Die sesde Barloworld Toyota Menlyn Noord/Suid-toernooi beloof om die grootste sedert sy ontstaan in 2014 te wees. Die toernooi het van vier eerstespanne Waterkloof, Paarl Gimnasium, Menlopark en Harrismith in 2014 gegroei na 18 eerstespanne wat in 2020 se toernooi in aksie sal wees.
Die Noord/Suid-toernooi sal van 20 tot 24 Maart op Hoërskool Waterkloof in die Jakarandastad se hoofveld plaasvind.
Die Klofies sal in sy twee wedstryde van die toernooi teen Durbanville en Welkom Gimnasium te staan kom. Dit sal Durbanville se nuwe Direkteur van Rugby, Hans Coetzee, se eerste groot toets wees. Gimmies behoort tydens die hoofwedstryd van die laaste dag ook die Klofies se verdediging op die punte behoorlik op die proef te stel.
Gimmies se SA Skole-agtsteman, Keke Morabe, sal ook voorlangs saam met die yster-kantman Calla Pienaar behoort onder die voorste losvoorspelers in aksie op die toernooi te tel.
Die laaste dag se kragmetings het ‘n hele paar wedstryde in, waar van die skole die bordjies na verlede jaar se uitslae sal wil verhang. Veral Boland Landbou sal sake teen Helpmekaar-kollege wil regstel. Die Helpies het verlede jaar se wedstryd tussen die twee spanne met 64-17 gewen. Dit was waarskynlik Helpies se beste vertoning van 2019, maar dit sal nie die manne van die Agter-Paarl se gewete sus nie.
Outeniqua sal ook met ‘n paar nuwe planne opdaag om Garsfontein te troef nadat die Turkoois Bere verlede jaar op sy tuisveld die Kwaggas met 28-24 in ‘n opwindende tweestryd verslaan het. Monument se Wit Bulle sal ook die bordjies teen Paarl Gimnasium op die laaste dag wil verhang na Gimmies verlede jaar met 43-29 koning gekraai het. Monnas se ander wedstryd teen Boland Landbou beloof ook soos gewoonlik die geval tussen die twee skole ‘n ysters fisieke tweestryd te wees.
Garsies se kragmeting teen Paarl Gimnasium behoort ook een van die hoogtepunte van die toernooi te wees.
Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool van Pretoria, wat vanjaar sy eeufees vier, sal in sy enigste wedstryd van die toernooi teen Paul Roos Gimnasium van Stellenbosch te staan kom. Affies bied kort daarna die Wêreld-skolefees as deel van sy feesvieringe aan.
Verlede jaar se voorste skolespan, Grey-kollege, kom op die eerste dag van die toernooi in die hoofwedstryd teen Menlopark te staan. Die Parkies het verlede jaar teen Grey voorgeloop teen die omdraaislag, maar het teen die eindfluitjie met 28-59 in die stof gebyt. Grey se ander kragmeting sal teen EG Jansen van Boksburg wees voordat hy ook by die Wêreld-skolefees aansluit.
Die bepalings is:
Vrydag, 20 Maart 2020
19:30 – Grey-kollege vs Menlopark 18:00 – EG Jansen vs Stellenberg 16:30 – Noordheuwel vs Duineveld 15:15 – HTS Middelburg II vs Welkom Gimnasium II 14:00 – Garsfontein II (Grizzlies) vs Paarl Gimnasium II 12:45 – Menlopark II vs Grey-kollege II (Cherries) 11:30 – EG Jansen II vs Stellenberg II 10:00 – Noordheuwel II vs Duineveld II
Saterdag, 21 Maart 2020
20:00 – Affies vs Paul Roos Gimnasium 18:30 – Monument vs Boland Landbou 17:00 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Garsfontein 15:30 – Helpmekaar-kollege vs Outeniqua 14:00 – Waterkloof vs Durbanville 12:30 – HTS Middelburg vs Welkom Gimnasium 11:15 – Affies II vs Paul Roos Gimnasium II (Bituas) 10:00 – Helpmekaar-kollege II vs Outeniqua II 08:45 – Monument II (Kwaggas) vs Boland Landbou II 07:30 – Waterkloof II vs Durbanville II
Maandag, 23 Maart 2020
19:30 – Menlopark vs Stellenberg 18:00 – Grey-kollege vs EG Jansen 16:45 – Monument II (Kwaggas) vs Paarl Gimnasium II 15:30 – Garsfontein II vs Outeniqua 14:15 – Helpmekaar II vs Boland Landbou II 13:00 – EG Jansen II vs Grey College II (Cherries) 11:45 – Menlopark II vs Stellenberg II 10:30 – Noordheuwel II vs Durbanville II 09:15 – HTS Middelburg II vs Duineveld II 08:00 – Waterkloof II vs Welkom Gimnasium II
Dinsdag, 24 Maart 2020
17:00 – Waterkloof vs Welkom Gimnasium 15:30 – Garsfontein vs Outeniqua 14:00 – Helpmekaar-kollege vs Boland Landbou 12:30 – Monument vs Paarl Gimnasium 11:00 – Noordheuwel vs Durbanville 09:30 – HTS Middelburg vs Duineveld
Die verdedigende kampioen van die Wesgrow-reeks, Voortrekker van Bethlehem, sal sy aanslag om vanjaar se titel op sy tuisveld teen Fichardtpark van Bloemfontein op 14 Maart afskop. Die Trekkers se eerstespan het verlede jaar die titel verower deur die Hoërskool Noord-Kaap met 40-29 in die eindstryd te troef.
Die Trekkers het ook vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar die algehele rugbykampioen van die reeks. Die drie Noord-Vrystaatse skole Goudveld-Hoërskool, Witteberg en Voortrekker is saam met Fichardtpark in Groep B geloot.
Diamantveld, Noord-Kaap, Jim Fouché en Sentraal sal sake teen mekaar in Groep B uitspook. Diamantveld se eerstespan is in 2018 as die eerste kampioen van die reeks gekroon.
