, 12 Nick Jones, 11 AJ Loots, 10 Hanno van Zyl, 9 Divan Brown, 8 Hardus Otto, 7 FC Smith, 6 Tiaan Vermeulen, 5 Juan Jansen van Vuuren, 4 Etienne van Jaarsveldt, 3 Elardus Erasmus, 2 Dewald de Beer, 1 Floris Venter.

Marais Viljoen t. Jeugland om 12:30 in Alberton:

Hoërskool Marais Viljoen: 15 Tyron Bouw, 14 Tiaan Joubert, 13 Brandon Els, 12 Claudo do Couto, 11 Ethan Weideman, 10 Rekkie Gerber, 9 Weon van der Wyver, 8 JD Labuschagne, 7 Dian Scheeper, 6 Lloyd Shoko-Schenck, 5 Rynier Welgemoed, 4 Bjorn Pieterse, 3 Sifiso Shongwe, 2 Nathan Bailey, 1 Clayton Gagiano.

Hoërskool Jeugland: 15 Thando Ngomane, 14 Jetao Joost, 13 Sinenhlanhla Ndlovu, 12 Ruan Steenkamp, 11 Oregopots Shilubane, 10 King Aganzo, 9 Ruan Worst, 8 Jayden Kleyn, 7 Joseph Ngoma-Ngoma, 6 Lebo Letlala, 5 Sharon Nsenda, 4 Shammah Nsenda, 3 Khumo Maimane, 2 Siyanda Mbanwa, 1 Siyabonga Moshele.

Ander wedstryde: 

12:20 – Potchefstroom Gimnasium t. Hoërskool Die Anker; 12:20 – Hoërskool Hugenote (Springs) t. Hoërskool Klerksdorp; 12:30 – Hoërskool Montana t. Hoërskool Oosterlig; 12:40 – Hoërskool Zwartkop t. Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom.

 

Hilton College faced Northwood School in their first KZN derby day of 2023, and that will be their first KZN clash of 2024, when they welcome the Knights to Gilfillan Field on Saturday.

Last season, Hilton were comfortable 29-10 winners on Reece-Edwards Field, at Northwood, but there has been a lot of turn-over in their ranks, with only five players – Hanu Pieterse, Ivan Jjuuko, Rukudzo Madinga, Ben le Roux and Ross Brown – returning to the 1^st XV fold.

However, they have six players – Josh Grant, Liyema Nela, Zander Vorster, Khazimla Makali, Trent Chubb and Emmanuel Dankwa – who ran out at the Grant Khomo Week in 2023, ready to take up their positions in the first side.

The 2024 team would do well to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. The 2023 side won seven of their eight KZN matches, with their only loss coming in their last game to Michaelhouse.

Their two games against their arch-rivals last year were thrilling affairs, with Hilton winning the first 20-17 and Michaelhouse taking the second 18-15, leaving the schools with a cumulative score of 35-35 for the season.

Coaches Brad McLeod-Henderson and Cam Fraser have proven adept at producing strong teams year after year. In fact, in Hilton’s 150^th anniversary season, 2022, they were unbeaten in KZN, so the bar has been set high.

Matching the preceding two seasons’ results will be a stiff challenge for the class of 2024 because Hilton has established itself at, or just one step off of the pinnacle of KZN schoolboy rugby, for pretty much the last five years.

Northwood had a middling set of results last season. But one thing that could always be counted on from coach Jeremy McLaren‘s charges was that the Knights would battle hard from the first whistle to the last.

At their best, they scored some brilliant tries, with their game against Hudson Park, at the KES Easter Rugby Festival, which they won 31-13, producing some remarkable five-pointers. They also recorded a historic first win over Glenwood at Glenwood, coming from behind to claim a 29-22 victory.

They’ll be led in 2024 by Head Prefect, Vuyo Gwiji. Originally selected to represent the Sharks’ u17 team at the Academy Week last year, he was a late addition to the Sharks’ Craven Week team, but then took full advantage of his opportunity to earn selection to the SA Schools A team.

He and flying winger Kwenzo Dlamini, who was a part of the Academy team, also won silver with the Sharks at the SA u17 Sevens Rugby Tournament, and Dlamini will be back to challenge opposition defenders again.

