Blog

The second game of KERF saw two powerhouses, Hoerskool Framesby from Port Elizabeth against Welkom Gimnasium in their second year at the festival.

Framesby were quickly on the scoreboard following pace by Cadan-Wade Finnis down the right flank for a 5-0 lead in the 90^th second of the game.

Welkom opened their score with a penalty by flyhalf Bennie Human.  Welkom forwards, a number of them under 19, began having the better of exchanges which led to hooker Martley Bayman diving over for their first try. 

Pressure continued by the Free Staters and their lead increased to 11-5 when fullback Marchall Andrews converted.  Framesby flyhalf Jaundre Liebenberg reciprocated to reduce the lead to 11-8.

Centre Keith van Aswegen scored two tries minutes apart, both converted by Andrews, to take Welkom into a healthy 25-8 lead at half-time.

Framesby came out in the second half, moving the ball trying to tire the heavy Welkom forwards.  They were rewarded with two tries in the first 20 minutes of the half, to reduce the deficit to 18-25 as neither was converted.

The first went to hooker William Moffat after some forward interplay and the second where Moffat was stopped just short, but wing Tiaan Smith was on hand to dot down.

A tense and exciting finish saw flank Ruan du Preez going over for Framesby with just 30 seconds remaining.  The try was converted by Liebenberg to tie the second game 25-25.

Scorers:

Welkom Gimnasium 25 () – Tries: Keith van Aswegen (2), Martley Bayman. Conversions: Marchall Andrews (2). Penalties: Andrews, Bennie Human. Framesby 25 () – Tries: Cadan-Wade Finnis, William Moffatt, Tiaan Smith, Ruan du Preez. Conversion: Juandré Liebenberg. Penalty: Liebenberg.

The rugby powerhouse Paarl Boys’ High is one of the teams to fear at the 2019 St John’s Easter Rugby Festival, especially for an invitational side such as the Golden Lions Presidential XV. One should never underestimate the underdog as we never know what tricks the Golden Lions Presidential XV might have up their sleeve. Boishaai, however, was ready for anything the Golden Lions Presidential XV might try and slaughtered them with a 59-point victory.

As suspected Paarl Boys’ High opened the scoreboard quite early in the form of Evan Roode (#4). The tighthead prop, Sebastiaan Lombard, busted through the defence for another try. Both tries, as well as a penalty, were converted by Kian Meadon (#10) to give Boishaai a 17-0 lead. Javier Farmer (#11) crosses the line in the right corner and Meadon (#10), with quite some magic, was able to add the extra two points again.

Somehow the Golden Lions Presidential XV managed to turn around momentum and Albert Schutte (#2) scored beneath the sticks with an easy conversion for James Randall (#10). Paarl Boys’ High quickly answered with a 7-pointer, a try by Tyler Brooks (#12) and a conversion by Meadon (#10). Neil Venter (#7) also manages to get his name on the list of try scorers. Meadon (#10) maintained his perfect conversion rate to give Boishaai a 38-7 lead into halftime.

The halftime break did not stop the momentum of Paarl Boys’ as Quan Horn (13) scored at the beginning of the second half. Jade Hendricks (#5) broke through the defence to score another try for Boishaai beneath the uprights. Angelo Osch (23) also got his name on the score sheet with an easy overlap try to take Paarl Boys over the half-century mark.

Stass Nel (20) also benefited from the one-way traffic as he broke the Golden Lions Presidential XV defensive line with ease. Kian Meadon (#10) did not miss a kick and contributed 21 points towards his side’s 66-7 victory.

 

The New South Wales Combined High Schools team, all the way from Australia, was all set to take on St Alban’s College for the opener of the 24th annual St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival. NSW Combined High Schools has delivered a couple of Wallabies in the past, such as Wycliff Palu and George Smith.

The discipline and intensity on defence from the gents from New South Wales helped them to get the better over St Alban’s College with a 22-7 victory.

The Australian outfit had three early opportunities in St Alban’s red zone but failed to score as St Alban’s defended with that all so familiar brotherhood honour. The gents from Pretoria could not cross over the 50m line in the first 10min of the fixture. Izaiah Ape-Esera (#14) dived over the line for NSW Combined High Schools after a perfectly timed cross kick.

NSW Combined High Schools got another try through Eden McQueen (#6) and their captain, Jack Vincent (#10), converted the try to give his side a 12-0 lead over St Alban’s college. The discipline and commitment of the NSW Combined High Schools on defence kept St Alban’s College pointless for the entire first half and entering the second half with a 12-0 advantage.

NSW Combined High Schools could not continue with the same discipline in the second half and St Alban’s captain, Rhys Fulford (#4), broke his side’s deadlock with a try from a driving maul. Tim Frederix (12) added two more points to the scoreboard for St Alban’s with a conversion to the try. NSW Combined High Schools answered with a try by Toby Denyer (#12) after a monstrous scrum by Dylan Saunders (#3).