Vanjaar se reeks sal in Bloemfontein afskop met Sentraal en Noord-Kaap wat mekaar sal pak. Sentraal se nuwe hoof van rugby sal min tyd hê om sy stempel af te druk voor dié eerste wedstryd. Die skool van Bloemfontein het in die week onderhoude gehou vir die pos na Riaan van Straten hom by Shimlas se bestuurspan aangesluit het.
Die naweek van 9 Mei sal die Derby-wedstryde tussen die skole in die reeks plaasvind. Diamantveld en Noord-Kaap sal mekaar in Kimberley die stryd aansê, terwyl Sentraal en Jim Fouché mekaar in die Rosestad sal pak. Die Trekkers sal ‘n gedugte span van Witteberg die stryd in die twee skole se jaarlikse FNB Classic Clash te woord staan.
Die halfeindronde van die Wesgrow-reeks sal vanjaar op 11 Julie in Bethlehem beslis word. Die Trekkers en Witteberg sal dus ‘n beduidende voordeel geniet indien hulle tot die halfeindronde deurdring. Die eindronde sal in Bloemfontein op 18 Julie beslis word.
School of Rugby is die amptelike media vennoot van die reeks. Al die uitslae asook puntelyste sal gedurende die reeks op die webtuiste beskikbaar wees.
Die bepalings:
29 Februarie 2020
Sentraal vs Noord-Kaap
7 Maart 2020
Diamantveld vs Sentraal Noord-Kaap vs Jim Fouché Goudveld vs Fichardtpark
14 Maart 2020
Voortrekker vs Fichardtpark
4 April 2020
Goudveld vs Voortrekker
9 April 2020
Fichardtpark vs Witteberg
18 April 2020
Witteberg vs Goudveld
9 Mei 2020
Diamantveld vs Noord-Kaap Sentraal vs Jim Fouché Voortrekker vs Witteberg
A rising star at the crease, Jonathan Bird, has shown glimpses of what he can produce and thinks the South Africa under-19s have begun to click with the bat ahead of their ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup Super League Quarter-final against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom on Thursday, 31 January.
The imposing figure of the left-handed batsman from Cape Town entered the tournament with a reputation at under-19 level and is beginning to display his talents.
Bird and the Junior Proteas have recovered from a disappointing start to the tournament against Afghanistan and impressed in the subsequent group stage matches against Canada and the United Arab Emirates to finish second in Group D.
The 18-year-old believes the upturn in form, particularly with the bat, has given the side an impetus going into the next game: “We’ve had an up and down tournament,” he began. “Won two, lost one, but go into the quarter-final very confident.
“We’ve put three hundred on the board in our last two games, so we are looking to play on a flat wicket again and put three hundred on the board once more,” Bird added.
The Western Province youngster has only managed a single half-century in the tournament so far but has played a crucial role in laying platforms that have propelled South Africa to totals of 349/8 and 299/8, respectively.
Bird contributed an exciting 54 off 49 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) against Canada followed by a solid 43 runs in a 63-run partnership with vice-captain, Khanya Cotani versus the UAE.
Those steady foundations helped the likes of captain, Bryce Parsons, Luke Beaufort, and Tyrese Karelse score runs during the middle periods.
“I think I’m getting better in each game; I’m timing the ball a bit better,” Bird commented.
“In the opening game, I got a good nut. It came through the gate and bowled me. In the Canada game, I found my timing, got a fifty and against the UAE, unfortunately, I got out in the 40s, but I am feeling good, feeling confident.
“During the tournament, we were struggling a bit with our middle-order, but they have come right, now and have been batting extremely well, getting a 150-run partnership in the UAE game.
“They are working the ball around well, batting over five an over. I know they are going to continue that form into the Bangladesh game,” the opening batsman concluded.
The SA U19s will face Bangladesh at the JB Marks Oval from 10h00 (SA time) for a place in the semi-finals, with FREE entry for the spectators at the stadium. The match will also be live on SuperSport 2.
SA under-19s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Squad:
Bryce Parsons (Central Gauteng, capt), Khanya Cotani (North West, vice-capt), Luke Beaufort (Eastern Province), Jonathan Bird (Western Province), Merrick Brett (Northerns), Achille Cloete (Boland), Gerald Coetzee (Free State), Tyrese Karelse (South Western Districts), Mondli Khumalo (KwaZulu-Natal), Jack Lees (Central Gauteng), Andrew Louw (Northern Cape), Levert Manje (Central Gauteng), Odirile Modimokoane (North West), Pheko Moletsane (Free State), Tiaan van Vuuren (Eastern Province).
ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Super League Quarter-finals:
QF 1: 28 January – Australia vs India at JB Marks Oval
QF 2: 29 January – West Indies vs New Zealand at Willowmoore Park
QF 3: January 30 – South Africa v Bangladesh at JB Marks Oval
QF 4: 31 January – Afghanistan vs Pakistan at Willowmoore Park
Four 2019 Junior Springbok World Rugby u20 Championship players and another 10 who traveled to Georgia with the SA U19 team in December were included in a 19-man squad invited to the first of four SA Rugby Academy alignment camps in Stellenbosch in February.
Celimpilo Gumede (flanker), fondly known as “Brick” by his team-mates, Emile van Heerden (lock), Sibusiso Sangweni (loose-forward) and Thabiso Mdletshe (prop) all participated in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina last year, while a number of their team-mates made their presence felt in the South Africa U19 team’s successful tour to Georgia, where they won both matches against the hosts.
The camps, which will each feature a different group of players, will play an integral role in the talent identification process for both the Junior Springbok squad and SA Rugby Academy program.
The World Rugby U20 Championship will be hosted in Italy from Sunday 28 June to Saturday 18 July, with the Junior Springboks set to face England, Fiji, and hosts, Italy, in the pool stages.
The SA Rugby Academy program, meanwhile, will run from 13 March to the middle of May. The first alignment camp, which will be hosted at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, will run from Monday, 3 to Thursday, 6 February.
“The SA Rugby Academy program and the Junior Springboks play a vital role in developing and grooming the top age-group players in the country for first-class rugby, and these alignment camps will give us a good idea of the talent available with an eye on selecting these squads,” said Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux.
“The SA Rugby Academy program has been a great success in terms of developing Junior Springboks, and the fact that all of the players who participated in the World Rugby U20 Championship last year came through the program is evidence of that.
