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Day 5 

Western Province 29 (29) – Tries: Justin Amos, Divan Fuller, Gino Cupido, Scott Nel, JC Mars. Conversions: Kyle Smith (2). Blue Bulls 5 (0) – Try: Shaun Schürman.

Eastern Province 33 (26) – Tries: Leonard Booysen, Dempers Meyer, Sibabalwe Booi, Sinengomso Brawen, Achumile Mnandi. Conversions: Dominic Malgas (4). Sharks 22 (19) – Tries: Maurice Willemse (3). Conversions: Chris Horak (2). Penalty: Horak.

Free State 40 (14) – Tries: Marno Stopforth (2), JJ Theron, Benito Goeda, Ian van der Merwe, Jean Erasmus. Conversions: Van der Merwe (5). Golden Lions 21 (14) – Tries: Ceano Everson, Jamaal Feldman, Rynhardt van der Linden. Conversions: Daylon Myners (2), JT Kapank.

South Western Districts 27 (15) – Tries: JJ Daters (2), Therlow Prins, Brendon Gouws. Conversion: JT Strydom, Elgernon Meyer. Penalty: Strydom. Western Province XV 26 (14) – Tries: Juma Amissi, Luqobo Makwedini, JT George, Samuel Badenhorst. Conversions: Leejay Peterson (2), David Simon.

Border 29 (24) – Tries: Jordan Luck, Bubbles Mthsini, Landile Gidi, Lwanele Gaba, Jed Stone. Conversions: Daniel Larkan (2). Griffons 20 (10) – Tries: Renaldo Kiewiet (3), Andi Mentz.

Boland 28 (14) – Tries: Darius Venter, Seppie September, James Daniels, Carick Kustoor. Conversions: Luan Giliomee (3), Thabo Jansen. Pumas 24 (14) – Tries: Ryan Venter, Zander Erasmus, Luan Lottering. Conversions: Erasmus (2), Lottering. Penalty: Lottering.

Leopards 51 (28) – Tries: Lebogang Wageng (4), Junior Kuhn, Adriaan Liebenberg, David Ndlala, Hanre Venter, Hennoh Visser. Conversions: Leonard Bevan (3) Limpopo Blue Bulls 26 (7) – Tries: Pule Sebolao (2), Driekus du Plessis, Andrew Steamer. Conversions: Byron Hendricks (2), Waldie Haasbroek.

Valke 29 (21) – Tries: Michael Devy, AJ Roux, Jeandre Jacobs, Oregopotse Shilubane. Conversions: Duan du Toit (3). Penalty: Du Toit. Griqualand West 14 (7) – Tries: Heinrich Nel, Emlyhn Jacobs. Conversions: Eldrige Jack (2).

 

History will be made during the main match of the 58th edition of the Craven Week hosted at Outeniqua Park in George this Saturday. For the first time since the inaugural tournament back in 1964 an overseas referee will be officiating the main match.

The honour is bestowed to Ben Connor from Wales. He will be assisted by Hanru van Rooyen and Lulutho Matomela from the sidelines. Van Rooyen refereed the main match of last year’s tournament in Cape Town and would without a doubt play an important role in assisting Connor.

Western Province will face the Blue Bulls for the third consecutive time in the main match of the tournament.

Besides Connor another overseas referee Andrew Cole (Ireland) also officiated during the prestigious week. Tappe Henning, head of the URC’s match officials, was also in attendance to assess the referees’ performances.

Connor is the son of former Welsh sevens player, Shaun Connor, who represented the Ospreys is over a 100 matches at flyhalf. Connor sr. is currently part of the Welsh womens’ team coaching staff and also coached Russia’s national team’s backline earlier in his career.

It’s that time of the year again.

The Telkom Junior Championship will start on Sunday 9 July 2023. The championship is also known as the All Ages for u17 and u18 and u19.

Last year’s champions, Dr Kenneth Kaunda (DR KK) will be defending their title this year. The games will begin on Sunday at 08:00 and the opening ceremony will be held at 15:00 on Sunday.

The playoffs will begin on Wednesday the 12^th of July, where the teams will fight for a place on the podium. The finals will be on Thursday where the one team will walk away as victors.

The u19 teams are named after the municipality they represent while the u17’s and 18’s has team names from their provinces.

