The Collard field cauldron was at fever pitch as Jeppe stamped their authority on the King Price Derby series once again, dismantling King Edward School 31-24 in a brutal Johannesburg derby that had bone-crunching hits, handling errors under pressure, and a breakdown masterclass that ultimately proved the difference.

Four in a row for the Black and White. The statement rings loud across the Johannesburg rugby landscape.

Thousands descended on Collard field knowing full well they were about to witness something special, and neither side disappointed in a contest that ebbed and flowed like a proper derby should.

Early exchanges set the tone

Jeppe drew first blood with an early penalty, edging ahead 3-0, but KES weren’t about to lie down. Adrian Barnard provided the perfect riposte in the sixth minute, smashing over the line with the kind of carry that gets crowds on their feet. The conversion sailed over, and suddenly KES held a 7-3 advantage.

The Reds came out swinging, their physical approach in the opening exchanges sending a clear message, this wasn’t going to be easy for anyone.

But Jeppe had an answer. In the 12th minute, tighthead prop Kwazi Nyoka produced a moment of pure power, busting through the KES defence to restore the lead at 8-7. Matching physicality with physicality, the Black and White showed they could mix it up front.

Breakdown brilliance

What separated these sides wasn’t size or strength, it was tempo and technique. Jeppe played at breakneck pace, their breakdown work nothing short of exceptional. The ball recycled at lightning speed, KES struggling to realign defensively as the Black and White poured forward in waves.

A 23rd-minute penalty extended Jeppe’s lead to 11-7, though handling errors in the final third meant points were being left on the field. The pressure cooker atmosphere was taking its toll.

“It is the pressure cooker, we made it a little difficult for ourselves,” admitted Dricus Venter, Jeppe’s 1st XV coach, acknowledging the nerves that crept into his side’s game.

Ndzalama Mbhalati kept the scoreboard ticking over with another penalty, before Ross Schuurman produced the moment of the half. The physical seven flanker bust two tackles on his way to the line, a trademark carry that epitomised Jeppe’s forward dominance. At 21-7, the Black and White looked comfortable.

“Ithink our pack was brilliant we worked hard in the week to improve at the breakdown,” Venter said.

KES fight back

But KES had the final say before the break, executing a beautifully worked lineout move five metres out. Josh Eykelhof came around the front from a fake maul to dot down, cutting the deficit to 21-14 at halftime. Game on.

Connor Fourie slotted a penalty early in the second half to make it 21-17, and suddenly the thousands at Collard field sensed a comeback. The Reds were banging on the door.

Jeppe had other ideas.

Luxon Zwane crossed in the 43rd minute to extend the lead to 26-17, before Phano Letsie delivered the knockout blow in the 52nd minute. The try came after a period of brutal carrying, wave after wave crashing into the KES defensive line. The Reds defended bravely, but patience in attack paid dividends for the Black and White. 31-17.

“I think we gave ourselves a chan e with brave defending, but our lack of accuracy in the lineouts and the breakdown really hurt us,” said Njabulo Zulu, 1st XV coach of KES.

Final flourish

The final third saw Jeppe keep the ball alive beautifully, offloads creating space and opportunities. KES’ lineout woes hampered any sustained pressure, though they never stopped fighting.

Four minutes from time, Siya Nkomo barged over to make it 31-24, a deserved reward for KES’ relentless effort. They’d banged on the door all match, but the damage was already done.

KES fought bravely, their physicality evident throughout, but two areas decided this contest – Jeppe’s superiority at the breakdown and KES’ lineout struggles. When you can’t secure your own ball and your opposition is winning the collision and recycling at pace, it’s a recipe for defeat.

Follow The Rugby Factory for all school rugby news and results.