“These camps will also serve as part of our preparation for the World Rugby U20 Championship later in the year, so this is the start of an exciting journey for us.”
Players invited to first SA Rugby alignment camp (3 to 6 February – in alphabetical order):
Adriaan Alberts (Xerox Golden Lions; lock) Mthenjane Banele (Xerox Golden Lions; prop) Morne Brandon (Xerox Golden Lions; flanker) Werner Coetzee (Cell C Sharks; lock) Dylan de Leeuw (DHL Western Province; lock) Dewald Donald (Vodacom Blue Bulls; prop) Sphekahle Dube (Cell C Sharks; prop) Werner Gouws (Vodacom Blue Bulls; No 8) Celimpilo Gumede (Cell C Sharks; flanker) Hanro Jacobs (Cell C Sharks; prop) Thabiso Mdletshe (Cell C Sharks; prop) Lunga Ncube (Cell C Sharks; lock) Thabo Ndimande (Xerox Golden Lions; flanker) Wian Otto (Vodacom Blue Bulls; prop) Evan Roos (Cell C Sharks; No 8) Sibusiso Sangweni (Xerox Golden Lions; loose-forward) Uzile Tele (Vodacom Blue Bulls; utility forward) Cullen van der Merwe (Cell C Sharks; hooker) Emile van Heerden (Cell C Sharks; lock)
Die vyfde jaarlikse Afgri Prestige Rugbydag op Loftus Versfeld het vanjaar ‘n sterker Kaapse geur as die vorige vier keer wat die dag aangebied is. Die rugbydag vind vanjaar op 14 Maart op ‘n Saterdag plaas om meer toeskouers na die dag te lok.
Paarl Gimnasium, Boland Landbou, Stellenberg en Outeniqua sal vanjaar vanuit die Wes-Kaap reis om op die Blou Bulle se heiligdom in aksie te wees. Boland Landbou was die afgelope paar jaar die enigste skool vanuit die Wes-Kaap wat aan die dag deelgeneem het.
Paarl Gimnasium sal in die hoofwedstryd van die dag teen Pretoria Boys’ High te staan kom. Die wedstryde sal vanjaar volle skolewedstryde wees en nie soos in die verlede verkorte wedstryde waar geen stelskoppe toegelaat is nie.
Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool van Pretoria se interskole-wedstryd teen die Hoërskool Diamantveld sal ook deel van die rugbydag wees, die kragmeting sal wel op Affies se hoofveld beslis word. Affies vier vanjaar sy 100ste bestaansjaar.
Die kragmeting tussen Waterkloof en Outeniqua behoort ook hope vuurwerk op te lewer. Die Klofies se nuwe Direkteur van Rugby, Lukas Holzthausen, ken die Kwaggas goed want hy was hul sportwetekenskaplike tussen 2005 en 2008.
Die Klofies se nuwe agterlyn-afrigter, Renier de Villiers, het in 2008 aan Outeniqua gematrikuleer en het vir die skool se eerstespan uitgedraf. Hy was ook ‘n lid van Suidwestelike Distrikte se Cravenweek-span wat daardie jaar as die nie-amptelike kampioen gekroon is.
Die Volstruisboere van 2008 is deur Ierland se CJ Stander daardie jaar aangevoer.
Boland Landbou kom teen die Rooi Bulle van HTS Middelburg te staan in nog ‘n kragmeting wat vir hope opwinding behoort te sorg. Frikkie Meyer van Thabazimbi sal versigtig opgewonde wees om homself teen Stellenberg te meet.
Loftus Versfeld
07:30 – o.13 – Midstream College vs Sentrale Volkskool Kroonstad 08:20 – St Albans College vs Hoërskool Kroonstad 09:40 – Ellisras vs Hoërskool Sentraal 11:10 – EG Jansen vs Uitnodigingspan 12:30 – Garsfontein vs Kempton Park 13:00 – Nelspruit vs Eldoraigne 14:10 – Frikkie Meyer vs Stellenberg 15:30 – Montana vs Die Anker 16:50 – Waterkloof vs Outeniqua 18:10 – Boland Landbou vs HTS Middelburg 19:50 – Pretoria Boys’ High vs Paarl Gimnasium
South Africa under-19 assistant coach, Chris van Noordwyk, emphasised the importance of the team’s upcoming matches in pursuit of a place in the ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup super league quarter-finals, starting with the encounter against Canada in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
Following the side’s disappointing seven-wicket defeat in the opening game against Afghanistan, the Junior Proteas will most likely have to secure maximum points in the remaining Group D fixtures to finish in the top two spots.
The SA U19s will end off the group stages with a contest against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, 25 January at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match training session, Van Noordwyk pointed out that although the Canadians are an unknown quantity, the team feels suitably prepared for what they’ll come up against after getting over the disappointment from the first match.
“It’s a new game, it’s a new day. We’ve put Afghanistan behind us. We’ve dissected it and we know exactly what we need to do,” Van Noordwyk commented.
“Canada is an unknown quantity to us but we have gone through the footage and they seem to be top-heavy in their batting and we are going to come at them and neutralize that, it’s as simple as that,” he added.
In their opening match of the World Cup, Canada suffered an eight-wicket loss to the UAE despite impressing with the bat and posting 231/8 before the team from the gulf region had Jonathan Figy to thank, who’s unbeaten 102 off 101 balls helped the UAE youngsters chase down the target with 11.2 overs remaining.
“From a bowling point of view, we are going to stick to our KPI’s (Key Performance Index) and make sure we are nice and aggressive against them,” Van Noordwyk continued. “We’ll make sure we compete and that they are going to be very uncomfortable for 50 overs.
“For us, every game is a semi-final but again, we have to look after our processes and make sure our team is in a good space; they’re fresh and their minds are clear.
“And that they work towards what we expect from them; the values and the standards that we have set,” he concluded.
The contest will take place at the JB Marks Oval from 10h00 (SA time), a ground famous for its quick outfield and high-scoring matches. This is something that the SA U19s captain, Bryce Parsons, is relishing.
“It’s really exciting, playing at this ground,” he said. “It is known for being one of the quickest outfields in the country, we don’t have to hit the ball too hard.
