The countdown has begun, and everyone is excited about the biggest FNB Classic Clash.
The neighboring schools, Zwartkop and Eldoraigne are facing each other, and both teams had made great preparations for the game on Saturday.
Zwartkop has been up and down in this season they won big and lost big, Eldoraigne has won every game this season, so it will be interesting to see what happens this weekend. Will the obvious favourite win or will the underdogs make a great effort and walk away as victors?
The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools.
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 netball@superschoolsnews.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.
Two teams both coming off of the back of big losses from last weekend will be looking to change their fortunes tomorrow.
Westville Boys’ High makes the long trip up to Gauteng where King Edward VII will be aiming to protect their home-turf.
Kick-off takes place at 12:00 on Reds Field, where fans can expect a fiery encounter as both teams look towards getting a win next to their name.
KES will fancy playing in home conditions and have shown throughout the season that they are tough to beat when playing in front of their home crowd, where a sea of bottle green blazers stack up next to the field to show their support.
Last weekend the team lost to a rampant Affies side, who were particularly brutal in the second half. During the first half, the side showed some grit and were able to hold off the boys from Pretoria and were able to score through forwards Tristan Maugeri, Thomas Beling and Joshua Aube.
Prior to last weekend KES had won three games on the trott beating Parktown, Pretoria Boys High and Jeppe.
Only one change has been made to last weekend’s starting XV with Mbuso Methula coming in for Olunje Mehlomakulu who misses out due to injury. The Red Army will be looking at flyhalf Vusi Moyo to fire, who has been pivotal in their success throughout the season thus far, but struggled last weekend to convert any of his kicks last weekend.
Westvillelost to Maritzburg College who were celebrating their 160th Anniversary. Playing away at Goldstones proved to be a tough challenge with Maritzburg winning the match 27-8. The Griffins showed some fight in defence as the scoreline could have run away from them.
Outside centre, Siyabonga Ndlodzi was named in the Sharks Craven Week side earlier this week which will be held in George later this year. Winger Unathi Mlotshwa finds himself in the Sharks Academy XV side. Both backline players will be itching at finding the try line.
The Westville coaching staff in the form of head coach Dusty Noble and assistant coach Njabula Zulu are also part of the Sharks Craven Week Team. Alongside Strength and Conditioning Coach Zander Erasmus.
The weather may come into question as there has been a large amount of rainfall in the past few days on the highveld, but the forecast looks good with no rain predicted on the day. However the field might be a mud bowl, with the amount of rain which has fallen, which could provide for interesting viewing.
The teams:
King Edward VII: 15 Tristan Maugeri, 14 Haniel Monkoti, 13 Timi Oluwole, 12 Caleb Lombard,11 Mbuso Methula, 10 Vusi Moyo , 9 Ruan Van Rensburg, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Thandolwethu Biyela, 6 James Kobrowisky, 5 Andrew Engelbrecht, 4 Thomas Beling, 3 Joshua Aube, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Lesedi Moloi.
Westville Boys’ High: 15 Tsheggofatso Ramaloko, 14 Evan Moolman, 13 Siyabonga Ndlozi, 12 Likhona Finca, 11 Unthi Mlotshwa, 10 Rylan Jones, 9 Ryan Pitsor, 8 Tebogo M’Khomazi, 7 Avethandwa Tukwayo, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Rhys Mitchell, 4 Daniel Mayo, 3 Bryce Stockton, 2 Ross Calvert, 1 Jeshua Ferreira.
Ruan van Willing of Paarl Boys High. PHOTO: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
Paarl Boys’ High host Wynberg Boys’ High at the Brug Street Stadium in Paarl on Saturday at 12:20 as both teams look for a return to winning ways.
The game will be available live on SuperSport Schools – Register now
Boishaai came up short, 39-30, against an unstoppable Grey College team last weekend but have been building good momentum before that game.
They’ve had big wins against Stellenberg (41-29), Helpmekaar (15-10), Glenwood (35-13) and SACS (34-18) with their last loss coming against Oakdale Landbou (20-17) on the farm in Riversdale back in April.
Paarl Boys still have some big challenges that lay ahead this season, including Wynberg this weekend before they play Paul Roos Gimnasium, Rondebosch Boys’ High, Boland Lanbou and Diocesan College but they will already be preparing for the big derby against Paarl Gimnasium at the end of the year.
Their fullback, JC Mars, has impressed all season but is unavailable this weekend.
