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Daar word Saterdag hoogdrama in die eindstryd van die Griffon-liga in die Downtouch Investments-stadion om 13:50 in Welkom voorspel.

Die Hoërskool Witteberg se eerstespan staan op die drumpel van geskiedenis deur vir die eerste keer as kampioen van dié liga gekroon te word.

Die span wat tussen Witteberg en die stukkie geskiedenis staan is niemand anders as sy aartsvyand, Voortrekker van Bethlehem.

Die Trekkers, is die verdedigende kampioen, en het al drie keer vantevore die titel (2008, 2011 en 2024) verower.

Vroeër vanjaar het Witteberg in die interskole-kragmeting tussen die twee skole die sege in die laaste minuut van die kragmeting beklink toe sy kaptein en flank, Pieter Nel, vir die wendrie oor die doellyn gebars het.

Die sege het ook seker gemaak dat Witteberg vir die eerste keer sedert 1992 daarin slaag om twee jaar in ‘n ry met die Trekkers af te reken.

Nel sal vandag weer ‘n reuse wedstryd moet speel om seker te maak die trofee word aan hom oorhandig. Sy tweestryd met sy direkte teenstander, Jayden de Jesus, sal een van die hoogtepunte van die kragmeting wees.

Witteberg se Cobus Labuschagne (loskopstut), Sedwin Gysman (binnesenter), JC van Rhyn (regervleuel), Rico van Vuuren (haker) en Divan Marais (flank) was almal vroeër vanjaar vir die Griffons in aksie op die Cravenweek vir hoërskole in Middelburg.

Agterlangs is veral Gysman ‘n gevaarman wat met sy dartellopies die Trekkers se verdediging kan ontsluit.

Die Trekkers het self ‘n paar Cravenweek-spelers in sy slotpaar, Berto van Niekerk en Theo van Wyk, in sy geledere.

Witteberg het sy plek in die eindstryd met ‘n sege van 33-18 oor Hoërskool Trio van Kroonstad bespreek. In die ander halfeindstryd moes Voortrekker sweet om vir Welkom Gimnasium met 13-12 uit te oorlê.

Die Griffons se kampioen sal in die halfeindronde van die Kovsiestreekkompetisie se Shimla-liga teen die Hoërskool Upington te staan kom. Uppies betree vanjaar die kompetisie as Griekwas se naaswenner.

Die spanne is: 

Witteberg: 15 Qlin Booyse, 14 JC van Rhyn, 13 Adieu Cramford, 12 Sedwin Gysman, 11 Kenyon Morat, 10 Tshepo Motloung, 9 Christiaan de Boer, 8 Daniel Meintjies, 7 Pieter Nel (kaptein), 6 Divan Marais, 5 Jacques Jordaan, 4 Christiaan van Niekerk, 3 Mila Oerson, 2 Rico van Vuuren, 1 Cobus Labuschagne.

Voortrekker: 15 Linda Radebe, 14 Juhin Muller, 13 Sizwe Qwabe, 12 Siya Mdubo, 11 Renier van Niekerk, 10 JC Pretorius, 9 Edré Wille, 8 Lourens Roux, 7 Jayden de Jesus, 6 Wian Muller, 5 Berto van Niekerk, 4 Theo van Wyk, 3 Moropa Lephondo, 2 Wessel Hattingh, 1 AJ Myburgh.

Afskop: 13:50
Skeidsregter: JC Allan

Ander eindstryde: 

11:20 – o.16 – Hoërskool Trio vs Welkom Gimnasium | Skeidsregter: Cassie Heymans
10:10 – o.15 – Voortrekker vs Hoërskool Trio | Skeidsregter: Wynand Fourie
09:00 – o.14 – Voortrekker vs Hoërskool Trio | Skeidsregter: Basie Ferreira

Outside Paarl, the biggest interschools in South Africa are probably the one between Paul Roos Gimnasium and Grey College.

This match at 14:00 in Bloemfontein on Saturday is part of the exciting King Price Derby Series. Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Why is it so big, you may ask?

These two schools are without a doubt the two rugby factories in South Africa that has been providing the most Springboks since the country played its first test back in 1891.

Grey has produced 47 Springboks, while Paul Roos Gimnasium lay claim to 56 players who have donned the Green and Gold. Combined it is an exceptional 10.82 percent of all Springbok players ever produced.

The saying that elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers, comes to mind. It must also be noted that by this time of year in Bloemfontein, there isn’t much grass left to suffer.

“The boys have been looking forward to this occasion for probably their whole high school career. So, it is not a question about the pressure on the boys, but rather excitement amongst the boys for the opportunity to play in this game and be part of something so big,” said Jannie Geldenhuys, head coach of Grey College.

Last year, the Maroon Machine of Paul Roos handed Grey their biggest defeat ever when they comfortably won by 36-3 on a muddy Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Since the two schools’ first match back in 1967, they have played each other 39 times, with Grey coming out on top in 29 of these matches. Paul Roos has been on the winning side ten times.

The two schools will also honour former Springbok Dawie Snyman before the match. Snyman passed away this week and played for Grey in the first match between these two schools. Snyman also later coached at Paul Roos.

“Each year of schools’ rugby is unique, and this year is a new chapter. Our focus is on what we want to achieve within the match. This year’s match gives the boys within the team the opportunity to gather firewood for later in life. Each player will be collecting firewood, which they will have later in life when we look back at Saturday’s game,” said Geldenhuys.

Like every year, and as the teams and supporters have become accustomed to, a couple of boys from both sides will be missing out on this occasion due to the fact that they are on national duties for the South African u18-side in their international series.