Kick once again converted by Jack Vincent (#10). The error fuelled St Alban’s squandered another opportunity that resulted in Jack Vincent (#10) running from behind his own try line into St Alban’s half, and adding another three points for his side two phases later with a penalty. Fatigue and pressure got the better of both sides as they fumbled ball after ball, failing to make anything of their possession. New South Wales Combined High Schools managed to beat St Alban’s College 22-7.

 

St Andrew’s College of Grahamstown suffered their first defeat of the season during the opening day of the St Stithians College Easter Festival brought to you by Standard Bank in Johannesburg. The team from Grahamstown was downed 10-17 by Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Rondebosch Boys’ High’s outside centre, Delvan Blood, scored a brace of tries. His second broke St Andrew’s College’s back after being on attack and losing possession when Rondebosch’s hooker, Lukhanyo Vokozela, intercepted the ball and putting Blood away.

St Andrew’s College’s strong running winger Lloyd Koster, scored two tries to complete his side’s scoring in the match.

Hosts, St Stithians College, was in a devastating mood brushing Prince Edward of Zimbabwe away by 48-12 in their opening match of the festival. Their winger Thabani Maguranyanga scored a brace of tries and was also a standout performer.

Every time Maguranyanga got his hands on the ball the visitors from up north had their work cut out on defence.

Scorers: 

Rondebosch Boys’ High 17 (7) – Tries: Delvan Blood (2). Conversions: Conor van Eeden. Conversion: Van Eeden. St Andrew’s College 10 (5) – Tries: Lloyd Koster (2).

Grey High School 43 (12) – Tries: Siviwe Zondani (3), Liyema Matyolweni (2), Jared Kirsten (2). Conversions: Matthew Easton (4).  Michaelhouse 7 (7) – Try: Kwanele Khumalo. Conversion: Xhanti Gqweta.

St Stithians College 48 (24) – Tries: Thabani Maguranyanga (2), Tkudzwa Matipano, Karabo Moahladi, Luke Caveney, Yenam Zouzoua, Luhan van Aswegen, Munashe Chaitezwi. Conversions: Ryan Howell (4). Prince Edward (Zimbabwe) 12 (7) – Tries: Tashinga Garapo, Takudzwa Madzivandzira. Conversion: Gumuchirai Nekitai.

SACS 20 (10) – Tries: Nic Boden, Duran Koevort, Thomas Doyle. Conversion: Matthew Hayes. Penalty: Hayes. Kingswood College 10 (10) – Try: Brendan Muchopa. Conversion: Bryce Collins. Penalty: Collins.

Maritzburg College 31 (12) – Tries: Anele Nzimande (2), Philani Simamane (2), Jarred Hendrikz. Conversions: Henry Trodd (3), Nzimande. Parktown Boys’ High 5 (5) – Try: Katlego Mbewe.

King David Linksfield 25 (18) – Tries: Jake Rosen (2), Josh Pimstein. Conversions: Judd Silverman (2). Penalties: Silverman (2). Michaelhouse XV 15 (0) – Tries: James Glush, Aca Trotter, Jarred Mo.

PHOTO: Rachel van Rooyen

 

Kearsney College traditionally opens their Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival and this year, the 12th, it was against Pretoria Boys’ High. Kearsney had the better of the first half, but it was all PBHS in the second half for a 27-11 win.

After initially feeling out each other it was Pretoria who scored when wing Tim Glatthaar beat the cover defence to score in the corner for a five-point lead.

Gradually the Kearsney forwards began dominating and after 17 minutes it was prop forward Bradley Taylor who opened their scoring with a try, after the forwards had advanced 15m with pick and go driving. The scores were level but Kearsney sneaked ahead following a penalty by scrumhalf Jordan Bamber.

Boys High rallied and exerted their own pressure which led to Glatthaar going over for his second try following broken play in the Kearsney red zone. It was easily converted by flyhalf Justin Cross. On the stroke of half-time, a penalty by Bamber narrowed the score to 11-12.

The second half saw a change with Pretoria exerting most of the pressure. Early in the half scrumhalf Jaden Collaros ran 20m through the defence to score and Cross’ conversion saw Pretoria increasing their lead to 19-11. A long-range penalty by Cross increased it further to 22-11.

Aidan Bristow, captain and flank, scored the final try which was converted.

Scorers: 

Pretoria Boys’ High 27 – Tries: Tim Glatthaar (2), Jaden Collaros, Aidan Bristow. Conversions: Justin Cross (2). Penalty: Cross. Kearsney College 11 – Try: Bradley Taylor. Penalties: Jordan Bamber (2).

[powr-comments id=”e72b051c_1555590674432″]

The annual Kearsney College Easter Festival will have the biggest clashes with the most prominent teams attending the festival out of the four major Easter Festivals this weekend. 

