Picking one must-watch match for Saturday 14 March is like asking a kid in a candy store to choose just one sweet. It simply cannot be done.
South African schoolboy rugby serves up a smorgasbord of mouthwatering clashes this weekend: six matches with test match intensity that will have rugby fanatics frantically checking kick-off times and contemplating the logistical impossibility of attending them all.
Buckle up. This is going to be one hell of a Saturday.
Grey College vs Oakdale: The main event
If schoolboy rugby had a heavyweight championship bout, this would be it. Grey College make the trek to Riversdal to face Oakdale on the “plaas” – and the men from the Western Cape reckon they have got the artillery to bring down the Bloem giants.
Grey have been finding their rhythm with warm-up victories over Trio and Welkom Gim, but Oakdale are not rolling out the welcome mat. Fresh off a statement win over Milnerton, the hosts are brimming with confidence, particularly in their pack, where the star power could trouble even the most decorated opposition.
“We are feeling good, our preparation has been excellent. Last year we didn’t have any games before we played Grey. I believe we are better prepared this year in terms of match sharpness. I am positive; the boys are feeling good, we don’t have injuries,” said Adrian Jansen, Oakdale’s 1st XV coach.
For Grey College coach Jannie Geldenhuys, this represents the first genuine examination of his side’s credentials.
“What they have achieved so early in the season is truly remarkable. It is always great to test yourself against quality opposition. We look forward to our trip to Riversdal, the way we are hosted there is always wonderful. All the hard work and preparation that was done in the pre-season will now be tested,” Geldenhuys said.
Translation: The gloves are off.
DHS vs Michaelhouse: Welcome to KZN, coach
Over on the east coast, Durban High School are preparing a proper KwaZulu-Natal welcome for Michaelhouse’s new coach, Marco Engelbrecht. And by welcome, we mean a baptism of fire.
“A big test to start the season. We will focus on our preparation and are excited to kick off the season,” said Peter Engledow, DHS 1st XV head coach.
Michaelhouse will arrive at Van Heerden’s field buzzing after dismantling St Charles, but DHS at home is an entirely different proposition. This one has all the makings of a cracker.
“I’m excited to see the work put in come to life. It will be a massive physical battle which both teams will be excited about. Managing the kicking and aerial game will be crucial this weekend and ultimately be the decider I feel,” said Marco Engelbrecht, 1st XV coach at House.
Paarl Gim vs Stellenberg: Dream team gets reality check
In Cape Town, Stellenberg, the so-called “dream team” whose head coach Pierre du Preez has diplomatically downplayed the hype, host Paarl Gim. That moniker faces its sternest test yet against one of the most consistently excellent outfits in South African school rugby.
“It’s going to be tough, they have a good team,” said Paarl Gim 1st XV coach Pieter Roussouw with typical understatement.
Stellenberg may have the star power, but Paarl Gim have the pedigree. Saturday will reveal whether dreams translate to dominance.
Maritzburg College vs Helpmekaar: Can lightning strike twice?
Fresh off a 77-5 demolition of Witteberg, Helpmekaar travel to Pietermaritzburg looking to back up that stunning performance. But here is the catch: They had only two days to prepare for that encounter due to athletics commitments.
This time they have had a full week. Maritzburg College, consider yourselves warned.
“It’s going to be tough; at least we have a week to prepare this time. So let’s see how it goes,” Helpmekaar’s director of rugby, Tjaart van der Walt, noted.
Maritzburg College assistant coach Kelvin Elder is not fazed, maintaining that big matches come down to preparation, and his side have had plenty.
“We’ve had a very positive pre-season and hit out against Westville last week, so looking forward to this weekend to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in the country. Look, score is irrelevant for us this weekend, but I think the team that dominates the physical aspect will be the one who walks off smiling,” Elder said.
Translation: Bring your lunch box. This is going to be physical.
Waterkloof vs Affies: Capital city clash
Two Pretoria titans collide when Waterkloof welcome Affies to their fortress. Waterkloof dismantled a solid HTS Middelburg side 40-9 midweek, form that should inject belief into their ranks ahead of facing a traditional rival.
Affies have finalised their squads and are chomping at the bit for their first proper hit-out.
“Looking forward for the season to start, we know what is waiting for us against Waterkloof. They showed some good pictures against a good HTS Middelburg team. We know it’s going to be an emotional match between the two schools,” said Ruan Jacobs, Affies head of rugby.
When local bragging rights are on the line, form goes out the window. Expect fireworks.
Boland Landbou vs Durbanville: Earn your supper
Finally, the rugby trail winds back to the Boland, where Boland Landbou host newly promoted Durbanville in WP Premier A action. Durbanville have earned their seat at the table, now they need to prove they belong.
WP Premier A is widely regarded as the most competitive schoolboy league in the country. Nice guys finish last here.
“It’s going to be a good contest; they usually have a big heavy pack and we have got good speed at the back,” said Johan du Toit, Durbanville’s head of rugby.
Classic David versus Goliath setup – except Goliath has a massive pack and David needs to be very, very quick.
Six matches. Six storylines. One glorious Saturday of schoolboy rugby that will leave supporters emotionally drained and neutrals utterly spoilt for choice.
The only question left: How will you clone yourself to attend them all?
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