Grey will be missing four players – Ethan Adams (outside centre), AJ Meyer (lock), JG Badenhorst (tighthead prop) and Lamla Mgedezi (fullback). On Paul Roos’ side two players, Gert Kemp (loose forward) and Altus Rabe (hooker), will be missing out on this showpiece.

So who are the favourites, the tag no team wants, for this year’s encounter?

Grey is at home, which plays a major factor in this interschools. Furthermore, the fact that three of the players who will be standing in for their team members on national duty – O’Ryan Klein (Ethan Adams), Alexi Tyropolis (AJ Meyer) and Marinus Oosthuizen (JG Badenhorst) were part of the Free State’s Craven Week team in Middelburg earlier this year.

Klein played at inside centre with Adams for most of the season, while Toriq Schambreel, who also played Craven Week, will start in Kleyn’s inside had more than a couple of starts at inside centre for the First XV. Tyropolis was playing at lock while Meyer was recovering from an injury in the early part of the season before moving to flanker.

Thristan Maree, who will be manning the fullback position in Mgedezi’s absence, has played at centre during last year’s match against Paul Roos. He also had ample playing time for his school’s pride during the season.

Paul Roos will definitely miss their captain, Altus Rabe. While their captain earlier in the season, while Rabe was recovering from an injury, Gert Kemp, will also leave a huge void in their ranks.

The teams: 

Grey College: 15 Thristan Maree, 14 Benjamin van den Berg, 13 O’Ryan Kleyn, 12 Toriq Schambreel, 11 Eddie Mabena, 10 Darius Erwee, 9 Sherwin Buys, 8 AJ Booysen, 7 Adem Nieuwoudt, 6 Xander Smit (captain), 5 Alexi Tyropolis, 4 Claude Steyn, 3 Marinus Oosthuizen, 2 Tian Fourie, 1 David Hayidakis.

Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Luke van Schoor, 14 Keenan Stoffels, 13 Tiaan Basson, 12 Ian Smith, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Travis Pheiffer, 9 Jan-Jan Nel, 8 Luke Kent (captain), 7 Gerhard Bekker, 6 Caleb Koeberg, 5 Manus van Leeuwen, 4 Truspe Schoeman, 3 Gerrit van Vuuren, 2 Lehan Barnard, 1 Zak Hickman.

Kick-Off: 14:00
Referee: Tiaan Engelbrecht

Previous Meetings: 

[ninja_tables id=”80371″]

The two South African Under-18 squads are all set for their highly anticipated final matches of the U18 International Series on Saturday in Paarl on Saturday, with the coaches making several tweaks to the teams to give more players a run at a higher level.

The last round of this prestigious annual age-group showpiece will be staged at Paarl Gimnasium.

Saturday’s action gets underway at 11h30 when the SA U18 ‘A’ side take on France, and this is followed by the clash between Ireland and Georgia at 13h30. The main event will the SA U18s going head-to-head with England at 15h30, looking for their third win of the tournament.

For the encounter against the English, SA U18 coach Lwazi Zangqa again shuffled the starting combinations. From the pack that convincingly beat Ireland 45-5 on Tuesday at Boland Landbou, only the lock combination of Jayden Joubert and AJ Meyer, as well as No 8 Gert Kemp were retained.

The front row is all new, with Kai Pratt (loosehead), Altus Rabe (hooker), and JG Badenhorst (tighthead) getting the nod while flankers Chinedu Amadi and Joshua Neill will start.

The backline also sees numerous changes, with Morne Noble (scrumhalf), Liyema Nela (flyhalf), Jadrian Afrikaner (wing), and Ethan Adams (inside centre) all getting starting opportunities after coming off the bench in the last game.

Zangqa explained that the plan was to give every player in the squad a chance to gain experience on the international stage: “We wanted to ensure each player got the opportunity to taste international rugby and to enjoy the occasion.”

The SA U18 coach further emphasised that they are ready for a physical battle against England, who will be motivated to finish the series on a high note after losing both their matches so far.

“Our plan is to make sure we’re physically up for the battle,” Zangqa said. “While our defence will be important, we are also eager to deliver a good attacking display. This will be the last time this year that our supporters will see the U18s in action, so we want to give them something good to watch.”

Zangqa added that the SA U18s will need to be focused for the entire match to handle England’s challenge: “England will be eager to finish the series on a positive note, so we will have to be ready to meet their challenge and concentrate throughout.”

After their dominant 57-19 victory over Georgia, the SA U18 ‘A’ side also show a few rotational changes. Two of these are in the pack – at loosehead prop and lock – while the rest are in the backs, with tweaks to the wings, centre, and fullback positions.

Jeffrey Singo (prop), Diaan Augustyn (lock), and Reinhart Viljoen (fullback) are back in the starting lineup, while wings Junaide Pasensie and Ncutu Kepe, have swapped sides. Jeandre Uithaler, one of the team’s key players throughout the tournament, will once again captain the side from the flyhalf position.

SA U18 ‘A’ coach Flash Malinga said they are looking forward to taking on the French: “France lost their opening-round match to the SA U18s, but they showed in their win over England how good they are.”

Malinga anticipates another tough game and explained his final team selection: “We selected what we believe is our best combination for this match. We have strength in the starting combination and on our bench, who we regard as good finishers.

“It has been a great tournament with many good experiences and valuable learnings, and we’re looking forward to showcasing and testing our attack, defence, and our set piece against the French.”

Tickets are R20 per person and are available at the gate or online through Quicket. All the matches will be broadcast by SuperSport Schools.