“A big outfield with lots of singles and twos, so it’s a high-scoring ground and we need to be aware of that in the field as well. We are extremely excited to play here but the most important thing is to try and get the win tomorrow,” the skipper added.
SA under-19s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Squad:
Bryce Parsons (Central Gauteng, capt), Khanya Cotani (North West, vice-capt), Luke Beaufort (Eastern Province), Jonathan Bird (Western Province), Merrick Brett (Northerns), Achille Cloete (Boland), Gerald Coetzee (Free State), Tyrese Karelse (South Western Districts), Mondli Khumalo (KwaZulu-Natal), Jack Lees (Central Gauteng), Andrew Louw (Northern Cape), Levert Manje (Central Gauteng), Odirile Modimokoane (North West), Pheko Moletsane (Free State), Tiaan van Vuuren (Eastern Province).
SA under-19s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Fixtures
January 22 – South Africa v Canada at JB Marks Oval
Die kampioen van die Pukke Prestige-reeks, die Hoërskool Noordheuwel van Krugersdorp, sal sy aanslag op vanjaar se titel teen Potchefstroom Volkskool weg van die huis afskop. Die Nories het Wesvalia van Klerksdorp verlede jaar in die eindstryd van die reeks met 22-3 die loef afgesteek.
Die span van Krugersdorp sal teen Jeugland van Kempton Park en die Hoërskool Rustenburg in sy ander twee groepwedstryde te staan kom. Die Rusties is een van die twee nuwe gesigte wat vanjaar aan die reeks deelneem.
Buiten Rustenburg sal Oos-Moot ook vanjaar in die kompetisie in aksie wees. Oos-Moot het die afgelope paar jaar in die NWU-Pukke se Interprovinsiale reeks deelgeneem.
Die manne van die Moot is saam met Lichtenburg, Marais Viljoen en Heidelberg Volkskool in Groep B geloot. Lichtenburg het verlede jaar in sy groepwedstryd teen Marais Viljoen ‘n naelskraapse nederlaag van 13-14 op die lyf geloop. Dit was die Liggies se eerste nederlaag in 20 wedstryde in die NWU Prestige-reeks.
Heidelberg Volkies het was verlede jaar die nuwelinge in die reeks na hy Driehoek vervang het. Die Volkies het hulle goed van hul taak gekwyt en behoort vanjaar weer ‘n hele paar spanne die skrik op die lyf te jaag.
Wesvalia is in Groep C geloot waar daar nie veel tussen die spanne te kies is nie. Die span van Klerksdorp sal teen Hugenote van Springs, Hoërskool Middelburg en Zwartkop sake uitspook. Hugenote en Middelburg het mekaar verlede jaar in die eindstryd van die Noordvaal Virsekerbeker se Skild-kompetisie gepak, met Hugenote wat die kroon gedra het.
Die bepalings (tuisspanne eerste vermeld):
29 Februarie 2020
Lichtenburg vs Heidelberg Volkskool Oosterlig vs Die Anker
7 Maart 2020
Potchefstroom Volkskool vs Noordheuwel Jeugland vs Hoërskool Rustenburg Oos-Moot vs Lichtenburg Marais Viljoen vs Heidelberg Volkskool Zwartkop vs Hoërskool Middelburg Wesvalia vs Hugenote Die Anker vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium Montana vs Oosterlig
14 Maart 2020
Noordheuwel vs Hoërskool Rustenburg Potchefstroom Volkskool vs Jeugland Heidelberg Volkskool vs Oos-Moot Lichtenburg vs Marais Viljoen Hugenote vs Zwartkop Wesvalia vs Hoërskool Middelburg Montana vs Die Anker Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Oosterlig
17 Maart 2020
Noordheuwel vs Jeugland Hoërskool Rustenburg vs Potchefstroom Volkskool Marais Viljoen vs Oos-Moot Hoërskool Middelburg vs Hugenote Zwartkop vs Wesvalia Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Montana
The South Africa under-19s are filled with excitement as they strive to make the nation proud ahead of their ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup opening match against Afghanistan in Kimberley on Friday.
The youth tournament that has seen the emergence of current Standard Bank Proteas like Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock, will be hosted in South Africa between 17 January – 09 February 2020 across four cities: Kimberley, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, and Benoni. This is 20 years since South Africa hosted the global spectacle for the first time, in 1998.
The first game will get underway from 10h00 at the Diamond Oval and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 6. Entry into the ground is free of charge.
Speaking at the team’s final training session at the ground, head coach, Lawrence Mahatlane, spoke of his and the team’s excitement ahead of the match and how the side will approach the contest.
“We are excited,” Mahatlane began. “The boys have worked hard, put in a lot of effort and we are looking forward to the opening game of the World Cup.
“We’ve played Afghanistan twice at the beginning of last year, we’ve seen them around and they are an interesting team. They’ve got six spinners and five seamers, so it’ll be interesting to see what mixture they put out there tomorrow.
“From our side, it is about looking after our processes, if we do that right and our disciplines are in a good space, then I believe we’ll pull through,” the coach continued.
Although the South African side’s recent results haven’t been a true reflection of their performances, Mahatlane, and his charges can take confidence from their last two encounters against tomorrow’s opponents. The SA U19s defeated the sub-continent outfit by nine runs and 55 runs respectively, during a Youth One-Day International quadrangular series in Thiruvananthapuram, India.
Playing in a home World Cup is a special moment for any cricketer, particularly as a youngster looking to make a name for yourself on the biggest stage, but it also comes with its pressures and challenges.
“The pressure is a privilege,” Mahatlane said. “The fact that you are sitting here, means that somebody has recognised that you have the ability to handle the pressure. There are many young men that are not here, that wish they were here.
“For me, it’s about them expressing themselves and showing off the talents that they were given and being at home, is a very exciting thing,” he added.
The 15-man squad, led by captain, Bryce Parsons, will be looking to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them, particularly the victorious class of 2014 who picked up the country’s maiden World Cup triumph.
To be successful, the young men will be counting on their fellow South Africans for support as they represent the rainbow nation, on home soil, against the rest of the world.