Sphe Ntshangase, who packed down in the front row for the Sharks at the Grant Khomo Week, will start at loosehead for the Knights.

Teams

Northwood

15 Aphiwe Buthelezi, 14 Kwenzo Dlamini, 13 Ramatuku Sikhakhane, 12 Bongane Khumalo, 11 Nokutenda Gunda, 10 Siyanda Nkosi, 10 Graeham de Swardt, 8 Dewald Mostert, 7 Vuyo Gwiji (c), 6 Ethan Macey, 5 Khwezi Kunene, 4 Titus Cesonis, 3 Reuben Vos, 2 Werner van Nieuwenhuizen, 1 Sphe Ntshangase.

Hilton College

15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Rukudzo Madinga, 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Daniel Sweeney, 11 Requilme Adonis, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Mitchel Wilson, 8 Hanu Pieterse, 7 Stewart Falconer, 6 Ross Brown, 5 Kieran Hunter, 4 Emmanuel Dankwah, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Dylan Neill, 1 Oliver Proudfoot,

In 2023, the Durban High School (DHS) 1^st XV was one of the most entertaining teams in South Africa. A very good pack provided quality ball, and they had an outstanding playmaker at flyhalf, in Deano Boesak.

Outside of the pivot, DHS displayed imagination and excellent ball skills and they produced numerous highlight reel tries.

One of their most entertaining performances came against Kearsney College, whom they outplayed 47-24 on their Founders Day in late May. Kearsney made a strong start before the quality of DHS took over the game.

That win was on Van Heerden Field, where DHS kept a clean record for the season. On Saturday, they have to make the short drive up to Botha’s Hill, where the challenge this year is likely to be a lot tougher. For one, it will be School‘s first match of the season.

Kearsney has three matches under the belt already, all wins, including a heart-stopping 16-14 defeat of Maritzburg College in their most recent outing. There is a sense of optimism in the Kearsney ranks, a feeling that this year they will make great strides. After a couple of tough seasons, they savoured that win over College on Stott Field.

DHS, though, will take some stopping. Their ranks include a number of regulars from 2023, among them Sibusiso Mahlangu, Khanyisa Stamper, Hlumelo Madikane, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Mahle Sithole, Aka Boqwana, Zingce Simka, and Ntando Mavuso. Meanwhile, Joseph Udo-idung, who represented the Sharks at the Grant Khomo Week, should also become a contributor.

DHS is led by a settled coaching team, with Head Coach Peter Engeldow calling the shots and former Sharks, Cheetahs and Griffons prop, Ronnie Uys, overseeing the forwards.

They play an entertaining 15-man game, which will challenge Kearsney’s committed defence. That was one of the areas in which the One-Stripe excelled against College and they’ll need to be equally effective in closing down space and making their first-time tackles against DHS. If they give the Durban side room in which to operate, it could be a difficult afternoon for the home team.

Last season, the DHS pack was rock solid behind the outstanding SA Schools’ tighthead Simphiwe Ngobese. Interestingly, this time around, it’s Kearsney College who will look to their tighthead to lead the way.

Anele Cele, their captain, performed superbly opposite Maritzburg College’s SA Schools’ loosehead Phiwayinkosi Kubheka on Saturday, and they’ll look for more of the same from him against DHS.

Teams

Durban High School

15 Allston Cedras, 14 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 13 Duncan Basson, 12 Zingce Simka, 11 Adriano Jackson, 10 Aka Boqwana, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Khanyisa Stamper, 7 Bradley le Grange, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Thando Luthuli, 4 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 3 Bongani Dlamini, 2 Mahle Sithole, 1 Unaye Mndau

Kearsney College

15 Daniel Eager, 14 Valentino Lenge, 13 Lindokuhle Mpungose, 12 Jarred van Staaden, 11 Bukho Hlwatika, 10 Cameron Veenstra (vc), 9 Roydan Madatt, 8 Qhamani Mlalandle, 7 Connor McIntyre, 6 Seth Brown, 5 Ryan Sim, 4 Simo Mnqokoyi, 3 Anele Cele (c), 2 Blake Kruger, 1 Kudak Kachambwa

 

Westville Boys’ High welcomes Michaelhouse to Bowden’s on Saturday. The Griffin, under the leadership of coach Njabulo “Jabz” Zulu, are one of the more intriguing teams in KZN heading into the 2024 rugby season.

