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Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to confirm that the 14th edition of the Under-19 Franchise Cubs Week will go ahead in a bio-secure environment (BSE) at the University of Stellenbosch from 03-07 February.

This summer, the coronavirus pandemic put pave to age-group cricket across the country, with Cubs Week set to be the first national tournament to be played in adherence with Covid-19 protocols.

The six competing teams, made up of provincial players aged between 17 and 19, arrived in Stellenbosch on Sunday and will undergo three rounds of testing ahead of the start of the tournament.

The opening round of matches will see six-time winners and defending champions, the Imperial Lions take on the Warriors, the Momentum Multiply Titans up against the VKB Knights, and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins drawn against the Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras.

The Cubs will be competing for a place in the February 07 final as well as a spot in the SA Under-19 squad, which is expected to be announced shortly after Cubs Week.

“Cubs Week is the foundation of the Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP) and will give younger players the opportunity to showcase their talent, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our pathway to professional cricket,” said Acting Head of Cricket Pathways Edward Khoza.

“Covid-19 has had a major impact on age-group cricket and we’re really grateful to have been able to salvage a national tournament midway through the season. Cubs Week is vitally important considering the programs we have planned ahead, which includes the SA Under-19s competing as the 16th team in the Senior Provincial tournaments.”

SA Under-19 Head Coach Shukri Conrad added: “I’m looking forward to an exciting week ahead. The boys will be hungry to compete as they stake a claim for next year’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, in the West Indies.

“This week will also provide the opportunity for me and my team to have a first-hand view of the pool of talent the provinces have to offer and for players to get a better understanding of the SA Under-19 coaching staff’s vision and philosophy as we continue our preparation for the World Cup,” concluded Shukri.

Fixtures

Wednesday, 03 February 2021

Imperial Lions vs Warriors at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch
Momentum Multiply Titans vs VKB Knights at Maties C Field, Stellenbosch
Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch

Thursday, 04 February 2021

Imperial Lions vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins at Maties D Field, Stellenbosch
Momentum Multiply Titans vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch
Warriors vs VKB Knights at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch

Friday, 05 February 2021

Imperial Lions vs VKB Knights at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch
Momentum Multiply Titans vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch
Warriors vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Maties C Field, Stellenbosch

Saturday, 06 February 2021

Imperial Lions vs Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch
Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs VKB Knights at Maties C Field, Stellenbosch
Momentum Multiply Titans vs Warriors at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch

Sunday, 07 February 2021

Final: 1st vs 2nd at Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch
3rd vs 4th at Tassies Oval, Stellenbosch
5th vs 6th Maties D Field, Stellenbosch

The teams:

Dolphins: Slade van Staden (KZN Inland), Nicholas Hatton (KZN Inland), Andile Simelane (KZN Inland), Luc Bekenstein (KZN Inland), Keagan Crawford (KZN Inland), Matthew Boast (KZN Inland), Sanele Mbatha (KZN Inland), Colbe Dyer (KZN Inland), Chad Laycock (KZN Coastal), Ronan Vardaya (KZN Coastal), Thulani Cheliza (KZN Coastal), Joshua Stride (KZN Coastal), Banele Cele (KZN Coastal), Andile Wanda (KZN Coastal).

Lions: Phemelo Sepathi (North West), Liam McCarthy (GCL), Heinrigh Pieterse (GCL), Taheer Isaacs (GCL), Gerard Coetzee (GCL), Michael Copeland (GCL), Caleb Seleka (North-West), Nkhanyiso Mkhize (GCL), Simo Potelwa (GCL), Zack Momberg (GCL), Liam Alder (GCL), Ronan Herrmann (GCL), Reuben du Toit (GCL), Samuel Ruwisi (GCL).

Titans: Om Thakkar (Northerns), Jordan Hermann (Northerns), Zeeshan Ismail (Northerns), Kagiso Ngwenya (Northerns), Akhulile Makatu (Mpumalanga), Jan Hendrik (Hardus) Coetzer (Northerns), Khayalethu (Khaya) Nyamathe (Easterns), Christiaan Daniels (Northerns), Ryan Maxl (Easterns), Selo (Valentine) Kitime (Northerns), Dewald Brevis (Northerns), Jabulani Nkosi (Northerns), Khaif Patel (Limpopo), Nathan Steyn (Easterns).

