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Western Province didn’t have their equal at the annual LSEN Week (for learners with Special Educational Needs) in Bloemfontein. The team from Cape Town smashed South Western Districts by 53-5 in the main match of the tournament on Sentraal’s main field.

The unofficial champions’ eighthman, Dimitri Gossmann, scored a hat-trick of tries in the main match. Gossmann crossed the try-line six times in his side’s three matches during the week.

The joint top tryscorer of the tournament was Keano Brown of South Western Districts. Brown scored seven tries and would probably have been the top point scorer as well if his side managed to score more than the five points they did in the main match.

 

The fact that inside centre scored 35 points in his side’s opening match against Boland helped his cause. He scored five tries in this match and also slotted five conversions for his massive contribution.

Gauteng XV’s inside centre, Michael Dicks, finished the week on a high in his side’s 52-26 victory over the Leopards. Dicks crossed the try-line four times and also converted six of his side’s eight tries for a personal tally of 32 points. Dicks scored 45 points during the week.

The Leopards’ scrumhalf, Lesego Seikaneng, finished the tournament as the top scorer with 56 points in total. He finished the week strong scoring two tries and slotted three conversions as his side went down 26-52 against the Gauteng XV. Seikaneng scored seven tries in total during the week.

The hosts, Free State, produced a stellar performance in the second half to finish their week on a high with a 45-5 victory over the Sharks. Their eighthman, Tsekiso Mokhele, scored a hat-trick of tries as the Free Staters amassed 38 points in the second half.

Scorers: 

Western Province 53 (19) – Tries: Dimitri Gossmann (3), Abduraghmaan Vardien (2), Timothe Kongolo (2), Na’eem Abrahams, Dominck Louw. Conversions: Justin Davids (4). South Western Districts 5 (0) – Try: Ashley Gentle.

Valke 43 (29) – Tries: Kenan Grond (2), Rivano do Amaral (2), Renier Boshoff, Brendan Booysen. Conversions: Ettiene Fourie (5). Penalty: Fourie. Boland 28 (14) – Tries: Curtley Windvogel, Clifton le Fleur, Patrick Stevens, AN Other. Conversions: Le Fleur (4).

Blue Bulls 15 (10) – Tries: Ntando Ntuli, Palo Mothibili. Conversion: Luan Gouws. Drop Goal: Gouws. Golden Lions 14 (7) – Tries: Guelor Ngoie, Jason Basson. Conversions: Camryn Fredericks (2).

Free State 45 (7) – Tries: Tsekiso Mokhele (3), Fabian van Staden, Kitso Molefe, Thapelo Mamome, Travis Moorcroft. Conversions: Rayno Wildt (4), Elrich Abrahams. Sharks 5 (0) – Try: Rushen Jason.

Gauteng XV 52 (35) – Tries: Michael Dicks (4), Eddie Barns (2), Stefan van Wyk, Peter Mlambo. Conversions: Dicks (6). Leopards 26 (7) – Tries: Lesego Seikaneng (2), Miqual Engelbrecht, Ranton Langford. Conversions: Seikaneng (3).

Eastern Province 31 (17) – Tries: Nando Kemp (3), Vonré Arries, Khanyisa Ngcingane. Conversions: Keanan Webb (3). Griffons 22 (10) – Tries: Wian Herbst (2), Shane Makoko, Abbey Seseane. Conversion: Seseane.

Golden Lions EE 15 (5) – Tries: Simani Sisa (2), Bandile Mazibuko. Pumas 10 (0) – Tries: Stabiso Sokela, Moses Kavari.

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Die Pumas kon slegs drie spelers in sy uitsoekspan vir vanjaar se 56ste Cravenweek vir hoërskole insluit wat die unie ook verlede jaar op die gesogte toernooi in die Paarl verteenwoordig het.

Die toernooi word vanjaar van 1 tot 6 Julie op Grey-kollege se velde in Bloemfontein aangebied.

Die slot Jackson Madiba van Steelcrest, die losskakel, Martin Venter van Secunda, asook ook die haker en kaptein, Chyle van Zyl van Nelspruit, is die enigste oorblywende lede van 2018 se span. Venter het verlede jaar in die Paarl die laaste vesting vir die Pumas beman.  

Die Pumas se een flank van verlede jaar Juandré Odendaal sal vanjaar vir die Valke op die Cravenweek verteenwoordig. Hy het sedert verlede jaar van HTS Middelburg na EG Jansen geskuif. 

Die span se buitesenter, Walter Visser van Ermelo, is die jonger broer van die Blitsbok Impi Visser. 

HTS Middelburg het met sewe spelers die grootste verteenwoordiging in die span. Die sewe spelers is – Christiaan Vlok (binnesenter), Tristan Juries (linkervleuel), Grant van Leeuwen (slot), Marthinus Oosthuizen (vaskopstut), Kyle Visagie, Edwin Till (haker) en Stirling Jaarse. 

Die Pumas kom op die eerste dag van die Cravenweek teen Suidwestelike Distrikte te staan. Die span het vanjaar reeds twee keer met die Valke afgereken. Die eerste was ‘n vriendskaplike proefwedstryd wat die Pumas met 52-40 gewen het, terwyl hulle ook tydens die Noordvaal Bondedag met 50-17 baas was. 

Die spanne is: 

Cravenweek: 15 Bobby Madonsela (Rob Ferreira), 14 Ndumiso Dladla (Piet Retief), 13 Walter Visser (Ermelo), 12 Christiaan Vlok (HTS Middelburg), 11 Tristan Juries (HTS Middelburg), 10 Martin Venter (Secunda), 9 Niel Henning (Nelspruit), 8 Frans Stander (Secunda), 7 Xavier Fourie (Ligbron), 6 Michelson Mkwanazi (Ermelo), 5 Jackson Madiba (Steelcrest), 4 Grant van Leeuwen (HTS Middelburg), 3 Marthinus Oosthuizen (HTS Middelburg), 2 Chyle van Zyl (Nelspruit), 1 Sipho Nzotho (Hoërskool Middelburg). Plaasvervangers: 16 Edwin Till (HTS Middelburg), 17 Musa Nkozi (Rob Ferreira), 18 Eduan Roux (Piet Retief), 19 Zweli Mokoena (Rob Ferreira), 20 Stirling Jaarse (HTS Middelburg), 21 Sanele Zungu (Hoërskool Middelburg), 22 Khyle Visagie (HTS Middelburg), 23 Lunga Makaringe (Rob Ferreira). 