Last year, Westville scored some of the prettiest tries seen anywhere, with wonderful flowing moves, but they also went through a bit of a mid-season dip. They were almost always in games, but they lost one or two they would feel they should have won.

This year, they return 10 members of the 2023 side and those players will be bolstered by a strong infusion of talent from the u16 ranks.

Last season, the Westville u16 team was unbeaten in KZN. Outside of the province, their results at the Tony Munnik Festival at Jeppe included a 22-22 draw with Monument and a 17-17 draw with Grey High.

Six Westville boys ran out for the Sharks at the Grant Khomo Week. Questioned whether they might be knocking on the 1^st XV door, coach Zulu replied emphatically: “Definitely.” He highlighted them: “Liam Simpkins at 9; Zekhethelo Siyaya, at 15; David Humphries, at 8; Lwandile Simelane, at lock; Jadrian Afrikaner, at wing; and Jadewill Koopman at 10.”

Sure, they are unproven at 1^st XV level, but those u16 players proved themselves to be among the best in KZN last season and that makes Westville a dark horse to make some noise in 2024.

Coach Zulu, though, is not all about the results, although he would, obviously like to win as many games as possible. “I’d love for our brand of rugby to win the hearts of people who come to watch us,” he said, when discussing his goals for the season.

Westville have played one practice match against Glenwood, but Saturday’s match will be their first game proper. Michaelhouse, meanwhile, opened their season against Helpmekaar this past weekend and they will pose a stiff challenge.

In a very tight contest, ‘House went down 7-10 to a bigger Helpmekaar team, but they had their chances to win. They have experienced players who were part of 2023’s outstanding 1^st XV, and they carry with them the winning mentality that means so much when a game is on the line.

Their lineup includes a solid core of players who represented the Sharks u17 team at the Academy Week in 2023, including captain and head boy, Caryle Hawkins, who runs out at number eight, Tom Baguley (centre), Luke Davidson (flyhalf), Aya Mkhokeli (wing) and Aphiwe Shelembe (prop), who is a powerhouse in the scrums and a powerful ball carrier away from them.

In their game against Helpmekaar, Michaelhouse showed off a tenacious defence and they will need more of that against Westville. Michaelhouse Director of Rugby, James Fleming, was in no doubt that a “tough” contest awaits the visitors.

After their three-point loss against Helpmekaar, he said there were some uncharacteristic handling errors in the Michaelhouse backline, but a first outing against a very physical side would have surely helped prepare ‘House to perform better under pressure this Saturday.

Looking back on the Helpmekaar game, Fleming said some work was needed in the scrums and lineouts. It may be only a week later when they face Westville but expect a noticeable improvement from Michaelhouse.

They’re a well-coached team, usually very solid at the basics. The challenge awaiting them away from home on Saturday makes an 0-2 start to the season a very real possibility, but it’s a challenge they’ll be eager to accept.

Teams

Michaelhouse 

15 Stefan Moolman, 14 Aya Mkokheli, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 Rourke Murray, 10 Luke Davidson, 9 Jack Hughes, 8 Carlyle Hawkins (c), 7 Riley Gehren 6 Anesu Nduru 5 Dominic Sesink-Clee 4 Robert Combrinck 3 Thomas Peach 2 Jordan Rootman 1 Aphiwe Shelembe

Westville Boys’ High

15 Zekethelo Siyaya 14 Unathi Mlotshwa 13 Michael Satade 12 Blake Albon 11 Jadrian Afrikaner 10 Jadewill Koopman, 9 Ryan Pistor, 8 David Humphreys 7 Brandon Eke 6 Chris Cloete 5 Lwandile Simelane 4 Oliver Gcina 3 Athi Dengane 2 Ross Calvert 1 Akhona Maseko

Hierdie Saterdag is al die spanne in vanjaar se Wesgrow Sentrale Sportreeks in aksie, met Hoërskool Trio en Hoërskool Sentraal wat hul veldtogte ook dié naweek afskop.

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

Na ‘n strawwe voorseisoen, is die manne van Trio slaggereed om Hoërskool Diamantveld Saterdag in Kroonstad welkom te heet, terwyl die Tralies vir Hoërskool Witteberg weg van die huis, in Bethlehem, uitdaag.