Cape Cobras: Daniel Smith (Western Province), Ethan Cunningham (Western Province), Kai Curran (Western Province), Siyambinga Nyawose (Western Province), Dewald Grove (Boland), Kamvelethu Feni (South Western Districts), Michael Levitt (Western Province), Nicholas Kevy (Boland), Kaden Solomon (Western Province), Nathan Jacobs (Boland), Darian Naidoo (Western Province), Ayabonga Ngondo (South Western Districts), Salmaan Ajam (Western Province), Asakhe Tsaka (Western Province).

Warriors: Adam du Plessis, Jade Smith, Ziphozinhle Ruiters, George van Heerden, Sonwabiso Tshona, Garwin Dampies, Ethan Frosler, Adam Richards, Lihle Sizani, Matt Fourie, Joshua Stevenson, Eli Thorne, Hlonela Bune, Aphiwe Mnyanda. 

Knights: JD Bruwer (Free State), Yusuf Suliman (Northern Cape), Reeza Alexander (Free State), Boitumelo Melesi (Northern Cape), Gerrit Badenhorst (Free State), Lerato Nqoyi (Free State), Mvula Chabalala (Free State), Matthew Davids (Free State), Mbongi Mhlanga (Free State), Marco Fouche (Free State), Zander Rasmussen (Free State), Liam Doherty (Free State), Sello Sesing (Free State), GJ Maree (Free State).

Munster scraped through against Benneton to stretch their lead by 15 log points in Conference B of the Pro-14 competition. It took a last-gasp drop goal by JJ Hanrahan to secure the victory for the Irish-side. It would’ve been the team from Italy’s first victory during this season’s competition. 

Flanker Chris Cloete (Selborne College) was in the starting line-up for Munster, while Springbok centre Damian de Allende (Milnerton) made an appearance from the bench. 

Benneton had three South Africans in their squad that came within seconds of causing an upset. Irné Herbst (Waterkloof), Corniel Els (Grey College), and Eli Snyman (St John’s College) all playing for the Italians. Els made his debut for Benneton from the bench in the match. 

The Scarlets from Wales were taught a lesson by Leinster, who are sitting on top of Conference A of the competition. Leinster winning the clash by 52-25 scoring 

South African Uzair Cassiem (Strand) set-up the losing side’s first try by Dane Blacker after a run of about 35 metres. It was the former Cheetahs’ player’s 50th appearance for the Scarlets. Werner Kruger (Kempton Park) made an appearance from the bench for the Scarlets. 

PHOTO: Instagram/@scarlets_rugby

Scorers: 

Munster 18 (12) – Tries: Darren Sweetnam, Niall Scannell. Conversion: JJ Hanrahan. Penalty: Ben Healy. Drop Goal: Hanrahan. Benneton 16 (11) – Tries: Angelo Esposito, Leonardo Sarto. Penalties: Tomasso Allan (2). 

Leinster 52 (31) – Tries: Dan Leavy, James Tracey, Cian Kelleher, Luke McGrath, Max O’Reilly, David Hawkshaw, Penalty Try. Conversions: Harry Byrne (6). Penalty: Byrne. Scarlets 25 (13) – Tries: Dane Blacker, Will Homer, Angus O’Brien. Conversions: Sam Costello (2). Penalties: Costello (2).

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In the Batlle of the Wieses – or rather Leicester Tigers vs Sale Sharks – it was the younger brother, Cobus Wiese, who had the last laugh with the Sharks beating the Tigers by 25-15 with Cobus also crossing the try-line for a vital try to help secure the victory.

It was only the third time ever that the two Wiese-brothers faced each other on the rugby field. That is now matches that were not played in their backyard on their farm near Grootdrink in the Northern Cape. The Wieses are both products of the Hoërskool Upington. 

Besides Cobus, who started at lock, the Sharks also had another five South Africans – Faf de Klerk (Waterkloof), JP du Preez (EG Jansen), Jono Ross (St Stithians College), Coenie Oosthuizen (Grey College) and Robert du Preez (Kearsney College) who helped the team to victory. 

For the Tigers Kobus van Wyk (Paarl Gimnasium), Luan de Bruin (Affies), Hanro Liebenberg (HTS Drostdy) and Cyle Brink (King Edward VII) was the Saffas that was on the losing side with Jasper Wiese.

Shaun Adendorff (Glenwood) and Francois van Wyk (Boland Landbou) helped the Northampton Saints to claim their first victory over Gloucester at the Kingsholm Stadium since 2017. Adendorff started at Nr. 8, while Van Wyk made an appearance from the bench as the Saints won by 31-26 in a tightly contested clash. 