Skipper Parsons’ message to the South African public is for them to come out in their numbers and back these future stars during this pivotal chapter of their careers. He said: “Just come out and support the boys, we’ve worked really hard for this day.
“We are going to expect a crowd and hopefully show you guys what we can do, be the best we can be and put on a show,” he concluded.
Along with Afghanistan, the Junior Proteas will also host Canada at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, before rounding off their Group D matches with a clash against the United Arab Emirates at the Mangaung Oval.
SA under-19s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Squad:
Bryce Parsons (Central Gauteng, capt), Khanya Cotani (North West, vice-capt), Luke Beaufort (Eastern Province), Jonathan Bird (Western Province), Merrick Brett (Northerns), Achille Cloete (Boland), Gerald Coetzee (Free State), Tyrese Karelse (South Western Districts), Mondli Khumalo (KwaZulu-Natal), Jack Lees (Central Gauteng), Andrew Louw (Northern Cape), Levert Manje (Central Gauteng), Odirile Modimokoane (North West), Pheko Moletsane (Free State), Tiaan van Vuuren (Eastern Province).
SA under-19s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Fixtures
January 17 – South Africa v Afghanistan at Diamond Oval
January 22 – South Africa v Canada at JB Marks Oval
I gave myself the tremendous task (but a very satisfying one) to compile a top ten list on which games I believe are the top rivalries in South African Schoolboy rugby back in 2011, I dusted it off a bit and updated the scores between the rivals. Before even starting with the list I knew I was opening a can of worms, but thought it would be an interesting talking point and get everyone up and excited about the coming season.
South Africa’s premier rugby school Grey College and Affies both made my list twice. I must make it clear that I weighed traditional matches with a rich tradition and history highly. For example, the annual encounter between Kimberley heavyweights, Noord-Kaap and Diamantveld, has only gained interest countrywide the last couple of seasons with Diamonds and Northerns both making a name for themselves on the rugby field.
There are the matches which chose themselves and I think no one would have left them out of their top ten. They are the Paarl-derby, Grey College versus Paul Roos Gimnasium and Bishops versus Rondebosch Boys’ High. I would really like some feedback on my list positive or negative and on how you’re list would’ve looked and why?
So here are my top ten schools’ rugby rivalries in South Africa:
10. Affies vs Pretoria Boys’ High
Highlights of the “Boereoorlog” of 2019 by SchoolSportLive
The oldest schools’ rugby rivalry in the rugby-mad Pretoria, Affies versus Pretoria Boys’ High, received a boost in 2019 thanks to an inspiring victory by the Candies. The annual clash became a bit one-sided with Affies recording record victories in 2013, 2015, 2016 and again in 2018 as they ran in 12 successive victories over Pretoria Boys’ High since 2008.
With Paul Anthony back holding the reigns at Pretoria Boys’ High in 2019 helped to put the fire back into the Candies and the annual interschools between the two arch-rivals. The two schools met each other for the first time on a rugby field back in 1923. When these schools practice their war cries the other can hear them across the railway line.
The last 15 encounters between Affies and Pretoria Boys’ High:
2019 Pretoria Boys’ High 38 Affies 21 2018 Affies 62 Pretoria Boys’ High 20 2017 Affies 36 Pretoria Boys’ High 20 2016 Affies 67 Pretoria Boys’ High 6 2015 Affies 56 Pretoria Boys’ High 3 2014 Affies 34 Pretoria Boys’ High 26 2013 Affies 50 Pretoria Boys’ High 12 2013 Affies 36 Pretoria Boys’ High 20 2012 Affies 34 Pretoria Boys’ High 11 2011 Affies 44 Pretoria Boys’ High 0 2011 Affies 26 Pretoria Boys’ High 10 2010 Affies 38 Pretoria Boys’ High 3 2009 Affies 20 Pretoria Boys’ High 15 2008 Pretoria Boys’ High 34 Affies 30 2007 Pretoria Boys’ High 20 Affies 20
9. Wynberg Boys’ High vs. SACS
Highlights of the 2018 FNB Classic Clash between Wynberg Boys’ and SACS courtesy of School Sports Live
SACS is the oldest school in South Africa, while Wynberg Boys’ High is the second oldest school in the country. Thus when these two sides lock horns it is a clash between the two oldest schools in South Africa. SACS has produced 29 Springboks to date with Percy Montgomery being the latest. There are however some schools that have claimed to be older, but none boasts a proud rugby tradition like these two schools that are almost 4km apart in Cape Town’s southern suburbs.
The last 15 matches between Wynberg Boys’ High and SACS:
2019 Wynberg Boys’ High 28 SACS 0 2019 SACS 20 Wynberg Boys’ High 6 2018 Wynberg Boys’ High 30 SACS 17 2018 Wynberg Boys’ High 46 SACS 22 2017 SACS 24 Wynberg Boys’ High 20 2017 SACS 27 Wynberg Boys’ High 20 2016 SACS 31 Wynberg Boys’ High 20 2016 SACS 24 Wynberg Boys’ High 12 2015 Wynberg Boys’ High 30 SACS 23 2015 SACS 22 Wynberg Boys’ High 5 2014 Wynberg Boys’ High 36 SACS 5 2014 Wynberg Boys’ High 10 SACS 0 2013 Wynberg Boys’ High 17 SACS 12 2013 Wynberg Boys’ High 15 SACS 7 2012 Wynberg Boys’ High 8 SACS 7 2012 Wynberg Boys’ High 26 SACS 16
8. King Edward VII vs. Jeppe Boys’ High
Highlights from the 2014 Mutual & Federal match courtesy of SuperSport
The clash in Johannesburg between King Edward VII and Jeppe Boys’ High is one of the oldest interschools north of the Vaal River. The first match between the two sides was played in 1935. King Edward won the clash 20-0. Jeppe produced Springbok flyer Sbu Nkosi recently as well as first-class players like Wandisile Simelane, Hacjivah Dayimani and Tyrone Green in recent years.
KES’ dream team of 2017 under the leadership of Travis Gordon secured one of their schools’ biggest victories when they came out on top by 45-10.
