Pretoria’s Montana backed up their 12-0 victory over Bergsig in Round One with another dominant defensive display, keeping Jeugland scoreless whilst flexing their attacking muscles when opportunities presented themselves. It’s the kind of form that suggests Montana are hitting their straps at precisely the right time.
AJ le Roux, Montana’s director of rugby, was particularly satisfied that his charges emerged from the contest without any serious injuries.
“There were too many opportunities that we didn’t convert, but there are many positives from the match. Our conditioning is starting to look good,” Le Roux said.
The experienced director knows that whilst 36 points looks comfortable on the scoreboard, against the series’ top-tier opposition, Montana will need sharper execution in the red zone. However, the physical conditioning work is clearly paying dividends, with his side looking fitter and more powerful as matches wear on.
Montana’s defensive organisation has been particularly impressive through two rounds. Two matches, two clean sheets, that’s 140 minutes without conceding a point. That kind of defensive steel forms the foundation of championship-winning sides.
Derby drama in the Far East Rand
Whilst Montana were cruising, Die Anker were grinding out a far more fraught 19-12 victory over neighbours Hugenote in the Far East Rand derby. After suffering a heavy opening-round defeat, Die Anker were desperate for redemption against their local rivals, and they delivered when it mattered most.
Gavin Fourie, the Die Anker 1st XV coach, was visibly relieved to secure the derby bragging rights.
“The boys put on a good show,” Fourie said, acknowledging that the victory gave them a solid platform to work from going forward. Derby matches are never pretty, but they’re always precious, and Die Anker will take immense confidence from this gutsy performance.
Zwartkop announce their credentials
The other side flexing their title credentials was Zwartkop, who absolutely dismantled Wagpos 43-10 in a performance that screamed contender.
David Gouws reiterated the fundamental rugby truth that you can never underestimate any opponent.
“They came for us in the first half, but we managed to lead by 12-10. In the second half we gained more momentum and let the ball do the work,” Gouws explained.
The standout performer was Shayden Botha, the Zwartkop right wing who terrorised the Wagpos defence with a sensational hat-trick. According to Gouws, it was a tough outing early doors, but his charges stuck to the gameplan and executed brilliantly in the second stanza, eventually running away with a comprehensive bonus-point victory.
Wesvalia’s upward trajectory continues
The tactical chess match between Wesvalia and Lichtenburg went to Willem van der Sandt’s charges, with Wesvalia claiming a 15-0 shutout that speaks volumes about their defensive steel and week-on-week improvement.
Van der Sandt will be delighted with his side’s progression through the opening rounds.
“We were beaten by Witteberg, narrowly won against Sentraal, and against Lichtenburg we were more convincing. We are getting better every week,” Van der Sandt said.
That’s the kind of development curve coaches dream of. For Lichtenburg, though, it was a day of frustration.
Michael Bondesio, 1st XV coach of the ‘Bloumasjien’, pinpointed his side’s inability to finish chances as the decisive factor.
“We had plenty of 22m entries that we couldn’t convert. This is a young team that will need to learn quickly,” Bondesio admitted. At this level, you simply must capitalise when you penetrate opposition territory.
Volkies’ injury nightmare deepens
The injury crisis plaguing Potchefstroom Volkies showed no signs of abating as they slumped to a 43-19 defeat against Klerksdorp Hoërskool. Missing key players Anro Nel and Lethabo Riet from the outset, Volkies are in genuine trouble.
This week’s bye comes as a desperately needed respite for the men from Potch after losing two on the trot in emphatic fashion. The medical and conditioning staff will be working overtime to get bodies back on the training paddock.
Heidelberg Volkies maintain momentum
Heidelberg Volkies continued their impressive form with a 36-14 triumph over Bergsig, backing up their 66-5 opening-round demolition with another convincing performance. However, Bergsig coach Martin Pelser felt his charges sabotaged themselves with poor execution.
“We made it difficult for ourselves. We gave up an intercept try, we tried to play wide, then a knock on and they score,” Pelser lamented.
The frustration was palpable as Pelser believes Bergsig can compete at this level, but the inaccuracy in execution proved costly against quality opposition like Heidelberg Volkies.
After two rounds, Montana, Zwartkop and Heidelberg Volkies are emerging as the pace-setters in the NWU Prestige Series. Montana’s two defensive shutouts suggest they possess the kind of defensive foundations that win tight matches, whilst Zwartkop’s attacking firepower , evidenced by 43 points against Wagpos , makes them equally dangerous.
Wesvalia’s improving form shouldn’t be discounted either. Van der Sandt’s side are finding their rhythm at precisely the right moment, and teams peaking mid-series often prove the most dangerous come the business end.