Adendorff’s direct opponent was Ruan Ackermann (Garsfontein). The latter making 12 tackles while gaining 28 metres with the 12 carries he made, Adendorff made only two tackles but gained 21 metres with the eight times he was placed in possession of the ball. Ackermann indicated that he will be looking to gain selection for the English test side when he qualifies to play for them in the future. 

Worcester Warriors with four Saffas in the squad of 23 lost against the Exeter Chiefs by 17-21. Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard (Paul Roos Gimnasium), who will join the newly crowned Currie Cup champions in South Africa in the near future, and prop Nick Schonert (Maritzburg College) started for the losing side. 

Anton Bresler (Durban High School) and Francois Venter (Grey College) made appearances from the bench as lock and outside centre respectively. Another Maritzburg College old-boy Don Armand came from the bench for Exeter. He played two tests for Engeland.

The Harlequins eased past the Wasps by 49 points to 17 with no less than six South Africans – André Esterhuizen (Klerksdorp), Wilco Louw (HTS Drostdy), Stephan Lewies (Eldoraigne), Jordan Els (Westville Boys’ High), Simon Kerrod (Pretoria Boys’ High) and Tyrone Green (Jeppe High School for Boys’) in their team. 

London Irish with Queen’s College old-boy Alan Dell from the bench defeated the Newcastle Falcons by 31-22. Dell, who represented the South African u20-side earlier in his career, has since his Scottish debut in 2016 managed to win 25 test caps. For the Falcons three Saffas Louis Schreuder (Paarl Gimnasium), Phillip van der Walt (Adelaide Gimnasium), and Kyle Cooper (Glenwood) earned their pounds in the defeat.

Juan Schoeman (Affies) started at loosehead prop for Bath as they were demolished by 3-48 by the Bristol Bears. Schoeman played 42 minutes before being replaced by Jamie Bhatti. He made six tackles during his time on the pitch. 

PHOTO: Sale Sharks/www.prermiershiprugby.com 

Scorers: 

Sale Sharks 25 (10) – Tries: Sam James, Cobus Wiese, Marland Yarde. Conversions: AJ MacGinty (2). Penalties: MacGinty (2).  Leicester Tigers 15 (8) – Tries: Tommy Reffell, Nemani Nodolo. Conversion: Johnny McPhillips. Penalty: Zach Henry.

Bristol Bears 48 (34) – Tries: Luke Morahan, Charles Piutau, Andy Uren, Bryan Byrne, Semi Radradra, Will Capon, Penalty Try. Conversions: Ioan Lloyd (4). Penalty: Lloyd. Bath 3 (3) – Penalty: Rhys Priestland. 

Northampton Saints 31 (11) – Tries: Rory Hutchinson (3), Taqele Naiyaravoro. Conversion: Dan Biggar. Penalties: Biggar (3). Gloucester 26 (12) – Tries: Willi Heinz, Matias Alemanno. Conversions: Billy Twelvetrees (2). Penalties: Twelvetrees (4).

Exeter Chiefs 21 (14) – Tries: Jonny Gray, Ian Whitten, Ollie Devoto. Conversions: Joe Simmonds (3). Worcester Warriors 17 (10) – Tries: Oli Morris, Duncan Weir. Conversions: Weir (2). Penalty: Weir.

Harlequins 49 (20) – Tries: Will Evans, Danny Care, Alex Dombrandt, Louis Lynagh, James Lang, Penalty Try. Conversions: Marcus Smith (4). Penalties: Smith (3). Wasps 17 (3) – Tries: Zach Kibirige, Tom Willis. Conversions: Jimmy Gopperth (2). Penalty: Lima Sopoaga. 

London Irish 31 (14) – Tries: Augustin Creevy, James Stokes, Curtis Rona, Motu Matu’u. Conversions: Paddy Jackson (4). Penalty: Jackson. Newcastle Falcons 22 (8) – Tries: Ben Stevenson, Sam Stuart, Gary Graham. Conversions: Joel Hodgson (2). Penalty: Hodgson.

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If the number of SA Schools’ players was anything to go by the Sharks would be the favourites to bag their ninth Currie Cup title since that fateful day back in 1990 when they surprised Northern Transvaal, as the Blue Bulls was then known as, at Loftus Versfeld to bag win the prestigious competition for the first time.

