Blog

Oranje – 2023

Results

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Players: Roline Louw, Mariaan Louw, Minke Delport.

Coaches: Corné Erasmus and Burta de Kock.
Team Manager: Karlien Jansen van Vuuren.

Ahead of the u18 International Series, featuring England, France, and South Africa, from the 11^th to the 19^th August, we are taking a look at the squads and picking out five players to watch from each.

Western Province u18 will also field sides against France and England.

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 match day through extended replacement benches to include the extra three players.

For the players the series is a huge stepping stone on their pathway towards higher honours, and chance to experience other styles of rugby, being in camp for an extended period, and all the comes with pulling on the shirt of your nation.

For those of us with a watching brief though, one of the most exciting elements of the series, all of which will be broadcast live on SuperSports Schools, is to get an early glimpse of the superstars of the future. With that in mind, here are five to watch from the England u18 squad:

Junior Kpoku (Exeter Chiefs, Finborough)

Kpoku is a man mountain. Like his older brothers Joel and Jonathan, Junior is a second row and a huge physical presence. However it is not just size that Kpoku brings, he has plenty of skill and workrate to offer as well, allowing his school, Finborough, to use him as a number 8 in their sensational run to the Continental Tyres Schools Cup Semi Finals last season.

Exeter Chiefs are certainly impressed, luring him from Saracens to join their promising young pack of forwards including Daffyd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza, and Richard Capstick. For England u18 he could be a key player in combating the strength of South Africa and France.

Kepueli Tuipulotu (South Central London Academy, Harrow)

Son of former Tonga scrum half Sione, cousin to Carwyn Tuipolotu of the Scarlets, but Kepueli is making a name for himself that might just outshine the lot. He has been a superstar for Harrow, who have just had three old boys named in the England u18 Squad, Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola, and Henry Arundell, helping them to fifteen-a-side and seven-a-side success at various age-groups.

Most impressive though has been his ability to do so from multiple positions, hooker, back row, and centre, frankly he could do a job anywhere.

Squat, powerful, skilful, and frighteningly quick, Tuipulotu is a serious talent. So much so that when the All Blacks were training at Harrow last year and were short of numbers, they got him to fill in. Qualified for England, Tonga, and Wales, expect a big scrap for his services in the next couple of years.

Jack Bracken (Saracens, St Albans)

Jack Bracken is the son of Kyran, the former England scrum half and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, unlike his Dad he is the only Bracken plying his trade even further from the scrum, at full back or on the wing.

Hailing from St Albans School in Hertfordshire, which has seen it’s rugby really boom in recent years, in no small part due to Jack and his older brother Charlie attending alongside two other members of this England u18 side, Tayo Adegbemile and Charlie West.

Bracken is not trading on the family name though, far from it, with plenty of England u18 experience under his belt already to go alongside some fantastic performances for Saracens and St Albans. Quick and with very solid skills, Bracken is a fine player and one who thrilled earlier in the season with some spectacular long range tries – look out for more over the coming fortnight.

Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Kirkham Grammar)

Davies starred for Kirkham Grammar School last year and duly repeated the trick for Sale Sharks u18. An England u18 call up in the spring was therefore no surprise and once in camp he showed his skillset even further.

Primarily for Kirkham and Sale he has played at fly half, but through the spring he was used often in the centres for England U18, testing his defensive skills as well as his attacking ones, and Davies passed the test with flying colours.

A wonderfully skilled and balanced player, Davies has all the making of a player that could go on to a long career, such is the way that he seems to take each challenge in his stride.

Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Trinity)

Friday is the son of Mike Friday, the USA Men’s 7s Head Coach and former Wasps and England 7s star, Friday was given the honour of the Trinity School captaincy ahead of the new season, following on from their most successful season ever.

Friday was a crucial player in that, one of three players to earn England U18 honours from the school last season alongside Josh Bellamy and Conor Byrne.

Now with those two gone he is the senior figure, and you suspect it is a role that will sit comfortably. A technically very proficient scrum half, Friday is comfortable under pressure and is happy to take on the kicking responsibilities. Very much a wise head on the field.

The Wider Squad

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.

England u18 Squad

Forwards: Tayo Adegbemile (Saracens, St Albans), Will Conduit (Midlands West, Stourport College), Ronan Daniell (Harlequins, Hurstpierpoint College), Sam Graham (Newcastle Falcons, Durham), Junior Kpoku (Exeter Chiefs, Finborough), Jack Lightbown (Sale Sharks, The Sixth Form Bolton), Alfie Longstaff (Yorkshire Academy, Woodhouse Grove), Jamie Miller (Harlequins, Whitgift), Billy Sela (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff), Solomon Shand (Gloucester Rugby, Hartpury College), Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Gravesend Grammar), Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff), Kepueli Tuipulotu (South Central London Academy, Harrow), Charlie West (Saracens, St Albans).

