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KRUGERSDORP. – This year has probably been the most difficult for us to pick our SA Schools’ side before the Craven Week since we started this practice back in 2009.

This year’s Stadio Craven Week is hosted at Monument in Krugersdorp. This is the first time that Krugersdorp is hosting the prestigious tournament.

The real SA Schools side which will be announced at the conclusion of the tournament will face the SA Schools A-side in Krugersdorp on Saturday, 6 July.

It was especially difficult to pick our flankers, locks as well as wingers. It was however easy to pick our choice for SA Schools’ captain in Riley Norton.

Norton already represented the SA Schools side last year and was influential as a leader for his school side, Paul Roos Gimnasium, which is still unbeaten in 2024.

Norton is picked as a lock for Western Province, but we decided to move him to the side of the scrum for our team. A position which he has played for his school side.

At fullback, we took a calculated risk in picking Cheswill Jooste from Noordheuwel and the Golden Lions. Jooste played at outside centre for the Nories this season but will once again man the back for the Lions. He was probably the best fullback at school level in 2023 but just couldn’t find the same form at outside centre yet.

The battle for the number ten jersey will be one of the highlights of this year’s tournament. Vusi Moyo (King Edward VII, Golden Lions) got our pick with Yaqheen Ahmed (Wynberg Boys’ High, WP) getting our pick. Ruben Pienaar (Blue Bulls), Retagen van Rooi (Western Province XV), Alzeadon Felix (Free State) and Luan Gilliomee (Boland) are all strong contenders.

Probably our most controversial pick is that of Markus Muller (Paarl Gimnasium, Western Province XV) on the bench. Muller is a class act that can easily slot in at inside or outside centre. We predict that Muller could pull off a Jean de Villiers who made the SA Schools side from the Western Province’s second stringers back in 1999.

De Villiers later captained the Springboks. It must be noted that De Villiers returned from an injury in 1999 which played a part in him not making the Western Province select.

Ethan Adams from the Free State will also be a contender to man the midfield for the SA Schools side.

If we had to take SA Rugby’s transformation targets into consideration, we just missed the cut here. We picked 11 players of colour while the target is 12 players of colour in the squad of 23.

SuperSport Schools Plus’s SA Schools side: 

15 Cheswill Jooste (Golden Lions), 14 Pretorius Ekeji (Free State), 13 Kurt Coetzee (South Western Districts), 12 Pieter van der Merwe (Free State), 11 Jadrian Afrikaner (Sharks), 10 Vusi Moyo (Golden Lions), 9 Matthew Fick (Sharks), 8 Quintin Potgieter (Western Province), 7 Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium – captain), 6 Zaide-Leigh Rippenaar (Valke), 5 JD Hattingh (Blue Bulls), 4 Jacques Botha (Monument, Golden Lions), 3 Ulrich van der Merwe (Golden Lions), 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (Golden Lions), 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (Sharks). Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk (Free State), 17 Kai Pratt (South Western Districts), 18 Danie Kruger (Free State), 19 Truspe Schoeman (Western Province), 20 Kebotile Maake (Golden Lions), 21 Philip McLaren (Free State), 22 Yaqheen Ahmed (Western Province), 23 Markus Muller (Western Province XV).

Players to watch out for during the Stadio Craven Week: 

Fullbacks: Cheswill Jooste (Noordheuwel, Golden Lions), Dylan Miller (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province), Heinz Stockenström (Grey College, Free State), Zekhe Siyaya (Westville Boys’ High, Sharks), David Simon (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province XV), Lorenzo Snyers (Hoërskool Rustenburg, Leopards), Gregan Jansen (Duineveld, Griqualand West), Junade Pasensie (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls).

Right Wings: Pretorius Ekeji (Grey College, Free State), Freek de Kock (Paarl Gimnasium, Western Province), Adriano Jackson (Durban High School, Sharks).

Outside Centres: Kurt Coetzee (Oakdale Landbou, South Western Districts), Riwan van Aswegen (Waterkloof, Blue Bulls), Markus Muller (Paarl Gimnasium, Western Province XV), Sam Badenhorst (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), Ethan Adams (Grey College, Free State).

Inside Centres: Janco Purchase (Affies, Blue Bulls), Pieter van der Merwe (Grey College, Free State), Kobus Blanckenberg (Paarl Gimnasium, Western Province), Zingce Simka (Durban High School, Sharks), Simon Liversage (Diamantveld, Griqualand West), Johnny dos Santos (HTS Middelburg, Pumas), FJ Drotskie (Ellisras, Limpopo Blue Bulls).

Left Wings: Bennedict George (HTS Drostdy, Boland), Lee-Winn Pretorius (Oakdale Landbou, South Western Districts), Jadrian Afrikaner (Durban High School, Sharks), Vincent Khumalo (Hoërskool Rustenburg, Leopards), Junaide Stuart (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls), Caleb Engelbrecht (Hoërskool Durbanville, Western Province).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (King Edward, Golden Lions), Ruben Pienaar (Affies, Blue Bulls), Retagen van Rooi (Boland Landbou, Western Province XV), Yaqheen Ahmed (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Luan Gilliomee (Charlie Hofmeyr, Boland), Caleb Friskin (Pearson, Eastern Province), Alzeadon Felix (Grey College, Free State), Matthew Abbey (Hoërskool Middelburg, Pumas).

Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (St Charles College, Sharks), Lucraine Muggels (Die Brandwag, Eastern Province), Philip McLaren (Grey College, Free State), Tristan van Niekerk (Helpmekaar, Golden Lions), Ellie Meyer (Outeniqua, South Western Districts), Hendré Schoeman (Affies, Blue Bulls), Adeeb Borraine (Western Province).

Eighthmen: Quintin Potgieter (Paarl Gimnasium, Western Province), Kebotile Maake (King Edward VII, Golden Lions), GJ Steenberg (Hoërskool Klerksdorp, Leopards), Gerhard van Aswegen (EG Jansen, Valke), Erick Steyn (Oakdale Landbou, South Western Districts), Hanu Pieterse (Hilton College, Sharks), Khanyiso Stamper (Durban High School, Sharks).

Flankers:  Ruben Dames (Paarl Boys’ High, Western Province XV), RJ Barnard (Monument, Golden Lions), Zaide-Leigh Rippenaar (EG Jansen, Valke), Toy Engelbrecht (HTS Middelburg, Pumas), Luann Olivier (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls), Albert Smit (Affies, Blue Bulls), Vuyo Gwiji (Sharks), Joshua Neill (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province), Jamaal Feldman (Monument, Golden Lions), Gareth Maree (South Western Districts).

Locks: Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), Jacques Botha (Monument, Golden Lions), Truspe Schoeman (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), AJ Meyer (Grey College, Free State), JD Hattingh (Affies, Blue Bulls), James Schnetler (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls), Jake Jansen (Sharks), JP Lombaard (Helpmekaar, Golden Lions).

Tighthead Props: Ulrich van der Merwe (Helpmekaar, Golden Lions), Duwan Potgieter (EG Jansen, Valke), Danie Kruger (Grey College, Free State), Sean Vermaak (Framesby, Eastern Province), Cecil Parsons (Voortrekker, Griffons), Petrus Coetzee (Robertson, Boland), Luan van der Berg (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (King Edward VII, Golden Lions), Liam van Wyk (Grey College, Free State), Danré Pike (EG Jansen, Valke), Almero Keizer (Stellenberg, Western Province), Keenan Myners (Monument, Golden Lions), Junior Kuhn (Wesvalia, Leopards), Mahle Sithole (Sharks).

Loosehead Props: Oliver Reid (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), Kai Pratt (Oakdale Landbou, South Western Districts), André Poulton (Jeppe High School for Boys, Golden Lions), Ethan van Wyk (Affies, Blue Bulls).

While it was the Western Province u18A boys that took gold at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein, Boland B also left the tournament with silverware after claiming first place in the B Section at the University of the Free State.

The side, coached by Matthew Smith and managed by Conroy Eiman, defeated Mpumalanga 5-3 in a heated final to secure promotion to the A Section for 2025.

