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Paul Roos Gimnasium extended their winning streak to six in succession on their Markötter Field in Stellenbosch on Saturday, downing Paarl Boys’ High 28-22 in an absolute cracker of a King Price Derby Series fixture.

Ou Polla’s Boys started like a house on fire. They owned the lion’s share of possession in the first 20 minutes, and they certainly made the most of it, scoring three unconverted tries to take a 15-0 lead.

What stood out most was the pace of play from the hosts. Inside the Boishaai 22-metre area, two skip passes out wide from flyhalf Travis Pheiffer to right-wing Tevez Cupido, and from scrumhalf Jaedon Powell to left-wing Cadynn Samuels were all but unstoppable.

By the time the Boishaai defenders had tracked back, trying to set up their defensive alignment, the Maroon Machine’s wings were already diving in for tries.

Behind by 11 points at halftime, trailing 7-18, Paarl Boys’ High demonstrated strong character in the second stanza, fighting back hard and delivering some bone-crunching tackles in their furious defensive effort.

The Maroon Machine’s defence was physical, too, presenting only a few narrow holes for the Paarl locals to exploit.

Paul Roos left-wing Samuels scored again in the second half, using his pace and agility to weave a tight 10-metre path through a handful of Boishaai defenders.

Paarl Boys’ High’s substitute lock Derrick Groenewald was brilliant off the bench, scoring a try and making plenty of carries over the gain line.

In a match full of many outstanding individual performances, Paul Roos’s captain and openside flank, Christian le Roux, earned the accolade of “King of the Match”. He did the dirty work diligently in his tenacious shift, made plenty of tackles, and contested fiercely at the breakdowns.

In the end, the Maroon Machine’s rollicking start proved to be the difference as they delivered a victory to the delight of their happy home crowd.

Scorers

Paul Roos Gimnasium 28 (18) – Tries: Cadynn Samuels (2), Albert Nel, Tevez Cupido. Conversion: Travis Pheiffer. Penalties: Pheiffer (2). Paarl Boys’ High 22 (7) – Tries: Trichard van Tonder, Derrick Groenewald, Xavier Swarts. Conversions: Daniel Meisenheimer (2). Penalty: Meisenheimer.

Other Results

U19 – Paul Roos II 25 Boishaai II 31, Paul Roos III 41 Boishaai III 12, Paul Roos IV 21 Boishaai IV 21, Paul Roos V 17 Boishaai V 7, Paul Roos VI 31 Boishaai VI 31, Paul Roos VII 17 Boishaai VII 0, Paul Roos VIII 24 Boishaai VIII 19, Paul Roos IX 24 Boishaai IX 5, Paul Roos X 31 Boishaai X 5, Paul Roos XI 22 Boishaai XI 14.

U16 – Paul Roos A 45 Boishaai A 20, Paul Roos B 13 Boishaai B 14, Paul Roos C 24 Boishaai C 29, Paul Roos D 21 Boishaai D 26, Paul Roos E 31 Boishaai E 27, Paul Roos F 0 Boishaai F 7.

U15 – Paul Roos A 34 Boishaai A 5, Paul Roos B 30 Boishaai B 0, Paul Roos C 19 Boishaai C 7, Paul Roos D 28 Boishaai D 10, Paul Roos E 17 Boishaai E 5, Paul Roos F 17 Boishaai F 0.

U14 – Paul Roos A 7 Boishaai A 29, Paul Roos B 31 Boishaai B 13, Paul Roos C 31 Boishaai C 26, Paul Roos D 22 Boishaai D 17, Paul Roos E 14 Boishaai E 5, Paul Roos F 25 Boishaai F 14, Paul Roos G 5 Boishaai G 19.

Al die uitslae van die reeks soos wat ons dit ontvang sal hier opgedateer word.

Indien u uitslag of wedstryd nie op die lys is nie – tree gerus met ons in kontak deur ‘n e-pos te stuur aan rugby@ssschoolsplus.co.za of per WhatsApp na 072 172 5455.

Al die uitslae:

GROEP 1 

NOORDVAAL BEKER

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Ander spanne: 

o.16: Helpmekaar 52, Monument 14; Noordheuwel 31, EG Jansen 31; Middelburg 21, Waterkloof 15; Garsfontein 45, Menlopark 17.

o.15: Helpmekaar 38, Monument 14; Noordheuwel 49, EG Jansen 17; Middelburg 19, Waterkloof 12; Menlopark 27, Garsfontein 26.

o.14: Helpmekaar 24, Monument 10; Noordheuwel 50, EG Jansen 0; Waterkloof 20, Middelburg 19; Menlopark 22, Garsfontein 17.

NOORDVAAL PLAAT

[ninja_tables id=”96250″]

Ander spanne:

o.16: Oos-Moot 34, Transvalia 28; Kempton Park 27, Montana 20; Wesvalia 23, Zwartkop 22; Klerksdorp 6, HTS Middelburg 5.

o.15: Oos-Moot 33, Transvalia 21; Montana 14, Kempton Park 12; Wesvalia 43, Zwartkop 15; Klerksdorp 17, HTS Middelburg 14.

o.14: Transvalia 24, Oos-Moot 7; Montana 31, Kempton Park 0; Zwartkop 22, Wesvalia 14; Klerksdorp 55, HTS Middelburg 0.