Backs: Toby Baker (Bristol Bears, St Peter’s, York), Jack Bracken (Saracens, St Albans), Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Kirkham Grammar), Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Trinity), Charlie Griffin (South Central London Academy, Harrow), Angus Hall (Saracens, The Judd School, Tonbridge), Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport Grammar), Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College), Finn Newton (Saracens, Haileybury), Louie Platt (Yorkshire Academy, Mount St. Mary’s), Toby Wilson (Sale Sharks, Kings Macclesfield), Finlay Wiseman (South Central London Academy, Hampton).

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 defending champions, Oranje Meisieskool of Bloemfontein, could expect some stiff opposition as they eye to bag their seventh Fairtree Super 12-title later this week. The prestigious tournament will also once again be hosted by Oranje in the City of Roses from 10 to 12 August.

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

Oranje could expect challenges to their reign from Eunice from Bloemfontein, Rhenish Girls’ High from Stellenbosch and St Mary’s of Waverley.

Oranje defeated Eunice in last year’s final by 3-1. This year the two teams are a bit closer in their ability. Eunice was crowned champions of St Mary’s Waverley’s Festival in Johannesburg after beating Oranje by 1-0 in the semi-final.

The two teams drew 2-all in their Bloemfontein league encounter earlier this year. This Tuesday before the Super 12-tournament they will face each other in a much anticipated Bloemfontein final.

It means that these two teams could face each other twice this week in a final in which victory would mean a whole lot to them. Oranje and Eunice also claims to two top spots in the schools rankings for the season.

The Bloemfontein final will be Oranje’s 41st match of the season. So far they have won 32 matches and drew six times. This means that the side coached by Gyster van Schalkwyk have only lost twice this season. The defeat against Eunice during the semi-final of the St Mary’s Festival and a 2-1 defeat against Pearson during the same tournament.

Oranje smashed Pearson by 3-0 later in the year during their interschools clash in Gqeberha.

Oranje is captained by Germarie Spershott who made her 100th appearance for the first team in their 4-1 victory over Collegiate of Gqeberha two weeks ago. Spershott was also selected for the SA Schools u18 team at the conclusion of this year’s SASHOC u18 national tournament that also took place in Bloemfontein.

Oranje was crowned the inaugural champions of the Super 12-tournament in 2014. The side also went on to be crowned champions in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. The only time they were dethroned was in 2018 when Menlopark of Pretoria was crowned champions after beating St Mary’s by 5-3 in the fina;

The team: 

Germarie Spershott (captain), Kristin Booysen, Nadine Claassens, Carien de Wet, Chanette Janse van Vuuren, Elné Lourens, Kayla Olivier, Carli Oosthuizen, Elré Oosthuizen, Anriette Otto, Anné Prinsloo, Mia Prinsloo, Mira Rossouw, Mia Schimper, Karla van der Westhuizen, Carolien Wessels.

Oranje’s Fixtures for the Fairtree Super 12-tournament: 

Thursday, 10 August 2023 

08:20 – Oranje vs Menlopark
12:30 – Oranje vs Herschel
17:30 – Oranje vs Collegiate

Friday, 11 August 2023

09:10 – Oranje vs St Mary’s Waverley
17:30 – Oranje vs Paarl Gimnasium

Oranje’s results during the 2023 season: 

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There were wins for Affies, Jeppe Boys High, and Selborne College this past weekend in some thrilling derbies across the country.

Staring in Gauteng, where Jeppe hosted Durban High School, in a match that turned out to be closer than many expected.

Going into the match, Jeppe were certainly favourites while DHS on the other hand were playing to prove that their superb season was in no way shaped by “luck.”

The clash was a tightly contested one, with the Gauteng side relying on two goals from Jaydon Brooker, both coming from the short corner. Ben Benjamin, who has featured frequently in the side and in the goal-scoring charts was also among the goal scorers.

The home-side were however challenged in the game as DHS refused to go down without a fight. In fact, the Durban side opened the scoring with six minutes to play in the first quarter when Leruo Ditlakhanyane pounced on a loose ball after a short corner to slot in the opening goal of the encounter.

Brooker replied with a well-worked goal in the second quarter to see the home side draw back and level things out with two quarters to go.