The last ten results between King Edward VII and Jeppe Boys’ High:
2019 Jeppe Boys’ High 25 King Edward VII 7 2019 King Edward VII 49 Jeppe Boys’ High 31 2018 Jeppe Boys’ High 52 King Edward VII 27 2018 Jeppe Boys’ High 24 King Edward VII 21 2017 King Edward VII 45 Jeppe Boys’ High 10 2016 Jeppe Boys’ High 36 King Edward VII 17 2015 King Edward VII 24 Jeppe Boys’ High 0 2014 Jeppe Boys’ High 17 King Edward VII 17 2013 Jeppe Boys’ High 15 King Edward VII 12 2012 Jeppe Boys’ High 28 King Edward VII 13 2011 King Edward VII 36 Jeppe Boys’ High 15 2010 Jeppe Boys’ High 17 King Edward VII 13 2009 King Edward VII 65 Jeppe Boys’ High 10 2008 King Edward VII 24 Jeppe Boys’ High 14 2007 King Edward VII 40 Jeppe Boys’ High 18 2006 King Edward VII 12 Jeppe Boys’ High 0 2005 King Edward VII 30 Jeppe Boys’ High 7 2004 King Edward VII 12 Jeppe Boys’ High 0 2003 King Edward VII 27 Jeppe Boys’ High 7 2002 Jeppe Boys’ High 20 King Edward VII 14
7. Glenwood vs. Durban High School
Highlights of the FNB Classic Clash between Glenwood and Durban High School in 2019 courtesy of DigiTV.co.za
In a clash between the Grasshoppers and the Horseflies as Glenwood and DHS are also known as in Durban. These two schools have met each other for the first time in 1922 and it isn’t always a pleasant clash, but always a tense one between these two arch-rivals. Durban High School broke an 11-year drought back in 2017 and since then is still looking get the better of Glenwood again.
The last 15 encounters between Durban High School and Glenwood:
2019 Glenwood 24 Durban High School 12 2019 Glenwood 59 Durban High School 19 2018 Glenwood 55 Durban High School 12 2017 Durban High School 20 Glenwood 17 2016 Glenwood 24 Durban High School 23 2015 Glenwood 45 Durban High School 21 2014 Glenwood 38 Durban High School 13 2013 Glenwood 46 Durban High School 14 2012 Glenwood 34 Durban High School 9 2011 Glenwood 19 Durban High School 5 2010 Glenwood 26 Durban High School 0 2009 Glenwood 31 Durban High School 3 2008 Glenwood 12 Durban High School 6 2007 Glenwood 16 Durban High School 3 2006 Glenwood 34 Durban High School 9
6. Grey College vs Affies
Highlights of the FNB Classic Clash of 2013 between Affies and Grey College
Grey College is without a doubt the main feeder to provincial unions for a couple of seasons now. It is with this reasoning that this FNB Classic Clash between them and Affies of Pretoria also makes this list. Affies is also the main feeder for the Blue Bulls and also produced Springbok players like Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Wynand Olivier and .
I was, however, reluctant initially to include this encounter on my list. Because Affies haven’t been beating Grey College on a regular basis since the two teams met each other for the first time in 1953. Affies can only boast about five victories in 1996, 2005, 2006, 2012 and in 2013.
The encounter has however been boosted by the fact that Free State Cheetahs and Blue Bulls have been building a rivalry in the Currie Cup in the mid 2000′s. The Cheetahs is mostly made up of former Grey College pupils, while Affies as previously mentioned is mainly fed by Affies. The match also became an FNB Classic Clash in 2010.
Grey became the first team to put 50 points past Affies’ Wit Bulle back in 2016 (53-29), they’ve also managed another fifty (50-28) last year in Bloemfontein after trailing at the break.
The last 15 matches between Grey College and Affies:
2019 Grey College 50 Affies 28 2018 Grey College 39 Affies 28 2017 Grey College 35 Affies 32 2016 Grey College 53 Affies 29 2015 Affies 29 Grey College 18 2014 Grey College 42 Affies 31 2013 Affies 37 Grey College 31 2012 Affies 35 Grey College 29 2011 Grey College 16 Affies 11 2010 Grey College 23 Affies 6 2009 Grey College 30 Affies 13 2008 Grey College 31 Affies 12 2007 Grey College 47 Affies 10 2006 Affies 18 Grey College 13 2005 Affies 27 Grey College 20
5. Queen’s College vs Dale College
Highlights of the clash between Dale College and Queen’s College in 2019 by SchoolSportLive
Queen’s College and Dale College met each other for the first time on the rugby field in 1891, the same year South Africa played their first rugby test against the touring British. The teams began to face each other on an annual basis since 1926.
The biggest victory in the derby came way back in 1927 when Dale College put 64 points past Queen’s College in Kings Williams Town without conceding any points.
The results of the last 15 matches between Queen’s College and Dale College:
2019 Dale College 24 Queen’s College 14 2019 Dale College 32 Queen’s College 6 2018 Dale College 29 Queen’s College 26 2018 Dale College 29 Queen’s College 16 2017 Queen’s College 24 Dale College 24 2017 Queen’s College 25 Dale College 24 2016 Dale College 32 Queen’s College 30 2016 Dale College 17 Queen’s College 3 2015 Dale College 15 Queen’s College 14 2015 Dale College 26 Queen’s College 19 2014 Queen’s College 35 Dale College 33 2014 Dale College 13 Queen’s College 12 2013 Queen’s College 23 Dale College 10 2013 Queen’s College 6 Dale College 0 2012 Queen’s College 28 Dale College 6 2012 Dale College 21 Queen’s College 18
4. Oakdale Landbou vs Boland Landbou
Highlights of the Mutual & Federal Premier Interschools of 2014 between Oakdale Landbou and Boland Landbou courtesy of SuperSport
When the two top rugby playing agricultural schools in South Africa, Boland Landbou and Oakdale Landbou, meet each other annually it is without a doubt one of the most physical battles in schoolboy rugby probably around the world. Boland Landbou produced Springboks like Derick Hougaard, Deon Carstens and Hottie Louw.
Oakdale Landbou produced CJ Stander (Ireland) as well as Springboks like Johann Muller and Meyer Bosman.