The Sharks have more than double the number of former SA Schools’ players in their squad for the final. Of the former 19 SA Schools’ players that will be in action in Saturday’s final 13 of them will be in action for the team from Durban. The Bulls have six former SA Schools players in their squad of 27 named for the final.

An interesting fact is that all four hookers named in the two squads – Johan Grobbelaar (2015), Schalk Erasmus (2016), Fez Mbatha (2017), and Dan Jooste (2016) represented the national schools’ side. Add Dylan Richardson (2016-17) to the mix there will be no less than five former SA Schools’ hookers in action in the final.

The SA Schools’ scrum-halves are also abundant with Jaden Hendrikse (2017), Embrose Papier (2014-15), Marco Jansen van Vuren (2013-14), and Sanele Nohamba (2016-17) all making the step up. Jansen van Vuren will don the Nr 13-jersey for the final as he’s done in the semi-final for the Blue Bulls after an injury ruled Stedman Gans (Waterkloof) out.

The SA Schools’ selectors who are tasked to identify forwards will be smiling as 12 of the 19 SA Schools’ players in the finals are forwards. This is remarkable as it is usually backline players who move quicker through the system.

The Blue Bulls will be attempting to end an 11-year drought in the competition. If they succeed it will be their 24th title since the union was founded in 1938.

Some traditionalists will however frown upon the Bulls entering the arena that is Loftus Versfeld at 15:00 for the clash. For the first time in 33 finals, the Blue Bulls will not be donning their traditional light-blue jersey with its instantly recognisable Barberton Daisy on the chest.

The total of 33 finals that Northern Transvaal/Blue Bulls have participated in since the competition’s first final back in 1939 is the most by any union. They have played in 33 of the 57 finals to date.

The school with the most representatives in the final is the Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool from Pretoria who has four players in Ivan van Zyl, Schalk Erasmus, Marnus Potgieter, and Ruben van Heerden who will be in action in the final. Garsfontein and Grey College is in second place with three representatives each. 

The teams: 

Vodacom Bulls: 15 David Kriel (Grey College), 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse (Paulus Joubert), 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren (Transvalia), 12 Cornal Hendricks (Bergrivier), 11 Stravino Jacobs (Paarl Gimnasium), 10 Morné Steyn (Sand du Plessis), 9 Ivan van Zyl (Affies), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Nelspruit – captain), 7 Elrigh Louw (Transvalia), 6 Marco van Staden (Bekker), 5 Ruan Nortje (Wonderboom), 4 Sintu Manjezi (St Andrew’s College), 3 Trevor Nyakane (Ben Vorster), 2 Johan Grobbelaar (Paarl Gimnasium), 1 Lizo Gqoboka (Ntabankulu). Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus (Affies), 17 Jacques van Rooyen (Pretoria-Noord), 18 Mornay Smith (Eldoraigne), 19 Jan Uys (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 20 Arno Botha (Nylstroom), 21 Embrose Papier (Garsfontein), 22 Chris Smith (SACS), 23 Marnus Potgieter (Affies), 25 Gerhard Steenekamp (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), 26 Keagan Johannes (Garsfontein), 27 Jade Stighling (Hans Moore).

Cell C Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi (Dale College), 14 Sbu Nkosi (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 13 Lukhanyo Am (De Vos Malan – captain), 12 Marius Louw (Grey College), 11 Yaw Penxe (Queen’s College), 10 Curwin Bosch (Grey High School), 9 Jaden Hendrikse (Glenwood), 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Wynberg Boys’ High), 7 Henco Venter (Grey College), 6 Dylan Richardson (Kearsney College), 5 Ruben van Heerden (Affies), 4 JJ van der Mescht (Glenwood), 3 Thomas du Toit (Paarl Boys’ High, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha (Maritzburg College), 1 Ox Nche (Louis Botha). Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste (Paarl Boys’ High), 17 Mzamo Majola (Westville Boys’ High), 18 Michael Kumbirai (St Alban’s College), 19 Hyron Andrews (Garsfontein), 20 Thembelani Bholi (Jamangile Secondary), 21 Sanele Nohamba (Durban High School), 22 Jeremy Ward (Grey High School), 23 Manie Libbok (Outeniqua).

Referee: Jaco Peyper (Grey College)

Schools and their players for the Currie Cup Final of 2021: 

4 – Affies (Ivan van Zyl, Schalk Erasmus, Marnus Potgieter, Ruben van Heerden)

3 – Garsfontein (Embrose Papier, Hyron Andrews, Keagan Johannes), Grey College (David Kriel, Marius Louw, Henco Venter).