The third quarter produced no goals, and that meant both sides went into the fourth and final with a gaol apiece.

The hosts quickly changed that as Brooker and Benjamin opened up a two-goal lead for the home side. DHS captain, Lumi Matwele scored a consolation goal for the visitors, to see the match ending (3-2).

In other matches, Affies managed to get one past their old foes Pretoria Boys High, outscoring them by two goals to one. King Edward suffered their second straight defeat when they lost to Maritzburg College.

In the Eastern Cape, Selborne College recorded an emphatic victory against Dale College, scoring seven goals and conceding only one. Whereas Woodridge College, and Cambridge High School bagged wins over Westering and Stirling High School respectively.

Scorers:

Jeppe High School for Boys 3 (Jaydon Brooker (2), Ben Benjamin); Durban High School 2 (Lumi Matwele, Leruo Ditlakhanyane.

Affies 2 (Louw du Preez, Enzo Swart); Pretoria Boys High 1.

Selborne College 7 (Ben van der Merwe (3), Cade Kock (2), Jaques van der Merwe, Kunga Macanda); Dale College 1 (Amangile Songelwa).

Other results:

Cambridge 1, Stirling 0; Woodridge College 2, Westering High 0; Maritzburg College 1, King Edward VII 0.

Die verdedigende kampioen van Groep 2 van die SDC Noordvaal Cup, Midstream College, het Saterdag nog een tree nader daaraan gegee om sy titel te behou.

Midstream College het daarin geslaag om die Hoërskool Ermelo met 36-20 in die kwarteindronde van die reeks in Ermelo uit te skakel. Midstream se agtsteman, Tian Pretorius, was op sy stukke en het ‘n driekuns aan drieë behaal.

Die span van Midrand sal in die halfeindronde teen ‘n gedugte span van Potchefstroom Gimnasium te staan kom.

Potch Gimmies het nie veel probleme ondervind om sy kwarteindstryd teen Brandwag van Benoni met 41-19 te wen nie.

Die wenner van die halfeindstryd tussen dié twee spanne behoort die eindstryd as die gunstelinge te betree. Gimmies het vroeër vanjaar al vir Dinamika van Alberton met 40-31 geklop.

Dinamika het egter ook sy plek in die halfeindronde met ‘n naelskraapse sege van 16-15 oor die Hoërskool Ellisras bespreek. Die Leeus se kampioen is gewis ook ‘n span wat ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op die titel behoort te wees.

Die Limpopo-kampioen, Ellisras, was self ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker voordat hy sy rieme in Alberton styfgeloop het.

Die span van Alberton kom Saterdag in sy halfeindstryd teen die Luiperds se naaswenner, Bergsig Akademie van Rustenburg, te staan. Bergsig wat die kompetisie as die Luiperds se naaswenner betree het, het die Valke-kampioen, Hans Moore van Benoni, met 27-25 in die kwarteindronde uitgeskakel.

Bergsig se kantman CJ van Rooyen het twee keer ‘n draai agter Hans Moore se doellyn gemaak.

Puntemakers: 

Dinamika 16 – Drieë: Kyle Middleton, Joshua Egwatu. Strafdoele: Jayden Serfontein (2). Ellisras 15.

Bergsig Akademie 27 – Drieë: CJ van Rooyen (2), Simeon Botha, Dewald Potgieter. Doelskoppe: Botha (2). Strafdoel: Botha. Hans Moore 25.

Midstream College 36 (14) – Drieë: Tian Pretorius (3), Justin Hattingh, Hilton Thomas. Doelskoppe: Jaedon de Leeuw (4). Strafdoel: De Leeuw. Hoërskool Ermelo 20 (15) – Drieë: EJ Venter, Mafika Nkosi. Doelskop: Carel Jacobs (2). Strafdoele: Jacobs (2).

Potchefstroom Gimnasium 41 (26) – Drieë: Lourens Jacobs (2), Jhanco de Beer (2), Dian Smith, Dewald Lubbe, Daniel Potgieter. Doelskoppe: De Beer (3). Brandwag (Benoni) 19 (0) – Drieë: Tyrese Baatjies, Kevin van der Merwe, Charl van Zyl. Doelskoppe: Sheldon Lucas (2).