NOORDVAAL SKILD

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Ander spanne:

o.16: Piet Retief 31, Lichtenburg 21; Ben Vorster 33, Eldoraigne 14; Marais Viljoen 50, Heidelberg Volkies 0.

o.15: Piet Retief 29, Lichtenburg 22; Ben Vorster 54, Eldoraigne 7; Heidelberg Volkies 13, Marais Viljoen 7.

o.14: Piet Retief 24, Lichtenburg 0; Ben Vorster 29, Eldoraigne 7; Marais Viljoen 3, Heidelberg Volkies 0.

NOORDVAAL BOWL

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Ander spanne:

o.16: Potch Volkies 13, Potch Gimmies 13; Jeugland 15, Midstream College 12; Centurion 27, Bergsig 25; Hugenote 32, Ermelo 10; Dinamika 31, Merensky 6; Brandwag 55, Die Anker 0.

o.15: Potch Gimmies 21, Potch Volkies 10; Jeugland 33, Midstream College 26; Bergsig 22, Centurion 0; Ermelo 24, Hugenote 7; Dinamika 26, Merensky 14; Die Anker 27, Brandwag 0.

o.14: Potch Gimmies 22, Potch Volkies 7; Jeugland 19, Midstream College 15; Bergsig 14, Centurion 0; Ermelo 19, Hugenote 7; Dinamika 7, Merensky 5; Brandwag 10, Die Anker 5.

GROEP 2

GROEP 3

GROEP 4

GROEP 5

Catch all the action live from around the country on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools. For results of the Virseker Noordvaal Cup – click on the following link – Virseker Noordvaal Cup Results.

If your school’s match is not listed below or you would like to send in your team’s results, please email us via e-mail at rugby@ssschoolsplus.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.

You can also submit a result via our website – Submit Result.

All the results: 

EASTERN CAPE

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FREE STATE/GRIQUALAND WEST

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KWAZULU-NATAL

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NOORDVAAL

[ninja_tables id=”96254″]

WESTERN CAPE

[ninja_tables id=”96244″]

With a mixed bag of results recently, Hudson Park faces a true test of their credentials when they travel to the cauldron of the Rec ground in Komani to tackle a tough Queen’s College outfit on Saturday (15.00).

The East London side has shown flashes of real quality this season, but consistency has proved elusive as they continue to search for the complete performance against the heavyweight schools in the Eastern Cape.

Hudson will know they are walking into one of the most demanding environments in schools’ rugby, with the passionate Queen’s supporters traditionally turning the Victoria Recreation Ground into a fierce arena on match days.

The Komani side has built a reputation for their physicality and resilience, and, despite some setbacks this year, remains a formidable force on home soil. They pushed rivals Dale all the way in a thrilling 31-29 defeat during their reunion weekend and have regularly shown an ability to rise to the occasion in the big clashes.

Hudson’s challenge will be to match Queen’s intensity up front while also taking advantage of the attacking flair they have demonstrated in patches this season. Their forwards will need to lay a solid platform if their dangerous backs are to create scoring opportunities.

The recent history between the teams points to another bruising contest. Queen’s have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning 18-13 in 2023 and 26-15 in 2022, while Hudson will be desperate to reverse that trend.

In Qonce, another traditional Border derby is set to unfold when Dale College hosts Cambridge High School.

Dale has quietly put together a competitive campaign and will fancy their chances on home ground after some determined recent performances. Their forward pack has again provided the backbone of their game, while their defensive discipline has been a major strength.

Cambridge, however, are seldom easy opponents and will look to play with width and tempo in an effort to unsettle the home side. Dale’s ability to control territory and possession could prove decisive in what promises to be a physical Border showdown.

Meanwhile, Ooskus Gymnasium and Stirling High School should serve up one of the most intriguing clashes of the weekend in East London.

Ooskus have shown plenty of fighting spirit this season and are traditionally difficult opponents when they build momentum through their forwards. Stirling, though, has produced some spirited displays themselves, including a gritty 19-19 draw with Selborne earlier this year.

That result underlined Stirling’s growing confidence and suggests they will head into Saturday believing they can secure another significant scalp.

With several evenly matched contests on the schedule, Eastern Cape rugby supporters can expect another compelling weekend of schoolboy action.

The teams: 

Queen’s College vs Hudson Park from 15:00 at the Recreation Ground in Komani: 

Queen’s College: 15 Mtholozisi Mbambo, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Zinzolwethu Lali, 12 Azive Mzamo, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Bongo Nyakaza, 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 6 Ayabulela Mbulawa, 5 Ethan Oosthuizen, 4 Lihlume Njokweni, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Nande Thiwani, 1 Zeacke Mata

Hudson Park: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Masibulele Kwakwini, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Bubu Mzamo, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 6 Sisonke Majola, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Manyano Mpendu, 2 Mesuli Ntama, 1 Lithemba Mpini.

Dale College vs Cambridge from 14:45 at the Graveyard in Qonce: 

Dale College: 15 Zingce Poni, 14 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 13 Achumile George, 12 Sophakama Zamile, 11 Yamkela Molose, 10 Sonwabisi Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Sokholo Xaba, 6  Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Azole Sodlaka

Cambridge: No team sheet received from Cambridge.

