KZN final trials take place at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday, 18 May 2016.
KZN’s not an easy place to do business. For one the talent pool has always been small, so too generally has the physical size of the players. The advent of transformation has not worked in its favour either as the province is continually challenged to find enough good players to fill the strict quotas – this season it has been very apparent that all but one at full strength KZN Tier-1 1st XV’s picked on merit are well below the 45% on average provincial youth week representation requirement for under-18 level. However possibly the biggest obstacle is the congested interschools fixture list in the weeks leading up to the July holidays and the youth weeks, as most KZN top schools attempt to wrap up their schedules, freeing them to commit to soccer in the third term. This focus on school fixtures makes it difficult to adequately prepare the provincial teams. Other factors including the lack of vision or hands on rugby smartness leadership which has seen the province lagging behind their more successful slash proactive/innovative rivals. In a nutshell KZN has generally underachieved and sometimes performed poorly at Craven Week. In recent years winning one and losing two has been the norm. KZN has not won Craven Week since 1990 either. They blew a golden opportunity to feature in last year’s final, when the the players seemed preoccupied with playing the man and not the ball at times against EP. Every new season offers the hope of better fortunes and it’s encouraging to see KZN adopt a new selection policy approach. It would be nice to see out the box rugby minded thinking going forward. Successful campaigns begin with good selections, so the KZN selectors need to feel the pressure to arrive at trials with the highest levels of concentration, integrity and commitment identifying and picking the best players available. Any selectors found to be not up to scratch need to be shipped out ASAP.
| NAME | SCHOOL | NAME | SCHOOL | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 : 00 – 13 : 45 | TIME | 13 : 00 – 13 : 45 | |||
| Dubazana XV | Bulose XV | ||||
| 1 | K. Ngwenya | Newcastle 1 of 1 | 1 | G. Nelani | Northwood 1 of 6 |
| 2 | S. Pienaar | Ferrum 1 of 5 | 2 | F. Mbatha | Maritzburg College 3 of 15 |
| 3 | W. Nzimande | Weston 1 of 3 | 3 | N. Moyo | Northwood 2 of 6 |
| 4 | J. Kleynhans | Michaelhouse 1 of 3 | 4 | C. Mcintosh | Maritzburg College 4 of 15 |
| 5 | D. Bezuidenhout | Ferrum 2 of 5 | 5 | N. Cele | |
| 6 | M. Fuhri | Pionier 1 of 4 | 6 | J. O’Neill | Glenwood 2 of 21 |
| 7 | M. Pistorius | Grantleigh 1 of 3 | 7 | K. Phewa | Kloof 1 of 1 |
| 8 | E. Loubscher | Glenwood 1 of 21 | 8 | S. Mchunu | Maritzburg College 5 of 15 |
| 9 | K. Hlengwa | John Ross 1 of 2 | 9 | W. Driver | Kearsney 1 of 8 |
| 10 | M. Mazibuko | Development 1 of 2 | 10 | F. Botha | Glenwood 3 of 21 |
| 11 | M. Squires | Maritzburg College 1 of 15 | 11 | C. Mthembu | Voortrekker 1 of 2 |
| 12 | M. Mkhize | Eshowe 1 of 3 | 12 | H. Mekuto | DHS 1 of 11 |
| 13 | R. Williamson | Maritzburg College 2 of 15 | 13 | L. Mngadi | Northwood 3 of 6 |
| 14 | M. Khumalo | Weston 2 of 3 | 14 | M. Mlangeni | Northwood 4 of 6 |