The last 15 results between Boland Landbou and Oakdale Landbou:
Highlights of the FNB Classic Clash of 2016 between Bishops and Rondebosch courtesy of SuperSport
The encounter is definitely played with the most picturesque backgrounds in South Africa with Table Mountain in the background. It is also fittingly that Diocesan College (Bishops) plays some of the most beautiful running rugby in the country annually. Rondebosch Boys’ High also plays an open style of rugby which makes this clash one of the most exciting matches to watch. The interschools between these two Cape Town schools started in 1911.
The first match between the two schools was however played in 1908 with Bishops running rampant on that day winning the encounter 112-0 with Painton Cowen scoring 86 points in the match. Bishops have older rivalries against SACS, St. Andrew’s College and Paul Roos but it can’t compare against the rivalry they have against Rondebosch Boys’ High. The two schools are no more than half-a-kilometre apart from one another. The two sides play each other twice every year with one being an FNB Classic Clash.
Last 15 results between Diocesan College and Rondebosch Boys’ High since 2012:
2019 Rondebosch Boys’ High 21 Diocesan College 10 2019 Diocesan College 36 Rondebosch Boys’ High 26 2018 Diocesan College 10 Rondebosch Boys’ High 10 2018 Diocesan College 25 Rondebosch Boys’ High 20 2017 Rondebosch Boys’ High 64 Diocesan College 7 2017 Rondebosch Boys’ High 32 Diocesan College 19 2016 Rondebosch Boys’ High 30 Diocesan College 26 2016 Rondebosch Boys’ High 15 Diocesan College 14 2015 Rondebosch Boys’ High 55 Diocesan College 12 2015 Diocesan College 36 Rondebosch Boys’ High 23 2014 Diocesan College 22 Rondebosch Boys’ High 21 2014 Diocesan College 52 Rondebosch Boys’ High 14 2013 Rondebosch Boys’ High 22 Diocesan College 7 2013 Diocesan College 23 Rondebosch Boys’ High 11 2012 Rondebosch Boys’ High 19 Diocesan College 11
2. Grey College vs. Paul Roos Gimnasium
Highlights of 2019’s Mutual & Federal Premier Interschools between Paul Roos and Grey College courtesy of SuperSport
It is said in Bloemfontein that Paul Roos Gimnasium could lose all their matches in a season, but if they are victorious in the last encounter of the season against Grey College the team from Stellenbosch has had a season to brag about. Paul Roos Gimnasium has been the only school to defeat South Africa’s premier rugby school, Grey College on a regular basis.
Grey College managed to put 51 points past Paul Roos’ defence last year in Stellenbosch.
The results of the last 15 encounters between Paul Roos Gimnasium and Grey College are:
2019 Grey College 51 Paul Roos Gimnasium 28 2018 Grey College 28 Paul Roos Gimnasium 26 2017 Grey College 30 Paul Roos Gimnasium 28 2016 Grey College 34 Paul Roos Gimnasium 32 2015 Paul Roos Gimnasium 19 Grey College 12 2014 Grey College 25 Paul Roos Gimnasium 20 2013 Grey College 40 Paul Roos Gimnasium 8 2012 Grey College 33 Paul Roos Gimnasium 23 2011 Grey College 36 Paul Roos Gimnasium 35 2010 Grey College 41 Paul Roos Gimnasium 29 2009 Paul Roos Gimnasium 9 Grey College 3 2008 Grey College 47 Paul Roos Gimnasium 15 2007 Grey College 40 Paul Roos Gimnasium 14 2006 Paul Roos Gimnasium 16 Grey College 11 2005 Grey College 16 Paul Roos Gimnasium 11
1. Paarl Boys’ High vs. Paarl Gimnasium
Highlights of the Premier Interschools clash in 2016 between Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High courtesy of SuperSport
This interschools clash of the Paarl at Fauré Street Stadium is the biggest in South Africa or in the world for that matter. It attracts more than 20 000 spectators annually. You’re either a Galpil (Paarl Boys’ High) or a Bloedwors (Paarl Gimnasium). These two sides have been fighting it out on the rugby field since 1915.
Paarl Gimnasium broke a drought of five years in 2019 thanks to a narrow 18-17 victory. Gimmies recorded their biggest victory in the interschools came in 2008 when Louis Schreuder captained them to a 35-8 victory over Boishaai. Paarl Boys’ High under Sean Erasmus had the better of Gimmies from 2015 until 2018 before his departure to the Golden Lions after the 2018-season.
The match has a huge build-up with the parents of the first XV’s capping the players in front of the school the day before the big match.
Last 15 encounters between Paarl Boys’ High and Paarl Gimnasium:
2019 Paarl Gimnasium 18 Paarl Boys’ High 17 2018 Paarl Boys’High 24 Paarl Gimnasium 21 2017 Paarl Boys’ High 18 Paarl Gimnasium 13 2016 Paarl Boys’ High 26 Paarl Gimnasium 25 2015 Paarl Boys’ High 16 Paarl Gimnasium 10 2014 Paarl Gimnasium 16 Paarl Boys’ High 15 2013 Paarl Gimnasium 37 Paarl Boys’ High 26 2012 Paarl Gimnasium 16 Paarl Boys’ High 9 2011 Paarl Gimnasium 22 Paarl Boys’ High 19 2010 Paarl Gimnasium 19 Paarl Boys’ High 19 2009 Paarl Boys’ High 24 Paarl Gimnasium 12 2008 Paarl Gimnasium 35 Paarl Boys’ High 8 2007 Paarl Gimnasium 10 Paarl Boys’ High 0 2006 Paarl Gimnasium 23 Paarl Boys’ High 17 2005 Paarl Gimnasium 22 Paarl Boys’ High 10
*School Rugby Rivalries which are unlucky not to have made this list are: Noord-Kaap vs Diamantveld; Marlow Landbou vs Oakdale Landbou; Voortrekker vs Witteberg; Glenwood vs Maritzburg College; Maritzburg College vs Durban High School; St. Andrew’s College vs Diocesan College; Queen’s College vs Selborne College; Hilton College vs Michaelhouse.
The 25th St John’s College Easter Festival in Johannesburg will have more than a couple of exciting new names in attendance. Like always it promises to be a celebration of schoolboy rugby over the Easter Weekend from the 9th of April to 13 April 2020.