SA U18 to take on England:

15 Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks)
14 Junaide Stuart (Bulls)
13 Markus Muller (captain, Western Province)
12 Ethan Adams (Cheetahs)
11 Jadriaan Afrikaner (Sharks)
10 Liyema Nela (Sharks)
9 Morne Noble (Western Province)
8 Gert Kemp (Western Province)
7 Joshua Neill (Western Province)
6 Chinedu Amadi (Lions)
5 AJ Meyer (Cheetahs)
4 Jayden Joubert (Western Province)
3 JG Badenhorst (Cheetahs)
2 Altus Rabe (Western Province)
1 Kai Pratt (South Western Districts)

Replacements

16 Keenan Myners (South Western Districts)
17 Jordan Jooste (Western Province)
18 Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province)
19 Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks)
20 Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks)
21 Jacobus de Villiers (South Western Districts)
22 Jayden Brits (Western Province)
23 Ruben Groenewald (Bulls)
24 Christian Vorster (South Western Districts)
25 Lamla Mgedezi (Cheetahs)
26 Thabiso Simelane (Bulls)

 SA U18 ‘A’ to take on France:

15 Reinhart Viljoen (South Western Districts)
14 Ncutu Kepe (Border)
13 Erin Nelson (Eastern Province)
12 Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks)
11 Junade Pasensie (Bulls)
10 Jeandre Uithaler (captain, Lions)
9 Mickyle Booise (Western Province)
8 Quintin Potgieter (Western Province)
7 Liam Lightly (South Western Districts)
6 Briint Davids (Western Province)
5 Migael Turner (Western Province)
4 Diaan Augustyn (South Western Districts)
3 Deon Botes (Bulls)
2 Thomas Muller (Western Province)
1 Jeffrey Singo (Bulls)

Replacements

16 Keenan Myners (South Western Districts)
17 Pieta Cilliers (Western Province)
18 Bernhard du Toit (Western Province)
19 Lian Terblanche (Lions)
20 Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Sharks)
21 Zirk Meyer (Bulls)
22 Ethan van Biljon (Western Province)
23 Nathan Aneke (Sharks)
24 Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border)
25 Jeneall Davids (Western Province) 

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Hoërskool Swartland hosts Hugenote Hoërskool, from Wellington, on Saturday at 14:10 in Malmesbury.

The home side heads into the clash off the back of a morale-boosting 25-15 victory over Hoërskool Punt last weekend.

In that win, flyhalf De Wet van Aswegen once again delivered an influential performance. His 10 points off the boot proved to be the difference in the game as Swartland, after a couple of tight losses, picked up their first win of the third term.

With a victory under the belt, they’ll be keen to add another win in front of their home supporters.

Hugenote made a strong start to the season, but they’ve lost their last three, including by five against Charlie Hofmeyr and by one against Hoërskool Porterville. That’s got to hurt, and they’ll be motivated to come out on the right side of a tight game if that’s what unfolds. 

Meanwhile in Mossel Bay, Hoërskool Punt goes up against Nico Malan High at 13:30 on Saturday.

The visitors, from Humansdorp, were left frustrated last weekend after letting slip a 12-0 halftime lead against Die Brandwag and going down 12-19.

Their clash with Punt will also serve as crucial preparation for their last match of the season, on their reunion weekend, against Hoërskool Framesby.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Punt, with defeats often following wins, but a quality victory over Nico Malan, who have enjoyed a strong season and put together some outstanding results, would be a big fillip for the Mossel Bay school.

They’ll lean on the leadership of their captain, Steven Terblanche, in the face of Nico Malan’s onslaught. Getting a big performance from the eighthman is imperative if Punt is to have a chance of stopping the visitors.

Teams

Hoërskool Swartland vs Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) at 14:10 in Malmesbury on Saturday. 

Swartland: 15 Skylar Claasen, 14 Enrico Louw, 13 Justin Vermeulen, 12 Daniel Walters, 11 Zaidell Pauhus, 10 De Wet van Aswagen, 9 Dimitrios Boutsikaris, 8 Wessel Neethling, 7 Christian Cupido, 6 James Joubert, 5 Martin Neethling, 4 Jaco van Zyl, 3 Melchior Botha, 2 Langley Timothens, 1 Lamin Bah.

Hugenote: N/A.

Hoërskool Punt vs Nico Malan High School at in Mossel Bay at 13:30 on Saturday.

Punt: 15 Rayzanro Hendricks, 14 Willie de Beer, 13 Ethian Pratz, 12 Devandre Ewerts, 11 Dailen Daniels, 10 MC Barnard, 9 Zane Briesies, 8 Steven Terblanche (Captain), 7 Junior Pikinini, 6 Jeandre Pieterse, 5 Luan Janse van Rensburg, 4 Abrie Sutherland, 3 Avenathi Sambokwe, 2 Jaydee Jansen, 1 Elijah Erasmus.

Nico Malan: 15 Elroy Skosana, 14 Regan Stone, 13 Gelden van Niekerk, 12 Enzo Machaba, 11 Tequane Koopman, 10 Leighton Lawrence, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Neil Lategan, 7 Chrisjan de Lange, 6 Ruben van Dijk, 5 Merwe van der Merwe, 4 Ulrich van Zyl, 3 Andre van der Merwe, 2 MC Ferreira, 1 Waldo Krige.

Die skote gaan klap wanneer Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen en Hoërskool Garsfontein mekaar pak in ‘n kragmeting wat tradisioneel ‘n reusestryd afgee.

Volg al die SDC Noordvaal Beker-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die Bere is vasberade om hul posisie bo aan die puntelys in die Beker-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Beker vas te maak. Dit kan natuurlik oor twee weke ‘n tuiseindstryd vir die span van Pretoria verseker.

Dit bied voorts ‘n geleentheid vir die Garsies om die rondomtalie-fase van die kompetisie met ‘n sege af te sluit en na die wenpad terug te keer, ná hul skoknederlaag met 22-28 teen Hoërskool Noordheuwel twee weke gelede.