School of Rugby had a look through the Who’s Who who will be in action during the festival and identified five players who are bound to set the main field at Kearsney alight with stellar performances during the weekend. 

Here is our five Player to Watch out for during the Kearsney College Easter Festival: 

Keke Morabe (Welkom Gimnasium) 

The SA Schools eighthman of 2018 has a much sturdier build than last year weighing in at 103kgs, but don’t let that fool you he is getting around the park still as quick as what made him a national schools player. He has already shown with his performance’s thus far his school’s team, which he also captains, that he plans to build on his success during last year’s season. 

Morabe plays an integral part in Gimmies’ game plan, but he does receive some valuable support in their loose trio with Christo Steyn and Calla Pienaar both being extremely physical players with the ability to move around the park. Gimmies faces Framesby, HTS Drostdy and the hosts, Kearsney College, during the Easter Festival. Gimmies walloped Voortrekker of Bethlehem by 93-20 in their last encounter. 

Morabe also represented the World Schools Invitation XV during the World Schools Festival in Stellenbosch earlier this year. 

Jacques Goosen (Selborne College) 

Goosen also already represented the SA Schools side during last year’s international series. The hooker played an integral role in helping Border to finish last year’s Craven Week in Paarl unbeaten. The first time they’ve done so since hosting the prestigious tournament back in 2009. Goosen had the last laugh last year after deciding to leave Grey College of Bloemfontein and join Selborne College with his selection to the national schools’ team. 

Goosen is a physical player that loves to carry the ball. He will keep a couple of defenders busy every time he receives possession of the ball. We could have easily also chosen Selborne College’s flanker Jarrod Taylor. He also represented the SA Schools’ side last year and captained the World Schools XV during the World Schools Festival earlier this year. Goosen would’ve also represented this team, but missed out due to injury. 

Nico Steyn (Glenwood) 

Glenwood got a couple of players like their captain and fullback, Joe Jonas, centre Martino van Wyk and tighthead prop, Blaine Golden who is able to produce superb performances, but it is the team of Durban’s blonde scrumhalf, Nico Steyn, who possesses the ability to ignite the Green Machine with a spark of individual brilliance. 

Steyn was included in the SA Schools u18 Sevens-side which retained the title of champions at the Capricorn Sevens in Windhoek, Namibia earlier this year. He was one of the team’s standout performers during the World Schools Festival in Stellenbosch. They will again be looking at him to produce the necessary spark to get them going. 

Juandré Liebenberg (Framesby) 

Framesby has developed a knack for producing high-quality flyhalves. Ernst Stapelberg showcased his talent at Maties and is now plying his trade at the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. Liebenberg is another hot prospect if he could keep producing the goods. The school from Port Elizabeth is also back at Wildeklawer this year after a few years of absence. This will also give Liebenberg the necessary exposure on a big stage to showcase his talents. 

Scouts were impressed during the World Schools Festival when Brandon Wilkie produced some impressing performances for the World Schools XV during the festival. Wilkie is also from Framesby and will slot in at inside-centre just outside Liebenberg which spells troubles for opposition defences. 

Tylon Kotze (EG Jansen)

The lanky winger could easily be mistaken as a lock, but Kotze got gas and some to spare. The 1.93m winger has troubled opposition defences in all four matches that EG Jansen played so far this year. Kotze has scored seven tries in his side’s four matches thus far which included a hat-trick in their opening match of the season against Rustenburg. He also managed to score a brace of tries in the Jansies’ matches against Durbanville and Kempton Park. 

Kotze boasts a 100m time of 10.74 seconds which he recorded during last year’s Interhigh. 

Teams for the Kearsney College Easter Festival of 2019

[powr-comments id=”25087f91_1555525122358″]

Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux attributed his team’s 34-33 defeat against Argentina in the U20 International Series at Paul Roos Gymnasium on Wednesday to ill-discipline and said they will continue to learn as the season progresses.

Both sides scored five tries in the match, with Junior Springbok winger Marnus Potgieter earning a hat-trick for his side, but a penalty goal by Argentinean flyhalf Nicolas Roger nudged them through for the one-point win.

“It was a tough game, and we produced a substandard performance,” said Roux.

“But it starts with me as the head coach. I have to look in the mirror and see where we stand and then we will take it from there.”

Roux singled out discipline as one of the biggest lessons learned in the clash and said: “You cannot win a game with poor discipline, and that cost us in the end. That is something these players have to learn at a young age.”

With the U20 International Series over, and the team set to depart for the UK on Tuesday where they will face World Rugby U20 Championship participants, England and Wales, Roux said there were a number of learnings in the last three games both on and off their field that they will take going forward.

“We are looking forward to the UK tour,” said Roux.

The first half of the match against the Argentineans was tightly-fought as both sides tried to run hard on attack, but were met with tenacious defence.sted this way because it is no use winning all the games in the lead-up to the World Rugby U20 Championship and then we lose there. The UK tour will certainly test the team’s character again, so this was great preparation.”