Boishaai are especially exciting in space, returning kicks, and Wynberg will need to be disciplined in their defence to contain them. Their performance in defence was Wynberg’s silver lining in their 14-10 loss to Diocesan College last weekend.
The visitors had more success before that match though, and their captain, Xola Nyali (prop) has led his team from the front in impressive victories over Grey High School (35-8) and Stellenberg (15-13). Before that, they lost to the neighbouring Paarl Gimnasium (33-11).
Though Wynberg put in a strong showing against Bishops last weekend, one would expect the Boishaai team to have the upper hand on the Hawthorden field on Saturday, but it will be a closely fought battle as it always is when these two meet.
Paarl Gimnasium travel to town to play SACS this weekend.
The hosts will be hoping to repeat their performance of 2017 when they beat Gimmies 22-19, playing at home.
This is a tall ask though, as Paarl Gimnasium has gone from strength to strength this season, their only loss coming against Grey Bloem (33-12) in March.
SACS have had a difficult run of fixtures of late, with this being the most difficult of the lot.
Taazreeq Moerat (fullback) and Danio Botha (lock) are ones to watch on Saturday, but the entire Gimmie squad seems to have gelled and they are working together with ruthless efficiency, spearheaded by their captain and flyhalf, Kyle Smith.
SACS’ flyhalf, Rayaan Solomons has stood out for his team and he will be leading the attack this weekend again.
There is an interesting change in the hometeam’s forward pack as big Khwezi Ndlovu moves from lock to flank, swapping positions with Pierre van Selm.
Ndlovu has been a strong carrier of the ball and destructive in the rucks. He might cause problems for the visitors playing as a loose forward.
The teams are:
Paarl Boys’ High vs Wynberg Boys’ High at 12:20
Paarl Boys’ High: 15 Lyle Arendse, 14 Scott Nel, 13 Aiden Jacobs, 12 Daniel van der Merwe, 11 Jameel de Jongh, 10 Ruan von Willing, 9 Juan Loots, 8 Douw Wessels, 7 Divan Fuller, 6 Rubin Dames, 5 Van Heerden Pretorius, 4 Neil Hansen, 3 Evan Kotze, 2 HB Odendaal, 1 Christie Visser.
SACS: 15 Aya Machuli, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Daniel Dayarm, 12 Raashied Conrad, 11 Ilitha Ntinini, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Seth Bradford, 8 Niche Koopman, 7 Khwezi Ndlovu, 6 Richard Skeeles, 5 Pierre van Selm, 4 Noah Hefer, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Alex Pybus, 1 Ali Osman-Bosch.
Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Tazreeq Moerat, 14 Freek de Kock, 13 Henie Otto, 12 Kobus Blanckenberg, 11 Pieter-Nel du Plessis, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Dawid Kotze, 8 Louw du Toit, 7 Eduan Vosloo, 6 Adrúan Kotze, 5 Marco Steyn, 4 Danio Botha, 3 Nicholas Crous, 2 Jannie Grobbelaar, 1 Xander Mynhardt.
Boland Landbou vs Diocesan College at 12:00
Boland Landbou: 15 Dewald de Villiers, 14 Wehan Lume, 13 Ruan Jongsma, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Enslin Claasen, 10 Retagan va Rooi, 9 Turlon Adams, 8 AJ van der Merwe, 7 Alru Gous, 6 Hans Verster, 5 Ruan Viviers, 4 Karst Smits, 3 Pieter de Jager, 2 Cilliers Viljoen, 1 Christoff Etzebeth.
Diocesan College: 15 Gilermoe Mentoe, 14 Ayanda Bonoyi, 13 Wa-keem Fortuin, 12 Nic Allison, 11 Lucca Mynhardt, 10 Olo Sopotela, 9 Hassiem Pead, 8 Aidan Norris, 7 Matthew French, 6 Jake Skilicorn, 5 Alex Smith, 4 CJ Gordon, 3 Nashe Chahwahwa, 2 Merlin Fransman, 1 Richard Horton.
Other fixtures, 20 May
12:00 – Bellville THS vs Milnerton; 12:00 – Hugenote vs Bellville; 12:10 – Strand vs Brackenfell; 11:50 – Fish Hoek vs Melkbosstrand; 11:45 – Tygerberg vs Parel Vallei; 11:15 – Gordon High vs Kasselsvlei.
Daar is hierdie naweek weer ‘n vol program van skolerugby in die Wes Kaap vir ondersteuners om te geniet.