2 – Transvalia (Marco Jansen van Vuren, Elrigh Louw), Paarl Gimnasium (Stravino Jacobs, Johan Grobbelaar), Glenwood (Jaden Hendrikse, JJ van der Mescht), Grey High School (Curwin Bosch, Jeremy Ward), Paarl Boys’ High (Thomas du Toit, Dan Jooste).

1 – Ben Vorster (Trevor Nyakane), Paulus Joubert (Kurt-Lee Arendse), Bergrivier (Cornal Hendricks), Sand du Plessis (Morné Steyn), Ntanbankulu (Lizo Gqoboka), Wonderboom (Ruan Nortje), Nelspruit (Duane Vermeulen), Bekker (Marco van Staden), St Andrew’s College (Sintu Manjezi), De Vos Malan (Lukhanyo Am), Dale College (Aphelele Fassi), Pretoria-Noord (Jacques van Rooyen), Eldoraigne (Mornay Smith), Nylstroom (Arno Botha), Outeniqua (Manie Libbok), St Alban’s College (Michael Kumbirai), Durban High School (Sanele Nohamba), Jamangile Secondary (Thembelani Bholi), Westville Boys’ High (Mzamo Majola), Kearsney College (Dylan Richardson), Louis Botha (Ox Nche), Queen’s College (Yaw Penxe), Wynberg Boys’ High (Sikhumbuzo Notshe), SACS (Chris Smith), Paul Roos Gimnasium (Jan Uys), Maritzburg College (Fez Mbatha), Potchefstroom Gimnasium (Gerhard Steenekamp), Hans Moore (Jade Stighling), Jeppe High School for Boys’ (Sbu Nkosi).

SA Schools’ Players: 

Blue Bulls (6): Marco Jansen van Vuren (2013-14), Stravino Jacobs (2018), Johan Grobbelaar (2015), Schalk Erasmus (2016), Mornay Smith (2016), Embrose Papier (2014-15).

Sharks (13): Curwin Bosch (2014-15), Jaden Hendrikse (2017), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (2010-11), Dylan Richardson (2016-17), Ruben van Heerden (2015), JJ van der Mescht (2016-17), Thomas du Toit (2013), Fez Mbatha (2017), Ox Nche (2012-13), Dan Jooste (2016), Michael Kumbirai (2014), Sanele Nohamba (2016-17), Manie Libbok (2015).

More Articles: 

This year’s Currie Cup-final has a Grey-ish colour to it
Currie Cup Final of 2017 have a strong Bloedwors taste

 

There might be an alcohol ban in South Africa due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but near the small Northern Cape town of Grootdrink, there will be a set of parents that might be utilising something stronger for the nerves on Friday night.

The reason for all these nerves will be a battle almost 13 000km from there which will take place in the Welford Road Stadium in Leicester, England.

As the Leicester Tigers will face the Sale Sharks in their Round 7 clash of the Gallagher Premiership match at 21:45 (SAST) there will be a smaller battle between two brothers in the match. 

The Wiese-brothers, Jasper (25), and Cobus (23), who matriculated at Hoërskool Upington about 75km west of Grootdrink. Their parents, Koos and Elmare Wiese farm just outside Grootdrink will without a doubt be following the match with a bit more interest than usual. 

It will be the third time, besides in their backyard at home, of course, that Jasper (Tigers) and Cobus (Sharks) will face each other on the rugby field. The other two times were when Jasper (Cheetahs) and Cobus (Stormers) faced each other on South African soil. 

It is literally a world apart as the City of Leicester has a population of approximately 329 839 people, while Grootdrink’s population of 2 645 will surprise some South Africans on how big the town is.  

Other Saffas that will be in action in the clash includes Kobus van Wyk (Paarl Gimnasium) and Luan de Bruin (Affies) in the starting line-up and Cyle Brink (King Edward VII) on the bench for the Tigers, while Faf de Klerk (Waterkloof), Akker van der Merwe (Outeniqua) and JP du Preez (EG Jansen) will all start for the Sharks. 

On the visiting team’s bench Robert du Preez (Kearsney College) and Coenie Oosthuizen (Grey College) will be raring to have a go. 

In the other Gallagher Premiership match on Friday, the Bristol Bears will host Bath at 21:45. The visitors have the only Saffa in this clash with Juan Schoeman (Affies) starting for them at loose-head prop. 