Soos reeds bekend, moet Garsfontein sonder drie groot name, wat tans vir Suid-Afrika in die internasionale o.18-reeks in die Wes Kaap verteenwoordig, klaarkom.

Dit het ‘n paar skuiwe tot gevolg gehad, met Drewyn Baron wat oorskuif na heelagter in Junade Pasensie se plek, en Neo Ledwaba wat ‘n kans kry in Baron se plek op vleuel. Ledwaba is juis vroeër gedurende die Akademieweek opgeroep vir die Blou Bulle.

Die ywerige Yuvrah George vervang vir Junaide Stuart op linkervleuel, terwyl Morné Coetzer op vaskopstut sak in die plek van Luan van den Berg.

Vir die Jansies is die storielyn basies dieselfde as vir vyf ander spanne in vanjaar se reeks. Dis ‘n stryd om oorlewing.

Die Jansies besef alte goed dat die 10-punt verskil tussen hulle (182.5) en Hoërskool Menlopark (172.5), in die negende plek, alles behalwe genoeg is. Dit maak van Saterdag ‘n maak-of-breek dag vir die Arende van Boksburg.

Boonop hang die wortel van ‘n moontlike plek in volgende naweek se halfeindronde voor hul neus, maar dan moet hulle vir die Bere omdop, en ook duim vashou dat sowel die Parkies as Hoërskool Transvalia verloor.

Die Jansies het derhalwe hul agterlyn geskommel, met spelskepper, Deshean Pietersen, wat van heelagter na losskakel skuif en hul ander uitblinker, Zulu Otlatleng, wat in die laaste linie stelling inneem. Jayden du Preez kry kans op regtervleuel, terwyl Jeandré Reynders vir Jordan van der Westhuizen op linkervleuel vervang. Van der Westhuizen kan ‘n impak vanaf die bank maak.

In Vanderbijlpark is Hoërskool Transvalia in ‘n ewe belangrike stryd met Hoërskool Noordheuwel gewikkel. Valia is tans met 174 slegs 1.5 ligapunte voor die Parkies, en op die eerstespan-puntelys slegs een (21) agter die einste Menlopark (22), wat hom steeds in die wedloop plaas.

Heelagter, Lorenzo Flynn, is terug op sy pos na hy verlede naweek se kragmeting met die Klofies misgeloop het. Voorlangs maak Wihandré Kruger sy terugkeer op haker en word slot, Kyle Maartens, ook terugverwelkom, wat beteken dat die tuisspan weer op volsterkte is vir wat straks sy laaste wedstryd vanjaar kan wees.

Vir die Nories het slot, Kean Lourens, verlede week ‘n vroeë terugkeer vanaf die bank gemaak in hul nederlaag teen die Parkies, wat aandui dat hy Saterdag gereed behoort te wees om sy plek in die beginspan in te neem en ‘n beduidende hupstoot vir die Blues-pak te bied teen die omgekrapte Valia-agttal.

Die spanne: 

EG Jansen t. Garsfontein om 12:25 in Boksburg: 

EG Jansen: 15 Zulu Otlatleng, 14 Jayden du Preez, 13 Christopher Combrink, 12 Nathan Delport, 11 Jeandré Rynders, 10 Deshean Pietersen, 9 Joseph Diesel, 8 Slade Mowbray, 7 Jaco Engelbrecht, 6 Craig Lightfoot, 5 Breyton Kruger, 4 Jacques van Tonder, 3 Deveraux Wideman, 2 Marco Ventura, 1 Ruan Rossouw.

Garsfontein: 15 Drewyn Baron, 14 Neo Ledwaba, 13 Xian Erasmus, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Yuvrah George, 10 Joshua Gouws, 9 Derrick Kuhn, 8 Lourenz de Jager, 7 Stefan van der Vyver, 6 JP Pieterse, 5 Derik Potgieter, 4 JJ Fourie, 3 Morné Coetzer, 2 Justin Blom, 1 Brendon Branford.

Transvalia t. Noordheuwel om 12:40 in Vanderbijlpark: 

Transvalia: 15 Lorenzo Flynn, 14 Dihan Crause, 13 Tshepo Molakeng, 12 Declan Hattingh, 11 Tumi Moloi, 10 Jay-Dee Maree, 9 Bernard van Dyk, 8 Wynand Stolz, 7 Danie Kazambo, 6 Juan Bischoff, 5 Christiaan Liebenberg, 4 Kyle Maartens, 3 Damian van Heerden, 2 Wihandré Kruger, 1 Vusi Morathi.

Noordheuwel (moontlik): 15 Tristan Helmand, 14 Jayden Steyn, 13 Brandon Pieters, 12 Kieran Reid, 11 Aidan Bester, 10 Pablo Moeketsane, 9 Gillie Diedericks, 8 Armand van Eck, 7 Juandré de Villiers, 6 Andrew Lambert, 5 Kean Lourens, 4 Robert Hurn, 3 Steph Botha, 2 Wikus Roos, 1 Skuttie Bezuidenhout.

Die Hoërskool Frans du Toit van Phalaborwa kom Saterdag seker voor sy grootste toets op die rugbyveld in ‘n hele paar jaar te staan.

Die span vanuit Limpopo moes bykans 900km (871km) vir sy ontmoeting met die Hoërskool Vryburg in die halfeindronde van Groep 3 van die SDC Noordvaal Cup reis.

En dan natuurlik is Vryburg een van die mees suksesvolste skole in die reeks wat met verskeie titels oor die jare kan spog.

Om dit in perspektief te stel Vryburg het al agt keer ‘n verskyning in die eindstryd van die Noordvaal-reeks gemaak en ‘n trofee het al agt keer staanplek in hul trofeekas gekry.

Die span vanuit die Luiperd-streek was kampioen van die Beeldtrofee vir kleinskole in 2002, 2003, 2004 en 2005, Beeldtrofee vir mediumskole in 2014 en 2016 asook kampioen van Groep 3 van die SDC Noordvaal Cup in 2022 en 2023.

So selfs die twee spanne in die ander halfeindstryd, Linden en Riebeeckrand, sal hoop dat Frans du Toit hul ‘n guns kan doen.

Frans du Toit het vanjaar ‘n gedugte span en het met ‘n oorwinning van 23-21 oor Gerrit Maritz van Pretoria sy plek in die halfeindronde bespreek. Die span van Phalaborwa het ook vir Allen Glen van Johannesburg met 17-7 in hul eerste uitspeelwedstryd geklop.

Vryburg het ‘n loslooitjie in die uitspeelronde gehad omdat Louis Trichardt onttrek het. Die span het verlede week vir Standerton met 24-17 uitgeskakel.

Die kragmeting tussen Linden en Riebeeckrand behoort ook vir hope vuurwerk te sorg. Die twee spanne het mekaar verlede jaar in die eindstryd van die reeks ook die stryd aangesê met Riebeeckrand wat met 31-18 as kampioen gekroon is.

Die twee spanne is vanjaar ook nie vreemd vir mekaar nie. In die ligawedstryd tussen die twee spanne het Linden met 14-12 as oorwinnaars van die veld gestap, terwyl Riebeeckrand in die halfeindstryd van die Leeu-liga die bordjies met 21-18 verhang het.

Linden het wel die week ‘n moeilike perd opgesaal omdat hy Woensdag in sy jaarlikse interskole teen Hoërskool Randburg moes kragte meet. Die span het met 5-26 die knie gebuig asook drie besering opgedoen.

Die span se losskakel, Joshua Liebenberg, binnesenter Aidan Mans asook veelsydige agterspeler Ruben Little sal almal die halfeindstryd misloop.

Die spanne is: 

Vryburg vs Frans du Toit om 10:15 in die Gert Lubbe-stadion in Vryburg: 

Hoërskool Vryburg: 15 Jayden Starke, 14 Bogolo Mankuroane, 13 Michael Mazonzo, 12 Jordan Rarhebe, 11 Cat Dikhudu, 10 Marco Halgryn, 9 Janko Venter (kaptein), 8 Aiden Jonker, 7 WD Ferreira, 6 Tsiamelo Mereekane, 5 Rigardt Muller, 4 Olerato Bonokwane, 3 Daniel Nortjé, 2 Dirk Visser, 1 Petri Weideman.

Frans du Toit: 15 Olavi Muhela, 14 Melane Mphahlele, 13 Lawrence Maswanganyi, 12 Kenny Moreku, 11 Tumelo Mametja, 10 Dehan Peach, 9 Darren Ceko, 8 Shaun Ngwena, 7 Edrich Steyn, 6 Shoun Mmola, 5 Shan Mmola, 4 Steyn Cronjé, 3 Jayden Taljaard, 2 Chalru Grobler, 1 Xavier Buitendag.

Skeidsregter: Michael Viljoen (Blou Bulle)

Linden vs Riebeeckrand om 12:00 in Johannesburg: 

Linden: 15 Morné Steyn, 14 Roelof Smit, 13 Etienne Fouché, 12 Hanru van Aswegen, 11 Schuyler van den Berg, 10 Ruan Erasmus, 9 Jaydan Griessel, 8 Zacky Crow, 7 Eric Beyl, 6 Nathan van Aswegen, 5 Wouter Toerien, 4 Jordan Welle, 3 Keanu Thomas, 2 Kyle Kotze, 1 Xander Oelofse.

Riebeeckrand: 15 Hassan Amed, 14 Relebogile Ntwe, 13 Nthando Lamola, 12 Tyler Vereynne, 11 Obakeng Nye-Nye, 10 Thabo Moleme, 9 Aiden Botes, 8 Luyanda Khubeka, 7 Marco Grobler, 6 Kobus Malan, 5 Ndosi Mahlanga, 4 Angel Mongwe, 3 Marko Labuschagne, 2 Zander Viljoen, 1 Jean Liebenberg.

Skeidsregter: Christo Erasmus (Goue Leeus)

Hoërskool Outeniqua faces the challenge of HTS Drostdy on Saturday at 12:45, in George.

The Kwaggas muscled their way to an 8-5 victory over Durbanville last Saturday. Drostdy lost 26-34 to Rondebosch two Saturdays ago, when they last played.

It’s the last game of the season for both sides. One of the questions to be answered is how has their match preparation affected the teams? Will more recent match action help Outeniqua, or will a longer rest serve the Donkeys well?

Something that won’t be in short supply in George will be flair. Both teams feature creative attacking players.

Fullback Pirlo Baron is a serious attacking threat for the visitors. He keeps a keen eye open for opportunities to create overlaps, and he’s a dangerman on the counterattack.

Outeniqua‘s offence will be directed by flyhalf, Virgil Pockpas, whose well balanced game includes precision kicks and silky smooth passes. Last weekend, at Durbanville, rain and mud stopped the Kwaggas from playing their usual high-tempo game. They had to dig deep and lean on their pack. With the victory, they showed they can win in different ways.

Drostdy should be encouraged to challenge in the lineouts. That’ll be when they’ll have an opportunity to disrupt Outeniqua’s rhythm.

In their 10-18 loss to Stellenberg a fortnight ago, the Kwaggas were unable to dominate possession as they usually do. If Drostdy is able to starve them, too, Outeniqua will be on the backfoot.

Barring wet weather on Saturday, and none is forecast, one can foresee an entertaining highlight reel of tries from two exciting teams in their last outing of the season.

Hoërskool Bellville takes on their neighbours, Hoërskool D.F. Malan, at 12:50 on Saturday to learn who bosses Bellville in 2025.

DF is confident and well rested after defeating Strand 29-24 a couple of weeks back. Their flyhalf, Eben Bester, shone in that hard-fought win, scoring two tries and landing two conversions.

Playing at home, Hatties will need to warm up effectively because DF Malan has a habit of coming out on fire. Conceding early tries could be costly in what’s expected to be a tight affair.

DF Malan is unpredictable. Bester directs their attack and has a wide variety of moves in his arsenal. Bellville will need to be wary of wrap-arounds, switches to the blindside, and long kicks down deep into their territory.

The visitors also like to get the ball out wide, so Bellville’s back three can expect to have a busy day on defence.

The home team’s left-wing and captain, Carlo Aucamp, poses a serious threat himself. Given good attacking ball, he’s a handful.

Teams

Outeniqua vs HTS Drostdy at 12:45 in George on Saturday.

Outeniqua: 15 Jade Peterson, 14 Grant Savage, 13 Schalk van der Merwe 12 Reshaan Damans, 11 Devino Bernardo, 10 Virgil Pockpas, 9 Cee-Jay Arends, 8 Henru Nell (captain), 7 Bradley Steel, 6 Ruan van Rensburg, 5 Samuel Augustyn, 4 Favian Swart, 3 Zacary Meyer, 2 Luhan van der Sandt, 1 Matthew Prins.

HTS Drostdy: 15 Pirlo Baron, 14 Adrian Vergotine, 13 Ruben Von Solms, 12 Jacques de Klerk, 11 Darren Makeza, 10 Abdul Fisher, 9 Caleb Cornett, 8 J-cop van Engelen (captain), 7 Arnu Nieuwoudt, 6 Werno Ramsauer, 5 Jean-Louis Matthee, 4 Eugene Walker, 3 Sandro Smit, 2 JP Lotriet, 1 Stefan le Roux.

Hoërskool Bellville vs DF Malan in Belville at 12:50 on Saturday.

Bellville: 15 Alvino Loggenberg, 14 David Jordaan, 13 Liam Kuyk, 12 James Parker, 11 Carlo Aucamp (captain), 10 Marno Botes, 9 Ruhan Smuts, 8 Divan Swanepoel, 7 Rouxan Sparks, 6 Sean von Wielligh, 5 Steven Steyl, 4 Roan Robbertze, 3 Christian de Wet, 2 Ayden Olivier, 1 Stiaan Kotze.

DF Malan: 15 Pieter Delport, 14 Alistair Lewis, 13 Dylan Thompson, 12 Chris de Jager, 11 Dian Loucas, 10 Eben Bester, 9 Colin Burger (captain), 8 Juan le Roux, 7 Johan Pieterse, 6 Juan Vermeulen, 5 Daniel Nel, 4 Ruan Krugel, 3 Heinrich Jacobz, 2 Korne Drifthout, 1 Rehan Palvie.

Hoërskool Rustenburg se besoek aan Die Hoërskool Menlopark Saterdagmiddag in Pretoria gaan vir die Parkies oor meer as bloot om ‘n plek in die halfeindronde van SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling te probeer verseker.

Volg al die SDC Noordvaal Beker-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Twee bonuspuntseges in sy laaste twee wedstryde, het vir die span van Pretoria in ‘n stewige posisie geplaas om steeds nog vanjaar se halfeindronde te haal.

Na ‘n indrukwekkende sege verlede naweek van 34-20 oor Hoërskool Noordheuwel, lê Parkies tans vierde op die puntelys, met 22 ligapunte, wat beteken dat hulle slegs die Rusties moet klop om ‘n plek in volgende naweek se aksie te bespreek.

Dit sal natuurlik ook help om die relegasiespook te ontwyk.

Die Pretorianers bevind hulself tans in die negende posisie, en in die moeilikheid op 172.5 punte. Hulle is egter slegs 10 punte agter Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (182.5), in die vyfde plek, wat op sy beurt ‘n taamlike uitdaging in die gesig staar met Hoërskool Garsfontein se besoek aan Boksburg .

Die Rusties is self nog nié van relegasie gevrywaar nie. Met 175 ligapunte is hulle tans sewende, slegs drie plekke voor die Parkies, wat van Saterdag se kragmeting ‘n stryd om oorlewing maak. Die span van Rustenburg is reeds uit die halfeindwedloop, maar sal graag vir staatmakers soos Lorenzo Snyers en kaptein, Xavier Steenkamp, ‘n waardige afskeid wil gee.

Elders in Pretoria wag nog ‘n tradisoneel fisieke stryd tussen Hoërskool Waterkloof en Hoërskool Monument, op die Blou Tornado se tuisveld. Die Monumentare het in hul laaste twee wedstryde van nêrens gekom om steeds ‘n kans te staan vir ‘n plek in die halfeind, met 19 ligapunte, net drie minder as die Parkies. Dit behoort heelwat hoop te bied op die vooraand van hul kragmeting met die Klofies.

Daar is egter heelparty eksterne faktore wat ‘n rol moet speel voordat Monnas dit kan vermag, maar hul enkelfokus is eenvoudig om Saterdag vir die Klofies ore aan te sit.