These are all games you would not want to mis. You can catch all the games on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com)

The teams:

u19:

KwaZulu Natal: Zululand, King Cetshwayo, Harry Gwala, eThekweni, uThukela, iLembe, UGU

Gauteng: Joburg A, Tshwane B, Joburg B, Ekurhuleni A, Tshwane A, Ekurhuleni B, West Rand, Sedibeng

Limpopo- Capricorn A, Capricorn B, Waterberg, Vhembe, uMgungundlovu, Sekhukhune, Mopani,

Northern Cape- Pixley, Namakwaland, Frances Baard

Western Cape Eden, Winelands, West Coast, Cape Town A, Cape Town B

Eastern Cape NMB (Nelson Mandela Bay), Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani

Mpumalanga Gert Sibande, Nkangala A, Nkangala

North West Bojanala, Dr KK (Dr Kenneth Kaunda), Ngaka Modiri,

Free State Fezile Dabi, Thabo Mafuts, Mangaung, Xhariep, Lejweleputswa

Fixtures:

Day 1

Indoor Court

09:10- Winelands, Tshwanw A; 10:20- Mangaung, eThekweni; 12:40- Zululand, Dr KK; 15:00- Mangaung, Winelands.

Court 1

08:00- Zululand, Joburg A; 10:20- Joburg A, DR KK; 11:30- Cape Town, Vhembe; 12:40- eThekweni, Tshwane; 13:50- Nkangala A, Pixley; 15:00- Mopani, Cape Town B

Court 2

08:00- Capricorn A, Waterberg; 09:10- Harry Gwala, Ekurhuleni B; 10:20- Xhariep, uThukela; 13:50- Waterberg, Joburg B; 15;00- West Coast, Xhariep.

Court 3

08:00- Pixley, Eden; 09:10- Namakwaland, Sekhukhune; 10:20- iLembe, Capricorn B; 11:30- Thabo Mafuts, West Rand;12:40- iLembe, Cape Town B; 13:50- Ekurhuleni A, Fezile Dabi; 15:00- uThukela, Frances Baard.

Court 4

08:00- Gert Sibande, Vhembe; 09:10- Nkangala, Bojanala; 10:20 West Coast, Mopani; 12:40- UGU, Cape Town; 13:50- Capricorn A, King Cetshwayo.

Court 5

08:00- Sedibeng, uMgungundlovu; 09:10- Thabo Mafuts, Chris Hani; 10:20- Ngaka Modiri, Frances Baard; 12:40- Tshwane B, Gert Sibande; 13:50- Bojanala, West Rand; 15:00- Capricorn, Ngaka Modiri.

Court 6

08:00- Tshwane B, NMB; 12:40- Tshwane B, NMB.

Court 7

08:00- Joe Gqabi, Fezile Dabi; 11:30- Joe Gqabi, Fezile Dabi; 12:40- Sedibeng, Lejweleputswa.

Court 8

08:00- King Cetshwayo, Joburg B; 10:20- Vhembe, uMgungundlovu; 11:30- Joburg B, Pixley; 12:40- Ekurhuleni B, Namakwaland.

Court 9

08:00- Ekurhuleni A, Nkangala A; 10:20- Lejweleputswa, UGU; 11:30- King Cetshwayo, Joe Gqabi; 12:40- Sekhukhune, Chris Hani.

Court 10

11:30- Capricorn A, Ekurhuleni B; 12:20- Harry Gwala, Nkangala.

Court 11

10:20- Gert Sibande, Sedibeng.

Day 2

Indoor Court

08:00- Joburg A, eThekweni; 10:20- Winelands, Zululand; 12:40- Mangaung, Tshwane A; 16:10- Tshwane A, Zululand; 17:20- Chris Hani, West Rand.

Court 1

08:00- Ekurhuleni B, Thabo Mafuts; 09:10- Dr KK, Mangaung; 11:30- Ekurhuleni B, Chris Hani; 12:40- Harry Gwala, Thabo Mafuts; 13:50- Joburg A, Winelands; 16:10- UGU, uMgungundlovu; 17:20- Nkangala B, Thabo Mafuts

Court 2

08:00- Harry Gwala, West Rand; 11:30- Capricorn B, Xhariep; 12:40- West Rand, Namakwaland; 13:50- Ngaka Modiri, Xhariep; 16:10- Vhembe, Tshwane B, 17:20- Bojanala v Ekurhuleni B.

Court 3

08:00- Capricorn A, Joe Gqabi; 09:10- Sedibeng, NMB; 11:30- uMgungundlovu, Cape Town; 12:40- Bojanala, Sekhukhune; 15:00- Pixley, Waterberg; 16:10- Gert Sibande, Cape Town. 

Court 4

08:00- Waterberg, Fezile Dabi; 09:10- Gert Sibande, UGU; 11:30- Tshwane B, Lejweleputswa; 12:40- Cape Town B, uThukela; 15:00- Nkangala A, Joe Gqabi; 16:40 Lejweleputswa, NMB.