Penalties and turnovers conceded at crucial times, however, cost the Junior Springboks momentum early on, and Argentina took advantage of this to score their first try compliments of Pablo Dimcheff from a rolling maul for a 7-0 lead.

Both sides were dealt a blow minutes later as Junior Springbok lock Emile van Heerden and Argentina prop Francisco Coria were red-carded for punching, which saw the teams being reduced to 14 men for the remainder of the match.

Roger extended the visitors’ lead to eight points with a penalty goal late in the first quarter, but this fueled the hosts’ determination to make their presence felt as they built rhythm on attack and started creating try-scoring chances.

The Junior Boks failed to capitalise though, and Argentina struck again minutes into the second quarter as Joaquin Pellandini crashed over from some strong forward play to push them 15-0 ahead.

The visitors lost No 8 Bautista Pedemonte to a yellow card as the half progressed, and the Junior Springboks took full advantage of this as Francke Horn and winger Cayleb Dingaan scored tries in quick succession. This reduced the SA U20s’ deficit to 15-12 going into the break.

The Junior Springboks came out firing in the second half and with winger Marnus Potgieter gathering a clever kick to touch down for their third try, which allowed the team to take the lead in the match for the first time.

The visitors, however, showed their fighting spirit as they produced a strong scrum to earn a penalty try, and they backed this up with another five-pointer by Bautista Pedemonte with 12 minutes to play.

The home side responded strongly with 13 minutes left to play as Potgieter burst through the defence and used his raw pace to reduce the deficit, but a yellow card to the hosts’ Janko Swanepoel for infringing in a maul cost them dearly.

Argentina capitalised on this immediately with Francisco Minervino scoring their fifth try with seven minutes on the clock, but this was cancelled out by Potgieter who broke through for his hat-trick shortly before the final whistle. The successful conversion saw the SAU20s suffer a heart-breaking 34-33 defeat.

Scorers: 

Junior Springboks 33 (12) – Tries: Francke Horn, Caleb Dingaan, Marnus Potgieter (3). Conversions: David Coetzer (2), Boeta Chamberlain (2). Argentina 34 (15) – Tries: Pablo Dimcheff, Joaquin Pellandini, Penalty Try, Bautista Pedemonte, Francisco Minervino. Conversions: Nicolas Roger (2). Penalty goal: Nicolas Roger.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

 

The teams: 

Durban High School: 15 Darren Booysen, 14 Nhakanipho Nene, 13 Lindani Maphisa, 12 Macneil Jenner, 11 Ulrich Brown, 10 Shakur la Douche, 9 Jaydin Cedares, 8 Xhanti Njokweni, 7 Taariq Kruger (captain), 6 Hlumelo Noncembu, 5 Setjhaba Mathuse, 4 Avumile Bongco, 3 Kade O’Neill, 2 Stoney Steenkamp, 1 Marcel Nel. Replacements: 16 Sisopho Nofuya, 17 Langa Mgobozi, 18 Mpendulo Sibiya, 19 Brian Dosemba, 20 Lindomkhosi Ndlovu, 21 Nqobani Dlamini, 22 Sfundo Mkwanazi, 23 Sims Ngcobo. 

EG Jansen: 15 Jason Edwards, 14 Garren Morris, 13 Keagan Balfour, 12 Duane Bloem, 11 Tylon Kotze, 10 Kyle Potgieter, 9 Leshley October, 8 Franco Enslin (captain), 7 Juandré Odendaal, 6 CP Myburgh, 5 William Scheepers, 4 Darren Timmins, 3 Dian Coetzee, 2 Kyle Pepler, 1 Brandon Pienaar. Replacements: 16 Dwayne Lubbe, 17 JB Barnard, 18 Emile Welgemoed, 19 Marco Venter, 20 Louis de Bruyn. 

Framesby: 15 Sebastian Brandt, 14 Tiaan Smith, 13 Cadan-Wade Finnis, 12 Brandon Wilkie, 11 Jemaine George, 10 Juandré Liebenberg, 9 Divan van Wyk, 8 Ruan Claassen, 7 Ruan du Preez, 6 Christo Grobler (captain), 5 Johan van Biljon, 4 Danie van der Merwe, 3 Morné Prince, 2 William Moffat, 1 Ruan Smith. Replacements: 16 Karl Puchert, 17 Luhan Fourie, 18 Tiaan Wicks, 19 Ruben du Preez, 20 Jurgens Bornman, 21 Tiaan du Preez, 22 Estian Steynburg, 23 Corné Gerber. 