Die tuisspan se goeie vertoning teen Hoërskool Transvalia die vorige week het die relegasiespook op ‘n afstand gehou, maar nie heeltemal verjaag nie. Valia beklee tans die sesde plek op die algehele puntelys, met 180 ligapunte, net 7.5 voor die Parkies en 4.5 voor die Rusties. ‘n Positiewe is egter dat hy vir agsteman, Marko Kok, vir dié taai stryd terugverwelkom.

Kok het die Klofies se laaste twee kragmetings weens ‘n beenbesering misgeloop en sal oorgehaal wees om ‘n laaste, yslike vertoning op te dis voordat hy volgende jaar, saam met Ethan Adams en Matthey Abbey, by die Leeus inskakel.

In die Monumentare se kamp is, Vincent Roberts terug om die Wit Bulle aan te voer, terwyl die kollig op vaskopstut, Juandré Marais val, wat in sy 50ste wedstryd as Wit Bull sal uitdraf.

Die spanne: 

Menlopark t. Hoërskool Rustenburg om 12:30 in Pretoria

Menlopark: 15 Dylan Stumke, 14 Bladen Petersen, 13 Leskin Samuels, 12 Aidan Dicks, 11 Lucian Read, 10 Willie Pieterse, 9 Gustav Shäffner, 8 JN van Wyk, 7 Nathen du Plessis, 6 Ruan Strydom, 5 Keagen Pretorius, 4 Tiaan Boshoff, 3 Ruvan van Aardt, 2 Declan Pelser, 1 Mattheus Prinsloo.

Rustenburg: 15 Lorenzo Snyers, 14 Henré Robinson, 13 Jon-Rè Jefthas, 12 Zack Swanepoel, 11 Waide Davey, 10 Ayden Willems, 9 Adriano George, 8 Pieta Niemandt, 7 Marais Röcher, 6 MJ Otto, 5 Thian Labuschagnè, 4 Tristan Myburgh, 3 Jaden Mienie, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Xander Stickling.

Waterkloof t. Monument om 13:30 in Pretoria: 

Waterkloof: 15 Tiaan Posthumus, 14 Gustav Mienie, 13 Meyer Pretorius, 12 Dylan Botha, Jaiden Badenhorst, 10 Ronan Bastiaanse, 9 Jacobus van den Berg, 8 Dawid Prinsloo, 7 Phillip Mans, 6 Hugo Dercksen, 5 Heinrich Naude, 4 Codi Binneman, 3 Jedri Swart, 2 Ruan Jacobs, 1 Alexander Elliott.

Monument: 15 Loghan Langeveldt, 14 Jason Joubert, 13 Ruan Genis, 12 Juandré Ehlers, 11 Corné Mostert, 10 Jaydon Viljoen, 9 Evan Bernhardi, 8 Ryno van der Westhuizen, 7 Vincent Roberts, 6 Siya Ncube, 5 Dean Hartman, 4 Janco Pretorius, 3 Juandré Marais, 2 Regardt Ernst, 1 Dexter Chiwanga.

Another chapter in nearly a century of schools’ rugby rivalry will unfold when Grey High steps onto Selborne College‘s “Fortress” in their King Price Derby Series showdown in East London, on Saturday.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The annual derby, typical of many such events in South African schools’ sport, is set to culminate in a gripping finish when the 1st XVs square up to try to take one final positive from the 2025 season.

Since 1926, Grey High and Selborne have been going at it, and seldom does a match go past without a titanic struggle for supremacy.

Inevitably, there are the occasional fixtures where one of the sides has blown the other away, but an indication of how closely they are matched is reflected in their nine encounters since 2014, which have resulted in five wins for Grey and four victories for Selborne. In six of those matches, the winning margin was by six points or less.

Besides renewing old rivalries, it is also an opportunity for the winning side to take something from the season. Both have less than perfect records in 2025. However, whatever has happened before will be swept away in the glow of victory.

Grey High also has the incentive of scoring a rare win at the Fortress, a venue where they have not conquered Selborne since their outstanding season in 2014 when they won 20-18. That was also the year when they last beat Grey College.

The visitors will be well prepared for the match, having secured recent victories over Framesby and Muir, while going down to Grey College.

Now, they’ll be looking for a massive team effort to set up their dangerous backs by creating some space for their devastating runners, including fullback Meyer Prinsloo and wing Noah Mbizi.

Selborne, meanwhile, will be smarting after conceding close losses to Border rivals, Queen’s College and Dale College, in recent matches.

With their powerful prop Robert John-Osunkwo leading the way up front, they will want to set a platform to launch attacks deep into enemy territory.

If they can achieve that, then wing Iviwe Kabale looms a real threat to the visitors. He showed what he could do last week against Dale with two stunning tries and Grey know they will have to keep him and his backline colleagues under pressure throughout.

In Komani, Queen’s will be aiming to bounce back after a rare defeat against Graeme College last weekend. They host Cambridge. The visitors will know a huge challenge awaits them on the Rec Ground.

Buoyed by their win over Selborne last Saturday, Dale will be aiming to build on that when they tackle the tough Hudson Park outfit at The Graveyard, in Qonce.

But while there are positives to be taken, their coaches will remind them that this weekend will be a fresh start, and they will need to have their feet flat on the ground against one of the most competitive units in the Eastern Cape.

At Ooskus Gymnasium, the home side will also be tested when they entertain Stirling in a morning clash, starting at 11.20.