Court 5

08:00- Nkangala A, Kings Cetshwayo; 11:30- Joburg B, Joe Gqabi; 15:00- Joburg B, Ekurhuleni A; 16:10- Harry Gwala, Namakwaland.

Court 6

08:00- Eden, Ekurhuleni A; 11:30- Pixley v Fezile Dab; 15:00- Capricorn A, Eden; 16:10- Frances Baard, iLembe.

Court 7

08:00- Sekhukhune v Nkangala B; 11:30- Waterberg, Nkangala A; 15:00- Fezile Dabi, King Cetshwayo; 16:10- West Coast v uThukela.

Court 8

08:00- Bojanala, Namakwaland; 11:30- King Cetshwayo, Eden; 16:10- Capricorn B, Cape Town B

Court 9

08:00- Cape Town, Tshwane B; 09:10- Capricorn B, uThukela; 11:30- Mopani, Frances Baard.

Court 10

08:00- Vhembe v Lejweleputswa 09:10- Naka Modiri, Mopani; 11:30- UGU, Sedibeng.

Court 11

08:00- iLembe, Xhariep; 09:10- West Coast, Cape Town B; 11:30- iLembe, West Coast

Day 3

Indoor Court

08:00- Joburg A, Tshwane A; 10:20- Dr KK, Winelands; 12:40- Zululand, eThekwini; 16:10- Winelands, eThekwini.

Court 1

08:00- Cape Town B, Ngaka Modiri; 10:20- Mangaung, Zululand; 11:30- Thabo Mafuts, Sekhukhune;15:00- Dr KK, Tshwane A.

Court 2

08:00- Chris Hani, Namakwaland; 11:30- Ekurhuleni B, West Rand; 15:00- Bojanala, Thabo Mafuts; 16:10- Chris Hani, Bojanala.

Court 3

08:00- Ekurhuleni A, Joe Gqabi; 11:30- Harry Gwala, Chris Hani; 15:00- Ekurhuleni B, Nkangala B; 16:10- Eden, Joburg B.

Court 4

08:00- West Rand, Sekhukhune; 10:20- Tshwane B, Sedibeng; 11:30- UGU, Vhembe; 15:00- Lejweleputswa, uMgungundlovu; 16:10- Frances Baard, Xhariep.

Court 5

08:00- Capricorn A, Pixley; 10:20- Cape Town, Lejweleputswa; 11:30- NMB, Gert Sibande;13:50- Ngaka Modiri, West Coast;15:00- Sedibeng, Vhembe; 16:10- iLembe, Ngaka Modiri.

Court 6

08:00- Nkangala A, Eden; 11:30- Eden, Joe Gqabi; 12:40- Cape Town B, Frances Baard; 13:50- Joburg B, Nkangala A; 15:00- UGU, Tshwane B; 16:00- Mopani, Capricorn B.

Court 7

08:00- Waterberg, King Cetshwayo; 10:20- Fezile Dabi, Nkangala A; 11:30- Nkangala, Namakwa;13:50- Joburg B, Nkangala A; 15:00- Cape Town, NMB.

Court 8

08:00- NMB, UGU; 10:20- Capricorn A, Joburg B; 11:30- Ekurhuleni, Waterberg; 15:00- Pixley, Ekurhuleni A.

Court 9

08:00- Gert Sibande, uMgungundlovu; 11:30- Mopani, Xhariep; 15:00- Joe Gqabi, Waterberg.

Court 10

08:00- Mopani, uThukela; 11:30- Pixley, King Cetshwayo; 15:00- Harry Gwala, Sekhukhune.

Court 11

08:00- Frances Baard, West Coast; 10:20- Capricorn B, West Coast; 11:30- uThukela, iLembe; 15:00- Capricorn A, Fezile Dabi.

Day 4

Court 1

09:10- Namakwaland, Thabo Mafuts.

Court 2

09:10- Sekhukhune, Ekurhuleni B.

Court 3

08:00- Eden, Waterberg; 09:10- Nkangala, West Rand.

Court 4

08:00- NMB, Vhembe; 09:10- Bojanala, Harry Gwala.

Court 5

08:00- Tshwane B, uMgungundlovu; 09:10- Cape Town B, Xhariep.

Court 6

08:00- Sedibeng, Cape Town; 09:10- Mopani, iLembe.

Court 7

08:00- Gert Sibande, Lejweleputswa; 09:10- uThukela, Ngaka Modiri.

Court 8

08:00- King Cetshwayo, Ekurhuleni A; 09:10- Capricorn B v Frances Baard.

Court 9

08:00- Capricorn A, Nkangala A.

Court 10

08:00- Joe Gqabi, Pixley.