Ooskus Gymnasium vs Stirling from 12:20 in East London: 

Ooskus Gymnasium: 15 Xavier Smith, 14 Stefan de Jager, 13 Juju Tantsi, 12 Kwagga Liebenberg, 11 Kellan Muller, 10 Ethan Jansen, 9 Sebastian le Roux, 8 Andrew Deacon, 7 Christiaan Dercksen, 6 Cole van der Merwe, 5 Tenda Saunyama, 4 Zack Stassen, 3 Leon Muller, 2 Tiaan Frazer, 1 Gustaf Brink.

Stirling: 15 Salusiwe Madalane, 14 Lahluma Daniel, 13 Avela Soyizwapi, 12 Lomelelo Fotoyi, 11 Camagu Mtshotane, 10 Khazimla Mbunge, 9 Owethu Khalishwayo, 8 Joshua Pickering (captain), 7 Uyanda Qweleka, 6 Sive Plaatjie, 5 Lungaka Cakata, 4 Lilitha Mayiji, 3 Sinalo Tena, 2 Iyazi Mbhele, 1 Sihle Ndzonda.

Despite contrasting form lines this season, the fierce rivalry that has defined recent clashes between St Andrew’s College and Grey High should ensure another blockbuster first-team rugby showdown in Makhanda on Saturday (15:00).

The last two encounters between the traditional Eastern Cape rivals have been decided by a single point, underlining just how little separates the teams when they meet on the field. Grey edged home 29-28 in 2024 before St Andrew’s turned the tables with a dramatic 28-27 victory last year.

Those results have added another chapter to one of the province’s great schoolboy rugby rivalries, and there is little doubt that the battle for bragging rights will again be fiercely contested this weekend.

On current form, Grey will start as the favourite. Their only defeats this season have come against powerhouse opposition in Affies, Paul Roos Gymnasium and Wynberg Boys’ High, while they have also produced several commanding victories.

Captain and centre, Ciaran Killian, has been a key figure in midfield, combining leadership with an ability to create momentum on attack, while Grey’s forwards have shown plenty of cohesion and physicality. Hooker Micah Wessels has been a major beneficiary of their strong mauling game, crossing for a number of important tries this season.

St Andrew’s, meanwhile, endured a difficult opening to their campaign with six consecutive defeats before getting back on track against Marlow Agricultural. They built further confidence with an emphatic win over Cambridge last weekend, but will need to raise their intensity again against their arch-rivals from Gqeberha.

Fullback Will Stevens will play an influential role at the back, while the work rate of forwards James Badenhorst, Josh van Zyl and Sivatho Mjali will be crucial if the hosts are to match Grey physically up front.

Given the history between the schools, however, form is unlikely to count for much once the whistle blows, with another close and compelling contest expected.

Another exciting battle will take place in Cradock when Marlow Agricultural host Humansdorp outfit Nico Malan (14:30).

A year ago, Nico Malan scored a notable 26-7 win, but that sort of scoreline is something of a rarity between the two sides, and this weekend’s showdown can be expected to go down to the wire.

For various reasons, neither team have seen much action lately, and a lot will depend on who manages to slip into a rhythm early on.

Kingswood, after a recent slip-up against Hudson Park when they lost 25-24, will be looking for better things against Port Rex in Makhanda (13:30), while Brandwag should start as favourites against Westering at Westering (13:30).

The teams:

St Andrew’s College vs Grey High School from 15:00 in Makhanda: 

St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Max de Wet, 13 Avu Bangazi, 12 Alexander Stewart, 11, Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Luke Chorley, 9 Ethan Hayes, 8 James Badenhorst, 7 Warrick Campbell, 6 Kyle Schwechheimer, 5 Josh van Zyl, 4 Harry Horwood, 3 Sivatho Mjali, 2 Ross Faber, 1 Mark Ewing

Grey High School: 15 Keanu Linch, 14 Noah Mbizi, 13 Ciaran Killian (captain), 12 Anfred Jansen, 11 Sikhu Xego, 10 Nathan Trytsman, 9 Santino Goniwe, 8 Zola Yeye, 7 Cole Bennett, 6 Sibonelo Stuurman, 5 Joandre van Jaarsveld, 4 Jean Nel, 3 Juan Potgieter, 2 Micah Wessels, 1 Daniel Naudé.

Kingswood College vs Port Rex THS from 13:30 in Makhanda: 

Kingswood College: 15 Kungawo Badli, 14 James Mackenzie, 13 Sinawo Bukula, 12 Sam Dunne, 11 Chad Roodt, 10 Christopher Zimmerman, 9 Ryan O’Sullivan, 8 Luniko Marivate, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Sizo Klaas, 5 Ross Thompson (captain), 4 Sandi Peter, 3 Junior Ndlazi, 2 Charl du Toit, 1 Sithenkosi Qabaka

Port Rex THS: No team sheet received from Port Rex THS.