Verlede seisoen se o.19 rugbykampioen, Hoërskool Fichardtpark, is ook in aksie in Bethlehem, waar hulle teen die algehele wenners van die reeks in 2023, Voortrekker Hoërskool, te staan kom, en, nadat Goudveld-Hoërskool gedurende die week hul veldtog met ‘n stewige sege teen die Fichies geopen het, verwelkom hulle vir Hoërskool Jim Fouché in Welkom, met die oog daarop om nóg ‘n span van Bloemfontein te kasty.

Trio het nog nie ‘n reeksbepaling gespeel nie, maar na twee harde voorseisoenwedstryde, teen Hoërskool Noordheuwel en Grey-kollege, het losskakel, Byron Biennas, en flank, Tapiwa Mundeta, reeds hul hande opgesteek as opwindende spelers om dop te hou.

Die Diamonds het hul reeks op ‘n hoë noot begin deur die bordjies te verhang teen Voortrekker met ‘n oorwinning van 18-6 in Kimberley.

Met ‘n groot pak voorspelers wat die fondasie lê vir spelbrekers soos Marno Greeff (losskakel) en Kyle Taute (heelagter) om aanvalle te loods, beoog die Diamonds om verlede seisoen se sukses te herhaal, toe hulle vir Trio met 21-15 in Kimberley kon baasraak.

Sentraal het goed vertoon in hul kragmeting met Hoërskool Noord-Kaap vroeër vanjaar by die Fichardtpark-sportdag, maar moes steeds met 22-28 die knie buig.

Binnesenter, SJ Coetzee, het gewys hoe giftig hy kan wees, deur binne die eerste 10 minute te gaan druk.

Witteberg het gedurende die week met 24-24 gelykop gespeel teen Jim Fouché in Bloemfontein, maar Saterdag is hulle terug op hul tuisveld en Kenyon Morat en kie sal gretig wees om hul eerste wen van die reeks te behaal.

JF is in aksie teen die manne van Welkom wat die Fichie-Leeus Dinsdag kon tem.

Met Ruben Crous aan die stuur van die Gouties se aanval, sal die besoekers moet ligloop. Franco Oberholzer was indrukwekkend vir Jim Fouché, maar sal Saterdag weer op sy stukke moet wees om te verhoed dat die tuisspan hul ritme vind.

Fichardtpark se Cravenweek-skrumskakel, Devanté Claasen, begin hierdie naweek op losskakel, wanneer die Leeus vir Voortrekker pak.

Claasen bied ‘n dinamiese opsie in die middeveld, en dit sal interessant wees om te sien hoe hy teen die Trekkers vaar.

Sy direkte opponent in die span van Bethlehem, Tumi Khoza, het verlede jaar al die reeks aan die brand gespeel en het vir Griffons by die Cravenweek verteenwoordig, saam met sy groot stut, Cecil Parsons.

Met ‘n hele paar veranderings in die Fichardtpark-span, na hul wedstryd teen Goudveld, sal die Trekkers hul lippe aflek vir die geleentheid om op te maak vir verlede jaar se nederlaag van 19-33 in Bloemfontein, maar die Leeus is nie ‘n span wat sommer gaan lê nie.

Die spanne:

Trio t. Diamantveld om 12:30

Hoërskool Trio: 15 Byron Maggerman, 14 Thulo Kekane, 13 Franco de Wet, 12 Tyron Adams, 11 Aaron Kriek, 10 Byron Biennas, 9 Ethan Smith, 8 Keanu Swanepoel, 7 Tapiwa Mundeta, 6 Johan Kruger, 5 Danie Fourie, 4 Dian Serfontein, 3 Sebastian du Preez, 2 Killian Kriek, 1 Dandré Bloem.

Hoërskool Diamantveld: 15 Kyle Taute, 14 Carel Viljoen, 13 Clinton Brits, 12 Simon Liversage, 11 Lehan van der Westhuizen, 10 Marno Greeff, 9 Ethan Manus, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Jayden de Klerk, 6 Stiaan van Loggerenberg, 5 Zuan Rautenbach, 4 Daniel Kuhn, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 De Wet du Plooy, 1 FJ de Vries.