During the week, Boland scored a whopping 22 goals. They shone in the pool stages, drawing once, losing once and winning the remainder of their matches.

After their opening day 2-2 draw with North West, coach Smith’s side hit their stride, winning their next three matches, beating Eastern Province B 5-4, Southern Free State B 5-0, and KZN Inland B 2-0.

They succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Mpumalanga. However, by then, a semi-final spot had already been secured.

In the semis, Boland was pushed to the limit by a motivated Eastern Gauteng side. Nothing separated them after regulation time, which ended 2-2. But Smith’s charges scraped a tense 4-3 win on penalties.

In a second meeting against Mpumalanga, with promotion and the title on the line, Boland, after a nervous first half, upped their game and came out firing in the second half to capture a 5-3 win.

“It was quite an eventful week. We had first day jitters and then came together as a team nicely as the week progressed,” Smith told SuperSport Schools Plus after the final.

“We had exceptional midfield players, a lot of depth, and very good individuals that stepped up.

“I’m happy with how the boys jelled as a unit. They come from different schools, but we had a common goal and that’s to win gold.”

A player who had a massive influence on the team during the week was Paul Roos Gimnasium’s playmaker, Barend Geldenhuys.

Geldenhuys, who has been enjoying a season to savour for his school, was a surprise omission when the Boland A side was announced.

Despite playing in the B Section, he did the unexpected. He came to life during the week and played his best hockey, scoring often to end the tournament as the top goal scorer, with 13 goals, four of which came against Mpumalanga in the final.

His prolific performances earned him selection for the SA u18B team, making him the only player from the B Section to achieve that rare feat.

“I was kind of shocked when I heard the news [that I had missed out on selection for the Boland A team],” Geldenhuys told SuperSport Schools Plus after the final in Bloemfontein.

“Coach [Michael] Baker let me know about it and told me to keep my head up.

“I must say, I had a feeling I might not have been chosen, because I feel like I didn’t have the best start this year, but I’m glad about where I am now,” he added.

Geldenhuys, who also played a pivotal leadership role as the vice-captain of the Boland B team, alongside Hano Basson, admitted he had to quickly change his mind set and focus on what he could control.

“I had to quickly put that disappointment behind me and focus on the task ahead.

“I set my goals, and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy in the B Section, but, as a team, we were motivated and raring to go.

“I had to be the best I could be for the team and keep showing up day in and day out.

“It was a nice week, but tough. We didn’t start well, drawing the first game, and then we played our second game, and the team just got better,” he said.

Geldenhuys expressed his shock to learn he had made the SA Schools B team from the B Section, but said he was immensely proud of the achievement.

“I was talking to a few of the selectors at the start of the week, and they told me to just go for it, even though I was in the B-Section,” he revealed.

“They told me there’s a chance I could make it, and I didn’t think I would make it, but I’m just grateful.

“It’s not just about me, though. Without the team, I wouldn’t have been here. Credit must go to coach Smith, who also allowed us to express ourselves, and that got the best out of the team.”

The title means Boland B is now back in the big league, and in 2025 will play in the A Section, while Border has been relegated.

Geldenhuys still has some more matches to play in the maroon jersey of Paul Roos, before turning his attention to matric exams.

Paul Roos returns to action on 12 July when they host South African College High School (SACS) in a highly anticipated Western Cape derby on the Maties AstroTurf. Many would consider it a clash of the two best teams in the country.

Catch all that action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

The u18 Academy Week returns to Johannesburg and Jeppe High School for Boys for a second year in succession, with the action beginning on Monday.

Catch all the games live on SuperSport Schools

Players from all corners of South Africa will be eager to make their marks, many of whom are likely to experience provincial schools’ rugby for a last time before they move on from the schoolboy ranks.

The event runs through until Friday, 28 June, with the teams battling it out for the honour of appearing in the unofficial main game on the final day.

There are, as always, a number of players who are appearing at the Academy Week who were surprise omissions from their Craven Week teams. The Academy Week gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent at a high-quality event.

SuperSport Schools Plus has identified five of those players to keep an eye on.

Keenan Stoffels – Western Province (Paul Roos Gimnasium)

Keenan Stoffels has been immensely impressive for the Maroon Machine from Stellenbosch in 2024 and has captured the imagination of rugby fans in the Western Cape. His quick feet, sheer pace and slight build have reminded many of players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. He’s been a key contributor to the Maroon Machine’s unbeaten season thus far, keeping defenders guessing with his magic-like ability to fit through the smallest of spaces. He will, unlike at Paul Roos, where he dons the no. 11 jersey, be in action at fullback for Western Province.

Marko Kok – Blue Bulls (Hoërskool Waterkloof)

Powerful runs and physical hits are what come to mind when the name Marko Kok comes up. The eighthman from Pretoria has been one of the cornerstones of Hoërskool Waterkloof’s successful season, which has included only one loss against Paul Roos Gimnasium. In the SDC Noordvaal Cup Competition, Kok has been one of the most prolific ball carriers, regularly breaking through defences to storm downfield. He’s not a one-trick pony, however. His defence is solid, and he has shown a willingness to roll up his sleeves to get involved in the physical aspects of the game, which, no doubt, will be on show when he runs out for the Blue Bulls this coming week.

Johannes Koegelenberg – Western Province (Paarl Gimnasium)

Hard-working, highly talented and never shy about getting stuck in when the going gets tough, Johannes Koegelenberg will bear watching at the Academy Week. The openside flank from Paarl Gimnasium has gone about his business this season quietly but extremely effectively. He has a high work rate and is a constant threat to turn over possession at ruck time, so Province’s opposition will have to be clinical in the loose or risk losing the ball. Koegelenberg is also a rugged defender, able to set the tone for the blue-and-white-striped jerseys.

Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein – Sharks (Maritzburg College) 

Maritzburg College’s Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein will pose a threat for the Sharks out on the left-wing. He possesses twinkle toes, has a wicked sidestep, is shifty, and has good hands, too. He’s enjoyed a good season for the College’s first XV. If given space, he will be a problem for opposing defences and, playing alongside some skilful and creative runners, he is likely to be a big weapon for the team from KwaZulu-Natal.

Brad Brown – Golden Lions (Noordheuwel)

His intimidating frame and deceptive pace make Noordheuwel’s “Big Bad” Brad Brown one of the most dangerous ball carriers at the Academy Week. The Golden Lions’ eighthman will surely capture the attention of rugby fans over the course of the defending champions’ three games. He will be used to get the hosts over the advantage line time and time again. Brown is a load, tough to stop, and adept at giving his team front-foot pool with which to play.

DAY ONE FIXTURES

A Field

09:00 – Blue Bulls vs Golden Lions XV
10:15 – Sharks vs Eastern Province
11:30 – Griffons vs Griquas
12:45 – Western Province vs Boland
14:30 – Golden Lions vs Free State

B Field

09:00 – SA LSEN XV vs Border Country Districts
10:15 – Valke vs Border
11:30 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs Zimbabwe
12:45 – South Western Districts vs Leopards
14:30 – Pumas vs Namibia

KRUGERSDORP. – Die Westelike Provinsie se groep o.18-spelers staan vandeesweek op die rand om hul name in die Cravenweek se annale te verewig.

Indien die Streeptruie vanjaar weer as die nie-amptelike kampioen gekroon word, sal die unie na Saterdag se hoofwedstryd op die Ras van Rooyen-veld van die Hoërskool Monument op 15 agtereenvolgende seges op die toernooi wees.

Die vorige rekord behoort ook aan die WP toe sy spanne tussen 1970 en 1974 vir 14 agtereenvolgende wedstryde nie die knie gebuig het nie.

Bekende sportmanne soos Rob Louw, Peter Kirsten, Hennie Bekker, George Rautenbach en John Bonthuys tel onder die lede van die Streeptruie se spanne wat in die vroeë 70’s oorheers het.