Akademie-week: 15 Alec Vermaak (HTS Middelburg), 14 Shannon Mandude, 13 Siphosethu Kachalenga, 12 Jan Joubert, 11 Lance Mayisela, 10 Ricardo Schonfeldt (Hoërskool Middelburg), 9 Mariano de Villiers (HTS Middelburg), 8 Frik Lange, 7 Reynard Horn, 6 Konke Langa (Piet Retief), 5 Xolani Lekhuleni, 4 Walter Klingenberg, 3 Carl Niebuhr (Piet Retief), 2 Leon du Toit (Piet Retief), 1 Ruan Steyn. Plaasvervangers: 16 Zizi Milanzi, 17 Shane Thekwane, 18 Reynard Coetzee, 19 Tshimo Mogale, 20 Dumi Ngwenya, 21 Vijay Mahlangu, 22 Vuelwa Khoza, 23 Vivian Beukes. 

Grant Khomo: 15 Kirwan Erasmus (HTS Middelburg), 14 Kwanele Nkambule (Ligbron), 13 Njabulo Maseko (Ligbron), 12 Damian Markus (HTS Middelburg), 11 Junior Mondlane (Rob Ferreira), 10 Christiaan Gouws (Rob Ferreira), 9 Jared Williams (), 8 Nico Henrico (), 7 Hanru Jansen (), 6 Monteo Meyer (), 5 Jacobus Venter (), 4 Griffin Schofield (Rob Ferreira), 3 Cassie Botes (HTS Middelburg), 2 Quin van Zyl (Nelspruit), 1 Jandré Vlok (HTS Middelburg). Replacements: 16 Josh Johnston (Middelburg), 17 DJ Loock (Secunda), 18 Werner Geldenhuys (), 19 Ronnie Tshabalala (Secunda), 20 Njabulo Zulu (Highveld), 21 Paul Steyn (), 22 Lwazi Mogodiri (Rob Ferreira), 23 Jacquin Jacobus (De Villiers Graaff). 

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The Junior Springboks owe it to themselves and the country to finish the World Rugby U20 Championship on a winning note when they line up against Argentina in the bronze playoff in Rosario on Saturday.

That is the view of Junior Springbok captain, Phendulani Buthelezi, who said the last two days were tough for the team, but they were well aware of the significance of the task ahead.

“Losing the game against France was not what we had planned, and it has been a tough time for us as a squad since, especially since we worked very hard to get the final stages of the competition,” said Buthelezi. “But as hard as the last two days have been for us, we realise we still have a big task at hand playing in the third and fourth place-playoff against Argentina on Saturday.”

The skipper said it was important for the team and the country to finish the showpiece on a high note.

“We had a look at the game against France, and the biggest thing that let us down was that we did not execute the game plan,” said Buthelezi. “We wanted to get the ball in our flyhalf’s hands more and make them turn around as the conditions were very wet. But we placed a lot of pressure on ourselves through our errors, while France capitalised on our mistakes and got points from it.

“So we know exactly where we went wrong, and we will make sure prepare well for the next match and try to at least finish in third place.

“We have put in a huge amount of hard work over the last six months, and we owe it to ourselves and our country to go out there and give it our all.”

With Argentina being the tournament hosts, the talented looseforward expected a massive onslaught in their final game and said: “It is going to be tough match, especially with Argentina playing in front of passionate home crowd. They are going to push very hard for the third-place finish, just as we are, so we will do our best to put the semi-final behind us and make sure we are prepared physically and mentally for the game because we really want to go out there and make our country proud.”

The clash between the Junior Springboks and Argentina starts at 18h00 (SA Time) on Saturday at the Racecourse Stadium, and will be followed by the final between Australia and France at 20h30 (SA Time).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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The annual Grant Khomo Week for u16 players will be hosted by Rob Ferreira in White River from Monday (24 to 28 June). The tournament was first held back in 2003 in Johannesburg and since has become one of the important cogs in Saru’s pipeline. 

Free State was crowned the unofficial champions for the first time after defeating the Blue Bulls by 31-24 in the main match of last year’s edition in Kimberley. 

Western Province has been the most successful union at the Grant Khomo Week being crowned unofficial champions six times since 2003. 

The teams: 

Blue Bulls: 15 Tshilidzi Netshiombo (Cornwall Hill College), 14 Keanu Pieters (Affies), 13 Reynier Overweg (Menlopark), 12 Dillon Oppelt (Garsfontein), 11 Mfana Shabangu (Pretoria Boys’ High), 10 Riaan Gerber (Affies), 9 Leighton Horn (Affies), 8 Jorim Bangue (Pretoria Boys’ High), 7 Damian Oosthuizen (Affies), 6 Thabang Mphela (Pretoria Boys’ High), 5 Justin Fourie (Menlopark), 4 Mthomboyolo Buzani (Sutherland), 3 Kevin Locke (Menlopark), 2 Marno Grobbelaar (Waterkloof), 1 Thansville Mayman (Garsfontein). Replacements: 16 Nick Moekesti (Affies), 17 Barend Bezuidenhout (Menlopark), 18 Shiloh Maposa (Pretoria Boys’ High), 19 Reinhardt Pretorius (Garsfontein), 20 Tian Muller (Affies), 21 Adam Makhari (Sutherland), 22 Cornelius Coertze (Garsfontein), 23 Xavier Human (Oos-Moot). 