Selborne vs Grey since 2104

2014: Selborne 18-20 Grey
2015: Grey 18-22 Selborne
2016: Selborne 27-21 Grey
2017: Grey 59-22 Selborne
2018: Selborne 36-21 Grey
2019: Grey 23-17 Selborne
2020: Covid-19|
2021: Covid-19
2022: Grey 32-26 Selborne
2023: Selborne 12-10 Grey
2024: Grey 48-27 Selborne

Teams:

Selborne College vs Grey High School at 15:30 in East London

Selborne College: 15 Bungqina Nuku, 14 Samora Bushet, 13 Njongo Mbanga, 12 Aaron James, 11 Iviwe Kabale, 10 Samuel Jacobsen, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Uviwe Jikwana, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Travis Enslin, 5 Luca Liebenberg, 4 Mbono Gqoboko, 3 Zothanda Mrara, 2 Liam Hansen, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo

Grey High: 15 Meyer Prinsloo, 14 Noah Mbizi, 13 Bradley Myburgh, 12 Ciaran Killian, 11 Michael Oosthuizen, 10 Ray-Dylan Wilkinson 9 Matthew Doster, 8 Sibonelo Stuurman, 7 Jean Nel, 6 Cody Wilmot, 5 Osvaldas Diedonis, 4 Riley Higgs, 3 Ross Atkinson, 2 Evan Mucka, 1 Silindezihle Ntshokoma.

Dale College vs Hudson Park High at 13:30 in Qonce

Dale College: 15 Inga Mafanga, 14 Yamkele Molose, 13 Phikolomzi Mtyalela, 12 Nxande Ngcaba, 11 Mahle Mehlomane, 10 Soso Dyani, 9 Onikwa Boniwe, 8 Kamva Sithole (captain), 7 Liyabona Mayikana, 6 Linamandla Peter, 5 Kungawo Jaca, 4 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Phawu Ludwaba.

Hudson Park: Hudson Park:   15 Mahle Zinto, 14 Bahlumile Mavuso, 13 Ukhona Kama, 12 Lunathi Dolo, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7 Likhanye Mandila, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Hlumelo Gobile, 4 Tenda Saunyama, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpundu.

Queen’s College vs Cambridge High at 14:30 in Komani

Queen’s College: 15 Mveli Mqolo, 14 Ayathanda Mtyando, 16 Thina Fenako, 12 Lithemba Maxegwana, 11 Joshua Jordaan, 10 Inganathi Mnunu, 9 Ayola Somhlahlo, 8 Acwenga Saul, 7 Sambesiwe Vetman, 6 Jeffrey Niland (captain), 5 Kaunda Billie, 4 Zeacke Mata, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa, 2 Bulumko Manqina, 1 Amyoli Ngxongwana.

Cambridge: to be confirmed.

Ooskus Gymnasium vs Stirling High at 11:20 in East London

Ooskus Gym: 15 Chivago Petrus, 14 Xavier Smith, 13 Stefan de Jager, 12 Kwagga Liebenberg, Sabian Rieck, 11 Josh du Plessis, 10 Jaun Nel, 9 Ethan Jansen, 8 Roussouw Nel, 7 Tiaan Frazer, 6 Cole van der Merwe, 5 De Wet Thiart, 4 Eben Viljoen, 3 Leon Muller, 2 Bruwer Smit 1 Zander Brink.

Stirling: to be confirmed.

South Africa u17A faced a tough test and prevailed with a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe u18A in their third Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge match at St David’s Marist Inanda, in Sandton, on Thursday evening.

Catch the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer’s charges have displayed good goalscoring instincts, netting 11 goals in three matches against Zimbabwe, while their backline has shown composure and skill, keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

With one game to go in the four-match series, South Africa leads 3-0. It’s been good preparation for the home side, which will contest the annual Dato Mirnawan Cup, in Malaysia, in November.

In their first meeting with Zimbabwe, on Tuesday, South Africa registered a 4-0 win. They followed that up with another 4-0 win on Wednesday.

Early on, in Thursday’s clash, South Africa dominated and earned five penalty corners in the first chukka without conceding one. They converted two of those into goals.

Timari Jonker, who was recognised as the Player of the Match for her industrious and effective performance, gave South Africa the lead when she converted their second PC of the match by deflecting a ball from Raffael Abrahams into the back of the net.

Claire Volschenk made it 2-0, also from a short corner. Zimbabwe thought they had done well to parry a South African shot on goal, but Volschenk pounced on the rebound and executed a brilliant tomahawk to score four minutes before the end of the chukka.

There was enough time for South Africa to add another before the quarter came to an end. Busiwe Mayekiso, who scored three times at the SASHOC National Week for Border, recorded her maiden international goal when she received a wonderful pass in the circle and made no mistake from close to the penalty spot.

Two minutes before halftime, Zimbabwe had an opportunity to pull a goal back when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Jodie Anderson tried to fire the ball into the top right corner. However, instead of finding the back of the net, the ball was met by goalkeeper Peyton Marais, who pulled off a brilliant save.

After conceding three times in the opening chukka, Zimbabwe improved in the second and third chukkas, enjoying more possession than they had been afforded in the early going. However, they struggled to create goal scoring opportunities. South Africa, on the other hand, caused problems in the Zimbabwe final third, but lacked the last touch.

The final chukka was hotly contested. Zimbabwe mustered some enterprising sprints into the South African half and final third. But they were met by a stubborn and composed defence. SA goalie, Annika Kloppers, didn’t have much to do, needing to make only one save.

At the other end of the field, South Africa launched several forays into the Zimbabwean half, but they were slowed by a sea of white shirts, with the Zimbabweans determined not to concede any more goals. Pienaar-Geyer’s side gave it a good go, but there was no give in the Zimbabwe defence.

On Friday evening, the South Africa u17 side will have one more opportunity to fine-tune their combinations. The fourth and final match of the series takes place at 17:00 at St David’s Marist Inanda.

Results

SA u17A: 3 (Timari Jonker, Claire Volschenk, Busiwe Mayekiso). Zimbabwe u18A: 0.
SA u16A: 7. Zimbabwe u16A: 0.