Vanjaar se span word gelei deur die veelsydige slot Riley Norton. Hy het verlede jaar homself by ‘n unieke groep van 15 sportmanne aangesluit wat in rugby en krieket die SA Skole-span kon haal.

Norton, die seun van die voormalige WP-speler Chris Norton, was die eerste wat dit reeds in graad 11 kon vermag.

Die Streeptruie se laaste nederlaag was in 2017 in Johannesburg op die laaste dag van die toernooi teen die Vrystaat (33-54). Die span het daarna die laaste vier toernooie oorheers.

WP kom Maandag in die hoofwedstryd van die eerste dag teen die Sharks te staan.

Die gasheer, die Goue Leeus, is waarskynlik die span wat vanjaar oor die nodige grofgeskut beskik wat die Streeptruie se aanslag op dié rekord kan stuit.

Hulle het egter ‘n baie moeilike eerste kragmeting op dag twee van die toernooi teen sy buurman noord van die Jukskei-rivier, die Blou Bulle.

Die Leeus se sleutelspeler is sy losskakel, Vusi Moyo, wat met sy skopskoen en voorgevoel vir die spel ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op ‘n plek in die SA Skole-span sal wees.

In die agttal van die Leeus is boonop die langste speler op die toernooi in die slot Jacques Botha wat ‘n volle 2.06m in sy sokkies staan. Botha laat boonop die skaal op 128kg kreun.

Die Vrystaat het self ‘n tameletjie in sy eerste kragmeting van die toernooi. Hy kom teen die Griffons te staan. Die Blikore het in sy vorige wedstryd op die Cravenweek teen die Perses met 27-41 die knie gebuig.

Boonop kon die Vrystaat nog net een keer sedert die ontstaan van die toernooi in 1964 in vier kragmeting daarin slaag om die Noord-Vrystaters om te dop.

Dit was in 1988 toe die Vrystaat met toekomstige Springbokkke soos Ruben Kruger, Pieter Müller, Charl Marais, Naka Drotské en Heinrich Füls met 35-0 die pyp gerook het.

Die bepalings:

Dag 1 – 09:30: Suidwestelike Distrikte t. Valke; 11:00: Boland t. Luiperds; 12:30: Oostelike Provinsie t. Grens; 14:30: Westelike Provinsie t. Sharks.

Dag 2 – 10:00: Griekwaland-Wes t. Westelike Provinsie XV-tal; 11:30: Pumas t. Limpopo Blou Bulle; 13:00:Vrystaat t. Griffons; 14:30: Blou Bulle t. Goue Leeus.

The teams:

Blue Bulls: 15 Justin Julies (Zwartkop), 14 Malcolm George (Waterkloof), 13 Ruan Enslin (Garsfontein), 12 Nicolaas Grobler (Affies), 11 Tumelo Mohale (St Alban’s College), 10 Ruben Groenewald (Affies), 9 Zirk Meyer (Affies), 8 Marko Kok (Waterkloof), 7 Marthunis Oosthuizen (Garsfontein), 6 Okuhle Hini (Overkruin), 5 Hendrik Hamman (Affies), 4 Tsepiso Shikibana (Pretoria Boys’ High), 3 Gideon Botes (Affies), 2 Stephan Pretorius (Garsfontein), 1 Werner Vrey (Affies). Replacements: 16 Jaydrian Julies (Oos-Moot), 17 Shiloh Beaton (Pretoria Boys’ High), 18 Duncon Carolis (Sutherland), 19 Victory Akubuyise (Overkruin), 20 Aiden King (Garsfontein), 21 Davough Bantom (Zayo Sports Academy), 22 Tapiwa Twafa (Oos-Moot), 23 Ompfuna Tsanwani (Preoria Boys’ High).

Boland: 15 Irlo Liebenberg (Schoonspruit), 14 Lorenzo Kroutz (Overberg), 13 Josh Fourie (HTS Drostdy), 12 Jacques de Klerk (Curro Langebaan), 11 Alungile Mothibe (Worcester Gim), 10 Stefan van der Merwe (Hoërskool Namakwaland), 9 Bronwin Williams (Hopefield), 8 Pieter du Toit (Overberg), 7 Gideon Scheepers (Hoërskool Hermanus), 6 Jayden Small (Noorder-Paarl High), 5 Clint Afrika (Hoërskool Hopefield), 4 Le Roux Groenewald (Charlie Hofmeyer), 3 Tertius Wantenaar (HTS Drostdy), 2 Andries Goosen (Hopefield), 1 De Villiers Kotze (Hopefield). Replacements: 16 Morné Wessels (Overberg), 17 Velin Koen (Franschoek), 18 Wilfred Slingers (Worcester Gimnasium), 19 James Badenhorst (Overberg), 20 Henro Kotze (Hopefield), 21 Luke Cupido (Worcester Gimnasium), 22 Brent-Lee Julies (Schoonspruit), 23 Lee-Wayne Josop (Noorder-Paarl).

Griquas: 15 Jonaden Links (Northern Cape High), 14 Carel Viljoen (Diamantveld), 13 Themba Kella (Upingon High), 12 Jaydon Potgieter (Hoërskool Noordkaap), 11 Aphiwe Siyona (Hoërskool Noordkaap), 10 Abdul Fisher (Northern Cape High), 9 Kihan Maaman (Concordia High School), 8 Shaw Lourens, 7 Christiaan van Loggerenberg (Diamantveld), 6 Xander de Jager (Diamantveld), 5 Daniel Kuhn (Diamantveld), 4 Jandries Potgieter (Duineveld), 3 Dawid Dege (Duineveld), 2 Roelof Slabbert (Hoërskool Upintong), 1 Lowethu Hilla (De Aar High). Replacements: 16 Philipus van As (Duineveld), 17 Alonzo Johnson (Hoërskool Noordkaap), 18 Eduart Erasmus (Hoërskool Harstwater), 19 Enrique Boshoff (Diamantveld), 20 Unathi Raborefe (Curro Kathu), 21 Dirk van Heerden (Diamantveld), 22 Xavier Leibrandt (Curro Kathu), 23 Caydon Daniels (Hoërskool Upinton).

Griffons: 15 Tshepo Motloung (Witteberg), 14 Bokang Lesenyeho (Welkom Gimnasium), 13 Frederick Fourie (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 12 Kenoyn Morat (Witteberg), 11 Mohale Majee (Trio), 10 Adriaan Bonthuys (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 9 Ethan Smith (Trio), 8 Ayden Bezuidenhout (Welkom Gimnasium), 7 Jayden De Jesus (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 6 Thabiso Phafudi (Goudveld), 5 Wiehan Mostert (Goudveld), 4 Petrus Nel (Witteberg), 3 Ryan Lemmer (Welkom Gimnasium), 2 Gert van der Merwe (Witteberg), 1 David Maree (Bethlehem Vootrekker). Replacements: 16 Arnold Ras (Bethlehem Voortrekker), 17 Toka Khooe (Goudveld), 18 Bokamoso Gabuse (Welkom Gimnasium), 19 Lerato Rammile (Welkom Gimnasium), 20 Daniel Meintjies (Witteberg), 21 Leclue Nell (Hentie Cilliers), 22 Ashwon Mellen (Hentie Cilliers, 23 Xander Witshire (Hentie Cilliers).

Golden Lions: 15 Sanele Similane (Jeppe High School for Boys), 14 Mbuso Methula (King Edward VII), 13 Ty Ax (Helpmekaar), 12 Jarred Coetzee (Noordheuwel), 11 Jarell Mbuyi (King Edward VII), 10 Recce Gerber (Marais Viljoen), 9 Ighnatius Jantjies (Noordheuwel), 8 Brad Brown (Noordheuwel), 7 Chinedu Amadi (Kimg Edward VII), 6 Zaiden Krige (Helpmekaar), 5 Luke Cannon (Jeppe High School for Boys), 4 Mark Beling (King Edward VII), 3 Luca Trevisan (Jeppe High School for Boys), 2 Gustavus Grotius (Helpmekaar), 1 Juandre Marais (Monument). Replacements: 16 Clinto Agu (Noordheuwel), 17 Miguel Smith (Northcliff High), 18 Azola Peter (Parktown Boys’ High), 19 James Kobrowisky (King Edward VII), 20 Vincent Roberts (Monument), 21 Talent Sithole (Jeppe High School for Boys), 22 Jeandre Uithaler (Noordheuwel), 23 Matthew Hunt (Northcliff High).