Boland: 15 Nayren Solomons (HTS Drostdy), 14 Keanu Philander (Hugenote), 13 Percy Basson (HTS Drostdy), 12 Glen-lihn Tromp (Ceres), 11 Juan Colling (HTS Drostdy), 10 Hendrik Wilkinson (HTS Drostdy), 9 Jean-Pierre Snel (HTS Drostdy), 8 Jurie Groenewald (Bredasdorp), 7 Ghudian van Reenen (Worcester Gimnasium), 6 Pieter Hamman (HTS Drostdy), 5 Danston Cloete (Worcester Gimnasium), 4 Johan de Leeuw (HTS Drostdy), 3 Edward Ryan (HTS Drostdy), 2 Jean-Pierre Bekker (Hopefield), 1 Jaco Swanepoel (HTS Drostdy). Replacements: 16 Abré Griessel (HTS Drostdy), 17 Shawn Phillips (Hugenote), 18 Preveen Padayachiey (Hugenote), 19 Ashwill Dampies (Weltevrede Secondary), 20 Reuben Tharratt (Swartland), 21 Uchern Jacobs (Worcester Gimnasium), 22 Phillip Basson (Worcester Gimnasium), 23 Romeal Swartz (Swartland).

Border: 15 William Thompson (Grens), 14 Ayabonga Mngaza (Hudson Park), 13 Jayden Matthys (Selborne College), 12 Roger Heath (Grens), 11 Olwethu Mqiki (Dale College), 10 Juan Jeggels (Dale College), 9 Adam du Plessis (Selborne College), 8 Amahle Mafuta (Queen’s College), 7 Anda Simanga (Dale College), 6 Daniel Deutschmann (Selborne College), 5 Emmanuel Fako (Queen’s College), 4 Eli van Schoor (Queen’s College), 3 Mangaliso Zixesha (Dale College), 2 Jared Hansen (Hudson Park), 1 Jaco Joubert (Grens). Replacements: 16 Sange Kopele (Queen’s College), 17 Ian Rheeder (Grens), 18 Hermanus Smalberger (Lilyfontein), 19 Kwakanya Kamteni (Queen’s College), 20 Matthew Coetzer (Selborne College), 21 Curwin Casper (Dale College), 22 Tiamo Mjali (Queen’s College), 23 Luke de Beyer (Selborne College). 

Border Country Districts: 15 Mihlali Mcuntula, 14 Simunye Phama (Chief Boklein), 13 Ntambiso Mhaka (UHS), 12 Owami Mqamelo, 11 Camagu Mbengo, 10 Aluve Stemela (Hangklip), 9 Khanyiso Joni, 8 Libo Jadezweni (Dordrecht High School), 7 Sibulele Mchiza, 6 Zukhanye Dubulekhwele, 5 Babalo Xulabo (Mtatha High School), 4 Unam Mzileni (Indwe HS), 3 Bathandwa Mabhongo (Khanyisa High School), 2 Avuyile Buhlungu, 1 Ovayo Gabela. Replacements: 16 Trejean Geswint , 17 Chule Bungane, 18 Khanya Danana, 19 Likhaya Dodo, 20 Siseko Ngomo (Ngangeliwze), 21 Thembekile Mgqola, 22 Nkosikhiona Mdingane, 23 Lukhanyo Mniki. 

Eastern Province: 15 Dwayne Pharo (Kingswood College), 14 Masande Mtshali (Grey High School), 13 Serue Serue (Aliwal North), 12 Alfondso Isaacs (Marlow Landbou), 11 Hlombe Langa (Grey High School), 10 Divan Moss (Grey High School), 9 Jordan Swanepoel (Pearson), 8 Damien Rudman (Despatch), 7 Kyle van Jaarsveld (Grey High School), 6 Lyle O’Connell (Grey High School), 5 Jaden du Plessis (Graeme College), 4 Keagan Pienaar (Grey High School), 3 Ruben Barnard (), 2 Marnus Winter (Grey High School), 1 Liyabona Matabiele (Grey High School). Replacements: 16 Damian Roberts (Framesby), 17 Josh Petersen (Humansdorp Secondary), 18 Lulundi Nopote (Graeme College), 19 David Greeff (Grey High School), 20 Jan-Hendrik Gouws, 21 Berwyn Bosch (Grey High School), 22 Johan van Zyl (HTS Daniël Pienaar), 23 Landile Nkengana (Pearson). 

Free State: 15 Diego Lottering (Grey College), 14 Jaden Smiles (Grey College), 13 Gert Steyn (Grey College), 12 Reagan Izaks (Grey College), 11 Leballo Lemo (Grey College), 10 Jean Smith (Grey College), 9 Caleb Abrahams (Grey College), 8 Dian van der Watt (Grey College), 7 Neels Volschenk (Grey College), 6 Kamo Mathhibedi (Grey College), 5 Deleon Bernardu (Grey College), 4 Kristof du Randt (Grey College), 3 Johan Louw (Grey College), 2 Sebastiaan Meyer (Grey College), 1 Dillon Coetzee (Grey College). Replacements: 16 Serentius Reed (Sentraal), 17 Jean Else (Grey College), 18 Kenneth Xhuma (Louis Botha), 19 CJ Herholdt (Grey College), 20 Ethan Muller (Grey College), 21 Delron Williams (Jim Fouché), 22 Kamogelo Makolane (Grey College), 23 Raven Adams (Sentraal). 

Golden Lions: 15 Kelly Mpeku (King Edward VII), 14 Diego Cupido (Helpmekaar), 13 Ayanda Xungu (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 12 Waldo Van Den Berg (Monument), 11 Morrison Mabope, 10 Joshua Smith (Helpmekaar), 9 Henré Van Zyl (Marais Viljoen), 8 Nathan Lainis (Helpmekaar), 7 Shaan Van Der Walt (Helpmekaar), 6 Hardus Nortje (Noordheuwel), 5 Vusi Nhlapho (Parktown), 4 Jacobus Bezuidenhout (Monument), 3 Shaun Engelbrecht (Monument), 2 Thonga Mbatha (Noordheuwel), 1 Roger Peterson (Monument). Replacements: 16 Cole Knight (King Edward VII), 17 Tiaan De Klerk (Marais Viljoen), 18 Sifiso Magwaza (Monument), 19 Damian Engelbrecht (Monument), 20 Khumo Nhlapo(Noordheuwel), 21 Bronson Mills (King Edward VII), 22 Katlego Letebele (King Edward VII), 23 Albert Billings (Monument). 

