The schoolboy rugby calendar serves up an absolute feast this weekend, with four blockbuster encounters guaranteed to set pulses racing across the country. From Pretoria derbies to coastal clashes, this Saturday promises fireworks.
Capital clash: Garsfontein host wounded Affies
Garsfontein welcome a beleaguered Affies outfit to Pretoria in what shapes as the weekend’s most explosive derby. The visitors arrive nursing wounds from recent setbacks, having buckled when facing their biggest tests this season. Yet Affies remain a side with the manpower to topple anyone on their day, making them dangerous opponents despite their struggles.
Garsfontein, meanwhile, are riding a wave of belief after their tremendous showing at Noord Suid, where they stunned the number one ranked Stellenberg and last year’s number one Paarl Boys High. Their back three has emerged as a lethal weapon, and containing that threat will define Affies’ approach.
The tactical chess match looms large. Drop an extra defender in the backfield to field the bombs from flyhalf Fluks, and you risk gifting the Garsies’ speedsters precious space to wreak havoc. Affies boast a capable back three of their own, but they’ll need to deliver their finest performance of the season.
“Big character test for us. We need to show a big reaction,” said Ruan Jacobs, Affies’ head of rugby. “It is always direct and physical when you play a Pretoria derby. They should have their tails up after a good Noord Suid. They kick well, once they get that foot in the door they release the dangerous back three that can hurt you. The test of character for us will be how we get up after last week.”
Grey College face Paarl Gim juggernaut
Grey College travel to the winelands for a daunting assignment against an in-form Paarl Gim side that’s demolishing all comers. The hosts are riding a winning streak built on ruthless efficiency – averaging 50 points scored whilst conceding a mere 15 per match.
Grey arrive off the back of consecutive defeats, and the season-ending injury to O’Ryan Kleyn has added another layer of difficulty to their challenge. The naysayers have begun whispering about Grey’s fall from grace, but such talk ignores their quality victories over Monument, Oakdale and Helpmekaar. Two losses don’t define a season.
“It is one of our biggest tests, but one we have been waiting for, for the whole season. It is sad about O’Ryan, but we are also excited to see what Emile Aucamp, who returns from injury, will do with his opportunity. It looks like it is going to be a wet match, which might provide us with some opportunities,” said Jannie Geldenhuys, 1st XV coach of Grey College.
Gim’s confidence will be sky-high, their attacking patterns humming. Grey will need to rediscover the defensive steel and tactical discipline that carried them through the season’s opening fixtures.
Jeppe host Westville in exchange programme showdown
The black and white of Jeppe welcome Westville in an exchange programme fixture that promises edge and intensity. The Griffons represent another stern examination for the hosts, bringing multiple threats across the park.
“We expect a big match, they have beaten Garsfontein, but we saw that if you match them physically and are willing to take them on you can get the reward,” said Zander Erasmus, Westville’s 1st XV coach. “We are looking forward to a physical match but also a high tempo. Jeppe had 158 carries against KES, we need to starve them of possession. They have good players. Last time we played them they got the better of us. We have a good relationship with them, they are a proud rugby school. It is a highlight on the calendar for us. We have 12 or 13 buses going up to Joburg.”
Jeppe’s Dricus Venter acknowledges the size of the task ahead. “They are a classy outfit, a well balanced side, with good ball carriers up front and great game changers at the back. I think they will play a territorial game and rely on good set piece ball.”
The hosts have struggled against KwaZulu-Natal opposition this season, falling to both Michaelhouse and Maritzburg College. Westville’s victory over Maritzburg will give them additional belief they can extend that trend.
KES travel to Noordheuwel
KES make the journey to Krugersdorp to face Noordheuwel in what looms as a redemption mission for both sides. Noordheuwel have endured a difficult campaign, securing victories only against Rustenburg early in the season and Marlow recently.
KES carry more wins in their luggage, but more importantly, they’ll draw confidence from their victory over Queen’s College, a team that toppled Noordheuwel at the KES Easter festival. The hosts remain a side not to be underestimated, particularly given the likelihood they fielded a second-string outfit at that Easter tournament following their gruelling Noord Suid campaign.
KES arrive bruised from last weekend’s brutal derby encounter with Jeppe. Bodies will be sore, recovery will have been paramount.
“Another tough test for us, they will be hurting a lot after their loss to Queens,” said Njabulo Zulu, KES’ 1st XV coach. “We would like to get back on track, and so would they. So I think it will be two teams that are going to fight hammer and tongs to get the W for their schools and their communities.”
Four matches, four different narratives, one guarantee, schoolboy rugby at its finest.
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