Ander spanne:

o.16: Hans Strijdom 19, Oosterlig 13; Piet Retief 14, Frikkie Meyer 10; Brandwag 29, Bergsig Akademie 12; Wagpos 31, Hans Moore 27.

o.15: Piet Retief 17, Potchefstroom Gimnasium 12; Randburg 12, Ben Viljoen 10; Driehoek 12, Wagpos 5; Centurion 26, Ermelo 20.

o.14: Wagpos 13, Leeuwenhof 13 (Wagpos eerste drie gedruk); Midstream College 23, Randburg 22; Piet Retief 33, Ellisras 5; Potchefstroom Gimnasium 22, Oosterlig 19.

Boland Landbou continued with their phenomenal end-of-season form to beat a Paul Roos Gimnasium side that has looked unstoppable of late on the farm in the Agter-Paarl by 28-12.

When these two met last year in Stellenbosch, there was nothing to separate them at 12-all after 70 minutes.

The last time Boland toppled the Maroon Machine was in 2016 when they beat them 33-22 in Stellenbosch.

The home team’s Craven Week centre, Albie Bester, was on top form again and crossed the white line twice.

By half-time, it looked like it could still go either way, with Boland Landbou leading by a single point at 13-12. They kept the visitors scoreless in the second half and added another 15 points to their total to secure their fifth consecutive victory since they last lost to Paarl Gimnasium (36-18).

This includes a big 26-22 win against Paarl Boys’ High to break a 14-year losing streak.

They look to be improving weekly, peaking at the right time as they play Oakdale in the big Agri-derby next in their final fixture.

Paul Roos’s SA Schools lock, Riley Norton, also got over the line in what was his final school game for the year as he misses their big clash with Grey College in Bloemfontein on the 19th of August.

He will be back in action again in his matric year next year and will be an exciting prospect to watch, having already made the national U18 squad this season.

In the northern suburbs, Hoërskool Durbanville proved themselves to be the top dogs after a comprehensive 45-10 victory against Brackenfell.

The Durbies’ lightning-quick eighth man, Jayden Nell, led the charge with a brace.

Nell has signed with the SARU Sevens squad to develop his game in the quicker format of the game next year.

The home team’s stalwart flyhalf, Shaun Kleyn, had another good day on the pitch and contributed a further 10 points off the tee.

Brackenfell stayed energized in their attack to the very end, but the Durbanville boys simply outplayed them on the day.

Durbanville has had a stellar season and did well to keep their momentum going after being held to a 22-all draw against their old foes SACS in their previous match two weeks ago.

Stellenberg‘s flanker with the record for the most tries in a single match, Marco Ferreira, who’s held that honour since crossing the white line six times earlier in the season against Parel Vallei, added another three to his tally for the season as the Jade Brigade beat Hoërskool Bellville comprehensively by 43-21.

The scorers were:

Boland Landbou 28 (13) – Tries: Albie Bester (2), Cilliers Viljoen, Ruan Viviers. Conversion: Retagan van Rooi. Penalties: Van Rooi (2). Paul Roos Gimansium 12 (12) – Tries: Riley Norton, Oliver Reid. Conversion: Leejay Petersen.

Hoërskool Durbanville 45 – Tries: Jayden Nell (2), Wian Koen, Devon Strydom, Monray Daars, Shadwill Engelbrecht, Lian Jordaan. Conversions: Shaun Kleyn (5). Brackenfell 10 – Tries: Sebastiaan Hahn, Graigan Matroos.

Stellenberg 43 (21) – Tries: Marco Ferreira (3), Liam Smith (2), Dean Janse van Rensburg, Zian Erasmus. Conversions: Ruben Thompson (4). Hoërskool Bellville 21 (9).

Other results:

u19 – HTS Bellville 20, DF Malan 16; Swartland 16, Tygerberg 10; Stellenberg II 52, Hoërskool Bellville II 0.

u16 – Paul Roos 20, Boland Landbou 12; Hoërskool Durbanville 29, Brackenfell 8; Stellenberg 18; Hoërskool Bellville 10.

u15 – Paul Roos 26, Boland Landbou 0; Hoërskool Durbanville 43, Brackenfell 0; Stellenberg 63, Hoërskool Bellville 7.

u14 – Paul Roos 7, Boland Lanbou 5; Hoërskool Durbanville 67, Brackenfell 0; Stellenberg 45, Hoërskool Bellville 0.

Oos Moot had to grind hard to earn their victory against Ben Vorster in their SDC Noordvaal Cup Shield-clash in Tzaneen on Saturday.

The visitors got of to flying start and as they stretched their lead to 17-3 early on, but a brilliant try by the Buffels fullback, Neo Sephuma, just before halftime swung the momentum back in favour of the home side leading into the break.