Griffons: 15 Cheslin Jones (AHS Kroonstad), 14 Mzwakhe Khumalo (Welkom Gimnasium), 13 Dendré Aucamp (Voortrekker), 12 Leroy Millar (Goudveld), 11 Thladi Phenyane (Welkom Gimnasium), 10 Gert Claassen (Voortrekker), 9 Conlinn Treurnicht (Welkom Gimnasium), 8 Tokelo Ntaopane (Voortrekker), 7 Temoso Lebusa (Voortrekker), 6 Louis Janse van Vuuren (Voortrekker), 5 Hendrik Coetzee (Witteberg), 4 Kian Kirsten (Goudveld), 3 Jan-Herman Cillie (Voortrekker), 2 Nathan Janse van Rensburg (Goudveld), 1 Ashton Samson (AHS Kroonstad). Replacements: 16 Daniel van Heerden (Welkom Gimnasium), 17 Meshack Motsumi (Goudveld), 18 Cornelius Uys (Goudveld), 19 Wian Muller (Welkom Gimnasium), 20 Lerato Ndlangisa (Riebeeckstad), 21 Jarred Kleinbooi (Welkom Gimnasium), 22 Siyabonga Ngubeni (Retief), 23 Boitumelo Mogwera (Welkom Gimnasium).

Griqualand West: 15 Jeanovane Jansen (Diamantveld), 14 Wihaan Hendricks (Hoërskool Upington), 13 CJ Marx (Diamantveld), 12 Carlo Louw (Diamantveld), 11 Lucian Januarie (Hoërskool Namakwaland), 10 Ethan Maasdorp (Hoërskool Namakwaland), 9 Jayden Eiman (Noord-Kaap), 8 Georgio Farmer (Hoërskool Namakwaland), 7 Dewald Duminy (Diamantveld), 6 Divan Moller (Diamantveld), 5 Lutjindo Mbuale (), 4 Jeandré Rust (De Aar), 3 Bjorn Warie (Diamantveld), 2 Adrian Gordon (Noord-Kaap), 1 Hannes van Blerk (Duineveld). Replacements: 16 Tiaan Pretorius (Diamantveld), 17 Itumeleng Masenge (), 18 Vrele du Toit (Hoërskool Upington), 19 Kelvin Boer (Groblershoop), 20 Quintn Kruger (Diamantveld), 21 Henlo van Niekerk (Diamantveld), 22 Carel van der Merwe (Diamantveld), 23 Stefano Majiedt (Hoërskool Upington). 

Leopards: 15 Celvin de Lange (Rustenburg), 14 Rocco Coulson (Rustenburg), 13 Wilbur Kock (Potchefstroom Volkskool), 12 Collin de Lange (Rustenburg), 11 Puseletso Mokatse (Rustenburg), 10 Wendell Osulala (Potchefstroom Volkskool), 9 Dean Snyders (Potchefstroom Volkskool), 8 Juan Steyl (Rustenburg), 7 Paul Janse van Rensburg (Potchefstroom Volkskool), 6 Luvuyo Selebalo (HTS Klerksdorp), 5 André Pieterse (Lichtenburg), 4 Jean-Claude van Rhyn (Lichtenburg), 3 Leonard de Lange (Lichtenburg), 2 Nonofo Ramadie (Ferdinand Postma), 1 Tshireletso Noko (Lichtenburg). Replacements: 16 Remoamogetse Molokwane (Rustenburg), 17 Motlatsi Malete (Zeerust), 18 Graham Smith (Brits), 19 Prosper Maadza (Hartbeespoort), 20 Xolani Pupuma (Vaal Reefs THS), 21 Jason Rakolle (Brits), 22 Jean-Pierre Klue (Wolmaransstad), 23 Lethogonolo Kgaudi (Vryburg).

Limpopo Blue Bulls: 15 Tshegofatso Ramaloko (Ben Vorster), 14 Mickey Mushwana (HTS Tom Naudé), 13 Nhlamulo Shilubane (Ben Vorster), 12 Daniel Hartzenberg (Ben Vorster), 11 Fortunate Twala (Ben Vorster), 10 Tiaan van den Heever (Pietersburg), 9 Phillip Potgieter (Pietersburg), 8 Jan-Hendrik van der Heyde (Pietersburg), 7 Bradley Mokwena (Ben Vorster), 6 Marvin Mofokeng (Ellisras), 5 Tebogo Mkhomazi (Ben Vorster), 4 Andries du Preez (Ellisras), 3 Roedolf Schoeman (Ellisras), 2 Shaun Matthysen (Ben Vorster), 1 Rakhobo Maboka (Ellisras). Replacements: 16 Nyakala Sethaba (Merensky), 17 Christiaan Welgemoed (Frikkie Meyer), 18 Egan Botha (Pietersburg), 19 Johan Theunissen (Merensky), 20 Ruan Stander (Frikkie Meyer), 21 Tshepiso Dipela (HTS Tom Naudé), 22 James Montshiwa (Ellisras), 23 Cafwa Zulu (Ben Vorster). 

Namibia: 15 Pieter Krone (Moria Private School), 14 Jonathan Hanekom (Windhoek Afrikaans Privaatskool), 13 Owen Hawanga (Windhoek Gimnasium), 12 William Klazen (Windhoek Gimnasium), 11 Je-Handro Beukes (Hoërskool Windhoek), 10 Ethan Koopman (Hoërskool Windhoek), 9 Stephanus Jurgens (Windhoek Afrikaans Privaatskool), 8 Lamar Beukes (Windhoek Gimnasium), 7 Keanan Januarie (Windhoek Gimnasium), 6 Jacques Simon (Walvis Bay), 5 Hendrik de Beer (Hoërskool Windhoek), 4 Franco Vries (De Duine Secondary), 3 Herman Coetzee (Hoërskool Windhoek), 2 Lodewyk Karsten (Walvis Bay), 1 Christiaan Liebenberg (Elantan Private School). Replacements: 16 Dandré Schreuder (Windhoek Gimnasium), 17 Jayden Jeffery (HTS Windhoek), 18 Filippus Tshuuya (Hoërskool Windhoek), 19 Riaan Grové (Hoërskool Windhoek), 20 Ray-eez Feris (Dr. Lemmer), 21 Wayne Nell (Windhoek Gimnasium), 22 Denver Beukes (Windhoek Gimnasium), 23 Barend de Beer (Gobabis Gimnasium).