Golden Lions XV: 15 Indibabale Gusha (King Edward VII), 14 Lindelani Nkambule (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 13 Ntsako Shivuri (King Edward VII), 12 Clinton Cloete (Helpmekaar), 11 Jade Rollinson (Noordheuwel), 10 Andrew Jackson (King Edward VII), 9 Gideon Diedericks (Noordheuwel), 8 Rio Tshambalanga (Marais Viljoen), 7 Sam Bruwer (King Edward VII), 6 Lloyd Shoko-schenck (Marais Viljoen), 5 Michael Bownes (King Edward VII), 4 Eugene de Lange (Helpmekaar), 3 Nathan van der Merwe (King Edward VII), 2 Liam Devenier (Helpmekaar), 1 Manul Motsi (Parktown Boys’ High). Replacements: 16 Lethoko Mallane (Parktown Boys’ High), 17 Joshua Shannon (St John’s College), 18 Sifisosame Shongwe (Marais Viljoen), 19 Andrew Lambert (Noordheuwel), 20 Gagoum Nteumagne (Northcliff High School), 21 Calestin Felkers (Parktown Boys’ High), 22 Aidan Bester (Noordheuwel), 23 Andy Maaman (Noordheuwel).

Border: 15 Bungqina Nuku (Selborne College), 14 Msuthu Mbane (Hudson Park), 13 Owam Nqweniso (HTS Port Rex), 12 Sbabalwe Magwebu (Queens College), 11 Qiqa Qwesha (Queens College), 10 Aiyanqoba Madzidzela (Queens College), 9 Page Fennel (Selborne College), 8 Lutho Majavu (HTS Port Rex), 7 Jeffrey Niland (Queens College), 6 Adam Schwedhelm (Selborne College), 5 Phikolomzi Susela (HTS Port Rex), 4 Alwaba Yili (Hudson Park), 3 Luyolo Nqeno (Hudson Park), 2 Siqalo’esihle Gwagwa (Hudson Park), 1 Boitumelo Selonyane (Selborne College). Replacements: 16 Ty Fetting (HTS Port Rex), 17 Luveni Nyamela (Cambridge High School), 18 Mzi Faku (Lilyfontein High School), 19 Joshua Clote (Selborne College), 20 Liam Habsen (Selborne College), 21 Oliver Schmidt (Selborne College), 22 Cole Schonknecht (Selborne College), 23 D’angelo Snayers (Hudson Park).

Border Country Districts: 15 Azukiwe Magqaza (Khanyis High School), 14 Uyanda Malindi (Umthata High School), 13 Amyoli Thole (Khanyisa High School), 12 Tebogo Mhlana (Khanyisa High School), 11 Sinobomingalo Elefu (Cathcart High School), 10 Sikho Mapukata (Ngangelize High School), 9 Chuma Mxamli (Khainyisa High School), 8 Ngqiqo Magdla (Ngagelizwe High School), 7 Ondela Thamsanqa (Dordrecht High School), 6 Mtyotywa Sibablwe (Ngangelizwe High School), 5 Lindokuhle Mancam (Umthatha High School), 4 Lwazi Booi (Ngangelizwe High School), 3 Mvume Maleki (Mzomhle Secondary School), 2 Uyanda Makupula (HTS Port Rec), 1 Elijah Nkantweni (HTS Port Rex). Replacements: 16 Sakhe Ntozini (Ngangelizwe High School), 17 Masimbonge Tshokotshi (Hudson Park) 18 Qhawe Booi (Khanyisa High School), 19 Mbasa Mthethelwa (Ngangelizwe High School), 20 Luniko Singqoto (Cathcart High School), 21 Oyama Makubalo (Hexagon High School), 22 Avuyile Funani (Cathcart High School), 23 Emihle Mlandu (Butterworth High School),

Eastern Province: 15 Meyer Prinsloo (Grey High), 14 Siphuxolo Mkencele (HTS Daniel Pienaar), 13 Cole Hilpert (Framesby), 12 Christiaan van der Merwe (Marlow), 11 Julian Mapoore (St Andrew’s College), 10 Marcus Williams (Graeme College), 9 Cameron Doyle (Graeme College), 8 Petrus Kleinhans (Hoërskool Nico Malan), 7 Ayola Mali (Graeme College), 6 Louis Fourie (Hoërskool Despatch), 5 Liyema Katikati (Kingswood College), 4 Tyreses Brouers (Bergsig), 3 Thato Machaba (St Andrew’s College), 2 Aidan Els (HTS Daniel Pienaar), 1 Remy Heymans (Hoërskool Brandwag). Replacements: 16 Zandre van der Mescht (Hoërskool Brandwag), 17 Andre van der Merwe (Hoërskool Nico Malan), 18 Hermanus Steyn ( Marlow Landbou), 19 Matthew Harvey (St Andrew’s College), 20 Rudi Kleynjans (Hoërskool Otto du Plessis), 21 Denilo Jordaan (Pearson), 22 Ashton Williams (Graeme College), 23 Angelo Adams (Hoërskool Brandwag).

Western Province: 15 Keenan Stoffels (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 14 Jordan Steenkamp, 13 Albert Lourens (Wynberg Boys’ High), 12 Matthew Kleyn (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 11 Keagan Wood (Hoërskool Milnerton), 10 Chadwin Sellidon (Hoërskool Milnerton), 9 Morné Noble (Wynberg Boys’ High), 8 Colin-Paul Kemp (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 7 Wihan Kotze (Paarl Gimnasium), 6 Johannes Koegelenberg (Paarl Gimansium), 5 Jayden Oranje (Windhoek High School), 4 Kody Neil (Boland Landbou), 3 Ely Williams (Paarl Gimnasium), 2 Liam Burger (Paarl Gimnasium), 1 Jean-Jacques du Preez. Replacements: 16 Ismael Conrad (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 17 Chadley Davids (Elsies High), 18 Henry Rudder (Boland Landbou), 19 Matthew Gabriel (Hoërskool Milneton), 20 Nicolas Nel (Paarl Gimnasium), 21 Joshua le Roux (Paarl Boys’ High), 22 Chandler Green (Paarl Gimnasium), 23 Luchen Meyer (Parel Valley High).

Valke: 15 Musa Mhlangu (Hugenote), 14 Komogelo Mokiri (Hugenote), 13 Tian Aucamp (Hoërskool Kempton Park), 12 Sphiwe Mngomezule (Sasolburg High School), 11 Deshean Pietersen (EG Jansen), 10 Jean-dre Claasen (EG Jansen), 9 Ryan Smith (Hoërskool Kempton Park), 8 Storm Labuschagne (EG Jansen), 7 Hendrik Eybers (Hugenote), 6 Joseph Ngoma-Ngoma (Jeugland), 5 Christiaan Liebenberg (Transvalia), 4 Shammah Nsenda (Jeugland), 3 Deveraux Weideman (EG Jansen), 2 Jayden McPearson (Transvalia), 1 Kamohelo Morathi (Transvalia). Replacements: 16 Ettienne Smit (EG Jansen), 17 Marco Ventura (EG Jansen), 18 Kamohelo Ndweni (Sasolburg High School), 19 Keagan van Zyl, 20 Sharon Nsenda (Jeugland), 21 Tumi Moloi (Transvalia), 22 Tyrese Baatjies (Brandwag), 23 Themba Mbele (Sasolburg High School).