Die aksie word uitgesaai op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou
Rondebosch Boys’ High speel in die Markotter-stadion in Stellenbosch teen Paul Roos Gimnasium, Saterdag om 13:00.
Verlede jaar kon Rondebosch hierdie bepaling in die stad met 24-12 wen.
Paul Roos het laas naweek ‘n afnaweek geniet en die seuns het tyd gehad om te herstel na die harde stryd teen Paarl Gimnasium wat hulle met 24-19 verloor het die naweek voor dit.
Rondebosch het die vorige naweek ‘n goeie vertoning teen SACS gelewer om 22-7 te wen, maar hierdie naweek bied dalk vir hulle hul grootste toets tot dusver die seisoen.
Die span van Stellenbosch beleef reeds ‘n sterk seisoen, en lyk asof hulle week na week verbeter.
Voor hulle in Paarl Gim vasgeloop het kon die Paul Roos span met Affies (31-25) en Durban High School (24-14) afreken in twee harde wedstryde, en die seuns sal uitsien om terug te keer na die rugbyveld om weer daardie momentum te begin bou.
Rondebosch is sonder die dienste van ‘n paar spelers, onder andere Collin Paul Kemp (flank), wie een van hul sterkste baldraers is. Hy sal gemis word
Stellenberg Hoërskool onthaal vir Oakdale Landbou en sal wil opmaak vir laas jaar se 34-17 nederlaag op die plaas in Riversdal.
Hierdie beloof om weer ‘n uiterse stryd te wees tussen twee skole wat trots neem in hul vermoë om hul opponente fisies af te breek.
Daar is regoor die streek groot rugby op skou, met baie van die skole wat hierdie naweek van hul groot inters afhandel.
Worcester Gimnasium sal hul goeie vorm wil behou teen Robertson en in Oudtshoorn is daar ook ‘n groot slag tussen die buurskole, Oudtshoorn Hoërskool en Langenhoven Gimnasium.
Die spanne is:
Paul Roos Gimnasium t. Rondebosch Boys’ High om 13:00
Paul Roos Gimasium: 15 Keenan Stoffels, 14 Keehan Etson, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Phillip Groenewald, 11 Marco Odendaal, 10 Lee-Jay Pietersen, 9 Zeke January, 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Dylan van Wyk, 6 Andreas Oosthuizen, 5 Jesse Stegehuis, 4 Truspe Schoeman, 3 Ryan Jack, 2 Christian de Villiers, 1 Oliver Reid.
Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 David Simon, 14 Juma Amissi, 13 Juandre Welthagen, 12 Nichollas Molyneux, 11 Ethan Gordon, 10 Dylan Miller, 9 Cameron Whitson, 8 Ryan du Rand, 7 Alutha Wesi, 6 Jeff Cohen, 5 Polite Phiri, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Cole Macdonald, 2 Tom van Wyk, 1 Justin Amos.
Stellenberg t. Oakdale Landbou om 12:55
Stellenberg: 15 Kaden de Klerk, 14 Liam Smith, 13 Estian Steyn, 12 Tyron Labuschagne, 11 Ruben Thompson, 10 Stefan Roux, 9 Clyde Frieslaar, 8 Marco Ferreira, 7 Zian Erasmus, 6 Damon Pereira, 5 Corne Bruwer, 4 Sebastian Johnson, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Creedon Cockrell, 1 Niel de Beer.
Oakdale Landbou: 15 Waylon Kortjie, 14 Rayleen Alberts, 13 Louis Fourie, 12 Kurt Coetzee, 11 Therlow Prins, 10 Shaydon Fradie, 9 Tian Ferreira, 8 Erick Steyn, 7 Migail Barnard, 6 Hanno Louw, 5 Roy Viljoen, 4 Gerhard Ehlert, 3 Karlo Truter, 2 JC van Wyk, 1 Marco Steyn.
Ander bepalings op Saterdag, 20 May
11:30 – Lutzville t. Hoërskool Vredendal; 12:00 – Hoërskool Punt t. DF Malan; 12:00 – Worcester Gimnasium t. Robertson; 12:20 – Jan van Riebeeck t. Porterville; 12:30 – Augsburg Gimnasium t. Curro Langebaan; 12:50 – Oudtshoorn t. Langenhoven Gimnasium; 13:00 – HTS Drostdy t. Hopefield; 13:40 – Swartland t. Charlie Hofmeyr; 13:45 – Labori t. Montagu.
The annual Welkom FNB Classic Clash match between Goudveld-Hoërskool and Welkom Gimnasium is set to take place this Saturday at 14:00 on the Gouties’ field.