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Each year we analyse the various teams, their players, and which schools they hail from for the semi-finals of South Africa’s historic Currie Cup competition. We also usually do an updated article for the final of the tournament. 

In the last couple of year’s the trend of the provincial sides featuring more home-ground talent has been growing and this year is no exception. Western Province has an amazing 52% of their players in their squad of 25 for this weekend’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Sharks which are homegrown. 

The Blue Bulls boasts the second-highest percentage of homegrown talent with 39% for their clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The Lions are not far behind with ten of their squad of 26 players for a percentage of 38% that completed their schooling careers within their traditional catchment area. 

The Sharks has the least home-ground talent for the knockout matches as only six players – Sanele Nohamba (Durban High School), Dylan Richardson (Kearsney College), Mzamo Majola (Westville Boys’ High), Fez Mbatha (Maritzburg College), Jaden Hendrikse, and JJ van der Mescht (both Glenwood) came through the union’s schools’ system. 

The two schools who’ve dominated schools’ rugby the last couple of years – Grey College and Paarl Boys’ High have with seven representatives each the most players that will be in action during the semi-final. Monument from Krugersdorp who is celebrating their centenary this year has six representatives in the play-offs. 

The players and their schools: 

SEMI-FINAL I – Blue Bulls vs Lions at 14:00 on Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria

Vodacom Bulls: 15 David Kriel (Grey College), 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse (Paulus Joubert), 13 Stedman Gans (Waterkloof), 12 Cornal Hendricks (Bergrivier), 11 Stravino Jacobs (Paarl Gimnasium), 10 Morné Steyn (Sand du Plessis), 9 Ivan van Zyl (Affies), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Nelspruit – captain), 7 Elrigh Louw (Transvalia), 6 Marco van Staden (Bekker), 5 Ruan Nortje (Wonderboom), 4 Sintu Manjezi (St Andrew’s College), 3 Trevor Nyakane (Ben Vorster), 2 Johan Grobbelaar (Paarl Gimnasium), 1 Lizo Gqoboka (Ntabankulu). Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus (Affies), 17 Jacques van Rooyen (Pretoria-Noord), 18 Mornay Smith (Eldoraigne), 19 Jan Uys (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 20 Arno Botha (Nylstroom), 21 Embrose Papier (Garsfontein), 22 Chris Smith (SACS), 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren (Transvalia).

Xerox Lions: 15 Tiaan Swanepoel (Stellenberg), 14 Stean Pienaar (Menlopark), 13 Wandisile Simelane (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 12 Burger Odendaal (Monument), 11 Courtnall Skosan (Brackenfell), 10 Elton Jantjies (Florida – captain), 9 André Warner (Tygerberg), 8 Len Massyn (Monument), 7 Vincent Tshituka (Northcliff), 6 Jaco Kriel (Standerton), 5 Marvin Orie (Tygerberg), 4 Willem Alberts (Monument), 3 Jannie du Plessis (Grey College), 2 Jaco Visagie (Augsburg Gimnasium), 1 Sti Sithole (Westville Boys’ High). Replacements (from): 16 Jan-Henning Campher (Garsfontein), 17 Ruan Dreyer (Monument), 18 Carlu Sadie (Bellville), 19 Reinhard Nothnagel (Monument), 20 Wilhelm van der Sluys (Paarl Boys’ High), 21 Morné van den Berg (Linden), 22 Dan Kriel (Maritzburg College), 23 Francke Horn (Paarl Boys’ High), 24 Nathan McBeth (Monument), 25 EW Viljoen (Grey College), 26 Ross Cronjé (Michaelhouse).

SEMI-FINAL II – Western Province vs Sharks at 16:30 on Newlands in Cape Town

DHL Western Province: 15 Damian Willemse (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 14 Sergeal Petersen (Grey High School), 13 Dan du Plessis (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 12 Rikus Pretorius (Grey College), 11 Angelo Davids (Stellenberg), 10 Tim Swiel (Diocesan College), 9 Herschel Jantjies (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 8 Juarno Augustus (Tygerberg), 7 Johan du Toit (Swartland), 6 Siya Kolisi (Grey High School – captain), 5 JD Schickerling (Paarl Gimnasium), 4 Salmaan Moerat (Paarl Boys’ High), 3 Frans Malherbe (Paarl Boys’ High), 2 Bongi Mbonambi (St Alban’s College/Voortrekker), 1 Ali Vermaak (Harmony Sportsacademy). Replacements (from): 16 Scarra Ntubeni (King Edward VII), 17 Leon Lyons (Selborne College), 18 Neethling Fouche (Grey College), 19 Chris van Zyl (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 20 Ernst van Rhyn (Paarl Gimnasium), 21 Jaco Coetzee (Glenwood), 22 Paul de Wet (Paarl Boys’ High), 23 Ruhan Nel (Brandwag, Benoni), 24 Sazi Sandi (St Andrew’s College), 25 Tristan Leyds (Diocesan College).