Glenwood: 15 Joe Jonas (captain), 14 Logan Janeke, 13 Martino van Wyk, 12 Bani Holtzhausen, 11 Katleho Thamaga, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Freddie Slabbert, 7 Linden Roman, 6 Ethan Smit, 5 Cade Esterhuizen, 4 Henk Gouws, 3 Blaine Golden, 2 Sikholisa Nanto, 1 Ruan Olivier. Replacements: 16 Vian du Plooy, 17 Kyle Erasmus, 18 Ethan Biljoen, 19 Dillan Kromhout, 20 Dezin Oosthhuizen, 21 Katlego Thinyane, 22 Lehlohonolo Litabe, 23 Devin Lakey. 

HTS Drostdy: 15 Keane Gelant, 14 Hugo Mostert, 13 Roann Jansen, 12 Zach le Roux, 11 Reinhardt van der Walt, 10 Carlton Pietersen, 9 Justin Henning, 8 Joshua Smit, 7 Gysbert du Preez, 6 Wynand du Plessis, 5 Robert-Andrew Adshade, 4 Reinier Viljoen, 3 Lincoln Johnson, 2 Stefan Schwartz (captain), 1 Benico Kamfer. Replacements: 16 Deon du Toit, 17 Divan Noble, 18 Wiaan Hoffman, 19 Frikkie Mattheus, 20 Heindrich van Coller, 21 Ryall Jacobs, 22 Marco Viljoen, 23 Damian Hopley.

HTS Middelburg: 15 Cyle Visagie, 14 Quintino October, 13 Christiaan Vlok, 12 Colen Roberts, 11 Norman Simpson, 10 Alec Vermaak, 9 Quintin Cloete, 8 Gerhard Taljaard, 7 Francois Pretorius, 6 Jandré Kleyn (captain), 5 Deon Mortlock, 4 Ignus Strydom, 3 Brendon Spangenberg, 2 Edwin Till, 1 Louw van Eeden. Replacements: 16 Rivaldo de Kock, 17 Marthinus Oosthuizen, 18 Grant van Leeuwen, 19 JP Esterhuysen, 20 Zander Eyssel, 21 Mariano de Villiers, 22 Justin Botha, 23 Lenard Olivier. 

Kearsney College: 15 Derick Marshall, 14 Luke Dudley, 13 Connor de Bruyn, 12 Luke Wilson, 11 Cameron Ferguson, 10 Matthew Hind, 9 Jordan Bamber, 8 Massimo Fierro, 7 Aidan Forte, 6 Aaron Smith, 5 Dean Burrell, 4 Max Immelman, 3 Oliver Carmody (captain), 2 Reid Stuart, 1 Connor Griffiths. Replacements: 16 Ulrich Botha, 17 Bradley Taylor, 18 Caleb Steinschaden, 19 Tyson Andrews, 20 Carlo Miller, 21 Cade Carmichael, 22 Josh Muller, 23 Jared Brien. 

Noord-Kaap: 15 Elzandro Fredericks, 14 Devanito Vergotini, 13 Keanu Windvogel, 12 Jesse-Owen Denation, 11 JJ Molete, 10 Seanrique Daniels, 9 Alnino Lorten, 8 Jessie Bester, 7 Jean Engelbrecht (captain), 6 Duvan van der Merwe, 5 Franco Stassen, 4 Muhammed Ashraaf, 3 Elrique Davids, 2 Devin Steenkamp, 1 Tlotlo Mokomela. Replacements: 16 Ryno Rinkwest, 17 Jessy Thomas, 18 André Hanekom, 19 Bradley Human, 20 Kyle Maritz, 21 Corné du Plessis, 22 Johan Oberholzer, 23 Elric Kok.

Pretoria Boys’ High: 15 Phoenix Twala, 14 Bradley Mayekiso, 13 Mikhail Edwards, 12 Kyle Meadows, 11 Jamie Nortjé, 10 Justin Cross, 9 Jaden Collaros, 8 Tom Calenborne, 7 Aidan Bristow (captain), 6 Jandré Minny, 5 Stephan Krugel, 4 Liam Hartig, 3 Reinhardt Nel, 2 Matthew Caldwell, 1 Wandile Madodonke. Replacements: 16 Omphile Makhafola, 17 Dylan Carlson, 18 Matthew Coenraad, 19 Kai Brett, 20 Pieter van der Merwe, 21 Ruan van Rooyen, 22 Janco Jonker, 23 Timothy Glatthaar. 

Selborne College: 15 Sibusiso Javu, 14 Lawula Bata, 13 Mmangaliso Maphinda, 12 Mntungwa Mapantsela (captain), 11 JP van Zyl, 10 Warrick Day, 9 Daimon O’Connell, 8 Raiden Masters, 7 Jarrod Taylor, 6 Joshua van Heerden, 5 Grant Pretorius, 4 Matthew Tonkin, 3 Chulumanco Nkalashe, 2 Jacques Goosen, 1 Loyiso Peteni. Replacements: 16 Oyisa Dyani, 17 Dylan Minnaar, 18 Corbyn Harrison, 19 Dean Stokes, 20 Daniel Engole, 21 Joshua Roberts, 22 Jordan Coles, 23 Nkoka Ngobe.