This is a fixture Welkom Gim has dominated in the past, but that has never stopped it from being one of the highlights on the calendar for the Welkom community who are very much split into two camps for this local derby.
Welkom Gim look to continue asserting their dominance to mark their 70th year of existence and look well equipped to do exactly that, as Gimmies have been slicing through the defences of some of the strongest sides in the country this season.
They beat Hoërskool Trio convincingly last weekend, 44-17, and Trio beat Goudveld 29-0 the week before that, so current form bodes ominously for the home team.
But we all know how the passion of a big derby can lift a team, and Welkom Gim will not be underestimating their neighbours at all.
Their flyhalf, Renaldo Kiewiet, has shown how professional and composed he is when directing his troops all season, and this has resulted in some highlight-reel tries for the likes of Naylen Goeda (fullback), Naven Goeda (winger), Kamohelo Mokoena (winger) and Ethan Jones (no. 8).
The Gouties managed to produce some of the attacking play they have been threatening to all season in their 26-3 victory over Hentie Cilliers last weekend and have stuck with their new lineup for this game, where Ruben Crous plays inside centre and Quinton Davids covers flyhalf. They are, however, also bolstered by the return of their fullback Ru-Bran Kock.
They will need to be playing at their absolute best to avoid a Gimmies romp though, as the visiting team’s attack has looked extremely dangerous.
Hoërskool Trio and Witteberg are both coming off losses last weekend, Trio played Welkom Gim and had to bend a knee to the impressive Gimmie side (44-17) and Witteberg played in their big annual derby against Voortrekker and lost 24-16.
Voortrekker are in action again this week in another big interschool clash against Hentie Cilliers.
Douglas also hosts Hopetown for their big derby, while Noord-Kaap look to build on their success from last weekend, when they beat Diamantveld 18-17 in their FNB Classic Clash.
The teams are:
Goudveld Hoërskool vs Welkom Gimnasium at 14:00
Goudveld Hoërskool: 15 Ru-Bran Kock, 14 Enzo Beukes, 13 Urban Pienaar, 12 Ruben Crous, 11 Junior Motsamai, 10 Quinton Davids, 9 Ryan de Jager, 8 Jonathan Olivier, 7 Schalk du Plessis, 6 Kabous du Plooy, 5 Juandricht Cloete, 4 Lodie van Dyk, 3 Marco-Jan Pretorius, 2 Jan Coetzee, 1 Pieter Reyneke.
13:30 – Voortrekker vs Hentie Cilliers; 13:30 – Trio vs Witteberg; 13:30 – Duineveld vs Noord-Kaap; 14:30 – Douglas vs Hopetown; 12:30 – Bothaville vs HTS Welkom.
The rivalry between Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool and Grey College continues as strong as ever, 100 years since the prestigious sides first met.
They face each other at 14:00 on Saturday, 20th of May, in Bloemfontein for the 46th time since their first match in Pretoria on the 29th of September 1923.
Grey won that first encounter 7-0, and have won the majority of the meetings since then, but Affies need to look back only as far as 2015 when an Affies first team including then Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer’s son, Vic Meyer, came to Bloemfontein and beat the hosts 29-18.
It will take an inspired performance by the boys from Pretoria though, as Grey College have been consistently beating the best teams in South Africa all season, and it does not look like any opponents have the answers to the questions players like Vincent Wolhuter (fullback), Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf) and Benito Goeda (centre) have been asking on attack.
The real differential for the Bloemfontein powerhouse has been the exceptional work rate of their forward pack though, with Jean Erasmus (prop) and the loose trio of Jean-Henri Smit, Keegan Scholtz and captain, JJ Theron being central to their play every weekend.
Though the visitors are coming off a good win last weekend, when they beat King Edward VII 43-20, they have had a difficult run of fixtures so far and will be aware of how much a win in Bloemfontein will affect the outlook on their season.
The Grey side remains unchanged from the team that beat an in-form Paarl Boys’ High in Paarl last weekend, and they are clearly firing on all cylinders.
Affies’ fullback, Migael de Lange, has stood out for his team and will need to be on top of his game again as Van der Merwe is sure to continue using his kicking play that has served his side so well this season.
Steyn Truter, the big loosehead from Pretoria has also looked strong, but it will take a huge effort from him and his pack to outmuscle the Grey forwards on their home turf, they have not given an inch to any team this season so far.