Cell C Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi (Dale College), 14 Sbu Nkosi (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 13 Lukhanyo Am (De Vos Malan – captain), 12 Marius Louw (Grey College), 11 Yaw Penxe (Queen’s College), 10 Curwin Bosch (Grey High School), 9 Sanele Nohamba (Durban High School), 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Wynberg Boys’ High), 7 Henco Venter (Grey College), 6 Dylan Richardson (Kearsney College), 5 Ruben van Heerden (Affies), 4 JJ van der Mescht (Glenwood), 3 Thomas du Toit (Paarl Boys’ High, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha (Maritzburg College), 1 Ox Nche (Louis Botha). Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste (Paarl Boys’ High), 17 Mzamo Majola (Westville Boys’ High), 18 Michael Kumbirai (St Alban’s College), 19 Hyron Andrews (Garsfontein), 20 Thembelani Bholi (Jamangile Secondary), 21 Jaden Hendrikse (Glenwood), 22 Jeremy Ward (Grey High School), 23 Manie Libbok (Outeniqua).

The Players and their Schools: 

7 – Grey College (David Kriel, EW Viljoen, Jannie du Plessis, Rikus Pretorius, Neethling Fouche, Marius Louw, Henco Venter), Paarl Boys’ High (Francke Horn, Wilhelm van der Sluys, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe, Paul de Wet, Dan Jooste, Thomas du Toit). 

6 – Monument (Burger Odendaal, Len Massyn, Nathan McBeth, Willem Alberts,  Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Dreyer).

4 – Grey High School (Sergeal Petersen, Siya Kolisi, Curwin Bosch, Jeremy Ward), Paul Roos Gimnasium (Jan Uys, Damian Willemse, Dan du Plessis, Herschel Jantjies), Paarl Gimnasium (Stravino Jacobs, Johan Grobbelaar, JD Schickerling, Ernst van Rhyn).

3 – Tygerberg (André Warner, Marvin Orie, Juarno Augustus),  Glenwood (Jaco Coetzee, Jaden Hendrikse, JJ van der Mescht), Garsfontein (Embrose Papier, Hyron Andrews, Jan-Henning Campher), Affies (Ivan van Zyl, Ruben van Heerden, Schalk Erasmus)

2 – Transvalia (Elrigh Louw, Marco Janse van Vuren), St Andrew’s College (Sintu Manjezi, Sazi Sandi), Stellenberg (Tiaan Swanepoel, Angelo Davids), Westville Boys’ High (Sti Sithole, Mzamo Majola ), Maritzburg College (Dan Kriel, Fezokuhle Mbatha), Diocesan College (Tim Swiel, Tristan Leyds), Jeppe High School for Boys’ (Wandisile Simelane, Sbu Nkosi).

1 – Paulus Joubert (Kurt-Lee Arendse), Waterkloof (Stedman Gans), Bergrivier (Cornal Hendricks), Sand du Plessis (Morné Steyn), Nelspruit (Duane Vermeulen), Bekker (Marco van Staden), Wonderboom (Ruan Nortjé), Ben Vorster (Trevor Nyakane), Ntabankulu (Lizo Gqoboka), Pretoria-Noord (Jacques van Rooyen), Eldoraigne (Mornay Smith), Nylstroom (Arno Botha), St Alban’s College (Bongi Mbonambi), SACS (Chris Smith), Menlopark (Stean Pienaar), Brackenfell (Courtnal Skosan), Florida (Elton Jantjies), Standerton (Jaco Kriel), Michaelhouse (Ross Cronjé), Northcliff (Vincent Tshituka), Augsburg Gimnasium (Jaco Visagie), Hoërskool Bellville (Carlu Sadie), Linden (Morné van den Berg),  Swartland (Johan du Toit), Voortrekker, Bethlehem (Bongi Mbonambi), Harmony Sportsacademy (Ali Vermaak), King Edward VII (Scarra Ntubeni), Selborne College (Leon Lyons), Rondebosch Boys’ High (Chris van Zyl), Brandwag, Benoni (Ruhan Nel), De Vos Malan (Lukhanyo Am), Jamangile Secondary (Thembelani Bholi), Queen’s College (Yaw Penxe), Dale College (Aphelele Fassi), Durban High School (Sanele Nohamba), Wynberg Boys’ High (Sikhumbuzo Notshe), Kearsney College (Dylan Richardson), Louis Botha (Ox Nche), St Alban’s College (Michael Kumbirai), Outeniqua (Manie Libbok). 