Court 11

08:00- J Fezile Dabi, Joburg B.

St Alban’s College and St John’s College will be hosting Eton College from the United Kingdom over the next three days in what is expected to be some enjoyable schoolboy rugby.

St Alban’s will be the first to face the visiting side at the Moshate Field in Pretoria on 6 July 2023, with kick-off taking place at 2:50 p.m.

Eton will then make the trip across the Jukskei River, to face St John’s College on the 8 July 2023.

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

Eton College is a renowned and prestigious independent boarding school located in Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom. Established in 1440 by King Henry VI, the college has a rich history and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious schools in the world.

The college’s traditions, such as the wearing of tailcoats and the recitation of Latin prayers, continue to be upheld, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere for the boys attending the prestigious school.

It has educated generations of influential figures, including numerous British prime ministers, writers, and members of the royal family including Prince William and his brother Harry.

The school only started playing rugby in 1911. Prior to the Great War, the school faced up against other famous schools including Wellington and Radley College. An interesting fact is that the school has produced more British Prime Ministers (21) than international rugby players.

The commitment to rugby is evident in the school’s sporting calendar, which includes regular fixtures against other renowned rugby-playing schools in the United Kingdom.

Looking at St Alban’s College and St John’s College both teams have had a mixed 2023 season, with both teams winning and losing some crucial but tightly contested fixtures throughout the year.

St Alban’s College ended the season on a high note beating their rivals St Stithians College and will be eager to have a look at the depth of their squad going into the 2024 season.

Perhaps the boys from the north will give the South African schools a lesson in world politics whilst learning how to play rugby in foreign conditions.

 

The Golden Lions beat Western Province by 29-20 in the main match of the Academy Week at Jeppe in Johannesburg to be crowned unofficial champions.

Watch all the Academy Week games on SuperSport Schools – Register now.

The home team outclassed Western Province in the first-half, scoring three tries while WP’s only points came off the boot of their flyhalf from Paarl Boys’ High, Marno Pretorius.

It took only a minute from the first kickoff for the Lions to strike when Timi Oluwule, their speedster winger from King Edward VII, scored his first try of the day.

Mehlomakulu was in on the action later again when he picked up a loose ball in his own 22-meter area and put on the after-burners to outpace everyone and run the length of the field for his second try.

Despite having an uncharacteristically difficult kicking day, the Lions’ star fly-half from King Edward VII, Vusi Moyo, did well to maintain his composure and continued to contribute by carrying the ball well and being rock-solid on defence.

He also set up the second try for the Lions after a strong run up the field allowed Jade Muller, their fullback from Noordheuwel, to round off in the corner.

Their third try was created through a magnificent offload by their hooker from Noordheuwel, Jaundre Schoeman, who controlled the ball excellently in contact to put his flanker from Helpmekaar, Ulrich Swart, over.

Because none of the tries were converted, Western Province were right back in it early in the second half when their replacement hooker, Christian de Villiers, benefited from a sloppy Lions lineout and pounced for WP’s first try,

This seemed to energize the WP players and it looked like they might be able to launch a comeback, but the Lions’ big prop from Noordheuwel, Martin Nel, knocked the wind out of their attack when he scored ten minutes later, running a beautiful line like a real centre and powered through the last couple of defenders for a beautiful try.

For the Lions, Moyo and his centre and captain from Jeppe, Exauce Kevani, looked exciting whenever they touched the ball.

The ever-reliable Pretorius was a standout player for Western Province, along with the flanker from Wynberg Boys’ High, Aden da Costa, who was one of their top performers throughout the week. Da Costa had the last word for Western Province, scoring in the 69th minute, but it was much too little, too late for his team.

The WP bench seemed more up for it in the second half, and both of their tries were scored by players who came off the bench at halftime.

It is important to note that Western Province had two teams competing at the Craven Week in George, so their Academy team is the third team to be filled out of the province, while most of their competitors were the second choices in their respective unions. This shows the depth of the Western Cape, as they were still one of the favourites coming into the week.

In the curtain-raiser to the final match, the Griffons pulled off a huge upset against the Sharks.

Their midfield-pairing from Trio, Byron Bienas (flyhalf) and Ethan Smith (scrumhalf) were unmissable again, scoring all the Griffons’ points between them.

Their flanker from Voortrekker, Jayden de Jesus, and centre from Witteberg, Kenyon Morat, also had solid games, helping their side beat last year’s champions in a thrilling 15-13 battle.

For the Sharks, Nkulukelo Sithole, the sturdy eighth man from Maritzburg College stood out, but last year’s champions from KZN were simply not ready for the intensity of the Griffons’ attack, playing most of the game in their own half.

The Griquas also managed an unlikely victory, cruising past Eastern Province 32-11 to end their Academy Week campaign unbeaten.

The Diamantveld centre, Simon Liversage, played a huge role in that game, pinning the Eastern Province in their own half with his massive boot and punishing them off the kicking tee.

Scorers:

Golden Lions 29 (15) – Tries: Timi Oluwule (2), Jade Muller, Ulrich Swart, Martin Nel. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Western Province 20 (6) – Tries: Christian de Villiers, Ethan Wilson. Conversions: Marno Pretorius (2). Penalties: Pretorius (2).

Griffons 15 (3) – Tries: Byron Bienas, Ethan Smith. Conversion: Bienas. Penalty: Bienas. Sharks 13 (5) – Tries: Ayabonga Mkhokeli, Cameron Veenstra. Penalty: Akahluwa Boqwana.

Griquas 32 (10) – Tries: Khayalemkosi Maganga, Diwan Muller, De Wet du Plooy, Julius Muzaza. Conversions: Simon Liversage (3). Penalties: Liversage (2). Eastern Province 11 (11) – Try: Kaiden Titus. Penalties: Logan Muller (2).

Valke 32 – Tries: Martin van Wyngaardt, Divan Francis, Gerhardus van Aswegen, Cameron van Wyk, Ryan Smith. Conversions: Van Wyk, Smith. Dropgoal: Benton Giessing. Border Country Districts 3 – Penalty: Esona Xashimba.

Scorers:

Golden Lions 29 (15) – Tries: Timi Oluwule (2), Jade Muller, Ulrich Swart, Martin Nel. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Western Province 20 (6) – Tries: Christian de Villiers, Ethan Wilson. Conversions: Marno Pretorius (2). Penalties: Pretorius (2).

Griffons 15 (3) – Tries: Byron Bienas, Ethan Smith. Conversion: Bienas. Penalty: Bienas. Sharks 13 (5) – Tries: Ayabonga Mkhokeli, Cameron Veenstra. Penalty: Akahluwa Boqwana.

Griquas 32 (10) – Tries: Khayalemkosi Maganga, Diwan Muller, De Wet du Plooy, Julius Muzaza. Conversions: Simon Liversage (3). Penalties: Liversage (2). Eastern Province 11 (11) – Try: Kaiden Titus. Penalties: Logan Muller (2).

Free State 50 (31): Tries: Erich Visser (3), Ayanda Qinisa, Dailen Geldenhuys, Calvin Bolt, Qwyd Koen, Martin Botha. Conversions: Geldenhuys (5). Boland 19 (7): Tries: Kailen Kotze, Jordan Abels, Johan Coetzee. Conversions: Abels (2)

Blue Bulls 35 (29): Tries: Zian Cilliers, Johan Hattingh, Ruan Lippold, Aiden King, Ruan Enslin, Anwill Prins. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar, Bradley Jansen. Penalties: Pienaar (2). Pumas 28 (0): Tries: Reghardt Vermaak (2), Zak Loock, Zulu van Niekerk. Conversions: Timothy Ntshangase (4).

Border 35 (12) – Tries: Jade Zindlu (2), Athenkosi Msileni, Phikolomzi Susela, Ruan Potgieter. Conversions: Jacqyl Wright, Willem Kloppers. Penalties: Wright, Zindlu. LSEN 24 (19) – Tries: Ethan Malgas (2), Believe Mwabi. Conversions: Malgas (3). Penalty: Malgas.

Sharks XV 33 (19) – Tries: Bunono Jabavu, Murray Baker, Duncan Basson, Roelof Engelbrecht, Daniel Ikotela. Conversions: Unathi Mlotshwa (4). Leopards 7 (7) – Try: Rickardt van Heerden. Conversion: Van Heerden.

Namibia 27 (24): Tries: Claus Otto (2), Delano van der Berg, Stefan Gildenhuys. Conversions: Michael Koopman, Waldre Kotze. Penalty: Kotze Zimbabwe 25 (8): Tries: Kudzai Chenda (2), Shammah Jackson. Coversions: Ethan Chaponda (2). Penalties: Brennan Watt, Chaponda.

South Western Districs 28 (28): Tries: Sachin Wagenaar, Louwrens van der Linde, JC van Wyk, Henro Kuhn. Conversions: Luca Potgieter (4). Limpopo Blue Bulls 19 (5): Tries: Aza Mabe, Chadwin Storm, Prince Sekoboane. Conversions: Vincent Luckhoff.

Valke 32 – Tries: Martin van Wyngaardt, Divan Francis, Gerhardus van Aswegen, Cameron van Wyk, Ryan Smith. Conversions: Van Wyk, Smith. Dropgoal: Benton Giessing. Border Country Districts 3 – Penalty: Esona Xashimba.

Scorers:

Griqualand West 38 (26) – Tries: Valentino Lenge (2), Dwayne Lubbe (2), Jonaden Links, Penalty Try. Conversions: Eldridge Jack (3). Limpopo Blue Bulls 38 (21) – Tries: Hope Seyaga (2), Hanno van Zyl (2), Ulrich Maree, Kamo Sethosa. Conversions: Wian Terblanche (4).

Border 31 (14) – Tries: Amani Somana (2), Sandi Msengana, Siya Sakhela. Conversions: Daniel Larkan (4). Penalty: Larkan. Pumas 21 (7) – Tries: Laun Lottering, Tyron Moolman, Ninja Dladla. Conversions: Zander Erasmus (3).

Griffons 50 (10) – Tries: Ronaldo Kiewiet (2), Fano Linde, Lungile Samson, Thuto Kekane, Cecil Parsons. Conversions: Kiewiet (3), Pasco Mokoena. Penalties: Kiewiet (4). Leopards 12 (12) – Tries: Chad Hofmeyr, Lebogang Wageng. Conversion: Leonard Bevan.

Blue Bulls 44 (21) – Tries: Brooklyn Newman, Dimitre Erasmus, Happy Makate, Jason Hugo, Luyolo Doyi, Luan Olivier. Conversions: Nicallen Gabrielsen (4). Penalties: Gabrielsen (2). Golden Lions 34 (12) – Tries: Ruan Welman (2), Ulrich van der Westhuizen, Jamaal Feldman, Rynhardt van der Linden, Tirhani Masondo. Conversions: JT Kapank. Daylon Myners.

Free State ended on a high as they beat Boland 50-19 in their last game of the Academy Week hosted by Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg.

The Bloemfontein-based team put up a champaigne performance from the get-go. Erich Visser was at the fore front of the onslaught with an impressive hat-trick of tries.

The Grey College-man delivered a superb performance, providing quick and clean ball for the danger men at the back. He was well backed up by Dailen Geldenhuys who had yet another solid outing in the 10-jumper.

Upfront, Calvin Bolt (eight man), lead the physical battle and was ferocious with his strong ball-carries and solid defence.

It was a tough outing for the Boland team, but they had a shining light in the form of their twinkle toes utility back Jordan Abels.

Abels continued his great form shown through the week and could cross the whitewash to add another try to his tally of the week and succeeded to convert two of his teams’ three tries.

Zimbabwe pushed Namibia all the way in the annual unofficial test match between the two countries.

Second rower Claus Otto was instrumental in his teams’ victory of 27-25, crossing the try line twice and continuously breaching the advantage line with ball in hand. His colleague Delano van der Berg (hooker) was also in the thick of things upfront and was a thorn in the side of the Zimbabweans at ruck time.

This set the platform for the burly inside centre, Stefan Gildenhuys, to run rampant amongst the defenders from the neighbouring country. Gildenhuys secured a well-deserved victory with his visit behind the try line.

For the Zimbabweans Kudzai Chenda (outside back), led the fight back after a 16-point deficit at the break. Chenda broke the Namibian defence twice in a matter of minutes to contribute 10 points to his teams’ tally but it seemed to little too late, with the Namibians holding on to their lead to finish their week strong.

The Pumas nearly pulled off a comeback for the books scoring 28 points in the second half. The man from Nelspruit Reghardt Vermaak (hooker), put in a massive shift upfront and scored twice for his team, but his efforts were in vain as the consistency of the Blue Bulls back line, in particular, their scrumhalf, Zian Cilliers proved to be to good for the Pumas on the day.

South Western Districts came out on top 28-19 against the Limpopo Blue Bulls. It was scrumhalf, Sachin Wagenaar, who proved to be vital in his teams’ victory. Wagenaar had another good outing as he delivered clean ball and was a constant threat around the fringes.

SWD managed to hold on to their lead of 23 points at the break, conceding 19 unanswered points in the second half as the men from up North kept knocking on the door to try and secure a full house for the week.

Scorers:

Free State 50 (31): Tries: Erich Visser (3), Ayanda Qinisa, Dailen Geldenhuys, Calvin Bolt, Qwyd Koen, Martin Botha. Conversions: Geldenhuys (5). Boland 19 (7): Tries: Kailen Kotze, Jordan Abels, Johan Coetzee. Conversions: Abels (2)

Namibia 27 (24): Tries: Claus Otto (2), Delano van der Berg, Stefan Gildenhuys. Conversions: Michael Koopman, Waldre Kotze. Penalty: Kotze. Zimbabwe 25 (8): Tries: Kudzai Chenda (2), Shammah Jackson. Coversions: Ethan Chaponda (2). Penalties: Brennan Watt, Chaponda.

South Western Districs 28 (28): Tries: Sachin Wagenaar, Louwrens van der Linde, JC van Wyk, Henro Kuhn. Conversions: Luca Potgieter (4). Limpopo Blue Bulls 19 (5): Tries: Aza Mabe, Chadwin Storm, Prince Sekoboane. Conversions: Vincent Luckhoff.

Blue Bulls 35 (29): Tries: Zian Cilliers, Johan Hattingh, Ruan Lippold, Aiden King, Ruan Enslin, Anwill Prins. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar, Bradley Jansen. Penalties: Pienaar (2). Pumas 28 (0): Tries: Reghardt Vermaak (2), Zak Loock, Zulu van Niekerk. Conversions: Timothy Ntshangase (4).

 

Die Rooikatte is die nuwe VKB Platteland Rugbyweek kampioene nadat hulle die Luiperds kon mak maak in Reitz.

Die span van Pretoria het met sy oortuigende sege van 44-10 oor die Luiperds ook dan die bordjies teen die Luiperds verhang wat verlede jaar in die eindstryd tussen die twee spanne met die louere weggestap het.

Kyk al die wedstryde op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou

Na die Luiperds aanvanklik druk op die seuns van die Pretoria privaatskole gesit het van die afskop af het die Rooikat-senter van St Alban’s College, Luke Sass, se drie die momentum geswaai en die Rooikatte kon die res van die wedstryd oorheers.

‘n Driekuns aan drieë deur hul losskakel, JJ Steenkamp, twee drieë deur hul haker, Luke Webber en ‘n laaste drie om hul skitterende vertoning af te rond deur Zander Wessels van Heronbridge College wat as ‘n reserwe in die agterlyn opgekom het, was genoeg om vir die Rooikatte ‘n gemaklike 44-10 sege te gee in die twee spanne se herontmoeting.

Met nog ‘n driekuns op die eerste dag, en ‘n drie op die tweede dag, is Steenkamp se sewe drieë die meeste deur ‘n enkele speler by die toernooi.

Anru Cronje, die Rooikatte se flank van Midstream College het ‘n briljante wedstryd geniet en is as speler van die wedstryd uitgewys.

Hul heelagter, Jaedon de Leeuw, was ook deurlopend betrokke met die aanval en kon ‘n verdere nege punte met sy stelskoppe bydra.

Verlede jaar het die Luiperds 24-17 in die eindstryd teen die Rooikatte gewen, maar hulle kon nie vandag die verdediging oopmaak nie.

Nadat hulle vir 46 minute als wat hul het teen die Rooikatte se verdegingslyn gegooi het was dit hul groot slot van Koster, PW Smit, wie uiteindelik hul enigste drie kon druk.

Een van die Luiperds se sterkste baldraers die week, die agsteman van Lichtenburg, Dries Scheepers, was afwesig vir die wedstryd weens ‘n besering wat hy opgedoen het. Hy het definitief ‘n leemte in die span van Noord-Wes gelaat.

Met vyf drieë in die eerste twee wedstryde het Scheepers ‘n groot rol gespeel in sy span se veldtog vir ‘n plek in die eindstryd.

Die Rooikatte maak dan skoonskip by hierdie jaar se Platteland-week met hierdie wen, nadat hulle Dinsdag ook die Spar-sewestoernooi gewen het. Daardie wedstryd was ‘n goeie voorsmaak vir vandag se eindstryd en die Rooikatte het met 35-17 die Luiperds oorwin. Die Luiperds was ook verlede jaar se sewes-kampioene, so die Rooikatte neem albei die titels hierdie jaar af.

Die enigste ander span wat die week onoorwonne is, die Barbarians, het ook hul spiere gebult en hul week in styl afgerond deur om vir die Griekwas met 67-0 pakslae te gee.

Die Barbarians se flank van Witteberg, Sakkie Brits, kon ‘n driekuns in daardie wedstryd en Lodie van Dyk (slot) van Goudveld en Daniel Meintjies (agsteman) wat ook van Witteberg af kom kon twee drieë elk druk.

Meintjies en sy vleuel van Goudveld af, Urban Pienaar, is die twee spelers wat in elke wedstryd die week minstens een drie vir die Barbarians kon druk.

Puntemakers:

Rooikatte 44 (24) – Drieë: JJ Steenkamp (3), Luke Webber (2), Luke Sass, Zander Wessels. Doelskoppe: Jaedon de Leeuw (3). Strafdoel: De Leeuw. Luiperds 10 (3) – Drie: PW Smit. Doelskop: Albert Joubert. Strafdoel: Joubert.