Pumas: 15 Kirwan Erasmus (HTS Middelburg), 14 Kwanele Nkambule (Ligbron), 13 Njabulo Maseko (Ligbron), 12 Damian Markus (HTS Middelburg), 11 Junior Mondlane (Rob Ferreira), 10 Christiaan Gouws (Rob Ferreira), 9 Jared Williams (), 8 Nico Henrico (), 7 Hanru Jansen (), 6 Monteo Meyer (), 5 Jacobus Venter (), 4 Griffin Schofield (Rob Ferreira), 3 Cassie Botes (HTS Middelburg), 2 Quin van Zyl (Nelspruit), 1 Jandré Vlok (HTS Middelburg). Replacements: 16 Josh Johnston (Middelburg), 17 DJ Loock (Secunda), 18 Werner Geldenhuys (), 19 Ronnie Tshabalala (Secunda), 20 Njabulo Zulu (Highveld), 21 Paul Steyn (), 22 Lwazi Mogodiri (Rob Ferreira), 23 Jacquin Jacobus (De Villiers Graaff). 

Pumas XV: 15 Deacon Pretorius (Piet Retief), 14 Charmley Mdluli (Curro Nelspruit), 13 Vuyani Shabalala (Middelburg), 12 Sbongakonke Thusi (Piet Retief), 11 Nearich Ntuli (Piet Retief), 10 Christo Nel (Nelspruit), 9 Ewan Nieuwoudt (Nelspruit), 8 Corné Janse van Rensburg (Ermelo), 7 Vusi Ndlovu (Rob Ferreira), 6 Zander Steyn (Middelburg), 5 Tiaan Wessels (HTS Middelburg), 4 Dario Pretorius (Middelburg), 3 Marnus Nell (Middelburg), 2 Lukas Stoltz (Secunda), 1 Pieter Voges (HTS Middelburg). Replacements: 16 Sibonelo Zwane (Piet Retief), 17 Lourens Erasmus (Nelspruit), 18 Alethwa Buthelezi (Piet Retief), 19 PJ Maloka (Curro Nelspruit), 20 Keithan Titus (Secunda), 21 Buhle Mangane (Ligbron), 22 Nkosinathi Monareng (Middelburg), 23 Bandile Ngobese (Hoogenhout). 

Sharks: 15 Munashe Dukuswa (Glenwood), 14 Litelihle Bester (Northwood), 13 Akuna Nkuna (Westville Boys’ High), 12 Ethan Hooker (Westville Boys’ High), 11 Londani Mpungose (Westville Boys’ High), 10 Tiaan Kriek (Westville Boys’ High), 9 Christan Els (Glenwood), 8 Nicholas Hatton (Hilton College), 7 Gcinokuhle Mdletshe (Glenwood), 6 Wela Takata (Maritzburg College), 5 Daniel Botha (Maritzburg College), 4 Jannes Potgieter (Hilton College), 3 Roydon Swift (Maritzburg College), 2 Bryce Calvert (Westville Boys’ High), 1 Tatenda Chayayi (Northwood). Replacements: 16 Corbin Thunder (Maritzburg College), 17 Phatu Ganyane (Glenwood), 18 Liam Zocchi-Dommann (Hilton College), 19 Gerrit Ockerse (Glenwood), 20 Siphozonke Mtshali (Maritzburg College), 21 Ayabonga Zakwe (Michaelhouse), 22 Kwanele Manakuza (Durban High School), 23 Amahle Mbatha (Westville Boys’ High).

South Western Districts: 15 Guswin Robertson (Sao Bras), 14 Rosco Seconds (Punt), 13 Simion Oosthuizen (Oakdale Landbou), 12 Johan Leonard (Outeniqua), 11 Enrique Arendse (Oakdale Landbou), 10 Morné Els (Oakdale Landbou), 9 Neil le Roux (Oakdale Landbou), 8 Philip Kleinhans (Oakdale Landbou), 7 Luddick Muller (Outeniqua), 6 Paul de Villiers (Oakdale Landbou), 5 Oliver Kurz (Outeniqua), 4 Laluma Dyanti (Outeniqua), 3 Dian Heunis (Oakdale Landbou), 2 Riaan Swart (Oakdale Landbou), 1 Johan Durr (Oakdale Landbou). Plaasvervangers: 16 Elzaine Terblanche (Outeniqua), 17 P Kitete (Outeniqua), 18 Lawrence Burton (Outeniqua), 19 Aubrey Adams (Outeniqua), 20 Johron Jansen (George High), 21 Dewanley van Rensburg (Outeniqua), 22 Russel Tenteni (Outeniqua), 23 Dodswan van Briessies (Sao Bras). 

Valke: 15 Siyabonga Twala (EG Jansen), 14 Bandike Kubheka (Delmas), 13 Wian McGeer (Transvalia), 12 Armand Smit (EG Jansen), 11 Alpha Nhlanhlae (Delmas), 10 Eduard Olivier (Heidelberg Volkskool), 9 Tristan Lombaard (EG Jansen), 8 Zander Zaayman (Transvalia), 7 Riekerd Bornman (Dr. Malan), 6 Nicholas Ledwaba (EG Jansen), 5 Franco Bredenkamp (EG Jansen), 4 Rethabile Mollo (Transvalia), 3 Nicholas Smith (EG Jansen), 2 Bongi Ntsele (Phoenix), 1 Ntando Nhlapo (HTS Sasolburg). Replacements: 16 Michael Pieterse (Heidelberg Volkskool), 17 Alberto Speelman (EG Jansen), 18 Dylan du Plessis (Heidelberg Volkskool), 19 Juan de Bruin (Hugenote), 20 Aidan Oosthuizen (Kempton Park), 21 Kearabetswe Matoane (HTS Sasolburg), 22 Joseph Skosana (HTS Sasolburg), 23 Andrew Lottering (Kempton Park). 