Marlow Landbou vs Nico Malan from 14:30 at Willie Meyer Park in Cradock: 

Marlow Landbou: 15 Herlu Schoeman, 14 Charles Marais, 13 Matthew Lieberum, 12 Johannes Schoombee, 11 Jurgens van Staden, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Logan van Vuuren, 8 GD Jordaan, 7 AC du Toit, 6 CJ Botha, 5 JG de Lange, 4 Sinqobile Siyengo, 3 AJ Raubenheimer, 2 Herman le Roux, 1 Marcus September.

Nico Malan: 15 Leighton Lawrence, 14 Reagan Stone, 13 Jehu Geswindt, 12 Kian van Schalkwyk, 11 Kobus Strydom, 10 Cristiano Goeda, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Sima Ozah, 7 Merwe van der Merwe, 6 Callie de Lange, 5 Luciano Botha, 4 Ruben van Dijk, 3 Ruan Nel, 2 Janu Janse van Rensburg, 1 Reghardt Conradie.

Westering vs Die Brandwag (Kariega) from 13:30 in Gqeberha: 

Brandwag: 15 Rezanio Petrus, 14 Dewandre Witbooi, 13 Clevelon Deysel, 12 Brindley Brandt, 11 Darren Gardener, 10 Egan George, 9 Zanick Carolus, 8 Hannes Klopper, 7 Divan Kotze, 6 Erik Rudman, 5 Luan Greeff, 4 Justin Swanepoel, 3 Casper Steenkamp, 2 Errol Te Brugge, 1 Francu Fouché.

Westering: No team sheet received from Westering.

After a disappointing loss at the hands of Wynberg Boys’ High last weekend, Grey High returned to action on a mission to correct some wrongs.

The boys from Gqeberha, who failed to find the back of the net despite creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities against Wynberg, travelled to Makhanda to face St Andrew’s College on Friday.

The clash was highly anticipated, with both outfits having produced strong performances in the Eastern Cape this season.

St Andrew’s was confident after beating Woodridge College, Cambridge High, and Reddam House Constantia in their previous three fixtures.

It was Grey, however, that made a bright start, rushing into a 2-1 lead in the first chukka, thanks to strikes by Logan Meyer and Ben Atkinson.

The second and third chukkas were tightly contested. Both teams created chances to change the scoreline, but Grey’s defence held firm and St Andrew’s continued to absorb the pressure.

The final chukka was frantic, particularly the closing minutes, during which the hosts played without a goalkeeper after he was sent off.

Grey capitalised on that advantage in the dying seconds when Atkinson converted from a short corner to seal the win. It was the team’s second victory in as many days after they dismantled Kingswood College 8-0 in a mid-week meeting.

In Komani, Queen’s College put on a masterclass to beat Hudson Park High 4-0. Cayden Adonis netted a brace while Jo Aucamp and Liyema Auwa sealed the win for coach Michael Baiden‘s side.

It was also a bounce-back victory for the Queenians after their 2-3 loss to Selborne College a week ago.

In Oudtshoorn, York High continued its impressive run with a 3-2 win over Langenhoven Gimnasium. It was a second win of the week for York, who also scored a 4-0 win over Oakhill on Monday.

The goals for York, co-coached by Jason and Sean Slater, came from Layton Dafel, Dom Joshua and Ross Smorfitt.

Pearson High went on a goal-scoring rampage against Kingswood College in Gqeberha, charging to a 10-2 win.

In Qonce, Dale College was forced to come from behind in a 2-2 draw with Cambridge High.

The side from KuGompo City produced a dominant first half but opened the scoring only in the third quarter through Alakhe Kewuti. Four minutes into the final chukka, Lihle Hempe stretched their lead to 2-0.

Dale responded positively and earned a share of the spoils through back-to-back goals from Unesisa George and Singumzi Funani.

Cambridge had several opportunities to snatch victory with four short corners in the closing two minutes, but their execution let them down, and it finished all-square.

RESULTS

Queen’s College 4-0 Hudson Park
Grey High 3-1 St Andrew’s College
Dale College 2-2 Cambridge High
York High 4-1 Oakhill
Grey High 8-0 Kingswood College
York High 3-2 Langenhoven Gimnasium
Pearson High 10-2 Kingswood College

Oranje, St Mary’s DSG Kloof, St Anne’s, and Our Lady of Fatima put their names in the hat as title contenders by winning both of their matches on the first day of the St Anne’s Cup on Friday in Hilton.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Oranje scored 14 goals and conceded once in two outings to make a bold and clear statement about their intentions with emphatic wins over Epworth and St Stithians College.

The ladies from Bloemfontein defeated Epworth 6-1 in their first encounter and then overran St Stithians College 8-0 in their afternoon fixture.

Those victories propelled Oranje to the top of Pool A. St Stithians climbed to second place after a 2-1 win over Epworth in their second match.

St Mary’s DSG Kloof sauntered to the summit of Pool B following their victories over Hoërskool Noordheuwel and The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC).

Jamie da Silva, Sarah Patterson, and Olivia Lord were on target in their 3-2 win over Noordheuwel. The 2024 champions followed up that victory with a 5-0 drubbing of TWC. It was a two-goal game for Bella Roberts, while Jenna-Leigh Freese, Da Silva, and Patterson chimed in with a goal each.

TWC, after a 3-1 win over Noordheuwel earlier in the day, is in second place.