Still trailing by four points the men from Tzaneen came out firing after the break and soon took the lead for the first time, but Oos Moot had other plans as they managed to absorb the pressure and apply it back on the Vossies with unforced errors creeping into the home side’s game.

Oos Moot quickly capitalized on this as they started opening the flood gates to a certain extent and throwing the ball around with flyer on the outside Jaydon La Douce putting the final nail in the coffin rounding off, a great stint of play, in the corner.

For the home side it was two of their big men upfront, Christopher Jansen van Vuuren (hooker) and Meyer Jacobs (tight head) who deserved a pat on the back for their performances. Jansen van Vuuren was instrumental with his imposing ball caries as Jacobs contributed with some massive hits on defence.

The Buffels centre pairing had another solid performance with Tihandre Reyneke shining on this occasion claiming the bragging rights to a wonderful try just after half time.

The man in the number two-jumper for the Pretoria based side, Ryan Scott, had a fantastic outing being ever-present amid the physicality upfront. Scott was well supported his openside flank, Nathan Kleynhans, who proved to be a thorn in the side of the block jerseys contributing five points to his team’s total as well.

At the back it was once again the stalwart, Charl van der Sluis, who announced his presence in Tzaneen with another remarkable kicking performance from the tee as well as keeping the pressure up with some fantastic tactical kicking. Van der Sluis also broke the hearts of the home supporters pouncing on a loose ball and crossing the whitewash as the hooter announced the end of another tough day for the Buffels.

Secunda managed to stay unbeaten in their campaign thus far, beating Hugenote 38-31. Hugenote surprised many pushing the table toppers right to the end in their own back yard but fell short of what might have been the upset of the year. The man with the kicking boots, Luan Lottering, proved to be the difference between the two sides only converting seven of his eight kicks at goal.

Secunda’s victory means that they secure a home semi-final as they wait to see who they will have to face in their hunt for silverware.

Ligbron continued their astonishing run of form beating Jeugland to claim their third victory in as many weeks. The men from Ermelo have become a serious contender to claim a playoff spot after a rocky start to their campaign, but will now look to go four from four next week to cement their place in the top four.

Heidelberg Volksool kept their race to reach the playoffs alive beating a struggling Lichtenburg side 25-17 in Lichtenburg and creating some momentum as the team’s head into the last round of the round robin stage with high stakes for some and others looking to finish their campaign of on a high.

Scorers:

Oos Moot 34 (17) – Tries: Nathan Kleynhans, Ruwan Allen, Chalr van der Sluis, Jaydon La Douce. Conversions: Van der Sluis (5). Penalty: Van der Sluis. Ben Vorster 23 (13) – Tries: Neo Sephuma, Cristopher Jansen van Vuuren, Tihandre Reyneke. Conversion: Divan Spangenberg Penalty: Spangenberg Drop goal: Spangenberg.

Secunda 38 (17) – Armand Kwooitz, Sibusiso Ngobane, Hanre Hattingh, Tiaan Delarey. Conversions: Luan Lottering (3). Penalties: Lottering (4). Hugenote 31 (17) – Tries: Miguelle Schoultz, Tyron Hand, Jason Joubert, Tiaan Smit. Conversions: Schoultz (4) Penalty: Schoultz.

Ligbron 38 (19) – Tries: Ayanda Mkwebane, Diean Swart, Anele Ngwenya, Asanda Mabusa, Sithelo Zikhali, Qhawe Lukhele. Conversions: Swart (4). Jeugland 26 (19) – Tries: Mundilu Emeraude, Siyanda Mbamjwa, Nhlanhla Ndlovu. Conversions: Marno Maritz (3)

Heidelberg Volkskool 25 (17) – Tries: Jeandre Kleinhans (2), AJ Engelbrecht, Joshua Booysen. Conversion: Kayle Venter. Penalty: Venter. Lichtenburg 17 (10) – Tries: Dries Scheepers, DG Jacobs. Conversions: Albert Joubert (2). Penalty: Joubert.

Other teams:

u16: Ben Vorster 23, Oos Moot 19; Secunda 15, Hugenote 13; Heidelberg Volkies 29, Lichtenburg 15; Jegland 12, Ligbron 10.

u15: Ben Vorster 31, Oos Moot 12; Secunda 24, Hugenote 18; Heidelberg Volkies 41, Lichtenburg 3; Ligbron 17, Jeugland 10

u14: Oos Moot 19, Ben Vorster 7; Hugenote 15, Secunda 14; Heidelberg Volkies 20, Lichtenburg 5; Ligbron 24, Jeugland 7.