Sharks: 15 Aphiwe Buthelezi (Northwood), 14 Jadewill Koopman (Westville Boys’ High), 13 Rourke O’Sullivan (Michaelhouse), 12 Bongani Khumalo (Northwood), 11 Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein (Maritzburg College), 10 Jordan van Wyk (Durban High School), 9 Zander Vorster (Hilton College), 8 Mumbere Vyambwera (Maritzburg College), 7 Bradley La Grange (Durban High School), 6 Cyril Cherayi (Maritzburg College), 5 Lwandile Simelane (Westville Boys’ High), 4 Lian Terblanche (Northwood), 3 Hoseph Udo-idung (Durban High School), 2 Josh Grant (Hilton College), 1 Sphephelo Ntshangase (Northwood). Replacements: 16 Okuhie Mbanjwa (Durban High School), 17 Indiohile Mlotshwa, 18 Bandile Mncwango (Westville Boys’ High), 19 Chad Howe (Northwood), 20 Inathinkosi Mkhenceie (Durban High School), 21 Liam Simpkins (Westville Boys’ High), 22 Stefan Moolman (Michaelhouse), 23 Williams Ridi (Michaelhouse).

Leopards: 15 Christopher Isaacs (Hoërskool Vryburg), 14 Tyran Masango (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 13 Winton Abrahams (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 12 Jonre Jeftas (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 11 Asif Sumara (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 10 Eduard Dreyer (Wesvalia), 9 Dian Smith (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), 8 Gabriel Coetzee (Hoërskool Lichtenburg), 7 Tiaan Booysen (Hoërskool Lichtenburg), 6 Theunis Nel (Potchefstroom Volkskool), 5 Caleb Kihoro (Bergsig Akademie), 4 Gideon Malan (Hoërskool Lichtenburg), 3 Liam Pretorius (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 2 Kenan Joseph (Hoërskool Vryburg), 1 Ulrigh du Preez (Wesvalia). Replacements: 16 Xavier Steenkamp, 17 Khanyisa Mafe (HTS Klerksdorp), 18 Bernard Swanepoel (Wesvalia), 19 Olerato Bonokwane (Hoërskool Vryburg), 20 Dewald Potgieter (Bergsig Akademie), 21 Michiano Isaacs (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 22 Katlehi Seimelo (Hoërskool Vryburg), 23 Brendin Mathyse (Hoërskool Klersdorp).

Pumas: 15 Jaide Koetzee (Hoërskool Lydenburg), 14 Bandile Thanjekwayo (Ligbron Akademie), 13 Jaques Malan (Hoogenhout), 12 Luhan Graaff (HTS Middelburg), 11 Lethimpumelleo Nhwenya (Ligbron Akademie), 10 Theuns Meyer (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 9 Carel Jacobz (Hoërskool Ermelo), 8 Tercius Bezuidenhout (HTS Middelburg), 7 Banele Ngwenya (Hoërskool Nelpsruit), 6 Thandolwethu Nhlabathi (Carolina Academy), 5 Jan Aucamp (HTS Middelburg), 4 Ronaldo Janse van Rensburg (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 3 Hendrik Meyer (Hoogenhout), 2 Roux Grobler (Hoërskool Middelburg), 1 Siyabonga Gama (Hoërskool Nelspruit). Replacements: 16 Sillindokuhle Tsabalala (Rob Feirrera), 17 Sethlako Lamola (Hoërskool Ermelo), 18 Junior Nkabinde (HTS Witbank), 19 Andre Smit (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 20 Christiaan Hanekom (Hoërskool Middelburg), 21 Aphiwe Khumalo (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 22 Keabetswe Nkgadima (Hoërskool Middelburg), 23 Alonzo Blankenberg (Hoërskool Secunda).

South Western Districts: 15 Jade Pietersen (Outeniqua), 14 Rayline Alberts (Oakdale Landbou), 13 Sedwin Gysman (HTS Eden), 12 Christian Vorster (Oakdale Landbou), 11 Ashton Abels (Outeniqua), 10 Sidey Lourence (Hoërskool Oudshoorn), 9 Jandrian Goosen (Oakdale Landbou), 8 Chrizano Botha (Soa Bras Secondary School), 7 Geo Bruintjies (Hoërskool Oudshoorn), 6 Zack Wessels (Oakdale Landbou), 5 Ruan van Zyl (Hoërskool Punt), 4 Naydon Jackson (Hoërskool Oudshoorn), 3 Deacon Cooper (Outeniqua), 2 Ruan van Rensburg (Outeniqua), 1 Deven Kleingeld (Outeniqua), Replacements: 16 Jody Saayman (Hoërskool Gerrit du Plessis), 17 John-Daniel Lourens (Outeniqua), 18 Malan van der Merwe (Oakdale Landbou), 19 Dean Vorster (Hoërskool Punt), 20 Liam Lightley (Oakdale Landbou), 21 Tyrese Plaatjies (Oakdale Landbou), 22 Charles Vosloo (Oakdale Landbou), 23 Virgil Pockpas (Outeniqua).

Free State: 15 Agcobile Pati (Hoërskool Burgersdorp), 14 Phiwe Mkunjana (HTS Louis Botha), 13 Tristan Maree (Grey College), 12 Vuyisile Titoti (Fichardtpark), 11 Ruben Cilliers (Grey College), 10 Okuhle Dyani (Hoërskool Burgersdorp), 9 Johan Wessels (Grey College), 8 Marcel Coetzee (Grey College), 7 David du Toit (Grey College), 6 Lisakhanya Taba (Hoërskool Burgersdorp), 5 Peter Tembo (Fichardtpark), 4 Renier Grobler (Grey College), 3 Marthinus Oosthuizen (Grey College), 2 Emile McGear (Grey College), 1 Zaine van Zyl (Fichardtpark). Replacements: 16 Itumeleng Mokate (Jim Fouche), 17 Schalk van der Merwe (Jim Fouche), 18 Oregolelo Molaoa (HTS Louis Botha), 19 Themba Nomganga (HTS Louis Botha), 20 Rapeo Mokoena (HTS Louis Botha), 21 Kutlwano Motsilili (Fichardtpark), 22 Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (Grey College), 23 Rorisan Masoeu (Grey College).

Limpopo Blue Bulls: 15 Mphiri Gadebe (Hans Strijdom), 14 Mihlali Ntlebi (Ben Viljoen), 13 Kgothatso Sekoboane, 12 Gehan Hendricks (Ben Vorster), 11 Anvernio Adonis (Ben Viljoen), 10 Vincent Luckhoff (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 9 Johan Boshoff (Merensky), 8 Hardus Otto (Hoërskool Pietersnurg), 7 Ian van der Merwe (TS Tom Naudé), 6 Heinrich Poolman (Ben Vorster), 5 Lukas Pieterse (Merensky), 4 Raluano Rumano (Ben Vorster), 3 Damian Coetzee (Frans du Toit), 2 Ruan Marcos (Merensky), 1 Wessel Pieterse (Frikkie Meyer). Replacements: 16 Kathutshelo Sikhwetha (HTS Tom Naudé), 17 Thabang Nkuna (Ben Vorster), 18 Pieter Erasmus (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 19 Blessing Risaba (Northern Academy), 20 Joshua van der Mescht (Ben Vorster), 21 Mahlatse Moshela (Northern academy), 22 Siyabonga Mahlangu (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 23 Kamogelo Sehlabane (HTS Tom Naudé).

Namibia: 15 William Beukes (Windhoek High School), 14 Ethan Sinden (Windhoek High School), 13 Soobramoney Sammy (Windhoek High School), 12 Jano Erasmus (Edugate Academy), 11 Carlo Hawanga (Windhoek Gymnasium), 10 Waldre’ Kotze (Windhoek Gymnasium), 9 Dominique Isaacs (Windhoek High School), 8 Ruan Agenbag (Windhoek Gymnasium), 7 Hanlo Schoeman (Walvisbay Private School), 6 Pieter-Jan Strydom (Windhoek High School), 5 Herman Lombard (Walvisbay Private School), 4 Russel Barlett (Tsumeb Gymnasium), 3 Danie du Toit (Windhoek Gymnasium), 2 Tiaan van der Westhuizen (Walvisbay Private School), 1 Jurick van der Berg (Tsumeb Gymnasium). Replacements: 16 James Botma (Elnatan Private School), 17 Andre Strauss (Pro-Ed Academy), 18 Joshwin Solomon (Walvisbay Gymnasium), 19 Jivaldo Pienaar (Pro-Ed Academy), 20 Benjamin Mostert (Moria Private School), 21 Bradley Gawanab (Duinesig High School), 22 Janco Bredenhann (Windhoek Gymnasium), 23 Alexandro van Wyk (M&K Gertze High School).