Western Province: 15 Hakeem Khune (Paarl Boys’ High), 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg (Diocesan College), 13 Keagan Smith (Paarl Boys’ High), 12 Hanno Wessels (Durbanville), 11 Bevan Simons (Paarl Boys’ High), 10 Compion von Ludwig (Paarl Boys’ High), 9 Michael Koch (Paarl Gimnasium), 8 Abulele Ndabambi (Paarl Boys’ High), 7 Tristan van Dyk (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 6 Nasser de Kock (Diocesan College), 5 Luca Ribbens (Paarl Boys’ High), 4 Leon Best (Paarl Boys’ High), 3 Jason Johnson (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 2 Gustav Laubscher (Boland Landbou), 1 Jack Haynes (Paarl Gimnasium). Replacements: 16 Sethu Mpanza (Wynberg Boys’ High), 17 Jaco Wiehahn (Boland Landbou), 18 Corné Lavagna (Paarl Gimnasium), 19 Coetzee le Roux (Paarl Boys’ High), 20 Charl Cronjé (Boland Landbou), 21 Jayden Sam (Stellenberg), 22 Matthew van Schalkwyk (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 23 Joshua Africa (Paul Roos Gimnasium). 

Junior Springbok assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said on Wednesday the team was still hurting from their defeat against France in the World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final, but they were determined to finish the tournament on a high note.

The Junior Springboks will face hosts, Argentina, in the bronze playoff match at the Racecourse Stadium in Rosario on Saturday at 18h00 (SA Time), which will be followed by the final between France and Australia at 20h30 (SA Time).

Speaking after the match review, Nhleko said: “Having watched the game again, we are hurting.

“It is not a nice feeling to be in this position, and the worst part of it is that the bulk of the things that went against us were of our own doing. We didn’t stick to our systems or manage the game as we had planned, and through that we put ourselves under a lot of pressure.

“Collectively as management and players, we take responsibility for the below par performance.

“We could not get going in spite of opportunities to bring ourselves back into the game. The match statistics say we were in the contest, but we never felt that way and the scoreboard didn’t go our way either.

“France certainly taught us a few things about being tactically accurate and about decision making.

“It is now a case of learning from this and understanding what we are good at and how to stick to that so that we can get the rewards.”

Nhleko, however, said the team owed it to themselves to make sure they finish the competition on a positive note.

“We are going into our fifth game and it is a difficult one given that we didn’t make it into the final, but the important thing is to understand that we are wearing a South African jersey and badge,” said the assistant coach. “So it is important for us firstly to finish the tournament on a high note, and secondly to make sure as a group that all the work we have put in still becomes relevant in how we perform.”

With a bronze medal at stake and both teams eyeing a strong finish to the showpiece, Nhleko said: “We absolutely have a lot to play for. It’s a big one for them being in this position because they are playing at home, and our consolation is to win as many games as possible and put in a performance we know we are capable of after some of our previous games in the competition.

“Obviously it is not the game we wanted to play in, but it is where we find ourselves, so the most important thing is to go out there and ensure that we are mentally ready to execute and express ourselves within the system, and hopefully get the reward.

“It is important to always remember that we are wearing the green and gold when we step onto the field and that every game matters.”

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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Die Vrystaat Arende sal Vrydag teen die Luiperds sy titel as kampioen van die VKB-week vir stedelike spanne probeer verdedig. Die Arende is verlede jaar as die eerste stedelike kampioen van die VKB-week in Reitz gekroon. 

Die Arende het hul plek in die eindstryd met ‘n naelskraapse sege oor die Westelike Provinsie se Noordelike Voorstede XV-tal (WPNS) met 31-29 bespreek. Die WPNS is die eerste span vanuit die Wes-Kaap wat aan die VKB-week deelneem. 

Die span kan in die toekoms ‘n gulde geleentheid aan spelers uit die noordelike voorstede van Kaapstad gee om blootstelling aan interprovinsiale rugby te kry. Skole soos Stellenberg, Durbanville, Bellville en Brackenfell se seuns kan die span in een van die sterkstes jaarliks op die VKB-week transformeer. 

Die Arende se buitesenter, Zachary Bester, het twee keer die besoekers uit Kaapstad se doellyn oorgesteek. Bester was uistaande en het met sy breekslae in die middelveld hoofbrekens aan die WPNS XV-tal besorg.

Die WPNS XV-tal sal Vrydag teen die Griffons kragte meet. Die gewese Bok-losvoorspeler Deon Stegmann het op sy dag ook vir die Arende op die VKB-week uitgedraf. 

Die Luiperds moes ook sweet om die Griffons met 36-31 te klop om hulle plek in die eindstryd te bespreek. Die wenspan se linkervleuel, Pieter Wagner, het twee van sy span se vyf drieë afgerond. Die eindstryd beloof om ‘n klipharde tweestryd tussen die twee spanne te wees. Die slot Rico Cilliers het met sy woelige spel in die vastelos beïndruk en is met die toekenning as Speler van die Wedstryd beloon.

Die Limpopo Blou Bulle het OP Platteland met 42-38 in ‘n opwindende wedstryd getroef. Die wenspan se skrumskakel, Renier van der Heever, was uitstaande vir die wenspan met sy skerp breekslae langs die skrums en losskrums. 

Puntemakers: 

Vrystaat Arende 31 (14) – Drieë: Zachery Bester (2), Francois Boonzaaier, Nico du Buisson. Doelskoppe: George van Huysteen (4). Strafdoel: Van Huysteen. WPNS XV 29 (12) – Drieë: JP Luise, Ryan McMaster, Chean Truter, Hanno Jordaan, Shirnol Willemse. Doelskoppe: Patrick Kotze, Van Biljon.

Luiperds 36 (19) – Drieë: Pieter Wagner (2), Rico Cilliers, Fabrizzio Viljoen, Christiaan Botha. Doelskoppe: Dian Venter (2), Zander Bezuidenhout (2). Strafdoel: Bezuidenhout. Griffons 31 (26) – Drieë: Jaco Theron (2), Aldino Erasmus, Thabe Miambo, Juan Cilliers. Doelskoppe: Theron (3). 