A rivalry with a history as rich as this never disappoints, and though Grey are the definite favourites at home, Affies are sure to push them to the absolute limit again.
The teams are:
Grey College vs Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool at 14:00
Grey College: 15 Vincent Wolhuter, 14 Hayden Tolmay, 13 Benito Goeda, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Martin Botha, 10 Ian van der Merwe, 9 Christiaan van der Westhuizen, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Keegan Scholtz, 6 Jean-Henri Smit, 5 Schalk du Plessis, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Ranon Fouche.
Although there are only a few games in KZN this weekend, the quality of these games should make up for it.
Glenwood High School is contending with Clifton, the former taking no rest after defeating Kearsney last weekend.
Glenwood started the 2023 season off brilliantly, beating Voortrekker 72-0 in their first game.
They proceeded to earn two more consecutive victories. Later in the season, the defeated some tough competition, taking a 22-10 victory over Marlow Landbou followed by a 19-7 victory over Dale College.
Glenwood has been adaptable in their gameplay, using their strengths to capitalize on whatever opportunities present themselves.
Clifton too started their season off with a huge win, defeating 73-0. Clifton has fought in every game and given their all until the last moment.
Despite being matched up with many big names, Clifton has put points on the board every game this season. They played exceptionally against St Andrew’s, earning them a 47-7 win.
This is going to be an interesting match-up, delivering two different styles of rugby to the field.
Jeppe High School are battling the Northwood Knights on Saturday. Northwood defeated Kearsney 14-10 and subsequently took a 61-29 win over St Charles College. The Knights will be fighting for their third victory.
Jeppe is not going to make this an easy game for Northwood, though, as Jeppe has been demolishing much of the competition this season. Jeppe defeated St David’s 73-8 in their last game, they took the win over Westville at 43-31 and beat Queen’s 51-5.
Jeppe and the Knights are going to have some serious competition on their hands.
The teams:
Glenwood: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Tawanda Mashoni, 13 Okonta Chijindu, 12 MJ Schoeman, 11 Bukhosobakhe Gamede, 10 Andrew Martins, 9 Tyrique Hartnick, 8 Zuki Tom, 7 Kane Plasket-Burne, 6 Tumisho Mofidikoane, 5 Laythan Sheahan, 4 Jesse Venter, 3 William van Vuuren, 2 Keegan Goosen, 1 Lithemba Mfupi.
Clifton: 15 Camden Riley, 14 Ebenezer Mangue, 13 Sam Selikow, 12 Joshua Kennedy, 11 Mackenzie Haygarth, 10 Joe Rey, 9 Michael Langston, 8 Bryce Beeslaar, 7 Adam Zoio, 6 Nathan Shotland, 5 Ben van der Merwe, 4 Ben McElligot, 3 Njabulo Dlomo, 2 Levi Anastasis-Lan, 1 Simphiwe Ngcobo.
Queen’s College game against Dale College last weekend was top notch rugby until the very end. Queen’s did not hold back and used everything at their disposal to seize every available opportunity.
A very interesting play occurred when the ball was placed into Turshaan Hare’s hands, and he proceeded to kick a drop goal. The outcome of this game was a much deserved 21-12 victory to Queen’s.
This is the kind of rugby they will bring on Saturday, no one can predict how they will approach the game or what tricks and tactics they may have planned. One thing is for sure, they will be very strategic with their gameplay, searching for openings in the defence and getting ready to charge.
Grey proved last Saturday that they can overcome any circumstances to totally take control of the game. Being able to adapt is an integral part of a successful rugby squad, and Grey has mastered this.
Despite last weeks pouring rain, Grey remained calm and focused on the task at hand. Kaiden Titus scored a try in the first half which he converted.
This gave Grey a headstart early in the game. Chad Human and Daniel de Lange each scored a try in the second half, with Kaiden Titus earning another conversion.
The final score was 19-0 to Grey. Being able to bring this level of performance at all times is what makes champions. Grey will take the field on Saturday ready for anything.
With such strong contenders, this match could be one for the history books.
Their will be an abundance of competitive rugby in the Eastern Cape this weekend. Selborne College and Dale College will be facing off, after Selborne’s 45-0 defeat of Port Rex last weekend.
Marlow Landbou and Framesby are paired up on Saturday, with Marlow entering the game as champions after defeating Nico Malan 25-15 last Saturday. Framesby drew Daniel Pienaar in their last match, 17-17, representative of the close game.
Saturday is going to provide some very competitive rugby for the players and spectators alike.