Witteberg t. Sentraal om 13:30

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

Hoërskool Sentraal: 15 Aiden Gotsch, 14 CJ Hertzog, 13 Lee-Yagin Arendse, 12 Pat Cloete, 11 Ethan Hoffman, 10 SJ Coetzee, 9 Hendrik Jonker, 8 Liam Pretorius, 7 Jundre Jardim, 6 Chris Kachelhoffer, 5 DJ Bredenkamp, 4 Steven Smith, 3 Daniel Kotze, 2 Marnus Earle, 1 Van Zyl Hetzel.

Goudveld t. Jim Fouché om 13:30

Goudveld-Hoërskool: 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 Fouche, 5 Wehan Mostert, 4 Heinru Carstens, 3 Marko van der Westhuizen, 2 Jan Coetzee, 1 Toka Khooe.

Hoërskool Jim Fouché: 15 Christian Strydom, 14 Heinrich Hattingh, 13 Bendré Vermaak, 12 Hanro Marais, 11 Adrian de Necker, 10 Alldrick Johnson, 9 Brenden de Wee, 8 Qian Moller, 7 Franco Oberholzer, 6 Nathan van Breda, 5 JW Stone, 4 Brenden Weyers, 3 Darren Matthews, 2 Ian Nel, 1 SW van der Merwe.

Voortrekker t. Fichardtpark om 14:20

Voortrekker Hoërskool: 15 Tumi Khoza, 14 Karabelo Chaka, 13 Frederik Fourie, 12 Craig Mann, 11 Komahelo Moses, 10 Kaneng Komane, 9 Christian van der Sandt, 8 Dawid Fourie, 7 Theo van Wyk, 6 Attilla Ozturk, 5 Tristan Meyer, 4 Luttig Roux, 3 Cecil Parsons, 2 Arnold Ras, 1 Francois Maree.

Hoërskool Fichardtpark: 15 Pule Motsilili, 14 Martin Kalp, 13 Divan Martens, 12 Duan Viviers, 11 Ayanda Quinisa, 10 Devanté Claasen, 9 Zeonardo Nelson, 8 MJ Herbst, 7 Janel du Plessis, 6 Marno Smith, 5 Pieter Tembo, 4 Buko Mlali, 3 Nathen Swanepoel, 2 MJ Hattingh, 1 Zaine van Zyl.

Jeppe High School for Boys has endured some tough off the field in recent weeks, as the school mourns the passing of Kaiden Bowie.

A talented young rugby player, he tragically passed away after a trial match against Hoërskool Die Anker on the 5th of March.

Kaiden Bowie was a promising player who was described as a selfless young man, who would go the extra mile for his teammates, according to a recent article published by News24.

The school will have a number of initiatives happening throughout the day to pay respect to the young man.

Before every game, a moment’s silence. Both the second and first XV will observe a full minute’s silence.

A lone piper will play before the second’s match. The full pipe band will play before the first team game as well.

Additionally in the school hall, there will also be a memorial site for people to pay respects throughout the day as well.

The Candies will be hoping to put to to bed a long run of poor form against the hosts Jeppe High School for Boys who have won nine out of the ten last matches played between these two sides.

In what was an epic encounter, last year’s second fixture saw Boys High lose narrowly in the dying minutes of a really exciting match which ended 22-16 at home.

Tomorrow’s kick-off takes place at 13:45. Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Pretoria Boys’ High will be squaring off against Jeppe High School for Boys in what has been a long-standing clash between these two schools.

The first match was played way back in 1961. Boys High currently holds a win ratio of 53% compared to Jeppe’s 39% spanning across 89 matches that have been played.

Jeppe’s captain and outside centre Khuthadzo Rasivhaga who featured for the Lions Craven Week last year will hope to dominate teams this season again – the young player is strong and packs a mean punch in his offensive play.

In a midweek fixture, Jeppe played up against a loaded Garsfontein side, where Garsies won 37-31.

Boys High has a formidable side this year with ten players returning who all made appearances last year, which includes 2023’s leading point scorer Ntsako Ndlovu who will be rearing to get more points in the bag.