Like last year’s Easter Festival 14 schools will take part in the prestigious festival. Three regulars since the inaugural festival in 1996 Hilton College, Parktown Boys’ High and St Benedict’s College returns after missing from last year’s line-up. Two of the other newcomers, Boland Landbou and Pretoria Boys’ High will only play two matches during the festival.
Another two schools, Grey College and Garsfontein will both make a solitary appearance at the festival. Grey College and Boland Landbou will face each other on the opening day in what promises to be the match of the festival. Grey College’s last appearance in Johannesburg was back in 2008 when they attended the St John’s College Easter Festival. It is therefore expected that the team from Bloemfontein will pull quite a big crowd for this match-up.
Garsfontein will play Nelspruit on the Saturday. Clashes between these two teams usually are exciting to watch.
The main match on the Saturday between Paarl Boys’ High and Pretoria Boys’ High will be one looked forward to by old-boys from both these schools. It has been a long time since these two schools have met on the rugby field and Pretoria Boys’ High will want to show how much they have developed as a team since Paul Anthony returned from Durban. Pretoria Boys’ High ended a 12-year drought against Affies last year under the custodianship of Anthony with a 38-21 victory.
St John’s College will face St Charles College of Pietermaritzburg on the Saturday. The hosts’ other two clashes will be against Hilton College and the Nelspruit. The match-up against Hilton College on the Thursday night will be a highlight for the hosts.
Paarl Boys’ High toughest clash will be the main match of the final day against Helpmekaar-kollege. The Helpies lost in the final of the Virsekerbeker against Menlopark during last year’s competition and will yet again be a force to reckon with.
Boland Landbou will face Noordheuwel and Nelspruit in their two matches in the City of Gold. The team from the Agter-Paarl will be one of the top sides in action during the festival and will give Nories en Nelspruit a clear indication where they are in their preparation before the Virsekerbeker kicks off.
Another highlight of the festival will be the clash between the Nelspruit Rhinos and Noordheuwel. The Nories replaced the Rhinos in the top tier of the Virsekerbeker for 2019
The four schools that participated in last year’s St John’s College Easter Festival who won’t be in action this year is Stellenberg, St Alban’s College, HTS Daniël Pienaar, and Windhoek Gimnasium.
The Fixtures (Burger Field):
Thursday, 9 April 2020
10:30 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Golden Lions XV 11:40 – Helpmekaar vs Graeme College 12:40 – Parktown Boys’ High vs Soweto Eagles 14:00 – St David’s Marist vs St Charles College 16:00 – Hoërskool Nelspruit vs Noordheuwel 17:10 – St Benedict’s College vs Pretoria Boys’ High 18:20 – Boland Landbou vs Grey College 19:30 – St John’s College vs Hilton College
Saturday, 11 April 2020
09:00 – Soweto Eagles vs St Benedict’s College
10:10 – Boland Landbou vs Parktown Boys’ High 11:20 – St Charles College vs Noordheuwel 12:30 – St David’s Marist vs Golden Lions XV 15:00 – St John’s College vs Graeme College 16:10 – Garsfontein vs Hoërskool Nelspruit 17:20 – Helpmekaar vs Hilton College 18:30 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Pretoria Boys’ High
Monday, 13 April 2020
09:00 – St David’s Marist vs Soweto Eagles 10:10 – St Charles College vs Golden Lions XV 11:20 – Parktown Boys’ High vs Graeme College 13:20 – Noordheuwel vs St Benedict’s College 14:30 – St John’s College vs Hoërskool Nelspruit 15:40 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Helpmekaar
Die sesde Barloworld Toyota Menlyn Noord/Suid-toernooi beloof om die grootste sedert sy ontstaan in 2014 te wees. Die toernooi het van vier eerstespanne Waterkloof, Paarl Gimnasium, Menlopark en Harrismith in 2014 gegroei na 18 eerstespanne wat in 2020 se toernooi in aksie sal wees.
Die verdedigende kampioen van die Wesgrow-reeks, Voortrekker van Bethlehem, sal sy aanslag om vanjaar se titel op sy tuisveld teen Fichardtpark van Bloemfontein op 14 Maart afskop. Die Trekkers se eerstespan het verlede jaar die titel verower deur die Hoërskool Noord-Kaap met 40-29 in die eindstryd te troef. 
A rising star at the crease, Jonathan Bird, has shown glimpses of what he can produce and thinks the South Africa under-19s have begun to click with the bat ahead of their ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup Super League Quarter-final against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom on Thursday, 31 January.
Four 2019 Junior Springbok World Rugby u20 Championship players and another 10 who traveled to Georgia with the SA U19 team in December were included in a 19-man squad invited to the first of four SA Rugby Academy alignment camps in Stellenbosch in February.
Die vyfde jaarlikse Afgri Prestige Rugbydag op Loftus Versfeld het vanjaar ‘n sterker Kaapse geur as die vorige vier keer wat die dag aangebied is. Die rugbydag vind vanjaar op 14 Maart op ‘n Saterdag plaas om meer toeskouers na die dag te lok. 
South Africa under-19 assistant coach, Chris van Noordwyk, emphasised the importance of the team’s upcoming matches in pursuit of a place in the ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup super league quarter-finals, starting with the encounter against Canada in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. 
Die kampioen van die Pukke Prestige-reeks, die Hoërskool Noordheuwel van Krugersdorp, sal sy aanslag op vanjaar se titel teen Potchefstroom Volkskool weg van die huis afskop. Die Nories het Wesvalia van Klerksdorp verlede jaar in die eindstryd van die reeks met 22-3 die loef afgesteek.
I gave myself the tremendous task (but a very satisfying one) to compile a top ten list on which games I believe are the top rivalries in South African Schoolboy rugby back in 2011, I dusted it off a bit and updated the scores between the rivals. Before even starting with the list I knew I was opening a can of worms, but thought it would be an interesting talking point and get everyone up and excited about the coming season.
The 25th St John’s College Easter Festival in Johannesburg will have more than a couple of exciting new names in attendance. Like always it promises to be a celebration of schoolboy rugby over the Easter Weekend from the 9th of April to 13 April 2020.