Transvalia: 15 Lee-Andrew du Preez, 14 Dian de Villiers, 13 Ronan Ehlers, 12 Franco Wagener (captain), 11 Abrahm Masoeu, 10 MC Dippenaar, 9 Shaun Christie, 8 Rupert Bronkhorst, 7 Cameron Brits, 6 Christiaan Burger, 5 Marno Swanepoel, 4 Tiaan Visser, 3 Anrich Botes, 2 Bernard du Plessis, 1 Louwtjie Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: 16 Colby Lundie, 17 Guan-Marcho van Aswegen, 18 Willem Coertzen, 19 Gareth Graham, 20 Quintin Olivier, 21 Divan du Toit, 22 Dewald Stoop, 23 Marnus Theunissen. 

Welkom Gimnasium: 15 Bennedict Human, 14 Morné Maastriet, 13 Jaime Heyns, 12 Keith van Aswegen, 11 Marno April, 10 Marchall Andrews, 9 Jaco Theron, 8 Keke Morabe (captain), 7 Christo Steyn, 6 Calla Pienaar, 5 Husayn Banzi, 4 Thandikaya James, 3 Franco-Lee Ceaser, 2 Martley Bayman, 1 JP Pretorius. Replacements: 16 Macniel Matthews, 17 Ndinivuyo Holiday, 18 Divan de Waal, 19 Mingo Piti, 20 Pieter-Juan Vorstman, 21 Shaquile van Heerden, 22 Angelo Olivier.

The 24th St John’s College Easter Festival will kick-off on Thursday in the City of Gold. 

The teams: 

Combined High Schools: 15 Chand Bodhi, 14 Izaiah Ape-Esera, 13 Michael Farah, 12 Toby Denyer, 11 Heath Hall-Muir, 10 Jack Vincent, 9 Jayden Duff, 8 Unga Latu, 7 Alex Swan, 6 Eden McQueen, 5 Boston Kerapa, 4 Zane Misios, 3 Dylan Saunders, 2 Dakota Pritchard, 1 David Aquirre. Replacements: 16 Matthew Baggs, 17 Luke Tudulu, 18 Heath Robinson, 19 Reuben Thomas, 20 Sione Vuna, 21 Caleb Barker, 22 Cory Lewis, 23 Xavier Osekerita, 24 Phoenix Steinwede. 

Golden Lions Invitational: 15 Sinothando Tshontyi, 14 Shaun Matsane, 13 Bongumenzi Mbatha, 12 Brian Mzamba, 11 Jandré Pretorius, 10 James Randall, 9 Tinashe Gowere, 8 Ruan Labuschagne, 7 Michael Masindi, 6 Karl Schler, 5 Tareq Allie, 4 Luhan Pieterse, 3 Pedrie Coetzee, 2 Albert Schutte, 1 JJ van Zyl. Replacements: 16 Lungelo Mvelase, 17 Wian van der Westhuizen, 18 David Schell, 19 Tristan Bruggens, 20 Stephan Herbst, 21 Marchelle Engelbrecht, 22 Jonathan Coetzee, 23 Bophelo Mahlala. 

Graeme College: 15 Bradley Mapaling, 14 Yanga Bangisa, 13 Buhlebethu Planga, 12 Theo Selle, 11 Lelona Xhaso, 10 Lakhanya Sam, 9 Cullen Williams, 8 Andrew McCallum, 7 Sonqoba Makalima, 6 Raven Bush, 5 Simon Cowley, 4 Hlomala Mararene, 3 Chumani Tshuni, 2 Sifundo Dube, 1 Thuso Mokhele. Replacements: 16 Sonwabile Leleki, 17 Inga Mpangiso, 18 Matthew Kirk, 19 Lathi-Tha Jodwana, 20 Thando Nogaya, 21 Cody Schmidt, 22 Zusakhe Kepe, 23 Declan de la Mare. 

Helpmekaar: 15 Joshua Jooste, 14 Sebastine Watney, 13 Melbirt van der Spuy, 12 Divan Esterhuizen, 11 Christiaan Bezuidenhout, 10 Tiaan Botes, 9 Keune Kirkham, 8 Zander du Toit, 7 Tyler Skudder, 6 Ruan Nortjé, 5 Jean Slabbert, 4 Brink Marx, 3 Luke Underhay, 2 Ricardo van der Merwe, 1 Stefan Liebenberg. Replacements: 16 Nicklaas Jordaan, 17 Stefan van Staden, 18 Michael Jonker, 19 Keith Whitehead, 20 Juandré van Graan, 21 Tiaan Marais, 22 Adriaan du Toit, 23 Zavier van der Merwe. 