The side is skippered by Thsepisio “Legs” Shikhibana, the lanky lock will be dangerous in the lineouts as the tall player will look to make use of his height advantage – winning balls for his side in 50/50 throws will be a big factor this season.

In what is expected to be a tough and competitive match, both teams will run out and cherish the opportunity to play the game we all dearly admire.

The teams:

Jeppe High School for Boys: 15 Sanele Simelane, 14 Lesego Zungu, 13 Kuthadzo Rasivhaga (captain), 12 McMillen Mongwana, 11 Leruo Dithagiso, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Risima Khosa (vice-captain), 7 Nathan Classen, 6 Wanga Ndou, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Nathan Boyder, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Bonga Nxumlao, 1 Andre Poulton.

Pretoria Boys’ High:  15 Luyanda Khumalo, 14 Itu Baloyi, 13 Ntsako Nhlovu, 12 Londie Nemudzivhadi, 11 Ompfuna Tsanwani, 10 Rickus Wessels, 9 Tumisho Motswi, 8 Katlego Shebu, 7 Seth Venter, 6  Panyaiotis Ellinas, 5 Tshepiso Shikhibana 4 Stephen Adams 3 Ofentse Moeng, 2 Thapelo Mphela, 1 Matthew Parrot.

Fixtures:

COLLARD FIELD 

13:45 – u19A – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
12:15 – u19B – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
11:00 – u16A – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
10:00 – u19C – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
09:00 – u19D – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
08:00 – u19E – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High

WHITE FIELD 

12:00 – u16C – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
11:00 – u15B – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
10:00 – u15A – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
09:00 – u16B – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High
08:00 – u14A – Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs Pretoria Boys’ High

Exciting rugby matches fill the menu for the kick off of the rugby season in Johannesburg on Saturday, with the “City of Gold” ready to welcome the winter fireworks with open arms.

Parktown Boys’ High will celebrate their Old Boys weekend in style, with the school band set to get the adrenaline flowing 30 minutes before their match against Pretoria’s St Alban’s College.

The Hoops face an energetic and youthful Parktown Boys’ team, but they have a number of returning players from last year’s side, and they should feel confident in the ability of their experienced players to lead the way on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 12:00 on the A field. Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

An exciting prospect to keep an eye on is St Albans’ outside centre JJ Steenkamp. Coach Ofentse Moeng said of his midfielder: ” He is a complete player, offering versatility in the backline.” Last year, he played fullback.

Parktown’s scrumhalf Thepiso Tladi operates at the heart of the action, and he’ll orchestrate plays and provide a tidy service to his fellow teammates. Being a scrumhalf, he will, no doubt, try to get under the skin of the opposition.

St John’s College also has an early start against St David’s Marist Inanda, with the action beginning at 12:30.

Kyle Watson will lead the Blues from his position at hooker, while his deputy, Dominique Kamangu, packs down in the second row.

St David’s will be counting on a big performance from their forward pack, which includes captain D’Andre Mushonga. He fronts up at loosehead, alongside Connor McWilliams, at hooker, and Marco Bitter, on the tighthead.

Teams

Parktown Boys High School: 15 Kgotso Tumahole, 14 Muna Imenda, 13 Calestin Felkers, 12. Lisasa Mnukiso, 11 Prince Kanda 10 Kelvin Kotey, 9 Thepiso Tladi, 8 Kingsley Okonkwo, 7 Keith Ncube, 6 Lethabo Sikhudo, 5 Vuyo Ndlovu, 4 Disema Mofokeng (c), 3 Mundilo Emmeraude, 2 Lethoko Mallane, 1 Unathi Haas.

St Alban’s College: 15 Matthew Nelson, 14 Ofentse Sema, 13 JJ Steenkamp, 12 Tumelo Mohale, 11 Aiden Kloppers, 10 Matthew Ward, 9 Joshua Verster, 8 Daniel Bouwer, 7 Thabiso Mbembele 6 Patrick Weir, 5 Jandré Botha 4 Tim Garnett, 3 Neo Gama, 2 Craig Milne 1 Andreas Philippou.

St David’s Marist Inanda: 15 Tristan Lambe, 14 Kuzivakwashe Majuru, 13 James Pearson, 12 Theo Fonternel (vc), 11 Owami Maropola, 10 Teegen Rossini, 9 Diego Ferreira, 8 Daniel Fellingham, 7 Tahin Patel, 6 James Askew, 5 Jack Brady (vc), 4 William Allemann, 3 Marco Bitter, 2 Connor Mc Williams, 1 D’Andre Mushonga (c).