The hosts, St Anne’s, impressed with back-to-back victories over Ashton International College and Eunice High. The Pool C leaders beat Ashton 2-0, courtesy of goals from Belle Hofmeyr and Nikki Thomas. Hofmeyr was on the scoresheet again when they replicated that score against Eunice in the final match of the day, with Zintle James adding the other.

Eunice beat Ashton 3-0 in their first outing, leaving the Bloemfontein school in second place.

Last year’s runner-up, Our Lady of Fatima, put their name down as one of the favourites for the title with comfortable wins over Durban Girls’ College (DGC) and Helpmekaar Kollege. They opened their challenge with a 2-0 win over DGC and then cantered to a 4-1 triumph over Helpmekaar.

RESULTS

Pool A

Oranje 6-1 Epworth
Oranje 8-0 St Stithians
St Stithians 2-1 Epworth

Pool B

TWC 3-1 Noordheuwel
St Mary’s 3-2 Noordheuwel
St Mary’s 5-0 TWC

Pool C

St Anne’s 2-0 Ashton
Eunice 3-0 Ashton
St Anne’s 2-0 Eunice

Pool D

Our Lady of Fatima 2-0 DGC
DGC 1-0 Helpmekaar
Our Lady of Fatima 4-1 Helpmekaar

Monument van Krugersdorp se Wit Bulle kon nog net vier keer sedert 1997 daarin slaag om vir Helpmekaar Kollege ore aan te sit.

Interresant is die feit dat die enigste afrigter van die Wit Bulle wat in hierdie tydperk daarin kon slaag om die Helpies te klop, Tjaart van der Walt, is. Van der Walt staan deesdae aan stuur van Helpies se rugbyprogram.

En na verlede jaar se nederlaag van 43-53 op die Ras van Rooyen-veld sal Monument se afrigters, Jannie du Plessis en Reinhard Gerber, presies weet hoe moeilik hul ontmoeting om 12:30 Saterdag in die Virseker Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling met Helpmekaar sal wees.

Die Wit Bulle is egter vanjaar ‘n ander span. Hulle het oorwinnings in hul laaste agt kragmetings behaal. Die span het verlede week vir Jeppe High School for Boys met 47-29 in ‘n King Price Derby Series kragmeting kaf gedraf.

Monnas is ook onoorwonne in vanjaar se Beker-afdeling na klinkende sege oor EG Jansen (85-19) en Noordheuwel (41-15). Die Helpies se enigste sege in vanjaar se reeks het hy verlede week oor die Jansies met 36-24 behaal.

Dit is jammer dat die Leeus se Cravenweek-skrumskakel, Shaye Lourens, op losskakel vir Helpies moet uitdraf. ‘n Tweestryd met verlede jaar se Suid-Afrikaanse Skole-skrumskakel, Morné Noble, kon een van die hoogtepunte van die naweek se skolerugby gewees het.

Noble was die afgelope paar weke vuurwarm vir die Wit Bulle. Hy was as Speler van die Wedstryd in al drie van sy span laaste kragmetings teen onderskeidelik EG Jansen, Noordheuwel en Jeppe aangewys. Hy kan wel steeds goeie teenstand van Helpies se John van Druten verwag.

Van Druten se pa, ook John, het die Wit Bulle en die Leeus se Cravenweek-span in 1999 verteenwoordig. Gerber was ook ‘n lid van die span, saam met ander bekende name soos Quintin Geldenhuys (Italië) en Jorrie Muller (Springbokke).

Helpies kan die pyp rook indien sy span se agterhoede genoeg balbesit kry. Buiten die Lourens-tweeling, Ethan en Shaye, hou die Van Druten, Xander van Niekerk (heelagter) en die linkervleuel, Zuan Krige, daarvan om met die bal te hardloop.

Monnas se agttal met Siya Ncube (flank), Ryno van der Westhuizen (kaptein en agtsteman) asook die reuse slot, Hanco van Geelen, kan egter ‘n stokkie hiervoor steek.

Noordheuwel se Blues speel gasheer vir EG Jansen in ‘n kragmeting wat vir albei spanne van uiterste belang is. Die Nories het nog nie die soet smaak van ‘n sege in vanjaar se reeks geproe nie.

Die span wat deur Stefan “Botter” Lourens gebrei word, is veel beter as wat hierdie stukkie statistiek aandui. Die span het boonop verlede week in sy nederlaag van 17-44 teen die pasaangeër in die reeks, Garsfontein, gewys dat hy met tye goeie rugby kan opdis.

Die tweestryd tussen die twee kapteins, Jaco Engelbrecht (EG Jansen) en Kean Lourens (Noordheuwel), aan die kant van die skrum behoort vir heelwat hoogtepunte te sorg.

Die stryd tussen die twee losskakels behoort ook vurig te wees. EG se Juan van Aswegen was tot dusver een van sy span se groot staatmakers, terwyl Kieran Reid gewoonlik op senter uitdraf, maar vir Heinrich Smith teen die Blues moet instaan.