Grey High School: 15 Joshua Bands, 14 Jack Collett, 13 Dylan Garrod, 12 Tobias Nota, 11 Kaiden Titus, 10 Jordan Strydom, 9 Aza Ncula, 8 Mark Brombacher, 7 Imaani Pemba, 6 Reece Miles, 5 De Wet Goedhals, 4 Steven Lee, 3 Aiden Wilkinson, 2 Chad Human, 1 Daniel de Lange.
Other Fixtures:
12:20 – Port Rex THS vs Kingswood College; 13:45 – Muir College vs Pearson; 14:15 – Marlow Landbou vs Hoërskool Framesby; 14:20 – Selborne College vs Dale College; 14:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Hudson Park; 15:00 – Queen’s College vs Grey High School.
Quite the admission – I know. But I am arguably an addict too.
You need to be fit, make split second decisions, use discretion, communicate, and know the many implications of the law.
All while in the cauldron of a high-pressure sporting environment. The challenge out on the field is what excites me.
As World Rugby Referee Ben O’Keeffe said when I interviewed him for the SuperSport Schools’ Podcast, pressure builds diamonds.
Now, some might call it asking for abuse, but I call it a perfectly civilized way to spend a morning.
Today, I want to talk about a little-known law. The thought of enforcing it in school rugby keeps me awake at night. We all know that rugby has more laws than there are words in the English language.
But I am obsessed with this one. The lawbook is my bible, and this law I can quote chapter and verse. It’s called Law 8.2e. And before you ask, no, it’s not the name of a new Star Wars droid.
But much like Star Wars, it is in the domain of the geek and happens so rarely that when I see it implemented, I get more excited than Heyneke Meyer having a victorious vein-throbbing coronary.
Law 8.2e states that you can score a try while in-touch (or “out”, but that doesn’t sound as fancy) so long as you are not holding the ball and only ground it.
That’s right, you can be in-touch, and still score a try. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I first read the law, it sounded like cheating to me. I mean, if you’re out, you’re out.
You can’t touch the ball! But apparently, there’s a catch: If you are out and apply downward force to the ball (i.e., do not hold it) and it’s already in the in-goal area, then it’s still a try.
This has been a law since at least the 1950s. So, it’s not like they just made it up to mess with us.
That’s what we have scrums for.
Now picture this: me having to explain this law in the middle of a match to a group of U15s who are convinced they know absolutely everything about everything (I know I did). How do you reckon that’s going to pan out?
“Alright guys, listen up – I’m aware that each and every one of you is dead certain that he was in touch, and you’re not wrong, but it’s also a try.” I imagine shortly afterwards I’ll have to say, “No I am not concussed.”
But there’s more to this story. You see, I made a TikTok video about this law after seeing it happen live for the first time, in a bid to inform and get ahead of the issue. The video got over a quarter-of-a-million views in 24 hours.
That’s a lot of people watching a rugby referee explain a bizarre law. It’s like getting excited about the OED (Google it – you’ll see why). But out of the hundreds of comments, one person chose to ruin my day.
Out of nowhere this person, who we shall call Gandalf, appeared, and left a single comment that altered history. Gandalf said, “Yeah – but not if the ball was in the air first.” And that little comment sewed a seed of doubt that soon grew into a baobab.
I discovered that Clarification 1 of 2012 requested by the French Rugby Union reveals (with the old law numbers and wording) that the principle of Law 8.2e do not apply if you, while in touch, first contact the ball when it’s in the air.
So, if you’re in-touch, and ground the ball by palming it down from in the air to the ground, it’s not a try. The only official source for this is hiding in a decade old archive. To me that seems like a pretty important detail to leave out of the lawbook.
I mean, it’s like saying you can drive a car, but only if you have a steering wheel. Yeah – worth mentioning.
Anyway, I deleted the TikTok video and issued a grovelling apology and correction. To be honest, a try being scored under Law 8.2e is even more unlikely than I previously thought.
How often does the ball just sit nicely in-goal? Not often. And that’s a shame because I was really looking forward to seeing a kid score a try while hanging off the side of a cliff.
But I guess we’ll just have to settle for the regular kind.
The countdown has begun, and everyone is excited about the biggest FNB Classic Clash.
Two teams both coming off of the back of big losses from last weekend will be looking to change their fortunes tomorrow.
Queen’s College game against Dale College last weekend was top notch rugby until the very end. Queen’s did not hold back and used everything at their disposal to seize every available opportunity. 
My name is Alex, and I am a rugby referee.