Nico Malan took a massive victory over Die Brandwag on Saturday, securing a final score of 59-3. 

Nico Malan applied pressure from the very beginning, but just short of the 12 minute mark, they really took control of the game. 

Mias Bierman scored the first try of the game with a solid drive from Nico Malan against Die Brandwag’s defence. 

Nico Malan managed to maul up until Die Brandwag’s try line, they then sent the ball wide to their eighth man, Geovani Francis, who broke through the defence, and it was try time. 

Dominic Malgas put the conversion through for the extra two points, bringing them to a 12-0 lead. 

Brandwag received a penalty advantage, opted for kick for poles and got three points on the board by way of Lu-Crain Muggels.

Nico Malan continued to gain ground, find the opportunity and then seize it. 

They did just this when Bierman scored his second try, getting near to the opposition’s try line and offloading to Bierman to make the final charge.

Malgas once again came through with the conversion. 

Nico Malan ended off the first half with some pace from the backline, they maintained possession in their lineout, offloaded to Malgas who sent it to Themba Hlela and the outside centre earned them their fourth try. 

Another successful conversion from Malgas left the halftime score at 26-3.

The second half followed a similar trajectory, once again using a lineout to score early on. Francis through the ball in, charged towards the maul, got possession of the ball and scored his second try. 

Momentum was really building at this point, a thirty-point lead was achieved after Malgas made the kick.

After a lull, Nico Malan noticed an opening on the far right of Brandwag’s try line, Owen Breda sprinted ahead to secure another try.

With less than five minutes left in the game, there was great foresight from Nico Malan. A scrum was underway, but they were already thinking of their next move. 

The ball was offloaded to the backs who got within metres of Brandwag’s try line, Jean Joubert would not let the opportunity pass and put another try on the board for Nico Malan. 

Pace became the modus operandi; Blaine Isaacs got control of the ball and made the sprint to the try line. Once again, it was try time.

Although the victory had already been secured, Nico Malan played until the very end. The final try of the game was by Themba Hlela, the third player from Nico Malan to score two tries this game. 

Nico Malan did a great job of maintaining control of this game and not letting go of their lead. 

Scorers:

Nico Malan 59 – Tries: Mias Bierman (2), Geovani Francis (2), Themba Hlela (2), Owen Breda, Jean Joubert, Blaine Isaacs. Conversions: Dominic Malgas (7). Die Brandwag 3 – Penalty: Lu-Crain Muggels.

Other results: 

Hudson Park 27, Hoërskool Grens 12 ; Grey High School 58, Muir College 5; Hoërskool Punt 24, HTS Daniël Pienaar 18; Graeme College 24, Queen’s College 21; Dale College 36, Selborne College 31.

 

BOKSBURG. – Die tafel is gedek vir ‘n opwindende laaste ronde groepwedstryde in die Beker-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Cup.

Die enigste twee onoorwonne spanne in die kompetisie, EG Jansen en Garsfontein, sal mekaar in Boksburg pak om te besluit wie bo-aan die puntelys sal eindig.

Die Jansies was amper hul onoorwonne status kwyt toe hul Saterdag danksy ‘n drie in die doodsnikke deur sy buitesenter, Jeandré Jacobs, ‘n sege van 31-29 teen Noordheuwel kon deurskraap.

Jacobs is tot dusver die voorste driedrukker in die reeks. Hy het al 12 keer vanjaar in sy span se sewe wedstryde agter die doellyn gaan kuier.

Nories se afrigtingspan onder leiding van Stefan “Botter” Lourens sal na die seisoen terugkyk as een van wat kon gewees het. Lourens sou ongetwyfeld so paar gryshare deur die jaar bygekry het.

Dit was Saterdag die derde week in ‘n ry wat Noordheuwel se Blues in die doodsnikke van ‘n sege ontneem is. Boonop was die twee laaste wedstryde moontlike seges oor die twee voorlopers in die reeks, EG Jansen en Garsfontein (28-30).

Drie weke gelede het die Nories met 42-elk gelykop teen Waterkloof gespeel na hulle ook vir die grootste deel van die wedstryd voorgeloop het voordat Klofies in die doodsnikke sake gelyk getrek het.

Buiten Jacobs wat met sy twee drieë op die aanval vir EG Jansen uitmuntend was, het sy agtsteman, Storm Labuschagne, asook die flank Zaide-Leigh Rippenaar goeie vertonings gelewer. Die plaasvervanger-vleuel, Jeandré Claassens, het ook ‘n waardevolle bydra tot die sege gelewer.