| 15 | N. Nzuza | Weston 3 of 3 | 15 | K. Mertsch | Kearsney 2 of 8 |
| 13 : 50 – 14 : 35 | TIME | 13 : 50 – 14 : 35 | |||
| Pretorius XV | Fraser XV | ||||
| 1 | W. Gilbert | Ashton College 1 of 2 | 1 | L. Sangweni | Sarel Cilliers 3 of 5 |
| 2 | Z. Mnguni | Sarel Cilliers 1 of 5 | 2 | T. Kunene | Development 2 of 2 |
| 3 | T. Roga | Ferrum 3 of 5 | 3 | S. Nzimande | Sarel Cilliers 4 of 5 |
| 4 | E. Potgieter | Pionier 2 of 4 | 4 | K. Johnson | Sarel Cilliers 5 of 5 |
| 5 | I. Dabula | Treverton 1 of 2 | 5 | M. Erlank | Pongola 1 of 1 |
| 6 | T. Van Der Merwe | Grantleigh 2 of 3 | 6 | C. Taylor | Ashton College 2 of 2 |
| 7 | S. Ngubane | Greytown 1 of 3 | 7 | N. Ngcobo | Greytown 3 of 3 |
| 8 | S. Ndlovu | Treverton 2 of 2 | 8 | R. Fourie | Ferrum 5 of 5 |
| 9 | L. Nzama | Sarel Cilliers 2 of 5 | 9 | L. Nyirenda | Eshowe 2 of 3 |
| 10 | D. Meintjies | Richards Bay 1 of 1 | 10 | H. Vreken | Pionier 3 of 4 |
| 11 | V. Dlamini | Faithway 1 of 1 | 11 | B. Ngubane | Ixopo 1 of 1 |
| 12 | S. Upfold | Grantleigh 3 of 3 | 12 | M. Nhlozi | John Ross 2 of 2 |
| 13 | A. Holder | Ferrum 4 of 5 | 13 | J. Lindeque | Pionier 4 of 4 |
| 14 | K. Maqam | South City 1 of 1 | 14 | T. Zulu | Eshowe 3 of 3 |
| 15 | M. Thusi | Greytown 2 of 3 | 15 | M. Ngubane | Felixton 1 of 1 |
| 14 : 40 – 15 : 25 | TIME | 14 : 40 – 15 : 25 | |||
| Bell XV | Blaume XV | ||||
| 1 | M. King | Maritzburg College 6 of 15 | 1 | S. Westman | Glenwood 9 of 21 |
| 2 | B. Schwultz | Glenwood 4 of 21 | 2 | H. Prinsloo | Westville 2 of 5 |
| 3 | A. Zandameza | Clifton 1 of 1 | 3 | L. Cele | Glenwood 10 of 21 |
| 4 | R. Dafel | DHS 2 of 11 | 4 | D. Weiderman | Glenwood 11 of 21 |
| 5 | M. Hancock | Maritzburg College 7 of 15 | 5 | M. Bauer | Glenwood 12 of 21 |
| 6 | B. Erlich | Kearsney 3 of 8 | 6 | C. Glover | Maritzburg College 9 of 15 |
| 7 | A. Brummer | Glenwood 5 of 21 | 7 | M. Diedricks | Maritzburg College 10 of 15 |
| 8 | R. Egbrink | Michaelhouse 2 of 3 | 8 | M. Hamilton | DHS 3 of 11 |
| 9 | G. Hunt | Glenwood 6 of 21 | 9 | W. Ngubane | George Campbell 1 of 2 |
| 10 | D. Gutu | Michaelhouse 3 of 3 | 10 | C. Ritchie | Kearsney 4 of 8 |
| 11 | C. Barnard | Glenwood 7 of 21 | 11 | G. J. Lubbe | Glenwood 13 of 21 |
| 12 | B. Boulle | Westville 1 of 5 | 12 | A. Duma | Maritzburg College 11 of 15 |
| 13 | J.C. Conradie | Glenwood 8 of 21 | 13 | N. Mjara | Maritzburg College 12 of 15 |
| 14 | S. Hussain | Voortrekker 2 of 2 | 14 | S. Mazibuko | Westville 3 of 5 |
| 15 | J. Truter | Maritzburg College 8 of 15 | 15 | C.D. Badenhorst | Hilton 1 of 2 |
| 15 : 30 – 16 : 15 | TIME | 15 : 30 – 16 : 15 | |||
| Norris XV | Vowles XV | ||||
| 1 | P. Zuma | Maritzburg College 13 of 15 | 1 | D. Grant | Westville 5 of 5 |
| 2 | D. Richardson | Kearsney 5 of 8 | 2 | D. Truter | Glenwood 17 of 21 |
| 3 | A. Reintges | Maritzburg College 14 of 15 | 3 | R. Van Rooyen | Glenwood 18 of 21 |
| 4 | M. Barnard | Westville 4 of 5 | 4 | J.J. Van Der Mescht | Glenwood 19 of 21 |
| 5 | P. Jansen | Northwood 5 of 6 | 5 | J. Meyer | Kearsney 6 of 8 |
| 6 | S. Mkhaliphi | DHS 4 of 11 | 6 | L. Crowshaw | Kearsney 7 of 8 |
| 7 | D. Atembe | Maritzburg College 15 of 15 | 7 | P. Buthelezi | DHS 8 of 11 |