Die spanne is: 

Helpmekaar Kollege t. Monument om 12:30 in Johannesburg: 

Helpmekaar: 15 Xander van Niekerk, 14 Ruben Coetzee, 13 Daniel Kelbrick, 12 Ethan Lourens, 11 Zuan Krige, 10 Shaye Lourens, 9 John van Druten, 8 Ruann Bester, 7 Xander Jackson, 6 Llewelyn Vermaak, 5 Dewald du Preez, 4 Diandro Botha, 3 Karlo Steenkamp, 2 Jeandré van der Merwe, 1 Daylan Ferreira.

Monument: 15 Logan Langeveldt, 14 Migael Coetzee, 13 Blessing Moraneng, 12 Juandré Ehlers, 11 Ruan Genis, 10 Jayden Viljoen, 9 Morné Noble, 8 Ryno van der Westhuizen (kaptein), 7 Roché Botha, 6 Siya Ncube, 5 Hanco van Geelen, 4 Matthew van Deventer, 3 Ben van Wyk, 2 Jayden Nel, 1 Dexter Chiwanga.

Skeidsregter: Austin Richardson.

Noordheuwel t. EG Jansen om 13:00 in Krugersdorp: 

Noordheuwel: 15 Wilcu Roos, 14 Edwill October, 13 Tristan Helmund, 12 Armand Coetzee, 11 Prince Agu, 10 Kieran Reid, 9 SW de Waal, 8 Armand van Eck, 7 Kean Lourens (kaptein), 6 JB Blaunt, 5 Robert Hurn, 4 Jared Coetzer, 3 Steph Botha, 2 Miguel Elliot, 1 Ruben Botes.

EG Jansen: 15 JJ van Rensburg, 14 Liam Hector, 13 Duwayne Zeekoei, 12 Dian Botha, 11 Conor Louw, 10 Juan van Aswegen, 9 Joseph Diesel, 8 Juan Harris, 7 Jaco Engelbrecht (kaptein), 6 Aljay Olivier, 5 Ivan Botha, 4 Ewan Pretorius, 3 Elshaan Duminy, 2 JC du Toit, 1 Marlo van der Merwe.

Skeidsregter: Hernus Coetzee.

Daar wag ongetwyfeld ‘n emosioneel gelaaide kragmeting tussen Garsfontein en Menlopark hierdie Saterdag op Berepark in Pretoria.

Die twee spanne pak mekaar om 13:10 in die Beker-afdeling van die Virseker Noordvaal Cup.

Dit sal Garsfontein se voormalige hoofafrigter, Johan du Plessis, se eerste wedstryd teen sy voormalige skool wees. Du Plessis was deel van die Bere se afrigtingspan in elk van sy vyf Noordvaal-titels.

Hy was boonop die hoofafrigter met Garsfontein se laaste drie titels wat hy in 2023 tot en met 2025 ingepalm het. Du Plesiss brei deesdae die Parkies se agterhoede.

Hy sal dus weet watter reuse taak op sy nuwe span Saterdag wag.

Die Garsie Bere is ongetwyfeld die gunsteling. Die span is nog onoorwonne in vanjaar se reeks en beskik oor waarskynlik die gevaarlikste agterste driehoek in die kompetisie met Drewyn Baron, Yuvrah George en Neil de Kock.

Baron het sover vier keer agter die doellyn in sy span se drie wedstryde in die reeks gaan kuier. George spog self met drie drieë sover. Albei is in die Blou Bulle se voorlopige Cravenweek-span ingesluit.

Garsfontein het met agt spelers in vanjaar se groep die grootste verteenwoordiging in die Bulle se uitsoekgroep. Die ander spelers wat die span gemaak het is, Ruan Fluks, Joshua Gouws (albei losskakels), Kwagga van der Vyver (flank/haker), JJ Fourie (slot), Ruben Lombaard en André van Wyk (albei stutte).

Die Parkies het self twee spelers in sy geledere wat die uitsoekgroep gemaak het. Die heelagter, Jody Abrahams, het die span as vleuel gemaak, terwyl die Dylan Stumke weer op binnesenter vir die Ligbloues sal uitdraf.

Stumke is na losskakel vir die kragmeting teen die Bere geskuif, met die losskakel, Willie Pieterse, wat na binnesenter skuif.

Die span se hoofafrigter, Andries Ferreira, sou ook heelwat moet skaaf die week na hul haker, Dian de Bruin, harsingskudding in sy span se nederlaag van 12-36 verlede week teen Waterkloof opgedoen het. Jacques Wiltz sal Saterdag teen Van der Vyver moet wys dat hy reg is om in die beginspan ‘n impak te maak

Garsfontein se hoofafrigter, Sylvester Booysen, kon nie vir Lourenz de Jager (agtsteman) en Levi Jordaan (buitesenter) weens beserings vir die kragmeting oorweeg nie.

Hoërskool Waterkloof sal Saterdag gsasheer vir Hoërskool Middelburg, wat nog onoorwonne in vanjaar se reeks is, speel. Die Klofies behoort egter steeds op sy tuisveld as die gunsteling op die veld te draf.

Albei spanne se hoofafrigters, Cobus van Dyk (Waterkloof) en Christiaan Gouws (Middelburg), ken mekaar goed. Die twee se paaie het reeds met mekaar in 2012 gekruis toe Van Dyk destyds die Hoërskool Ermelo gebrei het, terwyl Gouws vir Ligbron Akademie afgerig het.