Zimbabwe: 15 Robert Hutchings (St John’s College), 14 Mutswashe Choto (St George’s College), 13 Zane Sibanda (Falcon College), 12 Denzel Dhave (Churchill Boys’ High), 11 Rory Honey (St John’s College), 10 Russel Hawkins (St John’s College), 9 Thomas Judson (St John’s College), 8 PK Manyakara (St John’s College), 7 Tyde Stirrup (St John’s College), 6 Kudzai Chenda (St George’s College), 5 Tinotenda Chinyadsza (Lomagundi College), 4 Takudzwa Matsvimbo (Lomagundi College), 3 Stefan Kruger (St John’s College), 2 Wayne Kuraimunashe (St John’s College), 1 Ralph Tekede (Falcon College). Replacements: 16 Sibusiso Sibanda (Falcon College), 17 Obina Nwelke (Falcon College), 18 Rufaro Shenje (St George’s College), 19 Connor Lovatt (St John’s College), 20 Julian Nyikavaranda (St George’s College), 21 Anthony Manning (St George’s College), 22 Taona Mundawaro (St George’s College), 23 Samuel Nduku (St George’s College), 24 Tendai Gariki (Hilcresr College).

SA LSEN: 15 Lorenzo Harmse (Breede Valley School of Skills), 14 Algernon Bruintjies (Bergsig, Eastern Province), 13 Jonay le Roux (Van Kervel), 12 Bentley Stoffels (Westcliff School of Skills), 11 Nkosinathe Mzambo (Die Wilge), 10 Edwill Jantjies (Bergsig), 9 Ricardo Malgas (Van Kervel), 8 Johandré Visagie (Bergsig), 7 Jordan de Rocks (Westview), 6 Tholuelo Mosaku (Graafwaater School of Skills), 5 Liam Kaizer (Bergsig), 4 Cardorel Mafuna (Westcliff School of Skills), 3 Solwandle Sihle (Bergsig), 2 André Barnard (Bergsig), 1 Blessing Kwetele (Elandspark, Golden Lions). Replacements: 16 Uzair Davids (West Coast School of Skills), 17 Lesedi Magapa (Die Ankerskool, Valke), 18 Masood Williams (Westcliff), 19 Duvern Block (Worcester School of Skills), 20 Ashlin Stoffels (Axios School of Skills), 21 Andrihano Fourie (West Coast School of Skills), 22 Marcos Lubaco (Axios School of Skills), 23 Yangu Javu (Merryvale).

St John’s College takes on their rivals, St Stithians College, in the highly anticipated annual Pink Day clash on Saturday in Johannesburg.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools. Kick-off is at 12:15.

In 2016, the inaugural full-scale Pink Derby was held. Two years later, pink playing socks became a part of the occasion.

The collaboration of the rivals has helped to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of, and screening for, gender-related cancers in South Africa.

Playing for a cause, means Saturday’s showdown is about a battle for supremacy on the rugby field, but there’s more to the game than that.

Last year, Saints beat St John’s 31-19 at home. This season, both boast strong packs, but the match-up of the backlines could be where the game will be decided.

The Blues head into the contest as the favourites. In their most recent outing, they stormed to a 54-24 win over St Alban’s. Despite that big win, there is one change of personnel and one positional switch to the St John’s starting XV. Malan du Plessis makes way for Tino Munyurwa at outside centre, but Du Plessis swops the no.13 for the no. 8 jersey.

St Stithians was well beaten at home last weekend by Kearsney College, with the rejuvenated KZN school powering their way to a 50-12 victory, which was their fourth in succession. Saints struggled to keep up with the coastal side’s tempo and they’re going to be challenged in a similar fashion by St John’s whose hard running approach brought them 47 points in the first half of their win over St Alban’s.

Saints’ flyhalf Chris Anderson crossed for two tries against Kearsney, with the second one, especially, being a superb solo effort. He’ll need more support from his team-mates against St John’s, though.

St David’s Marist Inanda heads across the Jukskei to take on a wounded St Alban’s College. The Hoops have been hamstrung by injuries, which have robbed the side of several key players, in recent weeks, but they’ll be eager to right the ship after coming up short on their Old Boys’ Day last weekend.

The Pretoria school, although well beaten by St John’s, will take heart from their second half performance. After trailing by 40 points at the break, they managed to outscore their visitors 18-7 in the second half, which spoke volumes about the character within the team.

Kick-off takes place at 12:00 on Moshate Field. The conditions should be ideal for some entertaining, running rugby.

St David’s are, meanwhile, enjoying a good run of form, having topped 40 points in successive wins over Cornwall Hill College (41-9) and St Benedict’s College (48-27).

Scrumhalf Diego Ferreira has been a reliable source of points for the Johannesburg school, with his trusty boot. His opposite number, Joshua Verster, also handles his side’s kicking duties. The duel between two feisty no. 9s should be fun.

The teams beaten by St David’s over the past two weekends, St Benedict’s College and Cornwall Hill have a 12:30 kick-off. Last weekend, Bennies scored the most points they have put up in 2024, apart from their only win of the season, on 9 March, against Queens High School.

Despite the challenging season, St Benedict’s captain Jason Cutler has been a standout player week in and week out, Last weekend, with good support from his team-mates, Bennies enjoyed a seven-point lead over St David’s at halftime. Too bad that matters went south in the second half as St David’s won by 21 points.

Still, Bennies will be encouraged by a more cohesive effort, which brought some continuity to their play and saw them hit double figures for the first time since 1 April, when they went down against Graeme College at the St John’s Easter Rugby Festival.

Cornwall Hill, like Bennies, led against St David’s at halftime before being overrun in the second half. They’ll look to their flyhalf Matthew Fox to control the game and to build on his good kicking performance against St David’s.

Next weekend, the u18 Independent Schools Rugby Festival takes place in Pretoria, with Cornwall Hill, St John’s, St Stithians, St David’s, St Benedict’s and St Alban’s, who are the hosts, in action against other leading independent schools from KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Free State.

FIXTURES

St John’s vs St Stithians

u14A: 8:00 – St John’s College vs St Stithians (D Field)
u15A: 9:00 – St John’s College vs St Stithians (C Field)
u16A: 10:00 – St John’s College vs St Stithians (Burger Field)
u19B: 11:05 – St John’s College vs St Stithians (Burger Field)
u19A: 12:15 – St John’s College vs St Stithians (Burger Field)

St Alban’s vs St David’s

u14A: 09:30 – St Alban’s vs St David’s (Murray Field)
u15A: 10:30 – St Alban’s vs St David’s (Baloyi Field)
u19B: 09:30 – St Alban’s vs St David’s (Moshate Field)
u16A: 10:45- St Alban’s vs St David’s (Moshate Field)
u19A: 12:00 – St Alban’s vs St David’s (Moshate Field)

St Benedict’s vs Cornwall Hill

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

TEAMS

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

St Stithians College: 15 Josh Meyer, 14 Cullen Bradford, 13 Nthabeleng Mafole, 12 Gabriel Hore, 11 Tyler Maclennan, 10 Chris Anderson, 9 Aphelele Ngcuka, 8 Jono Caveny, 7 Tashinga Chingonzo, 6 Ross Turner, 5 Francois Botes, 4 Luke Thorrold, 3 Keabetswe Mapukana, 2 Braedon Hollingworth, 1 Branden Lightfoot.