| 8 | N. Nkosi | George Campbell 2 of 2 | 8 | J. Miller | Kearsney 8 of 8 |
| 9 | S. Dubazane | Glenwood 14 of 21 | 9 | S. Nohamba | DHS 9 of 11 |
| 10 | G. Coetzee | DHS 5 of 11 | 10 | A.B. Curtis | Hilton 2 of 2 |
| 11 | L. Mngadi | Northwood 6 of 6 | 11 | B. Momina | Vryheid 1 of 1 |
| 12 | C. Le Fleur | Glenwood 15 of 21 | 12 | M. Maduna | Glenwood 20 of 21 |
| 13 | O. Jiba | DHS 6 of 11 | 13 | M. Holtzhausen | Glenwood 21 of 21 |
| 14 | L. Buthelezi | DHS 7 of 11 | 14 | T. Nduzo | DHS 10 of 11 |
| 15 | D. Kruger | Glenwood 16 of 21 | 15 | C. Zondeki | DHS 11 of 11 |
| 16 : 30 – 17 : 00 | TIME | 16 : 30 – 17 : 00 | |||
| Possibles | Probables | ||||
| 1 | 1 | ||||
| 2 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | 5 | ||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||
| 8 | 8 | ||||
| 9 | 9 | ||||
| 10 | 10 | ||||
| 11 | 11 | ||||
| 12 | 12 | ||||
| 13 | 13 | ||||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| 15 | 15 |
Flipping amazing thread, this is better than going to the pub or watching Grace & Frankie! There’s one comment on the selection of the respective squads
@Green Mamba:
@Green Mamba:
All good bro
Bwahahaha
@Playa: sorry gents I didn’t know this was a scientific experiment but technically I looked at the size of the panty
@Playa:
@Green Mamba: What’s bold about your statement is that you did not quantify it. There are variables that could render it completely false, while I may see how you came to your conclusion. It’s a bikini statement…we can have totally different images of how the lady looks naked, depending on what we’d prefer to see underneath.
@Green Mamba: Hey Mamba…….are you a bus service?
@Green Mamba: Glenwood haven’t been too hot for the past 3 years with House & Kearsney sharing the top in KZN spot. I would say Glenwood over a 10 year period. Since Marne-gate we have been a bit hot and cold…losing to Northwood & George Campbell but then beating some top sides. You have to be honest here….
@Grasshopper: Consistently the last few years I meant.
@Green Mamba: Westville (not this year, but 10 years prior), Kearsney and College (to a degree)…House maybe last year but didn’t test themselves. DHS this year…
@Playa: Who else?
@Green Mamba: That’s a bold statement
Let’s look at the KZN side by school now;
Starting Line Up for KZN Craven Week 2016
1. G. Nelani (Northwood)
2. D. Richardson (Kearsney)
3. R. Van Rooyen (Glenwood)
4. JJ Van den Mescht (Glenwood)
5. J. Meyer (Kearsney)
6. L. Croshaw (Kearsney)
7. P. Buthelezi (DHS)
8. J. Miller (Kearsney)
9. S. Nohamba (DHS)
10. A. Curtis (Hilton)
11. GJ. Lubbe (Glenwood)
12. S. Maduna (Glenwood)
13. M. Houltzhausen (Glenwood)
14. T. Nduzo (DHS)
15. C. Zondeki (DHS)
16. F Mbatha (College – hooker)
17. Q Vorster (Glenwood – prop/hooker)
18. A Zandamela (Clifton – prop)
19.D Weideman (Glenwood – lock)
20. A Brummer (Glenwood – flank)
21. S Dubazane (Glenwood – scrumhalf)
22. C Ritchie (Kearsney – flyhalf)
23. O Jiba (DHS -centre)
Glenwood – 9
Kearsney – 5
DHS – 5
Clifton – 1
College – 1
Northwood – 1
Hilton – 1
I think a good side on balance and considering the rules. Nice pack, Meyer and JJ could form a really good lock partnership, both big boys. Must be the most DHS has had in over a decade.
@Deon: I see.
@Bwana: Glenwood is the only KZN school that can really hold their own against the regular Top 20 sides
@Vleis: Agree with that, especially when schoolboy packs are now bigger than the WC 95 pack. Good point indeed.
@Grasshopper: The game is definitely softer now re high tackles, punching, head-butting, etc. However, rugby is currently a much more dangerous sport, as the game is much quicker, the ball is in play for longer, plus the players are much fitter, bigger and faster – this means that there are much more collisions with much higher intensity. It’s like being involved in a few car crashes during each game.
@beet: I think the Argies don’t like the softness of the game…….they love the physical stuff
@Grasshopper: @Andre T: New the new bad boy lock on the international stage is that Tomas Elbow-knee-knee from Argentina and Jaguares.
@Grasshopper: I think it was a game between Northerns and EP where Jacques du Plessis, the youngest of the brothers, came from behind and sucker punched Straeuli and then ran away. Straeuli then started chasing him across the field but could’t catch him….lol
@Andre T: Aaaahh the good old days. These days they bloody softies, high tackles, tip tackles, taking legs out whilst in the air, rucking etc….all not allowed. Next thing they going to stop tackling. The Jagueres tackle on Deysel looked fine to me…..but what do I know….
@Grasshopper: One day Natal vs Northerns at Loftus you could hear Adri’s headbutt on Rob Hankinson from the cheap seats.
He also liked pulling the opponents’ jersey over their heads and then started punching…..remember him punching SWA’s Sarel Losper about 5 times like that.
@Speartackle: Jeez, those were the days of énforcers’, Adri made Bakkies look like an angel!
@Grasshopper: I also went their over Easter a lot…..I remember those black and white block jerseys well.
Also the 2 Human brothers Sieg and Pote
@Speartackle: They all looked like Frans Erasmus & Adri Geldenhuys but bigger and couldn’t stop shouting DIS……………PATCH!!
@Deon: Heng ou Deon ek kan dit nie onthou nie…..ek onthou net daai Hi Ace oppad Hawston toe
@Grasshopper: That is BHP’s valley………Red Heart and Coke doffies actually
@Speartackle: Jy het dan so twee jaar gelede gesêdat jou voorouers in 1652 op die Dromedaris in die Kaap ge-arriveer het. Nou ontken jy dit?
@Speartackle: My favourite rugby memory was at the Toyota club champs in Durban in about 1987, the Dispatch heavies behind us. Yirra, those okes were passionate, dof and full of klippes and coke. Now that is what I call gees!
@beet: I once enjoyed the singing and warcries by KES when they played Monnas, that day when a KES parent punched one of the KES coaches right after they won in front of the main stand) and a little bit of St John’s but the rest very depressing
Maybe I’m expecting too much
I really miss the old real intervarsities where there were bands playing right through the games and the ‘rasieleiers’ all dressed up in their varsity’s costumes
@BoishaaiPa: Yes I know that boet, just weird none of them carried on only establishing themselves in the 1820’s. That is over 150 years of probably many small schools that came and went. I mean the UK has schools going back over 500 years, they seemed to stay running…
@Grasshopper: Interesting fact, one school founded by the Dutch ( DRChurch Dominee Marchand) is Rondebosch Boys’ High.
@Speartackle: Spear my few experiences of watching Gauteng boys schools here in KZN been very pleasant and impressive as far as warcries concerned. The Gauteng kids don’t seem to need much encouragement to keep going and seem pretty enthusiastic and loud. Also have good variety.
So om en by 1739.
@BoishaaiPa: I tend to find those technicalities quite fascinating.
Wynberg first opened in 1822, closed down some years later, then re-opened in 1841 – the now official founding date.
Muir opened (under a different name) in 1822, then joined with another (younger school) in the 1870s to become one school which would later be called Muir (this is where the technicality comes in). The school uses 1822 as the official founding date.
