The triple crown is secured. Bishops have been demolished. And now Wynberg stand on the precipice of something truly special, a grand slam that would cement their status as undisputed kings of the Southern Suburbs.
Two matches. Two away trips. Two rivals desperate to derail the dream. That’s all that stands between Wynberg and rugby immortality after their devastating 64-12 destruction of Bishops at the weekend took them one giant step closer to completing the clean sweep.
First up, Rondebosch on 15 August. Then SACS on 22 August. Win both, and Wynberg claim their first grand slam since 2014, a decade-long wait that makes this achievement even sweeter should they pull it off.
The momentum is building. Four straight victories. And a flyhalf in Achmat Behardien who has earned national recognition with selection to the SA U18 side, orchestrating attacks that have left defences in tatters.
But here’s where it gets interesting, both remaining fixtures are away from home. Wynberg must travel into enemy territory, face hostile crowds, and beat two proud Southern Suburbs institutions who would love nothing more than to play party-poopers and halt this grand slam march in its tracks.
The Triple Crown foundation
Securing the triple crown, beating all Southern Suburbs rivals at least once, represented the first milestone. Wynberg ticked that box emphatically, proving they could handle the unique pressures that come with derby rugby where form counts for nothing and bragging rights mean everything.
The Bishops demolition showcased exactly why Wynberg are in this position.
That performance sent a message to Rondebosch and SACS: Wynberg aren’t just coming for the grand slam, they’re playing at a level that makes them overwhelming favourites to claim it.
The last defeat
Rewind to 23 May. Paarl Gimnasium, one of the country’s elite school rugby programmes, handed Wynberg their last defeat. Since then? Four straight victories, escalating momentum, and a growing belief that this could be their year.
Wynberg have proven they can handle adversity, grind out results when not playing well, and blow teams away when clicking into top gear.
The psychological advantage of that winning run cannot be understated. Confidence breeds performance, and Wynberg head into their final two fixtures knowing they haven’t lost in nearly three months. That’s powerful currency in schoolboy rugby.
The Behardien factor
Achmat Behardien’s selection for the SA U18 side vindicates what Wynberg supporters have known all season, their flyhalf is operating at a different level. National recognition doesn’t just validate individual brilliance; it confirms that Wynberg possess genuine game-breaking talent capable of deciding tight matches.
Behardien’s ability to control territory, execute under pressure, and create space for dangerous runners has been pivotal to Wynberg’s success. Rondebosch and SACS know they must neutralise him to have any chance of stopping the grand slam.
The away day challenge
Here’s where Wynberg’s task becomes significantly tougher. Both remaining fixtures are away games, stripping them of home advantage and forcing them to perform in hostile environments.
Playing away means dealing with hostile crowds, referees potentially influenced by home pressure, and the psychological weight of knowing the entire stadium wants you to lose. Champions navigate these challenges.
Wynberg have proven they can win big matches this season, but winning away at bitter rivals chasing grand slam glory represents the ultimate examination.
On form, and momentum, Wynberg should complete the grand slam. Behardien is playing at national level, the team is firing on all cylinders, and the 64-12 Bishops destruction suggests they’re peaking at precisely the right moment.
But grand slams aren’t awarded on paper. They’re earned through two more 70-minute battles against desperate opponents playing in front of partisan home crowds. Rondebosch will test Wynberg’s resolve on 15 August. SACS will throw everything at them on 22 August.
Two away matches. Two Southern Suburbs rivals with nothing to lose. That’s the challenge awaiting Wynberg as they chase glory that has eluded them for a decade.