St John’s College: 15 Riley Elliot, 14 Bryson Walker, 13 Gerald Van Wyk, 12 Malan du Plessis, 11 Jacob Smith, 10 Joe MacRobert, 9 Tom Kruger, 8 John-John Bierman, 7 Kakuhle Tunguta, 6 Grant Barnes, 5 Zain Newman, 4 Dominique Kamangu (vc), 3 Matthew Kaplan, 2 Kyle Watson (c), 1 Joshua Shannon.

After opening their season with a 49-0 thrashing of Durban Development this past weekend, Clifton College faces a serious challenge on Saturday when they make the trip up to Pietermaritzburg to take on Maritzburg College on Goldstone’s.

It would, under any circumstances, be a tough challenge – and College were unbeaten on their home ground in 2023 – but it was made that much more challenging by the past Saturday’s game between Kearsney and Maritzburg in Botha’s Hill, where College, unexpectedly, were beaten 16-14.

It was their first match of the season, and it was Kearsney’s third, and the benefit of those extra games told. College was inaccurate in their execution of the basics, although there was an improvement from the first half to the second.

Something that would have frustrated the coaches was the large number of penalties that were conceded. In the end, that was what cost the Red, Black and White as Daniel Eager slotted a last second penalty to win the match for Kearsney.

College, with another week of training under their belts, armed with the knowledge of what exactly needs to be worked on, playing at home, and upset with a loss in their first outing, will be a tough, motivated opponent for Clifton.

The College part of Clifton School – which celebrates its Centenary this year – was founded only 22 years ago. In that time, Clifton has made huge strides on the rugby field and earned the right to take on the other all-boys’ schools in KZN at all A team levels. On Saturday, they’ll debut their Centenary 1st XV rugby jerseys.

Clifton’s highly regarded Director of Rugby, Grant Bell, told SuperSport Schools: We are a very young school, and we are still in the process of establishing ourselves as a rugby school. We are proud of the massive strides we have made in a such a short period of time, but we are almost mindful that growing a rugby culture is not a sprint, it is a marathon, and one has to lay solid foundations first.”

A feature of KZN schools rugby the past couple of seasons has been the exceptional strength to be found in teams’ front rows, and Clifton is no exception, with their front-rankers – Bandile Nhlabathi, Khanya Mgabi and Lungani Ngcobo – also boasting the experience of having run out for the 1^st XV in 2023.

They’ll be tested by a College front row that includes SA Schools’ loosehead Phiwayinkosi Kubheka and Sharks’ Craven Week tighthead Aiden Botha, but Kearsney College showed last week that they were up for the challenge. Why not Clifton?

The Durban side also has some good size at lock, with Lukhanyiso Nala and Lwazi Madikizela doing duty in the second row.

If one thinks back to last season, Clifton’s pack was well drilled and very adept at mauling. They’ll need an appetite for that kind of an arm wrestle on Saturday.

At the back, the spaces that were available against Durban Development will be closed down. How Clifton handles that additional pressure will be a key factor in the game. And how, on the defensive side of things, they handle College’s flying fullback Luyanda Kunene, will be crucial, too.

Kearsney did a good job of closing him down, but Kunene was still able to open his 2024 try scoring account this past Saturday. There will be many more to come.

Maritzburg College vs Clifton College at 14:40, Goldstones, Pietermaritzburg:

The teams:

Clifton College: 15 Handré de Bruin, 14 Enzo Marcon, 13 Nkanyiso Ntshangase, 12 Bradley Beeslaar, 11 Wandile Ngubane, 10 Adam Selikow, 9 Kyle Akal, 8 Asabonga Jiyane, 7 Richard Castle, 6 Jamie Brown, 5 Lwazi Madikizela, 4 Lukhanyiso Nala, 3 Lungani Nala, 2 Kanya Mgabi, 1 Bandile Nhlabathi.

Maritzburg College: 15 Luyanda Kunene, 14 Langelihle Makhathini, 13 Swelihle Mbatha, 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 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka.