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Stellenberg faces Milnerton at 20:20 tonight to kick off the weekend’s fixtures before Hoërskool Durbanville takes on Tygerberg on Friday.

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Last weekend, Milnerton got the best of Parel Vallei by 26-24 after seeing away with DF Malan by 33-22 the weekend before, but the Stellenberg boys have looked tuned-in of late and seem set on finishing their season with strong performances in their last games.

The home team’s nimble centre, Frank Hitimana, leads their attack, much in the same way as another Milnerton old boy, the Springbok, Damian de Allende, would have done when he wore the Millie jersey.

and their eighth man, Liberty Nyashanu, has also stood out for Milnerton this season.

For the visitors, their goal-kicking centre, Ruben Thompson, and top try-scorer flanker, Marco Ferreira, are the ones to keep an eye on.

Luc Cilliers starts at left wing, and Heinro Swart stands in for their regular scrumhalf, Clyde Frieslaar. Those are the only changes to the Stellenberg starting lineup from the team that faced Outeniqua and just narrowly lost through a penalty conversion in the final moments (10-8).

Last weekend, Stellenberg returned to winning ways with a comfortable 43-21 victory over Hoërskool Bellville.

The Jade Brigade look primed to end their season strong, and it will take a massive effort by the hosts to stop them tonight.

Hoërskool Durbanville also looks to carry on building momentum in their clash with Tygerberg.

The Durbies have had an excellent season, beating Paarl Boys’ High (26-25), Rondebosch Boys’ High (35-19) and HTS Drostdy (61-3) to name only a few.

They saw away their rivals Brackenfell last weekend with a comprehensive 45-10 victory and will hope to capitalize on the momentum and carry it through until they face Stellenberg in their big derby and final match of the season.

Their electric centre, James Nero, is not available for this weekend’s game yet as he is still returning from Trinidad and Tobago where he was the top scorer in the SA U18 Sevens team that earned bronze at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Nero’s absence is, of course, noted, but the Hoërskool Durbanville boys have no lack of options for pace in the backline.

Valrhino Olckers (fullback), Cayden Louw (winger) and Monray Daars (scrumhalf) have been exceptional for their side this season, as Durbanville seems to be scoring tries for fun at the moment.

Even their eighth man, Jayden Nell, who has already committed to SARU Sevens next year, can turn on the after-burners when needed.

Tygerberg lost to Swartland 16-10 last weekend after beating Melkbosstrand 22-17 the weekend before.

The Tygerberg Tigers’ pair of locks, Tyrique van Reenen and Gian Brand can take inspiration from those who have come before them, as the Springbok locks, Marvin Orie and Eben Etzebeth, both wore the Tygerberg jersey before them

What bodes ominously for the hosts though is the fact that HTS Drostdy beat them by 73-5 only a month after Durbies annihilated the team from Worcester by 61-3.

They will need to be at their very best to avoid another big score on Saturday.

The teams are:

Milnerton vs Stellenberg at 20:20 on Friday:

Milnerton: 15 Keegan Wood, 14 Carl Moatshe, 13 Morgan Lodewyk, 12 Frank Hitimana, 11 Qhamani Mangele, 10 Devon Damons, 9 Raqeeb Kaspery, 8 Liberty Nyashanu, 7 Cole Wegeworth, 6 Ethan Wilson, 5 Dylan Peverett, 4 Keenan Togni, 3 Khanyisa Tafeni, 2 Keagan Harding, 1 Liam Ross.

Stellenberg: 15 Dehan Neethling, 14 Liam Smith, 13 Estian Steyn, 12 Ruben Thompson, 11 Luc Cilliers, 10 Tyron Labuschagne, 9 Heinro Swart, 8 Dale du Toit, 7 Marco Ferreira, 6 Alex Schoeman, 5 Corne Bruwer, 4 Zian Erasmus, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Almero Keizer, 1 Niel de Beer.

Tygerberg vs Hoërskool Durbanville at 11:20 on Saturday:

Tygerberg: 15 Higgen White, 14 Therlow Goudhard, 13 JD Pombo, 12 Luke Moses, 11 Mikyle Philander, 10 Marius Griebenow, 9 Shane Steenkamp, 8 Dillon Fillies, 7 Zuhayr Pillay, 6 Prince Misengue, 5 Tyrique van Reenen, 4 Gian Brand, 3 Ashton Maloy, 2 Ezra Glover, 1 Ethan Abrahams.

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Valrhino Olckers, 14 Damian Hendrickse, 13 Lian Jordaan, 12 Blane Marais, 11 Cayden Louw, 10 Shaun Klein, 9 Monray Daars, 8 Jayden Nell, 7 Evert Bouwer, 6 William Goldswain, 5 Liam Baird, 4 Rikus Saaiman, 3 Anru van Rhyn, 2 Devon Strydom, 1 Wian Koen.

Other fixtures on Saturday:

11:50 – Hoërskool Bellville vs Strand; 12:30 – Brackenfell vs Melkbosstrand.

 

Brebner High School defeat King Edward VII by 2-1 as they walk victorious at St David’s Marist Inanda Soccer Challenge. 

Brebner High School started the few minutes by playing defence as they were overwhelmed by the aggressive and attacking full force of the King Edward VII School. However, Brebner took the first lead in the 4th minute of the game from a corner kick. 

Brebner continued to rely heavily by posing dangerous counter attacks and set pieces in the first half of the match. 

Both teams, very tactical strong, continued to put pressure on each other, with the goalkeepers being left to put out incredible saves at the back. 

King Edward’s goalkeeper, continued to save his team in the second half but he could not hold for long as his defence was broken time and time again. 

Brebner’s second goal came in the early rounds of the second half, from a beautifully converted strike out of the box. 

King Edward’s consoling goal came in the closing minutes of the game. Despite looking a much sharper side towards the end of the game, Brebner managed to hold and stick to their game plan even though their legs looked worn out. 

Final standings 

1. Brebner
2. KES
3. Norkem Park
4. St Stithians
5. St David’s Marist Inanda 
6. St Peter’s
7. St Benedict’s 
8. St John’s
9. Grey College
10. Parktown
11. Hilton
12. Marist Linmeyer
13. Jeppe
14. Michaelhouse
15. St Alban’s 
16. St Andrew’s

 

Die 2023 Bloemfontein Stadsbeker-kampioen sal Saterdag by President Steyn gekroon word, waneer Fichardtpark en Jim Fouché mekaar aanpak vir die titel.

In die B-liga is dit Zastron en Brandfort wat sake sal uitspook.

Al vier hierdie spanne dring dan deur na die Kovsiereekskompetisie se halfeindronde waar hulle teen die wenners van die Griekwas en Griffon se onderskeie ligas te staan sal kom.

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Die Fichies en JF verdien hul plek in die eindstryd na albei een van hul sterkste seisoene nog beleef.

Fichardtpark het veral ‘n merkwaardige jaar. Na 18 wedstryde is die Fichie-leeus steeds onoorwonne, en hulle kon ook hul eerste SA Skole speler ooit oplewer in hul groot slot, Jaco Grobbelaar, wat gekies is om die land op skolevlak te verteenwoordig.

Die SA Skole span speel Dinsdag teen Frankryk, dus sal Grobbelaar nie vir hierdie wedstryd beskikbaar wees nie.

Ander gevaarmanne vir Fichardtpark, soos hul blitsige vleuel, Edward Mpinga, hul Cravenweek skakelpaar van Dailen Geldenhuys (losskakel) en Devanté Claasen (skrumskakel), en die ander groot slot, Nathan Dodd, is egter almal op hul pos om hul span te help om ‘n geskiedkundige seisoen sterk af te sluit.

Jim Fouché beleef egter self ‘n baie indrukwekkende jaar onder die leiding van hul kaptein en Cravenweek haker, Stefan Venter.

Toe die twee mekaar vroeër in die jaar ontmoet het op JF se veld het die vonke behoorlik gespat.

Fichardtpark kon daardie wedstryd met 39-33 wen, maar Jim Fouché sal gemotiveerd wees deur die feit dat hulle daardie wedstryd kon wen, en hulle sal uitsien vir ‘n kans om die klein foutjies reg te maak en die Fichies se droomseisoen tot ‘n einde te bring.

Brandfort en Zastron pak mekaar in die B-liga aan.

Albei skole lyk vanjaar nog onstuitbaar, al moes Zastron hard veg vir hul plek in die eindstryd teen Hendrik Potgieter om van 14-12 agter teen halftyd terug te kom om 34-24 te wen.

Hul skakelpaar van Lecha Leballo (losskakel) en Reinico Nel (skrumskakel) is baie effektief hierdie seisoen, en is twee spelers om Saterdag dop te hou.

Die span van Brandfort se groot slot, JC Venter, en heelagter, Gustav Maree, blink nog heel jaar vir hul span uit, en is nog twee wat ‘n groot rol mag speel Saterdag.

Die spanne is:

Fichardtpark t. Jim Fouché om 14:10:

Fichardtpark: 15 Rubin Visagie, 14 Edward Mpinga, 13 Duan Viviers, 12 Dandré van der Merwe, 11 Martin Kalp, 10 Dailen Geldenhuys, 9 Devanté Claassen, 8 Jaco Janse van Rensburg, 7 Tumelo Leputla, 6 Jan-Nel du Plessis, 5 Nathan Dodd, 4 Wian Pienaar, 3 Nathan Swanepoel, 2 Luhan du Plessis, 1 Zaine van Zyl.

Jim Fouché: 15 Christian Strydom, 14 Altus du Plessis, 13 Justin Groenewald, 12 Heinrich Hattingh, 11 Dillon Calitz, 10 Hanko Botha, 9 Tristan van der Walt, 8 Calvin Bolt, 7 JW Stone, 6 Ruan Heymans, 5 SW van der Merwe, 4 Stefan van Rooyen, 3 Stean Marais, 2 Stefan Venter, 1 Bernard Labuschagne.

Brandfort t. Zastron om 13:00:

Brandfort: 15 Gustav Matee, 14 Janco Snyman, 13 Franco de Klerk, 12 Fanie van Heerden, 11 Amolang Maloisane, 10 Henré Smith, 9 Altus Coetsee, 8 Wehan Strydom, 7 Barend de Klerk, 6 Demas Moloyi, 5 JC Venter, 4 Cecil Lee, 3 Lian Naude, 2 Heinrich de Kock, 1 Frikkie Smith.

Zastron: 15 Khule Mdladlamba, 14 Asive Diba, 13 Mawethu Magudela, 12 Kamo Masiloane, 11 JC Knoetze, 10 Lecha Leballo, 9 Reinico Nel, 8 JP van Rooyen, 7 Frans Botha, 6 Jean Pierre Steenkamp, 5 Kamo Elisha, 4 Marckus Allerston, 3 Derick Bouer, 2 CJ Bouer, 1 Jan Adrian Grobler.

Ander bepalings:

A-liga: 

o.19 B: 10:20 – Jim Fouché II t. Landboudal II
o.16: 11:40 – Fichardtpark t, Jim Fouché
o.15: 12:30 – Fichardtpark t. Jim Fouché
o.14: 09:00 – Sentraal t. Jim Fouché

B-liga:

o.16: 11:20 – Brandfort t. St Andrews
o.15: 10:10 – Bloemfontein Hoër t. St Andrews

 

Hoërskool Outeniqua will play one final match against HTS Drostdy on Saturday to bring an end to what has been an exceptional season to celebrate their centenary year.

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When these two met last year, HTS Drostdy emerged as victors with 13-9.

Repeating that success this year, however, would be one of the upsets of the season, as the Kwaggas have only lost to Grey College (19-17) and Garsfontein (19-8), the two schools at the top of the rankings this year.

They proved they deserve to be mentioned among the big names this year with another epic match against an in-form Paarl Gimnasium, recently holding the Powerhouse from Paarl to a 10-all draw in George.

Since then, they have returned to winning ways, beating Stellenberg 10-8 in their penultimate fixture of the season.

JT Strydom (fullback), JJ Daters (winger), Ashwen Damons (winger) and Nathan Smit (hooker) have been some of their most impressive players this season. They were among the 15 Kwagga players who represented their school in the SWD Craven Week team that competed at the annual Youth Week which was hosted by Outeniqua in July.

In their final match of the season, they pass the torch to some of the younger players who will be tasked with continuing the legacy next year, like the young flyhalf, Andrew Stopforth and the replacement scrumhalf, Elgernon Meyer, who have both already shown their value this year.

Over their 100 years of existence, Outeniqua has produced some top-quality players, like Springboks Johan Heunis, Marco Wentzel, Warrick Gelant and our World Cup Flyhalf, Manie Libbok all attended the proud school in George.

Other notable alumni include Duhan van der Merwe who currently stars for Scotland and Faan Conradie who toured with the Springboks in 1965 but never got the opportunity to play a test.

HTS Drostdy has had more of a mixed season.

They’re coming off a 31-24 loss in a closely fought match against an in-form Oakdale after putting up a massive 73-5 against Tygerberg just before the break.

Their two flankers, Ettiene Claasen and captain Matt Romao, have stood out for the team from Worcester and will have a big role to play this weekend again.

The hosts are without their star flanker, Jeffwin Wesso, who was selected as a part of the SA U18 Sevens team that recently earned the bronze medal at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago. An injury sustained in the match against Paarl Gimnasium limited his involvement in the tournament, but he is undoubtedly a young player with a bright future ahead of him.

Since 2005 HTS Drostdy has only beaten the Kwaggas twice; once in 2018 and once last year. Handing the hosts their third loss in their centenary year would be a massive achievement for the Drostdy boys, but it will take an immense effort to upset the Outeniqua on their home field.

The teams are:

Outeniqua vs HTS Drostdy at 13:30:

Outeniqua: 15 JT Strydom, 14 JJ Daters, 13 Luca Potgieter, 12 Estiaan Cronje, 11 Ashwen Damons, 10 Andrew Stopforth, 9 Jamil Pretorius, 8 Brendon Gouws, 7 Dewald Gerber, 6 Ruart Curlewis, 5 Jayden Potgieter, 4 Michael Cronje, 3 Juan Kleinhans, 2 Nathan Smith, 1 Ruan Swart.

HTS Drostdy: 15 Graham Thompson, 14 Adrian Vergotine, 13 Aljay Skippers, 12 Kenneth Jansen, 11 Bernedict George, 10 Josh Fourie, 9 Corné van Schalkwyk, 8 MJ van der Westhuizen, 7 Matt Romao, 6 Ettiene Claasen, 5 Marcus Lee, 4 Piet Erasmus, 3 Tertius Wantenaar, 2 Daniël Mellet, 1 Walter Schoeman.

 

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

The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools.

For results from the SDC Noordvaal Cup – please click on the following link – SDC Noordvaal Cup Results.

If your school’s match is not listed below or you would like to send in your team’s results – please contact us via e-mail at rugby@superschoolsnews.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.

All the Results:

CENTRAL REGION

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EASTERN CAPE

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KWAZULU – NATAL

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WESTERN CAPE

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Four sides managed to stay unbeaten during the opening day of the annual Faitrtree Super 12-tournament hosted by the Hoër Meisieskool Oranje in Bloemfontein.

Paarl Gimnasium bagged three victories during the opening day as they defeated Herchel Girls’ High (1-0), St Mary’s Waverley (1-0) and Menlopark (1-0) for a more than satisfactory start to their campaign.

Eunice of Bloemfontein and Rhenish of Stellenbosch also stayed unbeaten securing two victories each during the opening day.

Eunice defeated Pearson of Gqeberha during their opening match by 1-0 thanks to a freakish goal by Bianca Rees-Gibbs in the 22nd minute. Rees-Gibbs lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper to secure the victory.

Eunice beat Garsfontein by 2-1 thanks to goals by Megan Pelser and Georgia Kambanis to keep their unbeaten status on day one.

Rhenish started their campaign with a solid 3-0 victory over Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof. Leah du Plessis, Kaitlyn van Binsbergen and Ruby Cilliers finding the back of the net.

Van Binsbergen scored a brace of goals in her side’s second match against Pearson to help secure a 2-0 victory.

The hosts and defending champions, Oranje, is also still unbeaten. They started slow with a goalless draw against Menlopark, before they found their rhythm against Hershel Girls’ High (4-0) and Collegiate (5-1).

In the victory over Herschel Kayla Olivier and Mia Prinsloo both scored a brace of goals. Against Collegiate Olivier managed to score another two goals to help her side end the opening day on a high.

Results | Day 1 

ROUND 1

Rhenish 3 (Leah du Plessis 20′, Kaitlyn van Binsbergen 23′, Ruby Cilliers 30′); HMS Bloemhof 0.

Oranje 0, Menlopark 0.

Paarl Gimnasium 1 (Tanya Pieterse 21′); Herschel Girls’ High 0.

St Mary’s Waverley 2 (Isabelle Barrow 16′, Emily Hicks 26′); Collegiate 0.

Eunice 1 (Bianca Rees-Gibbs 22′); Pearson 0.

Garsfontein 1 (Lize-Mari Claassens 32′); Durban Girls’ College 0.

ROUND 2

Oranje 4 (Kayla Olivier 1′, 7′; Mia Prinsloo 16′, 22′); Herschel 0.

Collegiate 1 (Elizabeth Porter 40′); Menlopark 1 (Danielle McCann 7′).

Paarl Gimnasium 1 (Anke Botes 32′); St Mary’s Waverley 0.

Rhenish 2 (Kaitlyn van Binsbergen 7′, 20′); Pearson 0.

Durban Girls’ College 1 (Ruby Kraus 14′); HMS Bloemhof 0.

Eunice 2 (Megan Pelser 6′, Georgia Kambanis 27′); Garsfontein 1 (Monique van Rooyen 39′).

ROUND 3 

Oranje 5 (Nadine Claassens 2′, 28′; Kayla Olivier 23′, 29′; Mia Prinsloo 36′); Collegiate 1 (Gabriella Smit 15′).

St Mary’s Waverley 0, Herschel 0.

Paarl Gimnasium 1 (Arisha van Niekerk 26′); Menlopark 0.

Rhenish 1 (Leah du Plessis 33′); Durban Girls’ College 0.

Vir die tweede agtereenvolgende naweek word die Paarl in twee gedeel waneer die plaaslike Klein Nederburg en New Orleans kragte meet in ‘n wedstryd wat sedert 1994 al jaarliks groot aksie bied.

Dit is ‘n week vol aksie met die twee skole wat meeding met al hul sportkodes, maar die hoogtepunt elke jaar is definitief die kragmeting tussen die twee eerste-rugbyspanne in die Faure Straat Stadion op Saterdagmiddag.

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Alhoewel New Orleans nog die meerderheid oorwinnings het in hierdie derby, sorg albei spanne elke jaar vir ‘n uiters mededingende wedstryd.

Verlede jaar het New Orleans met 26-17 gewen.

Sedert 2007, toe Klein Nederburg ‘n streep van vier agtereenvolgende oorwinnings kon begin, is daar selfs nog minder om die spanne te skei.

New Orleans het sedert 2007 sewe wedstryde gewen, Klein Nederburg het in daardie selfde tydperk ses oorwinnings behaal, en een wedstryd, in 2015, het gelykop geeindig op 10-elk.

Klein Nederburg kon egter laas in 2016 vir New Orleans mak maak, en hulle sal moet waak om te keer dat hul bure weer onder hulle uittrek. New Orleans het reeds vier agtereenvolgende oorwinnings in hierdie jaarlikse bepaling. Vyf onoorwonne jare na mekaar sal die rekord wees indien New Orleans Saterdag weer suksevol is.

Hul losvoorspelers, Fayaaz Hendricks (flank), Gillmano van der Berg (flank) en Gamzah Moerat (agsteman) sal ‘n groot rol speel indien hulle hierdie jaar weer die spogregte kan behou.

Vir Klein Nederburg is hul slot, Adneizle Allies, en die groot stut, Curstin Ben, twee spelers om dop te hou in hierdie wedstryd.

Ondanks die feit dat van die oudskoliere-wedstryd gedurende die week moes afgestel word as gevolg van die taxi-proteste sal die skare weer in hul massas by die stadion wees om die twee spanne te ondersteun in wat elke jaar ‘n hoogtepunt op die skolerugby-kalendar is.

Die spanne vir Saterdag is:

Klein Nederburg t. New Orleans om 16:00:

Klein Nederburg: 15 Abre Klein, 14 Hugan Joseph, 13 Daylon Kamfer, 12 Thorston Morkel, 11 Zainul Matjan, 10 Shaunton Fransman, 9 Eldo Draghoender, 8 Levaan Jacobs, 7 Cernal Newing, 6 Duwayne Smith, 5 Adneizle Allies, 4 Maahir Slamdien, 3 Curstin Ben, 2 Deano Horn, 1 Mickyle Cloete.

New Orleans: 15 John Carl Adams, 14 Jayden Solomons, 13 Wade Bergstedt, 12 Caine Adonis, 11 Rozario Davids, 10 Je-Leo Philander, 9 Beyon Moses, 8 Ghamzah Moerat, 7 Gillmano van der Berg, 6 Fayaaz Hendricks, 5 Ashiq Adams, 4 JA Tamson van der Berg, 3 Alkino Adams, 2 Gillroy Lambrechts, 1 Devano Demas.

Program vir Saterdag by Faure Straat Stadion:

10:00 – o.14 A
11:00 – o.15 A
12:00 – o.16 A
13:10 – Vroue-rugby
13:50 – Trompoppies
14:00 – o.19 B
15:15 – Openingseremonie
16:00 – Klein Nederburg o.19 A t. New Orleans o.19 A.

Oor die jare:

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New Orleans 18 | Klein Nederburg 8 | Gelyk 1

 

With the U18 International Series fast approaching, which features England, France, and South Africa, we are looking at the squads attending and picking of five players to watch from each. 

The Series runs from the 11^th August to the 19^th August, with games on Friday 11^th August, Tuesday 15^th August, and Saturday 19^th August, with France and England also playing games against Western Province u18, all games will be broadcast live on SuperSports Schools.

Catch all the action from the u18 International Series live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com). Broadcast brought to you by Investec.

Each nation has a squad of 26 players, all of whom will be available on each matchday through extended replacement benches to include the extra three players. Yesterday we picked out five players from the England squad to watch, today it is the turn of France.

Temanatua Boichot (Stade Rochelais)

It says an awful lot about the depth of quality in La Rochelle that three of their players make this five to watch, the Atlantic Coast side are simply inspiring talent through their ranks at the moment. Among that young talent coming through is Temanatua Boichot, a young scrum half that has been with the club for an impressive seven years already.

Boichot already has some France U18 international experience as well, featuring against Italy early in the year. His promise is such that he did so whilst still young for the team, now coming of age in South Africa, expect fireworks.

Gabin Garault (Stade Rochelais)

A promising hooker, Garult moved to La Rochelle last year from Niort Rugby Club and has simply not looked back. Featuring for France U18 off the bench against Italy in the early spring, where he impressed enough to get the call up to the Six Nations.

There he featured in every game, off the bench against Italy and England and earning a start in a hugely impressive performance against Scotland. One to watch in a front row full of promising young talent for France.

Ellyjah Ibsaiene (CABBG)

France have been churning out impressive young number 8s for some time now, the likes of Jordan Joseph and Theo Ntamack to name just a couple. Well, Ellyjah Ibasiene is the latest of a great bunch and has all the promise to be able to be a name to be remembered for years to come.

The young Bordeaux Begles man has played in every France u18 game of 2023, against Italy and both games against England ahead of the U18 Six Nations where he appeared against Italy, Scotland, and England again. Now an elder statesmen of the team (like England, this is largely a 2023/24 side for France), he will likely be a key figure on tour.

Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke (RC Massy Essonne)

Another extremely impressive young front row forward for France. Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke is a part of the Massy Club and has already put in some terrific performances in the national jersey, earning starts against England and Italy and impressing during the u18 Six Nations as well.

Very much the modern loosehead, he is equally comfortable pushing in the scrum as he is taking the ball under pressure and using his feet. A fantastic player.

Diego Jurd (Stade Rochelais)

The list of talented young French fly-halves is pretty extensive at the moment, and yet still there is room for the delightful Diego Jurd. Already he has been with La Rochelle for a staggering 11 years, and this year he has featured prominently for the France u18 side, both in warm up games against England and in all three games at the u18 Six Nations Festival.

He wore the starting jersey against England and Scotland, and it is hard to imagine him doing anything other than having that jersey firmly placed on his back in South Africa over the next fortnight.

Of course, as with every team, any number of players from the squad could have been picked out, each has such strong potential, and their futures are all incredibly exciting. Have a look through the wider squad below and let us know which players you think are going to stand out.

France u18 Squad

Thomas Alary (Stade Toulousain), Quentin Algay (CA Brive Corrèze), Temanatua Boichot (Stade Rochelais), Liam Couturier (ABCD XV), Adrien Drault (CABBG), Eliott Duthil (US Colomiers), Tom Emery (US Colomiers), Gabin Garault (Stade Rochelais), Ellyjah Ibsaiene (CABBG), Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke (RC Massy Essonne), Samuel Jean Christophe (RC Toulon), Diego Jurd (Stade Rochelais), Luka Keletaona (CA Brive Corrèze), Dany Kevin Lamataki (SU Agen), Tom Leveque (Aviron Bayonnais), Nathan Llaveria (Stade Toulousain), Thomas Marceline (Lyon OU), Romeo Martin Bonnard (Stade Toulousain), Marceau Marzullo (Stade Toulousain), Charly Mignot (Lyon OU), Jérémy Nemor (Stade Toulousain), Pierre Cren Ourtaud (Castres Olympique), Ruben-Diego Pargade (CABBG), Bastien Rasal (Aviron Bayonnais), Melvyn Rates (FC Grenoble), Noé Theraube (FC Grenoble), Ethan Tia (Stade Français), Quentin Valentino (Stade Niçois).

u18 International Series fixtures:

Friday 11th August
Venue: Boland Landou (Paarl)
15:00 (14:00 BST): England U18 vs France U18

Tuesday 15th August
Venue: Stellenberg HS (Durbanville)
13:00 (12:00 BST): England U18 vs WP U18 XV
15:00 (14:00 BST): SA U18 vs France U18

Saturday 19th August
Venue: Paarl Boys High School (Paarl)
13:00 (12:00 BST): France U18 vs WP U18 XV
15:00 (14:00 BST): SA U18 vs England U18

 

The team from Johannesburg, St. Mary’s Waverley, alongside Oranje Meisieskool are the only two teams that have participated in all seven of the Super 12-tournaments. 

The two teams also met twice in final matches once in 2014 and two years later in 2016 where Hannah Pearce from St. Mary’s had also been named player of the tournament. 

 St. Mary’s hosted the St. Mary’s Hockey Festival that took place in March of 2023. The hosts met with Oranje (ranked 1st) in the final of the festival and had just missed out on taking the first place with only one goal difference against their opponents (0-1) and took second place. 

St. Mary’s also faced Durban Girls’ College, currently ranked 7th that resulted in a draw (2-2) and had won both their games against Paarl Gimnasium (ranked 4th) and Collegiate (ranked 8th) beating their opponents each with one goal to nil in the festival. 

The team is captained by the vice-captain and goalkeeper Zenande Mbatsha and captain Hannah White who had also been chosen for the 2023 under 18A SA team after the u18 national SASHOC tournament that took place in Bloemfontein at the end of June 2023. 

St. Mary’s Waverley is clearly no rookie in the Super 12 and have not been able to place in the top five in the past four tournaments, going up against well-known opponents this could be the year the girls make a long awaited comeback. 

St. Mary’s Waverley’s first team:

Hannah White, Zenande Mbathsha, Alexia Bakos, Isabelle Barrow, Mia Boscia, Zara Colyn, Ava Economakis, Tayla Gibbs, Bailey Gresty, Kyla Grobbelaar, Tea-Simone Hutchons, Olivia Kruger, Amy Sharpe, Natalie Simon, Amy Smith.

St. Mary’s Waverleys fixtures for the Fairtree Super 12-tournament:

Thursday, 10 August 2023:

09:10 – St. Mary’s Waverley vs Collegiate
14:10 – St. Mary’s Waverley vs Paarl Gimnasium
18:20 – St. Mary’s Waverley vs Herschel

Friday, 11 August 2023:

09:10 – St. Mary’s Waverley vs Oranje
14:10 – St. Mary’s Waverley vs Menlopark

 

CAPE TOWN- “To be clinical, error-free, and pounce on every opportunity” will be the order of the day when the South African u18 team face France in their opening clash of the u18 International series at Stellenberg High School on Tuesday. 

Catch all the action from the u18 International Series live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com). Broadcast brought to you by Investec.

South Africa, who are hosting the series in three different locations this year will be faced with the mounting task of reclaiming the title they won in last year’s edition at Paarl Gimnasium.

The stakes are however higher this year, with a number of players in the team looking to make an impression and have their names pencilled down for a place in next year’s U20 squad  for the World Rugby Championship to be hosted in South Africa again.

The youngsters, however, will first need to focus on implementing the strategies and orders coming from the hierarchy in head coach Katleho Lynch and his assistant James Winstanley.

The duo of Lynch and Winstanley were both in charge of the team last year, and have selected a rather settled team filled with promising talent that lit up the scene at this year’s Craven week in George, and during the schoolboy season. 

On top of that, Lynch and Co have managed to squeeze in their 26-player squad five members of the SA ‘A’ team that went down to the U18 side (36-26) in a warm-up match in July.

Despite the lack of preparation as a squad with players returning to their respective schools after that clash, Lynch believes the boys will be ready to hit the ground running. 

“I am feeling very excited for the series. We have a good group which I think will be competitive,” Lynch told SuperSport Schools. 

“We also have continuity in the coaching department which does help when it comes to sending our coaching messages across.”

“The biggest thing with the U18 series is that you get limited time to prepare. So, it is key to simplify a lot of what you are coaching,” added the coach. 

This year’s campaign of the Craven Week produced some aperitive results which essentially made it more difficult to predict which players would have their names etched into the national team books. 

Eventual winners, Western Province who defeated the Blue Bulls (29-5) in the unofficial final boasts seven players in the squad. 

The rest of the team is spread across Free State, Golden Lions, The Sharks, and Eastern Province. With the huge pool of players to pick from, Lynch admitted that there were some selection headaches ahead of the series. 

 “Selection is always a tough one in South Africa,” said the St John man.

“We know that schoolboy rugby is highly competitive and that there is a plethora of talent at hand in all Provinces.”

“I think we are in a good space where there are at least more than three good options in a position.”

“The match against the SA ‘A’ team was a very valuable exercise. It gave the guys some game time, and also for us as coaches to test the players against each other.” 

The two clashes against the English and France will also expose some of the players to International rugby for the first time in their careers. 

South Africa dominated the series last year, defeating England twice, (40-24) and (44-41) before thumping France (49-17) in Paarl. 

The challenge for the players will be to handle the pressure and intensity that comes with facing teams they know close to nothing about. 

Compared to schoolboy rugby, the margin of error will be minimal, and players will need to produce full 80-minute performances in every match. 

“In International rugby the margins are much smaller. So, you have to be clinical and take opportunities when they come,” Lynch said. 

“The higher you go the higher the pressure, so we are also testing players that can execute at the highest level under immense pressure.”  

“The objective is to make sure that we are giving u18 players a taste of international rugby.”

“We need to make sure that the players are getting filtered into the U20 system and they know what is expected when they get to that level.” 

When asked what he thought the two oppositions would bring to the series, the coach had the following to say: 

“I think both will bring different aspects as they both have different strengths.”

“They have a lot of good game breakers and trusted DNA. I think it will be a highly competitive series between all the teams.”

South Africa will kick off their campaign on Tuesday, 15 August against France at Stellenberg High School in Durbanville at 15:00. 

The teams:

South Africa u18 squad:

 Backs: JC Mars (Western Province), Luyanda Kunene (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province), Janco Purchase (Blue Bulls), Jameel de Jongh (Western Province), Ian van der Merwe (Free State), Haashim Pead (Western Province), Dominic Malgas (Eastern Province), Scott Nel (Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Golden Lions), Christiaan van der Westhuizen (Free State).

 Forwards: JJ Theron (Free State), Batho Hlekani (Eastern Province), Divan Fuller (Western Province), Ulrich van der Westhuizen (Golden Lions), Jacobus Grobbelaar (Free State), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Golden Lions), Phiwayinkosi Kubeka (Sharks), Imaani Pemba (Eastern Province), Ranon Fouche (Free State), Jean Erasmus (Free State), Thando Biyela (Golden Lions), Xola Nyali (Western Province), Lithemba Mfupi (Sharks), Marno Stopforth (Free State).

France u18 squad: 

Thomas Alary (Stade Toulousain), Quentin Algay (CA Brive Corrèze), Temanatua Boichot (Stade Rochelais), Liam Couturier (ABCD XV), Adrien Drault (CABBG), Eliott Duthil (US Colomiers), Tom Emery (US Colomiers), Gabin Garault (Stade Rochelais), Ellyjah Ibsaiene (CABBG), Edouard-Junior Jabea Njocke (RC Massy Essonne), Samuel Jean Christophe (RC Toulon), Diego Jurd (Stade Rochelais), Luka Keletaona (CA Brive Corrèze), Dany Kevin Lamataki (SU Agen), Tom Leveque (Aviron Bayonnais), Nathan Llaveria (Stade Toulousain), Thomas Marceline (Lyon OU), Romeo Martin Bonnard (Stade Toulousain), Marceau Marzullo (Stade Toulousain), Charly Mignot (Lyon OU), Jérémy Nemor (Stade Toulousain), Pierre Cren Ourtaud (Castres Olympique), Ruben-Diego Pargade (CABBG), Bastien Rasal (Aviron Bayonnais), Melvyn Rates (FC Grenoble), Noé Theraube (FC Grenoble), Ethan Tia (Stade Français), Quentin Valentino (Stade Niçois), Luka Keletaona (CA Brive Corrèze), Dany Kevin Lamataki (SU Agen). 

u18 International Series fixtures:

Friday, 11 August

Venue: Boland Landbou (Paarl)

15h00: England U18 vs France U18

Tuesday, 15 August

Venue: Stellenberg High School (Durbanville)

13h00: England U18 vs WP U18 XV
15h00: SA U18 vs France U18

Saturday, 19 August

Venue: Paarl Boys High School (Paarl)

13h00: France U18 vs WP U18 XV
15h00: SA U18 vs England U18