HTS Daniël Pienaar: 15 Lorenzo Japtha, 14 Luke van Wyk, 13 Shemondrey Hannes, 12 Tiaan van Tonder, 11 Kaylim Rudman, 10 Darrian Edwards, 9 Xavier Myburg, 8 Marco Gouws, 7 Ruwaldo Beer, 6 Ceagan Bothma, 5 Franco Human, 4 Chasldon Kapp, 3 Julian Schoeman, 2 Corné Nicholls, 1 Morné Beauzec. Replacements: 16 Mandisi Jam, 17 Durchen Byneveldt, 18 Zachary-Paul Bennett, 19 Kudzaishe Chingoma, 20 Johan Fourie, 21 Phillip Meyer, 22 Eric White, 23 Dicanio King. 

Hoërskool Nelspruit: 15 Nico Liversage, 14 Anton van Eiijk, 13 Gideon Grobbelaar, 12 Janrico Vermeulen, 11 Henko de Nysschen, 10 Handré Homan, 9 Neil Henning, 8 Devon Nell, 7 Waldo Stoltz, 6 Duncan Troskie, 5 Rhenen Combrink, 4 Reuben van der Merwe, 3 Gavin Wessels, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Cornel Broekman. Replacements: 16 Shaun-Dee Nieuwenhuizen, 17 Herman Rademeyer, 18 Marthinus Celliers, 19 Philip-Maarten, 20 Franco van Rooyen, 21 Coenraad Grobbelaar, 22 Jaytee Boers, 23 Adriaan Swart. 

Noordheuwel: 15 Juan Nieuwenhuizen, 14 Mpho Makata, 13 Maurice Marks, 12 Jan-Hendrik Snyman, 11 Levandre Horn, 10 Kyle Ortman, 9 Vian Louw, 8 Sergio Moreira, 7 Hanno Labuschagne, 6 Blaine Jacobs, 5 Dylan Binder, 4 Bjorn Gerber, 3 Boela Vermaak, 2 Zandré Thesner, 1 Bradley Engelbrecht. Replacements: 16 Arné Ellis, 17 AJ Jonker, 18 Julian Coetzee, 19 JC Viljoen, 20 Raydon de Bruin, 21 Bradley Heunis, 22 Andeon Olivier, 23 Heinrich Mulder.

Paarl Boys’ High: 15 Jacques Rossouw, 14 Riis du Plessis, 13 Quan Horn, 12 Tyler Bocks, 11 Javier Farmer, 10 Kian Meadon, 9 Wian van der Sandt, 8 Gideon van Wyk, 7 Eon van der Berg, 6 Stass Nel, 5 Neil Venter, 4 Evan Roode, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 Allister Williams, 1 Rhynardt Rijnsburger. Replacements: 16 Delmar Degenaar, 17 Abraham Reyneke, 18 DM Hohls, 19 Jade Hendricks, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Keenan Barnard, 22 Rickus Jonck, 23 Angelo Osch.

St Alban’s College: 15 Mashudu Muleya, 14 Nkehensani Flepu, 13 Tim Frederix, 12 Jarryd Dick, 11 Somila Sigenu, 10 Thabang Mogadima, 9 Lewis Seymour, 8 Kian Turner, 7 Justin Hugo, 6 Luyanda Mpafa, 5 Simon Muller, 4 Rhys Fulford, 3 Sbewu Fipaza, 2 Isaac Khelo, 1 Sam Stevenson. Replacements: 16 Bonang Mopaki, 17 Josh Kidwell, 18 Tino Kuwana, 19 Musa Mpumlwana, 20 Tanaka Ndambambi, 21 Jordan Proudfoot, 22 Robert Bothma.

St Charles College: 15 Simiso Ngubane, 14 Garret Frier, 13 Greg Simpson, 12 Zukile Mbuli, 11 Nathaniel Sisia, 10 Eyethu Majozi, 9 JJ Foord, 8 Sanele Mdingi, 7 Kyle Reid, 6 Jacob Queen, 5 James Laynes, 4 Andrew Beyrooti, 3 Erich Ortmann, 2 Jarrod du Plessis, 1 Mphemba Mbhele. Replacements: 16 Alexander Pattullo, 17 Siyabonga Mzolo, 18 Scott Heygate, 19 Justin Cloete, 20 Stefan Tredoux, 21 Steven Scott, 22 Ruben Scott, 23 Menzie Dhlodflo. 

St David’s Marist: 15 Jamie Hutton, 14 Joshua Black, 13 Jack Juds, 12 Shawn Nayler, 11 Emmanuel Mphafudi, 10 Leeam van der Walt, 9 Sebastian Riva, 8 Liam Tonetti, 7 Michael Farr, 6 Cayden Edwards, 5 Ethan Breen, 4 Cameron Hyslop, 3 Jordan Swart, 2 Massimo Strappezzon, 1 John-Kelly Okonkwo. Replacements: 16 Alastair Roberts, 17 James Graham, 18 Noah Pavlou, 19 Braydon Gould, 20 Andrew Rustin, 21 Tyron Midlane, 22 Remo Strappezzon, 23 Takunda Danha.