SACS opened in 1829 offering both high school and varsity classes. The varsity separated in the 1870s and became UCT. They never closed down at any point and nor did the join up with any other institution, and it is by this virtue that they lay claim to being the oldest school in SA.
@Grasshopper: Do you really believe that Jan van Riebeeck arrived in 1652? Lot of bollocks man……there is absoltely no proof of that…….same as Die Groot Trek and Blood River……some more BS………all just stories to have hyped up the afrikaner
Can’t believe people believe spew that was written even before pen and paper were invented
@BoishaaiPa: It still happens in modern times that some schools loose their learners to a more modern school that opended up down the road and eventually it has such low learner numbers it closes down.
@Speartackle: @87
@BoishaaiPa: @103
@Grasshopper: Of course there were schools…They just did not last right through the ages!… Just because they dont exist now does not mean they did not exist then…There are plenty of old school building ruins around the karoo that dates back to 1700’s…The castle in Cape Town use to house a school during the 1600’s…
@Deon: Wanneer laas is daai museum geoudit?
@Playa: What the heck did the Dutch do for schooling from 1652 until the early 1800’s, home schooling? The Hugenot’s what the heck did they do?
@Grasshopper: SACS is the oldest HIGH SCHOOL in SA. Oldest still active school in SA is LR Scmidt Laerskool in Genadendal. It was founded in 1738. (Source: Sigi Howes, Head Education Museum, Cape Town)
@Grasshopper: SACS hold the official title I think..With Wynberg claining it as well, but there is some flaw of them not being the same school…Same thing with Muir I think…The school from which Muir eventually evolved might have started in 1822, but there is some technicality involved there as well in that they stopped being a school for a while.
@Playa: I like Trivia like that, good to know. Wynberg claim to be 175 years old but I hear there is a period the school didn’t operate so isn’t actually that old….please don’t tell any Wynberg OB’s I said that…
KZN academy
1. M King
2. H Prinsloo
3. L Cele
4. R Dafel
5. M Bauer
6. S Mkhaliphi
7. D Atembe
8. C Glover
9. G Hunt
10. D Gutu
11. A Duma
12. C Le Fleur
13.N Mjara
14.L Mngadi
15.D Kruger
16. B Schwultz
17. P Zuma
18. A Reintges
19. N Nkosi
20. J O’ Neill
21. W Ngubane
22.G Coetzee
23. JC Conradie
@Grasshopper: Tell that to the SACS clan and you’ll have a never-ending argument on your hands
A useless fact – Dale and Muir have the exacrsame war cry, only difference is ‘Dale’ is swapped for ‘Muir’ in the ‘other’ version
16. F Mbatha
17. Q Vorster
18. A Zandamela
19.D Weideman
20. A Brummer
21. S Dubazane
22. C Ritchie
23. O Jiba
Starting Line Up for KZN Craven Week 2016
1. G. Nelani
2. D. Richardson
3. R. Van Rooyen
4. JJ Van den Mescht
5. J. Meyer
6. L. Croshaw
7. P. Buthelezi
8. J. Miller
9. S. Nohamba
10. A. Curtis
11. GJ. Lubbe
12. S. Maduna
13. M. Houltzhausen
14. T. Nduzo
15. C. Zondeki
@BoishaaiPa: Gosh Muir, are they not the oldest school in SA, 1822 or something like that…
@Roger: Badges Rog, Badges
@BoishaaiPa: oh ja – in the old days at the Saints festival many a brawl erupted in the beer tent when old boys from various schools tried to liberate your basher
@Roger: Jeez..the chicks around there must have been desperate!…I remember in my schooldays at Brandwag Muir College use to wear them as well..dont know if they still do…We use to have a big Interschools against Muir and in that particular week leading up to the match the poor Muir okes lost a lot of those bashers!…We use to target the hostel guys as they go on their Wednesday town trip….you see a Muir boy with a basher, you run and grab it from his head…some big fights erupted!…Come Saturday at the match you mock them with it and the more entrepreneurial of us would sell them back to the boys!..
@Grasshopper: Makes more sense now..When next I see a MC boy scratching his head its not because he doesnt know where the next try is coming from..its because of nits!..