Limpopo Blou Bulle 42 (19) – Drieë: Zian van der Heever, Janko Lotter, Boon Montjane, Lucian Simpson, Jandré Eksteen, JP van Staden. Doelskoppe: WC Kriel (3). Strafdoel: Kriel. Skepdoel: Kriel. OP Platteland 38 (31) – Drieë: Ryan Kotze, Quine van Staden, Raymond Tora, Liyema Bobela, Dan-Leigh Taks, Conrad van Vuuren. Doelskoppe: Geor Hoffman (4). 

Barbarians 25 (10) – Drieë: Evert Olivier, Ruben Jansen, Chris Briel, Hannes van Eeden, Caden Schutte. Diggers 15 (10) – Drieë: Amu Baloyi, Starion Fenn. Doelskop: Dillon Willemse. Strafdoel: Willemse.

Lees Nog oor die VKB-week: 

Groot tellings op die eerste dag van die VKB-week

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In the misty mountains of Tzaneen, Hoërskool Ben Vorster will play host to one of the first major cricket tournaments of the new cricket season.

The tournament will take place from the 24th of June 2019 until the 28th of June 2019. The week-long event will feature u19 A teams and u/15A teams from various parts of the country.

Tzaneen is well known for its warm tropic-like conditions which will aid the players in what would be considered the middle of winter across the rest of the country. The tournament provides a good opportunity for players to shake off any winter rust prior to what is set to be a long season.

A large portion of the tournament will be made up of other local schools from the Limpopo area namely Hoërskool Merensky and Stanford Lake College. A Limpopo XI will also compete in the tournament providing opportunities for several undiscovered players.

Ben Vorster received the award for Coca-Cola T20 winners award for the Limpopo region at the recent Limpopo Impala Cricket Awards function.

Schools such as Die Hoërskool Menlopark and Hoërskool Waterkloof will be journeying further north along the N1 to compete in the five-day cricketing affair.

Menlopark and Waterkloof will use the tournament as preparation for the start of the competitive Platinum League which is set to take place in the third term in Pretoria. Bredasdorp will be making the long journey up from the Cape.

Tzaneen is no stranger to producing cricketers of a high calibre with several ex-Titans players having been unearthed in this area. There must be something in the water or it could be the abundance of locally farmed avocados supplementing the much-needed protein in the diets of up-and-coming quickies.

Three of the most notable players to have come out of the area have all turned out to be players who enjoy putting pedal to the metal. Players such Marchant De Lange from Ben Vorster as well as Dale Steyn and Eldred Hawken of Hoërskool Merensky are all products of this close-knit farming community.

Ben Vorster narrowly lost to Hoerskool Waterkloof in the T20 schools semi-final held in Benoni earlier in the year. The Black Caps as they are known will be looking to amend this when they take on Waterkloof in what should be a tightly contested match on the 25th of June 2019.

Catch selected games on DigiTV during the week.

A new unofficial champion of the annual LSEN Week will be crowned on Thursday in Bloemfontein. Western Province will face South Western Districts in the main match of the tournament at Sentraal. 

Western Province will without a doubt be the favourites to take the crown. They had no problems in brushing the Griffons aside by 48-17 in their second match in the City of Roses. 

The team from Cape Town also defeated Eastern Province with ease by 34-18 in their opening match. Against the Griffons the loosehead prop, Rique Harmse, and the Nr.8, Dimitri Gossmann, both managed to cross the tryline twice.

The “defending champions” the Valke lost 17-29 against South Western Districts in their clash on the second day. SWD Eagles’ Nr.8, Ashley Gentle, wasn’t so gentle on the Valke and completed a hat-trick of tries.  

SWD’s inside centre, Keano Brown, also completed a brace of tries as the Valke was dethroned. The Valke was crowned unofficial champions after defeating Western Province by 24-12 in the main match last year in Vanderbijlpark. 

The Valke was also the “champions” in 2017 after beating Boland by 25-12 in the main match of the tournament in Durban. 

The Free State produced a much better performance on the second day, but was outplayed by a better outfit in the Leopards. The latter winning the encounter by 53-24. The hosts managed to build up a 19-13 lead by the break, but there were only one team on the pitch in the second half. 

The Leopards’ eighthman, Miqual Engelbrecht, produced a sublime performance and scored a hat-trick of tries. The scrumhalf, Lesego Seikaneng, is also a player to watch out for. He scored a brace of tries, converted five of his side’s eight tries and also slotted a penalty for a personal contribution of 23 points to his side’s victory. 

Golden Lions’ inside centre, Mendes Vangu, also scored a hat-trick during his side’s 38-12 victory over the Pumas. 

Scorers: 

Leopards 53 (13) – Tries: Miqual Engelbrecht (3), Lesego Seikaneng (2), Tshwanelo Batshe (2), Bonolo Skosana. Conversions: Seikaneng (5). Penalty: Seikaneng. Free State 24 (19) – Tries: Tsekiso Mokhele (2), Jermain Macalagh, Tsotang Moloi. Conversions: Elrich Abrahams (2). 

Western Province 48 (21) – Tries: Rique Harmse (2), Dimitri Gossmann (2), Justin Davids, Timothe Kongolo, Zothande Ngcwama, Martin Pikkeur. Conversions: Justin Davids (5). Penalty: Davids. Griffons 17 (3) – Tries: Napo Mochesane, Marcus van der Westhuizen. Conversions: MC Jacobs (2). Penalty: Ruben Steenkamp.

South Western Districts 29 (10) – Tries: Ashley Gentle (3), Keano Brown (2). Conversions: Diego Edwards, Brown. Valke 17 (10) – Tries: Dylan van Buuren (2). Conversions: Ettiene Fourie, Brendan Booysen. Penalty: Fourie.

Golden Lions EE 37 (22) – Tries: Bandile Mazibuko (2), Bertie Oosthuizen, Wiehan van der Westhuizen, Sthembiso Bila, Reghard Stoltz, Tristan Hendrikz. Conversion: Van der Westhuizen. Sharks 5 (0) – Try: Donovan Dauth. 

Blue Bulls 18 (8) – Tries: Francois van der Bank, Jaco Nel. Conversion: Luan Gouws. Penalties: Gouws (2). Boland 14 (7) – Tries: Jascy-Lee Prins, Heinrich Adams. Conversions: Clifton le Fleur (2).

