Grey College don’t do gentle warm-ups. When Welkom Gimnasium roll into Bloemfontein on Saturday, 7 March, they’ll find a Grey side laser-focused on one objective: relentless improvement before next weekend’s mouthwatering clash with Oakdale in Riversdal. But first, they must navigate a Free State derby against opponents who’ve deliberately chosen the hard road to greatness.
Last weekend’s convincing victory over Trio, achieved despite filthy weather conditions, confirmed Grey are building nicely. Welkom Gim, meanwhile, battled past Fichardtpark through similarly sodden conditions, signalling their intent to test themselves against the nation’s elite from the opening whistle.
For Grey head coach Jannie Geldenhuys, Saturday represents another crucial step in his side’s evolution. With Oakdale’s formidable challenge looming large, there’s no room for complacency.
“It is always a privilege to play against Welkom Gim. They are one of the leading rugby schools in the Free State. We are getting closer every week to where we want to be, and we need to make sure we get it right in the next two weeks,” Geldenhuys said.
No soft options for Welkom Gim
If you’re searching for evidence that Welkom Gimnasium harbour genuine ambitions this season, look no further than their fixture list. Taking on Grey College in week two, then travelling to Krugerdorp to face the mighty Monnas the following weekend, is brilliantly brave.
Roean Bezuidenhout, Welkom Gim’s 1st XV coach, makes no apologies for the brutal scheduling. His philosophy is simple: if you want to be the best, you test yourself against the best, early and often.
“Grey are going to be fast, tough, physical and won’t stop,” Bezuidenhout said of his opponents.
This isn’t a team coming to Bloemfontein to make up the numbers. Welkom Gim are here to make a statement, to prove they belong in the conversation when South Africa’s top schoolboy sides are discussed.
Grey’s balancing act
For Geldenhuys, Saturday presents a fascinating tactical puzzle. Push too hard, risk injuries or fatigue before Oakdale. Take the foot off the gas, invite a hungry Welkom Gim side to cause an upset that would derail momentum.
The victory over Trio showcased Grey’s ability to deliver results even when conditions conspired against quality rugby. But Geldenhuys knows his side haven’t yet hit the standards they’re capable of.
While Saturday’s result matters, Bezuidenhout is playing the long game. Competitive performances against Grey and Monnas, followed by strong showings during the holiday tours, will set Welkom Gim up perfectly for the Griffons league campaign later in the season.
That’s where the silverware gets decided, and Bezuidenhout knows it. Face the giants early, learn the lessons, bank the experience, then unleash it when the league kicks off and every point counts.
Weather watch
Both sides battled through awful conditions last weekend, with handling errors and scrappy phases dominating proceedings. For Saturday no rain has been forecast, but with rain falling during Friday evening the teams might be in for muddy warfare.
Expect both coaches to prepare for all eventualities. In Free State rugby, you learn quickly that Mother Nature cares little for your tactical masterplans.
Grey will be favourites, for Saturday’s clash but Bezuidenhout’s side didn’t arrange this fixture list to play second fiddle. Expect fireworks, expect physicality, and expect Welkom Gim to leave everything on the field.