Klofies se kaptein en buitesenter, Meyer Pretorius, is saam met die heelagter, Alexander Griesel, hul span se gevaarmanne agterlangs. Interresant is dat Gouws besluit het om een van sy flanke Aiden Nel na die middelveld vir die kragmeting te skuif.

Die spanne is: 

Hoërskool Garsfontein t. Die Hoërskool Menlopark om 13:10 op Berepark in Pretoria: 

Garsfontein: 15 Drewyn Baron, 14 Yuvrah George, 13 Le-marc Henry, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Neil de Kock, 10 Ruan Fluks, 9 Dean Wilbers, 8 JP Meintjies, 7 Derik Potgieter, 6 Francois van Niekerk, 5 SW Potgieter, 4 JJ Fourie (kaptein), 3 Ruben Lombard, 2 Stefan van der Vyver, 1 André van Wyk.

Menlopark: 15 Jody Abrahams, 14 Lucian Read, 13 Danie Botma, 12 Willie Pieterse, 11 Juan Joubert, 10 Dylan Stumke, 9 Eben Botma, 8 Tiaan Boshoff (kaptein), 7 Dewald van Wyk, 6 Miller de Jager, 5 Dawid van den Heever, 4 Lyndon Fourie, 3 Reando Fourie, 2 Jacques Wiltz, 1 Justin Toerien.

Skeidsregter: Stephan Geldenhuys.

Hoërskool Waterkloof t. Hoërskool Middelburg om 13:20 in Pretoria: 

Waterkloof: 15 Alexander Griesel, 14 Mieder Erasmus, 13 Meyer Pretorius (kaptein), 12 Ruben Louwrens, 11 Jacques Jansen van Rensburg, 10 Liam Schutte, 9 Marcel Tsiakos, 8 Almero Gerritsen, 7 Stefan Pieters, 6 Hugo Dercksen, 5 Marius Venter, 4 Phillip Mans, 3 Reinhard Duvenhage, 2 Len Smit, 1 Wian Hetzel.

Hoërskool Middelburg: 15 Janré Oosthuizen, 14 Kgontse Masilela, 13 Aiden Nel, 12 Blake Faber, 11 Kgotso Peta, 10 Buhle Mphahlaza (kaptein), 9 Enio Manhica, 8 Sifiso Hlungwane, 7 Siyabonga Mokgoatjana, 6 Menzi Siyaya, 5 Khensani Buthelezi, 4 Lihan de Vaal, 3 Dewald du Toit, 2 Ryan Blake, 1 Melchior van Niekerk.

Skeidsregter: Angelic Bezuidenhout.

The Blue Bulls selectors made their selections for their first warm-up encounter of the season against the Valke on the 3rd of June.

Both the u18A and u18B sides, the Craven Week and Academy Week sides, were named with 24 players in the squads. The warm-up matches are considered part of the trials, and final selections will be made only after their games against the Sharks.

Garsfontein, with eight players, has the biggest representation within the squad. In total, ten schools are represented within the Craven Week squad.

From last year’s side, only Thabiso Simelane (St Alban’s College), Dylan Stumke (Menlopark), Drewyn Baron (Garsontein) and Charl Els (Affies) will be in action once again. The Bulls will play their first match in Gqeberha on the Kolisi-field against their old foe the Golden Lions.

Simelane also represented the South African Schools’ side last year. Els was called up from the Academy Week to play for the Bulls against Eastern Province in their final match of last year’s tournament.

Martin van Niekerk (Affies, lock) is the only other player from last year’s Academy Week side who made the jump with Els to Craven Week selection.

Eight players from the Bulls’ Grant Khomo Week side of 2024 in Gqeberha – Els, Van Niekerk, Stumke, Baron, Simelane, Fourie Roberts (Affies, scrumhalf), Yuvrah George (Garsfontein wing) and Jody Abrahams (Menlopark, wing) are in prime seats to make the trip to the Windy City again.

Roberts is the son of former South Western Districts scrumhalf, Freddie Roberts. The latter represented the Ostrich Farmers in 62 matches between 1997 and 1999.

In 2024 this group of Bulls lost by 22-31 against Western Province in the main match of the Grant Khomo Week on the Kolisi-field.

The teams: 

Craven Week: 15 Drewyn Baron (Garsfontein), 14 Yuvrah George (Garsfontein), 13 Thabiso Simelane (St Alban’s College), 12 Dylan Stumke (Menlopark), 11 Jody Abrahams (Menlopark), 10 Joshua Gouws (Garsfontein), 9 Fourie Roberts (Affies), 8 Almero Gerritsen (Waterkloof), 7 Mbala Ndima (Pretoria Boys High), 6 Stephan van der Vyfer (Garsfontein), 5 Martin van Niekerk (Affies), 4 JJ Fourie (Garsfontein), 3 Ruben Lombaard (Garsfontein), 2 Charl Els (Affies), 1 André van Wyk (Garsfontein). Replacements: 16 Riyaan Wilson (Oos-Moot), 17 Thando Telelo (Oos-Moot), 18 Maka Kumadeka (Cornwall Hill College), 19 Disintle Onyeari (Overkruin), 20 Luan Wepener (Zwartkop), 21 Garrith Warrie (Zwartkop), 22 Opentse Matlebjane (Pretoria Boys High), 23 Ruan Fluks (Garsfontein), 24 Joshua Gouws (Affies).