Does anyone know what the probable and possible teams were yesterday and when the sides will be announced?
@BoishaaiPa: KES still have them – you have to have played first team sport otherwise only matrics are allowed to wear them – like player says – chick magnets
keep stirring – why not ask why they clutch their heart every time the opposition kick for goal – is it to avoid cardiac arrest in case the kick goes over
@BoishaaiPa: http://www.news24.com/archives/witness/loved-or-loathed-local-schools-iconic-hats-can-certainly-set-parents-back-a-pretty-penny-20150430
@BoishaaiPa: Yep, obviously a tradition from old English schools in the UK brought here; http://www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za/flag-raising-parade-now-includes-bashers
@BoishaaiPa:
quite possibly
@Grasshopper: Down here in the Cape the Boys schools use to wear them as well…I think Paarl Boys got rid of their’s in the 50’s or 60’s..I will have to check.
@Playa: I know Dale wears them as well…but being chick magnets?..jir..I think it is more likely a case of they cant see the face clearly…and once you take them off…the chicks f-off as well!
@BoishaaiPa: An industrial sized one powered by a motor??
@BoishaaiPa: All the old gov schools in KZN used to have Bashers, DHS, College and Glenwood. Glenwood OB’s still wear them. They were removed from our uniform probably in the 80’s. My dad was at DHS and he used to put fibre-glass into his to keep it rigid…
@BoishaaiPa: Oi! Careful!…we still wear them up in King William’s Town
Those things used to turn the ugliest guys into chick magnets I tell you
@Speartackle: Wag…ek bring nog n lepel…
@Bwana: Has that been happening a lot lately?
@BoishaaiPa: A price we are willing to pay as it means the Red Black White have scored
@Bwana: I have no doubt you guys wear it with pride…but the effort it takes to get it back after a score seems a bit to much!
@BoishaaiPa: Have to strengthen them with fibreglass and resin!
@BoishaaiPa: In the old days before they cut down the jacarandas on Basher Ridge, inevitably your basher would get stuck in the trees. For the rest of the 1st XV match you would try furiously using your mates’ bashers to get it down. The basher is an important part of the school’s uniform and identity, long may it continue
Wow, I am looking forward to watching schoolboy rugby here in KZN. Sounds like real carnaval atmosphere. After all it is not only about the rugby…..making memories.
Actually got a bit bored with all the somber school fields of JHB and Pta.
I want to hear war cries and not looking at posters
Where do I get a basher?
@Grasshopper: And another thing ..Are those “bashers” all the same size?..one size fits all?…Coz it looks like it will be a helluva mission to get one’s hat back after a score…and how many gets lost in the meantime?..and who pays for the replacement…If my son was in MC I would pray for a couple of years of shyte teams so he wont loose his hat too many times!
@Grasshopper: Exactly..who still wears those things!…
But its a great MC tradition and they are proud of it, so its great!
@BoishaaiPa: Bashers not hats
@Grasshopper: Beet still struggles with the concept,,,but hey..I dont judge…I think throwing hats into the air after a score is really stupid and outdated…but that is just my opinion and wont change the fact that it is a tradition and something they adore!
@BoishaaiPa: OK, makes sense. If that is your tradition then continue it and ensure it prevails. Like the Queen yesterday and the whole pomp and ceremony around that, we need to keep those sorts of traditions. Just seems a little weird/creepy to me, but now I understand it I’m OK with it…
@Grasshopper: You must remember that is it an occasion that attracts old boys from all over the country and world….it is all about remembering who represents the old boys…identifying the face with the number…showing them what the current crop looks like. Nothing to do with glorifying and such shit…You have to be part of it to understand it.
@Playa: Yeah I have brought that up a few times in the past. Yes @BoishaaiPa: has explained it a few times. It’s not my favourite thing so in my defence this time I stuck to basically explaining what it is and not what I interpreted it as being.
On Saturday I’m going to Maritzburg College. Parking close to the ground can be a hassle because that place fills up in the afternoon and I know there will be huge crowd again this Saturday. But one thing I’m sure of, no matter how bad a week I’ve had or what my health is like (coz I’ve got flu at the moment), once I walk through that little gate onto Goldstones I’m gonna feel 10 times better. I don’t know if its just me but that place has amazing atmosphere and there’s this peacefulness about it at the same time that makes one feel really relaxed. There are no guarantees that the rugby will be of a good quality but as a package deal, it’s hard to beat.