St Alban’s College: 15 Matthew Nelson, 14 Davon Jacobson, 13 Aidan Kloppers, 12 JJ Steenkamp, 11 Sihle Msiza, 10 Everett Gosling, 9 Joshua Verster, 8 Daniel Bouwer, 7 Thabiso Mbembele 6 Criston Richter, 5 Keegan Dick, 4 Jandre Botha, 3 Neo Gama, 2 Craig Milne 1 Andreas Philippou.

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

St Benedict’s College: 15 Matthew Hovelmeier, 14 Donnel Sibanda, 13 Anagona Marufu, 12 Braeden le Roux, 11 Wade Ramsay, 10 Declan le Roux, 9 Iviwe Mlilo, 8 Jason Cutler, 7 Matthew Joubert, 6 Tebogo Phukuile, 5 Luke Carr, 4 Nicholas Moravec, 3 Matthew Rourke, 2 Thato Ntshangase, 1 Victor Goncalves.

Cornwall Hill College: 15 Matthew Fox, 14 Arno Mosupye, 13 Nathan du Plooy, 12 Onkabetse Leketi, 11 Daniel van Ravensteyn, 10 Tshepo Molete, 9 Eric van Ravensteyn, 8 Dade Kunneke, 7 Tristan Austin, 6 Max Land, 5 Julian Hattingh, 4 Zander Bosman, 3 Omar Sabah, 2 Evangelos Papadopolous, 1 Tana Nhando.

The Golden Lions, Valke and Griquas all put on master classes in running rugby, with each putting up 50 or more points, in their third and final matches of the Grant Khomo Week in Gqeberha on Friday.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools

The Golden Lions kicked off the final day’s action on Kolisi Field with a thumping 66-24 victory over Border.

Their impressive outside centre, Juandré Ehlers, once again showed his immense power with the ball in hand.

He tormented the Border defenders with his powerful runs in the midfield, and twice broke through to make the dive for five.

The platform for the victory was laid by the Lions’ pack. Their rampaging driving mauls and dominance at the set pieces proved too much to handle for Border. Hooker Jeandre van der Merwe and Armand van Eck, in the number eight jumper, led the onslaught, with both going over for two tries each.

The Lions’ backline appeared to click for the first time in the week. They enjoyed good quality ball and acres of space, thanks to the dominance of their forwards.

Jaydon Viljoen, at flyhalf, sharply exploited any chinks in Border’s defences. His ability to spot an opportunity in the blink of an eye meant that Ehlers and the rest of the outside backs could smile for the cameras as they dived over the line.

The Valke were equally impressive against Border Country Districts. Valke captain Luca du Plooy led by example from the back of the scrum. He and his men brushed aside the Border boys to claim a 60-15 victory on Poyt Field. The no. 8, along with lock Matthew van Deventer, caused the Border CD defenders headaches, and they dotted down twice each.

They, however, weren’t the only ones to shine. Thanks to the dominance of their pack, fullback Duwayne Zeekoei and right-wing Mongezi Mthizi also signed off the week on a high note. Both showed immaculate footwork and loads of pace to also equally divide four tries between them. This meant that eight of the Valke’s 10 tries were scored by just four players.

Inside centre Vaughn Steynvaart, who had a good tournament with the boot, was also a try scorer on this occasion.

Flyhalf Zian Ueckerman rounded off a complete team performance with a contribution of 13 points, which included slotting four conversions and also scoring his side’s tenth and last try.

Griquas gave the Limpopo Blue Bulls a bloody nose as they, too – led by a double from utility back, Rivaldo Ruiter – put a half-century on the board in a big 50-12 victory.

One can’t help but wonder what was said at half-time by the Griquas’ coaching staff, but it must’ve been something truly inspirational. They trailed 7-12 at the break, but in the second stanza the side from the Northern Cape put the pedal to the metal and scored 43 unanswered points.

Just like in many other matches, the game opened up when Griquas let the ball do the work. Pinpoint execution and excellent finishing by the Griquas’ outside backs proved too be too much for the men from Limpopo.

Scorers 

Lions 66 (33) – Tries: Juandré Ehlers (2), Jeandre van der Merwe, Armand van Eck, Paballo Mocketsane, Joel Akilo, Jaydon Viljoen, Phano Letsie, Mako Mandizha, Luyanda Mbadamana. Conversions: Jaydon Viljoen (8). Border 24 (10) – Tries: Zearan Booysen, Snage Kraai, Yamkela Molose, Ahlumile Gqwetya. Conversions: Liyema Tsoko (2).

Valke 60 (33) – Tries: Luca du Plooy (2), Matthew van Deventer (2), Duwayne Zeekoei (2), Mongezi Mthizi (2), Vaughn Steynvaart, Zian Ueckermann. Conversions: Ueckermann (4). Border Country Districts 15 (3) – Tries: Ahlume

Griquas 50 (7) – Tries: Rivaldo Ruiter (2), Gadrin Assegaai, Tiaan Serfontein, Jeandre Kuhn, Duran Makoni, Heinrich Swart, Ezlin Swartz. Conversions: Duran Makoni (6). Limpopo Blue Bulls 12 (12) – Tries: Ziahn Lombaard (2). Conversion: Juan Randall.

Other results

Namibia 31 (19) – Tries: Jaydrian Jansen (2), Louis de Wet, Pedri Lacante, Lian Kittler. Conversions: Lacante (3). Zimbabwe 10 (3) – Try: Sebastiaan du Toit. Conversion: Zivai Makunike. Penalty: Makunike.

Leopards 20 (10) – Tries: Wian du Preez (2), De Wet Grobler (2). Pumas 13 (3) – Tries: Kamogelo Monkwe, Zian Hughes. Penalty: Andile Mphanhlaza.

Free State XV 31 (12) – Tries: Jannes Krause (2), Juan Swart (2), Siyabonga Bulwane. Conversions: Neo Lephailo (2). Ayden Cloete. Griffons 20 (10) – Tries: Caleb Butler, Katleho Xaba, Johannes van Niekerk. Conversion: Johannes Pretorius. Penalty: Pretorius.

The South African Schools Hockey Association (SASHOC) on Friday announced a strong-looking SA u18 boys’ squad at the conclusion of the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.

The tournament ran from 16 June and culminated in an epic all-Western Cape final in the boys’ A Section between Western Province A and Boland A.

Province won the title for a fourth time in succession. In a hard-fought final, they edged out their neighbours and arch-rivals 3-2 in a closely contested clash.

They also finished the week as the only unbeaten side, scoring a whopping 30 times in their seven matches.

As a result of their excellence, the side from Cape Town has the largest representation in the national team with eight players.

Dayle Gertson, who couldn’t play in the final after suffering a serious injury in the semi-finals against KZN Coastal A, did just enough during the week to make the cut. He’s joined by his Wynberg Boys’ High schoolmate, Jordan Paulsen in the national team.

Bishops Diocesan College also has a healthy representation in the side, with Joshua Mettler, James Grieve, and Robert Veldtman all cracking the nod.

Litha Kraai, who was in top form in front of goal, and ended the tournament with 10 goals, was included with his SACS’ teammates, Reece Theunis and Noah Venter, who was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

KZN Coastal A’s head coach, Cameron Mackay will be pleased after four of his players made it into the national side.

Lumi Matwele and Lethabo Bogacwi, who represented the SA u17 side at the Mirnawan Cup late last year, were included. Last year, Matwele was in the SA u17 squad, while Bogacwi made SA Schools.

They were joined by their Coastal skipper, Matthew Mendes de Oliveira, who made SA Schools for a second year in succession, and goalkeeper Harlee Jagga.

Reuben Sendzul and Joshua Smit were the only two players selected from Boland’s team, while Eastern Province’s Kian Cambier made the team after a stellar campaign for his side.

Sendzul, who also made the SA Schools side in 2023, was influential throughout the week, scoring 12 goals to finish as the event’s top goal scorer. He also scooped the accolades of Striker of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament.

Southern Gauteng A and Northern Gauteng A also had players named in the national side.

From coach Anthony Woodhouse’s Southerns’ side, home-schooled skipper Tyler Reed-Napier, and Juan Martin will don the green and gold, while Ruard Booysen, from Northerns, completes the lineup.