8 Garsfontein | 4 Affies | 2 Menlopark | 2 Pretoria Boys High | 2 Oos-Moot | 2 Zwartkop | 1 St Alban’s College | 1 Waterkloof | 1 Overkruin | 1 Cornwall Hill College

Academy Week: 15 Alexander Griessel (Waterkloof), 14 Neo Ledwaba (Garsfontein), 13 Meyer Pretorius (Waterkloof), 12 David van Jaarsveld (Zwartkop), 11 Waylin Papier (Zwartkop), 10 Michael Bhuda (Oos-Moot), 9 Ethan Williams (Affies), 8 Caleb Pretorius (Affies), 7 Phillip Mans (Waterkloof), 6 Wandile Mbate (St Alban’s College), 5 Reuben Vlok (Affies), 4 Alex Muller (Affies), 3 Reinhardt Duvenhage (Waterkloof), 2 Reagan Blignaut (Zwartkop), 1 Francois de Beer (Affies). Replacements: 16 Shawn Maobelo (Montana), 17 Esihle Mhlongo (Hercules), 18 Reando Fourie (Menlopark), 19 Matimu Maluleke (Pretoria Boys High), 20 Duran Pieterse (Menlopark), 21 Tilon Baron (Zwartkop), 22 Kealan Cloete (Die Wilgers), 23 Brian Jacobs (Oos-Moot), 24 Keagan Fourie (Affies).

6 Affies | 4 Waterkloof | 4 Zwartkop | 2 Oos-Moot| 2 Menlopark | 1 Garsfontein | 1 St Alban’s College | 1 Montana | 1 Hercules | 1 Die Wilgers | 1 Pretoria Boys High

Grant Khomo Week: 15 Tyron Strauss (GF), 14 Amani Muwanza (PBHS), 13 Heinrich Becker (AHS), 12 Lourens Grobler (AHS), 11 Sandile Majola (PBHS), 10 LeRoux Badenhorst (GF), 9 Lian de Jager (GARS), 8 Dylan Badenhorst-Schnetler (AHS), 7 Morne Beukes (GF), 6 Jayden Olivier (ZW), 5 Duan Terblanche (AHS), 4 Mathlatsi Mabalane (PBHS), 3 Gerrit du Plooy (AHS), 2 Lehakoe Mokoena (Pretoria Boys High), 1 Tayler Nel (Affies). Replacements: 16 Divan Olivier (Menlopark), 17 Travis Feeta (Pretoria Boys’ High), 18 Smaks Mengoae (Pretoria Boys High), 19 Franco Loots (Garsfontein), 20 Buhle Adonis (Pretoria Boys High), 21 Keanu Human (Zwartkop), 22 Tumisho Nkadimeng (Menlopark), 23 Nielan April (Garsfontein).

o.17A: 15 Tyrese Adams (Oos-Moot), 14 Nthando Malobola (Garsfontein), 13 Dandré Brink (Affies), 12 Rico du Plessis (Affies), 11 Vokosi Ndlovu (Pretoria Boys High), 10 Ruben Smith (Affies), 9 Kassie Lebelo (Garsfontein), 8 Dewald van Wyk (Menlopark), 7 Chaden Dartnell (Eldoraigne), 6 Rossouw Scheepers (Affies), 5 SW Potgieter (Garsfontein), 4 Zinyemba Matthew (St Alban’s College), 3 Liam de Jager (Affies), 2 Hendré Ehlers (Affies), 1 Tawana Mahita (St Alban’s College). Replacements: 16 Emmanuel Honono (Pretoria Boys High), 17 Wian Hentzel (Waterkloof), 18 Zian Slabbert (Affies), 19 Brian Joubert (Waterkloof), 20 Kwetsima Dlamini (Pretoria Boys High), 21 Amakhle Kilan (Centurion), 22 Joshua Kekana (Wonderboom), 23 Kyle Pienaar (Affies).

o.17B: 15 Kyle van Staden (Affies), 14 Nico Klein (Die Wilgers), 13 Danie Botma (Menlopark), 12 Lemarc Henry (Garsfontein), 11 Mashego Mabuto (Pretoria Boys High), 10 Caleb Africa (Rietondale), 9 Dean Wilbers (Garsfontein), 8 Judah le Roux (Zwartkop), 7 Dewald van Wyk (Menlopark), 6 Carlo Brits (Waterkloof), 5 Xavier Martin (Pretoria Boys High), 4 Marius Venter (Waterkloof), 3 Kyle van Schalkwyk (Montana), 2 Obakeng Rametsi (St Alban’s College), 1 Mvelo Sibissi (Curro Hazeldean). Replacements: 16 Tehan Maree (Midstream College), 17 Daniel Prefa (Rietondale), 18 Sinawo Stengana (Oos-Moot), 19 Thabane Phasha (St Alban’s College), 20 Zipho Mtyhobile (Rietondale), 21 Ezra Mosikara (Rietondale), 22 Renaldo Klein (Rietondale), 23 Ruvan Burger (Zwartkop).