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All school rugby activities (training included) in South Africa are suspended until the 8th of February 2021.

SA Rugby and the South African Schools’ Rugby Association (Sasra) had a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the impact of the current level 3 regulations of the lockdown as well as the second wave of Covid-19 infections on schools’ rugby for the 2021 season.

In an ideal world schools’ rugby supporters will be able to watch the first match of the season in April 2021, but that is if the national lockdown permissions permit it. This would be impacted by the rate of infections experienced around South Africa during the pandemic.

When rugby eventually returns schools will have to adhere to four weeks of non-contact training in which they will focus on the fitness and strength of the players. Following this first phase of four weeks, schools will be allowed to integrate into contact during the next four weeks.

The communication by Sasra also states that the Department of Basic Education has not yet released any changes to what has been published in the National Gazette. This announcement is probably premature as it will be overruled by any announcement by the Department of Sports, Recreation and Arts and Culture and/or the Department of Basic Education.

 

There is a strong possibility that there will be no school rugby played in South Africa until June of 2021.

School of Rugby confirmed with a couple of headmasters from prominent rugby schools that they haven’t received any communication to confirm that schools’ rugby will be suspended. We have however confirmed with sources that it is a huge possibility that an announcement confirming this will be made shortly.

Sunday newspaper Rapport reports that its sources have confirmed that a decision has been made to cancel all amateur rugby until June of 2021. This includes club rugby as well as schools’ rugby.

This instruction would come from the Department of Sport and Recreation as South Africa is currently facing a second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The second wave has seen South Africans being infected at a much higher rate than the first wave with more than 20 000 new cases being reported each day since the 6th of January 2021.

If this is true and the announcement is made this week by SA Rugby – it will have a significant impact on communities where club rugby plays a pivotal role in keeping youngsters from the streets.

It will also have a major impact on yet another schoolboy rugby season – as all of the Easter Festivals or other school festivals and tournaments will be canceled or postponed if such an announcement is made this week.

Monument of Krugersdorp and Kearsney College of Durban will be celebrating their centenary this year with both of them planning rugby festivals that will form an integral part of the celebrations. Both schools have a proud rugby history.

The last school rugby matches in South Africa were played on 14 March 2020. The u18-group of this year’s chances of receiving contracts to further their careers will be heavily affected by this decision.

 

It is no surprise that the Hoërskool Lichtenburg situated in a farming community in the North West in the heart of Mielieboerland two most famous rugby exports to date are both tighthead props. The school’s only Springbok is Richard Bands who matriculated in 1992.

Strong tighthead prop Daan Roux represented the first South African Schools’ side way back in 1974 and is still the only player from Lichtenburg to be capped for the national schools’ side. The hooker Jan de Klerk who packed down next to Roux in the Stellaland scrum of 1974 is one of only a select few players who managed to play in four Craven Week’s (only High School).

De Klerk was selected for the SA Schools’ side in 1977 but did not get game time in the match against … and therefore was never capped.

Craven Week Players: André Mulligan (1973), J Groenewald (1973), P van Jaarsveld (1973), J Pretorius (1973), Daan Roux (1973-74), F Rautenbach (1973-74), K du Plooy (1974), A Bronkhorst (1974-75), J le Grange (1974-75), G van Wyk (1974),  Jan de Klerk (1974-77), 

SA Schools’ Player (1): Daan Roux (1974-75).

First Class Players: Richard Bands (1994).

Springbok Player: Richard Bands.

Results 

 

Players: Casper Lotter, Marlin Ruiters, Tim Whitehead, Luke Crawford, SJ Engelbrecht, Martin Ferreira, Murray Walton, Neil Pienaar, Steven Hunt, Lunga Mateza, Mziwaxolo Mpofo, Jan Momberg, Ryan Christy, Kobus Greeff, Neavan Prince, Hercu Venter, Beukes Cremer, JP Barnard, Johan Engelbrecht, Dylan Collins.

Coaches: Greg Miller and Dean Carelse.
Manager: Dirk Walters.