Golden Lions 38 (26) – Tries: Mendes Vangu (3), Tshepang Selelale (2), Guelor Ngoie. Conversions: Henoc Kangudja (3), Camryn Fredericks. Pumas 12 (7) – Tries: Stabiso Sokela, Siyabonga Nhlabathi. Conversion: Jamie Oosthuizen.

Eastern Province 25 (13) – Tries: Gregan Williams (2), Lujade Britz, Thethelwa Ovayo. Conversion: Ovayo. Penalty: Keanan Webb. Gauteng XV 17 (10) – Tries: Eddie Barns, Stefan van Wyk. Doelskoppe: Michael Dicks (2). Penalty: Van Wyk.

PHOTO: Morgan Piek

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Bidvest Waltons Golden Lions coach, Mzwakhe Nkosi, will take charge of the SA Schools team and Border’s Phiwe Nomlomo of the SA Schools A-team in August when the two South African sides take on France, England, Wales and Argentina in the annual U18 International Series.

Matches will be played on Friday, 9 August, Tuesday, 13 August and Saturday, 17 August at school venues across the Western Cape.

King Edward School’s Nkosi, who was assistant-coach for the same team from 2016-18, replaces Sean Erasmus, who took up a professional coaching contract with the Golden Lions Rugby Union. Nkosi, head coach at KES, was assistant coach for the Xerox Golden Lions Under-19 team in 2018.

Nkosi will be assisted by Cobus van Dyk, who was head coach of the Phakisa Pumas in 2018, but recently moved to Waterkloof High School in Pretoria.

Nomlomo, a teacher and head coach at Selbourne College in East London, will be assisted by Wessel du Plessis, head coach at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

Previously, Nomlomo was head coach at the Eastern Province Academy where he was part of the coaching staff of the Under-19, Under-21 and SuperSport Rugby Challenge sides.

Dean Moodley (Sharks, SA Schools) and Ofentse Moeng (Blue Bulls, SA Schools A) have been named as respective Team managers, SA Rugby Confirmed on Tuesday.

SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux, congratulated Nkosi and Nomlomo.

“These teams are important in our youth rugby landscape. The SA Schools sides are an important development step in the careers of many of our top schoolboy players, which means Mzwakhe and Phiwe will have a big job to deliver well-balanced teams as these boys prepare for the next step in their careers.”

The SA Schools and SA Schools A teams will be announced a week after the conclusion of the Under-18 Craven Week, which will be hosted at Grey College in Bloemfontein from Monday, 1 July to Saturday, 6 July.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

 

The tournament kicked off in sizzling fashion, with 14 tries scored in the opening match between the Griffons and Sharks. The Welkom side had too much skill and power for their opponents, winning 69-17, after leading 45-12 at the break.

The Griffons scored 11 tries to three, with their No 8 Simon Binkatabana earning four tries and MC Jacobs (flyhalf) and Abbey Seseane (centre) two a piece respectively. The Sharks had no answers, although No 8 Splelele Charmane will be happy with his efforts, which bagged him a brace.

The Valke got their campaign off to a strong start, beating the more fancied Blue Bulls 38-13. This was due to a great second half, with their backline running riot, scoring four tries to none. The Blue Bulls held a slender 13-10 lead at the break, but two tries by Juan van den Heever (scrumhalf) and one each from Rivano do Amaral (fullback) and Kenan Grond (wing) resulted in a commanding score.

The Golden Lions EE team’s hopes of outplaying fellow provincial outfit, Gauteng XV, were unsuccessful as they were defeated 29-0 on Sentraal’s B-field.

The Gauteng XV scored three second-half tries to pull away for a solid win, after leading 5-0 at the break. Three were scored by speedy fullback, Eddie Barns, with Peter Mienanzambi (centre) getting the fourth.

A running game was always on the cards in the match between Boland and SWD, and it did not disappoint with 14 tries scored in the match. Of the nine scored by the Eagles in their 59-29 win, no less than five came from Keano Brown. The midfielder’s five conversions pushed his personal tally to 35 points in the match. Winger Leroy Kiewiet was also full of running, scoring a brace.

Boland were up against it from the start and trailed 5-35 at the break. Their second half effort was a bit better, aided by a hat-trick from No 8 Elgerno Smith, with fellow looseforward, Henrico Jansen, also earning two.

The clash between the Golden Lions and Leopards had the spectators in suspense until the very end.

The Gauteng team prevailed 26-24, but few will fault the comeback by the North West side.

Trailing 26-12 at the break, they came back to score the only two tries in the second half, but fell just short with their final effort. Three tries by scrumhalf Lesego Seikaneng and another by Miquel Engelbrecht (no 8) almost proved enough, but a penalty try to the Golden Lions proved the difference in the end.

The DHL Western Province team opened their tournament with a solid, but hard-fought 34-18 win over Eastern Province.

The WP side had to come from behind and did so in spectacular fashion. They trailed 15-10 at the break following a quick-fire brace by EP flanker, Nando Kemp, but they scored four tries without reply to storm to victory. It was a good all-round performance by the Western Cape side and they will be tough to beat in the remainder of the tournament.

The Free State Cheetahs started like a wild fire in their match against Pumas, scoring four unanswered tries and a 24-0 lead in the opening half.

That effort did not last however and the Mpumalanga side crawled their way back into contention.

They scored three tries of their own in the second half, but the Bloemfontein team held out to win their opening match 24-15, much to the delight of the home crowd.

LSEN Week day one results:

Valke 38-13 Blue Bulls
Gauteng XV 29-0 Golden Lions EE
Griffons 69-17 Sharks
SWD Eagles 59-29 Boland
Golden Lions 26-24 Leopards
DHL Western Province 34-18 Eastern Province
Free State 24-15 Pumas

LSEN day two fixtures – Tuesday, 18 June 2019

A-Field:

09h00: Free State Cheetahs v Leopards
10h20: Gauteng XV v Eastern Province
11h40: Boland v Blue Bulls
13h00: DHL Western Province v Griffons
14h30: Valke v SWD

B-Field:

09h00: Sharks v Golden Lions EE
10h20: Golden Lions v Pumas