Stellenberg: 15 Tharquinn Manuel, 14 Likho Msengana, 13 Meyr Retief, 12 Hedley Hadlow, 11 Luca Wienand, 10 Nivan Petersen, 9 Conwill Conradie, 8 Emile Damant, 7 Neil Nelson, 6 Khyro van der Westhuizen, 5 Mika Cowley, 4 Tyrone Rose, 3 Christian Lamprecht, 2 Jaco Fourie, 1 Liam Venter. Replacements: 16 Marcus Fransman, 17 Tumi Nyamane, 18 Connor Pretorius, 19 Ruwan Pienaar, 20 Francois Joubert, 21 Jaco Geldenhuys, 22 Colby Freylinck, 23 Jean-Jacques van Schalkwyk.

St John’s College: 15 Jacques Bohlman, 14 Clayton Pather, 13 Jack Montgomery, 12 Thomas Kilbourn, 11 Daniel Deeks, 10 Bismarck Olivier, 9 Michael Bate, 8 Taine Maynard, 7 Luke Clowes, 6 Benjamin Renecle, 5 Alex Groves, 4 Estian van der Walt, 3 Ntokozo Dlamini, 2 James Ives, 1 Kaelin Wills. Replacements: 16 Triston McKay, 17 Keegan Graham, 18 Adrian Lapin, 19 Tsholofelo Kgobe, 20 Zedi Gondwe, 21 Connor Kilbourn, 22 Tom Chemaly, 23 Staefano Osato. 

Windhoek Gimnasium: 15 Mell Theunissen, 14 Lyle Beukes, 13 Kieron Diergaardt, 12 Sammy Poulton, 11 Jean-Pierre Steyn, 10 Cornez Liebenberg, 9 Jahno du Plessis, 8 André van der Merwe, 7 Ethan Rittman-Gaya, 6 Arnu Gouws, 5 Juan-Louis Zaayman, 4 Michael Thuynsma, 3 Ethan Thiart, 2 Shaun van Wyk, 1 Herschell van Wyk. Replacements: 16 JP Viljoen, 17 Zander Bronkhorst, 18 Mduduzi Phiri, 19 James Heyman, 20 Jaco Enslin, 21 Wian Loubser, 22 Altus Opperman, 23 Aiden Louw. 

Helpmekaar looming as the team to beat at St John’s
New faces at this year’s St John’s Easter Festival

 

Having just come off the best season in St Alban’s College’s rugby history, there will be a target on the back of the popular Pretoria school at this year’s Standard Bank St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival, taking place in Johannesburg from April 18 to 22.

Despite being a smaller school than most, the upstarts won 14 of their 17 fixtures in 2018 and will be looking to build on this momentum at St John’s.
But it won’t be easy, as Director of Rugby and First XV coach Kennedy Tsimba readily acknowledges. Eighty percent of the senior players have moved off, leaving the coach to assemble a young, inexperienced squad.

“We’ve come off a hectic schedule in March, with eight games, many in the holidays,” he explained. “We’re a small school, so there’s always pressure in terms of numbers.”

He’s delighted they are returning to Johannesburg, however, saying that they thoroughly enjoyed last year where they beat Windhoek Gymnasium, the Golden Lions XV and Eye of the Tiger for a clean sweep.

This year ought to be considerably tougher with matches against Australia’s Combined High Schools, followed by mighty Helpmekaar of Johannesburg and HTS Daniel Pienaar, on Easter Monday.

Given Tsimba’s own reputation as a playmaker during his playing prime, for Zimbabwe, Free State and the Bulls, it’s little surprise that he encourages similarly smart rugby from his players.

“They must learn to play what they see in front of them,” he says. “A lot of them haven’t been given that freedom, so a switch must be made. Better decision-makers are what I’m after.”

Among those players are influential figures like lock-cum-loose forward Simon Miller, big number eight Kian Turner and flyhalf Thabang Mogadima, who possesses one of the most cultured boots on the schoolboy circuit.

Tsimba’s expectations of the festival weekend are measured. “It will be our toughest festival yet, especially with Helpmekaar on Saturday.”

He acknowledges that some don’t believe a school like St Alban’s has a traditional rugby culture but is happy to prove otherwise come Easter weekend. “I’m sure our boys will rise up and show grit and courage. We have our own special culture and I expect it will serve us well.”

Having produced several elite-level players, like Springboks Bongi Mbonambi and Jason Jenkins, plus provincial stars Michael Kumbirai (Stormers), Kurt Haupt (Kings and Worcester) and Abongile Nonkontwana (Free State Cheetahs), St Alban’s has already developed a vibrant rugby tradition.
Anyone underestimating them at St John’s will pay the price.

FIXTURES

April 18: VS Combined High Schools (Australia), 11.30am.
April 20: VS Helpmekaar, 11.45am.
April 22: VS HTS Daniel Pienaar, 2pm.