I have similar positive feelings about watching games at Glenwood, Hilton, Kearsney, Michaelhouse and Westville.
@Grasshopper: You see there you go again..who said anything about glorifying?…If you take a picture of your son and blow it up and put it on a wall in your house…are you glorifying him?..
@BoishaaiPa: OK, explain why you glorify each player then?
@Grasshopper: and again..if you dont know the reasons behind why certain things are done, don’t interpret it the way you like and draw conclusions.
@Bwana: OK, to be clearer then, playing against Boland schools. Glenwood have played quite a few recently. I know College played at Wynberg but they haven’t played a Paul Roos, Paarl Gim or Boishaai recently if I am correct.
@BoishaaiPa: I went to close on 20 derbies in 2 years living in Cape Town, the Bishops vs SACS derby was the only one that got even close to that of a House vs Hilton game…
@BoishaaiPa: Agreed it’s my opinion and in a democracy I think that is allowed. Growing up hearing all the hype around WP derbies I was just a bit disappointed a few times, Bishops vs SACS was OK. I think it’s because personally I have more interest in KZN results, it’s like a Saffa trying to enjoy an Aussie derby…impossible…
@Grasshopper: Now you use that one game as the standard measurement…You keep on harping about that…that was an exception to the rule. Outeniqua comes down from George with a couple of teams..That is not a big Boys Schools derby!
@Playa: Beet still dont understand the reason behind it although I explained at length what it is about…he sticks to his story!..looks like a trait they have their in KZN…must be the weather that makes them so stubborn and unrelenting,
@beet: Agreed on making players almost ‘godly’ or ‘gladiator’ via poster parading. I’m not saying the quality of rugby is bad in WP, just that the games seemed to lack hype. I mean I went to Kwaggas vs Boishaai a few year back when the Kwaggas had all their stars, it was hyped to be the biggest game of the year. There were literally 2,000 people max, a single line of people around the field and the schools in the stands. Very somber warcries and at the end the place was empty within 20 mins by 1pm…..seemed a bit of a downer for me. I was expecting something spectacular. 1pm in KZN it’s only hotting up as the crowds gather and all the school girls arrive in hockey gear, primary schools arrive after their games etc
@beet: I was just winding Grassy up…he with the Green Glasses and “everything is done better in KZN”..It’s his opinion after all and not a fact!
@beet:
oh no you didn’t just take a jab at Interschools… 
@Grasshopper: “It’s not about Glenwood at all, however they are the only real yardstick playing against schools from outside of KZN regularly” I do think this is a generalisation. College has had an interschools fixture with Affies now for 20 years (started in 1996) not forgetting our longstanding relationship with Boys High (annual fixture since 1999; double header since 2002) as well as Grey (1997-2008; 2014-). Not forgetting the numerous Easter festivals.
@BoishaaiPa: Geez BHP. I’m amazed at what lows you’ll stoop to win a meaningless argument.
Anyway have fun.
Just a word of warning. Your WP Top 3 from the Winelands would beat all KZN schools year in year out on average but how many others are guaranteed the same sort of success rate. Bishops, Wynberg and SACS have all been recorded losses vs KZN opponents in 2016 – our quality can’t be that bad. Yes we have a number of sideshows which have play out publicly during the weekdays. Other regions seem to be content or more discreet about keeping those sort of matters under wraps. But come Saturday I tell the atmosphere at our big interschools games is fantastic and the focus is on the rugby (and for some on the hockey which is played earlier in the day).
Not a d… measuring contest for me. I won’t knock WP derby days at all – massive occasions rich in history, I sure amazing vibe as well. You know I don’t care much for the inflated posters of players being paraded around before a particular big match but that’s just my opinion on one issue and if I lived in the region I wouldn’t miss that game for the world.
@Grasshopper: I think BHP’s opinion was on the quality of the rugby played, and not so much about which province has stronger teams.