Pumas 14 (14) – Drieë: Walt Stander, Henco Morgenson. Doelskoppe: Minehle Mtsweni (2). NKZN 3 (3) – Strafdoel: Kyle Barsdorf.

Barbarians 67 (38) – Drieë: Sakkie Britz (3), Lodie van Dyk (2), Daniel Meintjies (2), Johan Whitehead, Tyrece Britz, Marco Grobler, Urban Pienaar. Doelskoppe: Dries Stemmet (4), Tertius Loubscher, Jason Rolfe. Griekwas 0.

Sandveld 12 (7) – Drieë: Aboubacar Gaye, Marnus Swart. Doelskop: Alex du Pisani. Zululand 10 (10) – Drieë: Josias van Schalkwyk, Meilin Viljoen.

Vrystaat Kiewiete 45 (28) – Drieë: Wehan Strydom (3), Tumi Pholoane (2), Frans Botha, Reinieco Nel. Doelskoppe: Henré Smith (4), Nel. SKZN 31 (14) – Drieë: Tiaan le Roux, Jordan Lubbe, Bongokuhle Nyenyana, Banele Nombika. Doelskoppe: Jayden Matthews (4). Strafdoel: Matthews.

Kiewiete Platteland 25 (22) – Drieë: Denver Jacobs, Bin Laden Macholo, Reghardt Fourie. Doelskoppe: Licha Leballo (2). Strafdoelle: Leballo (2). Oos-Vrystaat 19 (7) – Drieë: Fanie Malakoane, Letlotlo Mohale, Phatela Sehlotho. Doelskoppe: Tebello Kabi (2).

GEORGE. – The Free Staters were clearly more than a bit angry after their record fifth successive defeat at the Craven Week when they took the field at Outeniqua Park for their second clash of the 58th edition of the tournament here.

Free State defeated the Western Province XV comprehensively by 54-14 in their second clash of the tournament. This after the team from Bloemfontein suffered a shock defeat of 23-26 against Eastern Province during Day 1.

Free State’s pack of forwards laid the foundation for the victory as they completely overpowered Western Province in the physical exchanges during the match.

This came mostly due to their locks, Jaco Grobbelaar and Marno Stopforth, as well as the flanker, Keegan Scholtz, and captain and eighthman, JJ Theron.

Free State already had the game in the bag by half-time with a comfortable lead of 42-0. Their flyhalf, Ian van der Merwe, also packed his kicking boots as he converted seven of his sides eight tries. Van der Merwe was also named Man of the Match after his kicking performance as well as the way that he dictated play.

It would probably be the correct description to state that the hosts, South Western Districts, stole their 22-19 victory over the Valke in the first match of Day 3 of the tournament. Their inside centre, Kurt Coetzee, scored the winning try in the last movement of the match with a mere 40 seconds left on the clock to give his side the lead for the first time in the match at 20-19.

The Valke led by 11-5 at the break with flyhalf, Duan du Toit, slotting two penalties and outside centre, Lynghe Pretorius, scoring his side’s try. Pretorius was later red carded for a dangerous tackle.

Flankers, Divan du Plooy and Andre Roux, also both got yellow carded in the second half which meant that the Valke played most of the half with only 13 players.

Du Toit had an opportunity to stretch his side lead to 22-10 with a fourth penalty but struck the upright. Less than a minute later Keenan Jantjies scored for the home side to get his side within touching distance to be able to grab the victory.

SWD’s winger Jay-Jay Daters was once again in superb form for his side, while flanker Dewald Gerber also deserves a pat on the back for his performance.

The Valke’s lock Reon Pretorius put in a massive performance for his side. He was well-deservedly named Man of the Match after putting his body on the line but would probably rather swop his award for a Valke-victory.

Scorers: 

Free State 54 (42) – Tries: Christiaan van der Westhuizen, Ranon Fouche, JJ Theron, Jean-Henri Smit, Pieter van der Merwe, Stefan Venter, Keagan Scholtz, Phiwe Mkunjana. Conversions: Ian van der Merwe (7). Western Province XV 14 (0) – Tries: Daniel van der Merwe, Louw du Toit. Conversion: JT George (2).

South Western Districts 22 (5) – Tries: Brendon Gouws, Jay-Jay Daters, Keenan Jantjies, Kurt Coetzee. Conversion: Elgernon Meyer. Valke 19 (11) – Tries: Lynghe Pretorius, Oregopotse Shilubane. Penalties: Duan du Toit (3).