Nories se twee losvoorspelers Ludie Schutte en Marco Maree was hul span se beste spelers op die dag. Veral Schutte was by die afbreekpunte asook op die verdediging vir sy span goud werd. Die tuisspan het meeste van die balbesit asook gebiedsvoordeel in die eerste helfte geniet, maar danksy die twee se spel kon Nories ‘n voorsprong van 19-0 geniet.

Indien ons dit nog nie vanjaar gesê het nie – Noordheuwel se buitesenter, Cheswill Jooste, is ‘n spesiale rugbyspeler. Of hy op heelagter of die middelveld diens doen het geen impak op sy spel nie. Sy sentermaat, Marshall de Vos, het ook in die eerste helfte amper soos nog ‘n baljagter vir Schutte en Maree by die afbreekpunte bygestaan.

Waterkloof het sy kanse om tot die halfeindronde deur te dring lewend gehou deur vir Marais Viljoen van Alberton met 38-34 te klop. Die bonuspunt-sege beteken dat Klofies se kragmeting volgende week op sy tuisveld teen die verdedigende kampioen, Monument, nou as ‘n kwarteindstryd gesien kan word.

Klofies het teen rustyd ‘n voorsprong van 24-14 teen Marais Viljoen opgebou. Die span van Alberton het in die tweede helfte nie gaan lê nie en Waterkloof se Blou Tornado moes vasbyt vir hul sege.

Garsfontein was in ‘n vernietigende bui op Bere-park in Pretoria teen die Hoërskool Nelspruit. Die span se Cravenweek-losskakel, Nicallen Gabrielsen, het 23 van sy span se punte in hul wegholsege van 89-10 oor die Rhinos aangeteken.

De Wet Lottering (haker), Cassie Prinsloo (vleuel), Heinrich Cloete (binnesenter) en Ruan Enslin (vleuel) het elk dubbelle-driedrukplesier ervaar terwyl die Bere 13 drieë ingeryg het.

Monument se Wit Bulle was soos ‘n stoomtrein en het Menlopark met 111-7 in Pretoria afgeransel. Die span van Krugersdorp was teen rustyd met die telling op 52-7 reeds stewig in die saal.

Monnas se Jody Schambreel (buitesenter) en Ceano Everson (skrumskakel) het behoorlik baljaar en elk vier keer ‘n draai agter die doellyn gemaak. Die linkervleuel, Ernesto Oersen, het self ‘n driekuns aan drieë voltooi, terwyl die regtervleuel, Hanu Fourie, self twee keer die doellyn oorgesteek het.

Die Wit Bulle het 18 drieë ingeryg, waarvan die losskakel, Daylon Myners, elf vir ‘n persoonlike bydra van 22 punte verdoel het.

Puntemakers:

EG Jansen 31 (0) – Drieë: Jeandré Jacobs (2), Danré Pike, R-Jay Pietersen, Gordon Smith. Doelskoppe: David Twala (3). Noordheuwel 29 (19) – Drieë: Cheswill Jooste, Jenemo Luiters, Jade Muller, Keaton van Deventer. Doelskop: JT Kapank (3). Strafdoel: Kapank.

Waterkloof 38 (24) – Drieë: Francois Viljoen (2), Stephan Jacobsz, Sjaan Steyn, Hernus Marais. Doelskoppe: Franco Cronjé (4). Marais Viljoen 34 (14) – Drieë: Dian Scheepers (2), Phillip Jonker, Cephas van Biljon, Caydinn Fredericks. Doelskoppe: Recce Gerber (3). Strafdoel: Gerber.

Garsfontein 89 (47) – Drieë: De Wet Lottering (2), Cassie Prinsloo (2), Heinrich Cloete (2), Ruan Enslin (2), Aiden King, Zian Cilliers, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Demitri Erasmus, Jason Hugo. Doelskoppe: Nicallen Gabrielsen (9), Handré Maree (2), Cilliers. Hoërskool Nelspruit 10 (10) – Drie: Hughwinn Heyman. Doelskop: Theuns Meyer. Strafdoel: Meyer.

Monument 111 (52) – Drieë: Jody Schambreel (4), Ceano Everson (4), Ernesto Oersen (3), Hanu Fourie (2), Tristan da Costa, Roelf Jacobs, RJ Barnard, Jamaal Feldman, Geoffrey French. Doelskoppe: Daylon Myners (11), Justin Viljoen (2). Menlopark 7 (7) – Drie: Jayden Fortuin. Doelskop: Fortuin.