The team will undergo a four-day camp in Bloemfontein, starting on Saturday and running through until Tuesday, 25 June.

On Saturday, they’ll play a training match against the SA u17 squad, before taking on the University of the Free State on Sunday and Monday. Those matches will take place at 18:30.

Director of Hockey at Kearsney College, Keegan Pearce, was named the head coach of the South African Schools side. He’ll be assisted by St Alban’s head coach, Robin Jones, while Colin Fielding will be the goalkeeper trainer.

Albertus Van Heerden will assume the role of strength and conditioning, while Daiyaan Solomons and Liam Naidoo will be in charge of the physio and analyst’s duties.

SA u18A Squad

Lethabo Bogacwi (KZN Coastal A), Ruard Booysen (Northern Gauteng A), Kian Cambier (Eastern Province), Dayle Gertson (Western Province), James Grieve (Western Province), Harlee Jagga (KZN Coastal A), Litha Kraai (Western Province), Juan Martin (Southern Gauteng A), Lumi Matwele (KZN Coastal A), Matthew Mendes de Oliveira (KZN Coastal A), Joshua Mettler (Western Province), Jordan Paulsen (Western Province), Tyler Reed-Napier (Southern Gauteng A), Reuben Sendzul (Boland), Joshua Smit (Boland), Reece Theunis (Western Province), Robert Veldtman (Western Province), Noah Venter (Western Province).

Despite a hat-trick of tries by the Blue Bulls’ exciting left wing, Yuvrah George, Western Province managed to hold onto their half-time lead and dethrone the defending champions in the unofficial main match of the 2024 Grant Khomo Week, winning 31-22.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools

George was also the only Bulls’ player to cross Province’s try line, which underlined just how special his performance was.

The speedster from Hoërskool Garsfontein, in Pretoria, was the tournament’s leading try-scorer. He also finished second on the top points’ scorers’ list, which makes him a leading contender for the Player of the Tournament Award.

However, a two-try salvo through flyer, Dayyaan Conrad, and captain and hooker, Kwaza Combinca, minutes apart, after the break, saw Western Province stretch their half-time lead from 19-15 to 31-15.

The Capetonians also found an unlikely hero in their eighth-man, Ruan Lindeque. Earlier in the week, he had run out for the Western Province XV. On Friday, though, he took up his place at the back of the scrum in the penultimate match of the week.

Lindeque impressed with his high work rate and was rewarded with a try shortly before the half-time whistle, which also put Province into the lead.

Alongside him, openside flank, Christiaan le Roux, caused havoc at ruck time, resulting in the Bulls dealing with scrappy ball on numerous occasions. His hard work in the trenches earned him the Player of the Match award.

In the curtain raiser, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks spoiled the high-flying South Western Districts’ party through a Lwandle Mkhize try after the hooter. The left-wing went over beneath the uprights, which gave Lwazi Mbede an easy conversion, and saw the Sharks to a 20-19 victory.

South Western Districts’ captain, Jacobus de Villiers, who starred throughout the week, showed his prowess on attack and defence one last time, lighting up Kolisi Field with his storming runs and massive hits.

Inside centre William Stevens and his trusty boot helped Eastern Province claim a narrow 36-33 victory over the Western Province XV in their final outing. It was the hosts’ first win of the week and also meant that the Western Province second stringers would return home winless

Free State hit their straps in their final match against Boland. They gave the ball a lot of air and continuously attacked space, which gave Unathi Ntuli an opportunity to show off his speed and footwork. He crossed for an impressive double as the Free Staters ran out 33-15 winners.

Scorers

Western Province 31 (19) – Tries: Sian van Heerden, Tiaan Basson, Ruan Lindeque, Dayyaan Conrad, Kwaza Combinca. Conversions: Travis Pheiffer (3). Blue Bulls 22 (15) – Tries: Yuvrah George (3). Conversions: Dylan Stumke (2). Penalty: Vihan Pretorius.

Sharks 20 (5) – Tries: Ben Coetzee, Nathan Aneke, Lwandle Mkhize. Conversion: Lwazi Mbede. Penalty: Mbede. South Western Districts 19 (12) – Tries: Jacobus de Villiers (2), Qlin Booyse. Conversions: Caleb Williams (2).

Eastern Province 36 (21) – Tries: Ciaran Carolus (3), Zanick Carolus, Lucritia Magua. Conversions: William Stevens (3). Tristan Kemp. Penalty: Stevens. Western Province XV 33 (18) – Tries: Jacques Hutton, Pierre Dreyer, Alvin Machinga, Laeeq Davids, Adrian Faul. Conversions: Achmat Behardien (2). Penalties: Behardien (2). Drop Goal: Cayden Snyman.

Free State 33 (21) – Unathi Ntuli (2), Henru Erasmus, Lamia Mgedzi. Conversions: O’Ryan Kleyn (4). Boland 15 (3) – Tries: Darren Makeza, Harold de Silva. Conversion: Joshua Arnoldus. Penalty: Arnoldus.

Reabitswe Phume, Ruby Kraus, and Georgia Pollock were among the 18 players selected by SASHOC to represent the SA Schools u18A girls’ side, which was announced in Bloemfontein on Friday during the closing ceremony of the SASHOC National Week.

“We were looking at more than just a player’s ability in a certain position,” Rob Pullen, the convenor of selectors, said.

“The week helped us to evaluate each player’s skill and temperament. It is important that we look at all these things because there is cross-pollination between the u18 and u21 sides.”

Pullen and the rest of the selection panel, including the side’s head coach Nolwazi Nkabinde, spent the six-day event not only analysing the players’ on-field abilities and temperament but how they relate towards other players off of the field.

Phume, who led Southern Gauteng A to the title, is one of the more experienced players in the side. The St Stithians’ learner has already been a part of the SA Women’s Olympic squad.

She was one of the midfielders selected, along with the KZN Coastal duo of Georgia Pollock and Emily Macquet.

One of the things we were looking for was whether a player is comfortable on the ball and their work rate. We wanted players with a high work rate on and off the ball,” Pullen explained.

Southern Free State A‘s Bianca Rees Gibbs was the joint leading goal-scorer of the National Week, with six goals, despite her side missing out on a semi-final place. The Eunice learner didn’t just excel at the National Week. She has in great form throughout the season and won the Player of the Tournament award at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, where she was also the leading goal scorer.

The 17-year-old will join, among others, Ruby Kraus and Tara Pakendorf, up front.

Southern Gauteng A not only scored the most goals at the National Week, but they also conceded the least. Their defence was breached only twice in seven games and part of the reason for that was the quality of their defenders, one of whom was Ifeoma Ndubeze. Her partners in defence will include Caprice Bengston and Lize Classens.

Goalkeeper Luané Janssen played some of the best hockey of her young career as she helped her side, Northern Gauteng A, reach the final of the National Week. The teenager pulled off incredible saves and performed heroics in their semifinal tie against KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A. That clash went to a penalty shootout and then sudden death. Janssen is one of the two goal-minders selected for the side.

Four members of the squad are from Durban Girls’ College: Caprice Bengtson, Ruby Kraus, Emily Macquet and Tara Pakendorf.

The team will undergo a three-day training and orientation camp in Bloemfontein from 22-25 June.

SA Schools U18 team

Jehan Abrahams (Western Province A), Alulutho Adams (Eastern Province A), Caprice Bengtson (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A), Lize Classens (Northern Gauteng A), Luané Janssen (Northern Gauteng A), Ruby Kraus (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A), Emily Macquet (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A), Logan Marthinus (Boland A), Thabelani Metu (Border A), Thatohatsi Mokhele (Northern Gauteng A), Ifeoma Ndubueze (Southern Gauteng A), Tara Pakendorf (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Reabetswe Phume (Southern Gauteng A), Tanya Pieterse (Boland A), Georgia Pollock (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A), Hannah Quinton (Southern Gauteng A), Bianca Rees-Gibbs (Southern Free State A), Amy Smith (Southern Gauteng A).