Ander spanne:

o.16: Noordheuwel 26, EG Jansen 23; Marais Viljoen 19, Waterkloof 18; Garsfontein 31, Nelspruit 24; Menlopark 32, Monument 24.

o.15: Noordheuwel 21, EG Jansen 13; Waterkloof 53, Marais Viljoen 0; Nelspruit 7, Garsfontein 6; Monument 36, Menlopark 7.

o.14: EG Jansen  5, Noordheuwel 0; Waterkloof 32, Marais Viljoen 0; Garsfontein 15, Nelspruit 7; Monument 52, Menlopark 22.

In a long-awaited rugby spectacle at Collard Field in Johannesburg, Jeppe High School for Boys faced off against Durban High School for the first time in 13 years, rekindling their traditional rivalry.

The hosts emerged victorious walking away with a 39-36 win.

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

The match started with DHS, applying pressure early on the match, driving forward into the hosts and obtaining a fair amount of possession in Jeppe’s half. This resulted in two tries which ignited the match and put Jeppe on the backfoot early on.

However, as the final minutes of the half approached, Jeppe intensified their offensive efforts. The boys in black and white managed to break through Durban’s defense, scoring a crucial try in the corner to level the scores, on the cusp of the halftime whistle.

By the halfway mark, Durban High School held a narrow lead of 17-12, showcasing their determination to challenge Jeppe.

One of the standout players of the match was Jeppe’s Thulani Shabalala, who proved to be a game-changer for his team. The talented winger delivered a scintillating performance, scoring two pivotal tries and contributing 19 individual points through his impressive placement kicks.

On the opposing side, Durban High School’s flyhalf, Deano Boesak, showcased his skills as an up-and-coming talent in South African rugby, scoring two tries and successfully converting three conversions and a penalty.

Duncan Basson, a substitute player for Durban High School, made his entry onto the field. Basson’s efforts were commendable, as he scored a crucial try that kept DHS in contention until the final moments of the match.

However, Jeppe’s resilience and experience in handling close finishes eventually secured their hard-earned victory. Rugby fans were treated to an intense battle, and the future holds the promise of more such enthralling encounters between these two formidable schools.

Beyond the scoreline, the match basically carried deeper meaning as it symbolized the revival of a historic rivalry between the two schools. The fact that they were able to engage in a full set of fixtures after a prolonged break raised hopes for a regular fixture in the years to come.

Above all as the 2023 season draws to a close, both teams can take pride in their achievements. Jeppe has been a part of several close encounters this season, amassing an impressive 12 wins. Meanwhile, Durban High School is not far behind, ending the season with 11 wins and showcasing their potential as a force to be reckoned with in South African rugby again.

Moreover, Durban High School’s commitment to strengthening their junior structures bodes well for the future of the sport. Durban High School bid farewell to their current Team Manager Morne Janse Van Rensburg, who will be exploring opportunities in the corporate world.

Scorers:

Jeppe High School for Boys 39 (12) – Tries: Thulani Shabalala (2), McMillen Mongwana, Mosiki Ndlaba (2), Sean Mills. Conversions: Thulani Shabalala (3) Penalties: Thulani Shabalala. Durban High School 36 (17) –Tries: Maurice Willemse, Deano Boesak (2), Florensen Ockhuis, Duncan Basson. Conversions: Deano Boesak (3) Penalties: Deano Boesak.

The teams:

Jeppe High School for Boys: 15 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 14 Thulani Shabalala, 13 Exauce Kevani, 12 McMillen Mongwana, 11 Bokamoso Maphisa, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 9 Bryce Samuel, 8 Mosiki Ndlaba, 7 Sean Mills, 6 Ruben Van Rensburg, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Risima Khosa, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Kaleb Burger, 1 Ricardo Brandao.

Durban High School: 15 Bandile Zama, 14 Ntando Mavuso, 13 Amahle Mazibuko, 12 Hlumelo Madikane, 11 Maurice Willemse, 10 Deano Boesak, 9 Florensen Ockhuis , 8 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 7 Siseko Mani, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Weihrich Basson, 4 Sima Hlabisa, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Christian Everitt, 1 Siyanda Dlamini.

Results:

u19A: Jeppe High School for Boys 39, Durban High School 36

u19B: Jeppe High School for Boys 36, Durban High School 19

u16A: Jeppe High School for Boys 19, Durban High School 19

u15A: Durban High School 21, Jeppe High School for Boys 19

u14A: Durban High School 33, Jeppe High School for Boys 0