@BoishaaiPa: There are far fewer rugby playing schools in KZN boet, it’s obvious the strength overall would be lower. But at the top-end it’s competitive for sure. I’m sure KZN beat WP at Craven Week about 4 years ago, if I remember correctly. It’s like trying to compare US basketball with Ghanaian basketball, you can’t. I bet there are only 10,000 schoolboys playing rugby regularly in KZN vs 40,000 in WP. It’s not about Glenwood at all, however they are the only real yardstick playing against schools from outside of KZN regularly….
@h2o: Looking forward to that then…thanks
@Speartackle: @Westville only open sides playing due to NW gr12’s having academic commitments on Saturday. U14-16’s on Saturday
@Grasshopper: There you go off again…making it all about GW..I give up!..I am talking about the collective..KZN vs WP…here we focus on the rugby..not the sideshows!..That was the point..with tongue in cheek,
@BoishaaiPa: it certainly isn’t below par, remember your successful coach was at Glenwood for a decade before you head hunted him. I also remember Glenwood having Boland Landbou, Paul Roos & Boishaai as scalps over the past few years. I watched many games in the Southern suburbs, pretty kak! Glenwood would beat those sides 90% of the time. SACS is the only side that looked well coached, but just too small.
@h2o: Where are they playing? You say Friday afternoon? Think I’ll be there then
@Grasshopper: You probably have so many sideshows to take your attention away from the below par, boring KZN rugby!..lol…Down here we watch the quality rugby..and do the warcry afterwards!..Boys will cheer and sing during the main game. Rest of the time they are playing rugby.
anyone was down there to watch today?
how did the trials go?
@Grasshopper: Voster played trials today…. no sign of injuries…he is a solid scrummer
@Speartackle: Spear he is getting there… 3rd game back now…. been putting some serious roadwork and mma in…. so should be there shortly… but nothing compares to gametime. … westville olaying Northwood on Friday afternoon at 1615…
@Playa: good point! I remember never being able to get a meeting before 11am or after 4pm, it’s like they work 5hrs a day there & it isn’t work, it’s coffees & smoke breaks…
@Grasshopper: You’ve lived here before…surely you saw for yourself why this place is called Slaapstad. The only time Capetonians look awake is between 10pm and 4am on a weekend
@Playa: yeah, not doubting crowd sizes but it’s like everyone is still asleep at midday. No bands or school war-cry contests, 1st walking past the school during 2nd team game. It just lacks gees and build-up. Something special about playing when it’s getting darker & colder.
@Grasshopper: As an Eastern Caper, I must say I also favour the mid afternoon starts…but then for us it really is a case of not having foknol to do. So a whole day spent watching schoolboy rugga tends to be the highlight of the weekend. It was a culture shock seeing how differently things work here in Cape Town. But I must disagree on the atmosphere bit. Yeah, it’s different (seems KZN is pretty similar to EC vibes from what you’ve said), or maybe you were still hanging when you caught those derbies and couldn’t be at all bothered by the atmosphere
I have seen a number of 5000+ crowds in the numerous Southern Suburb derbies I’ve watched.
@Speartackle: You’ll fit in like you at home with all the Afrikaans parents, don’t worry. The local won’t even know what a white jersey is, they may think it’s the All Blacks away jersey. Best to bring your own nip or hipflask, or just empty out have a 2l coke bottle and fill it up with Klippies, no-one will know any wiser.I recommend a deckchair, no gazebos! Prepare to be wowed by proper war cries and a decent crowd of about 5,000 plus.
Anyone interested in young Bossr, see his latest news here; http://www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za/bossr-chosen-represent-sa-u19-cricket-sri-lanka-2016
@akw: He was matric last year so not playing this year. Vorster I believe has an injury, not sure. Good luck to ALL the boys today and looking for the announcement tomorrow.
@BoishaaiPa: Been to a few derbies in the Southern Suburbs and in Paarl/Stellenbosch, atmosphere-wise they are OK, but not nearly the same hype as in KZN, bar maybe the Boishaai vs Gim derby. A proper build-up, with Under16A’s at lunch, then 2nds and 1sts. 3/3.30 is perfect. Leaves you the morning to do your family stuff, like shopping, coffees, breakfasts etc. I much prefer the KZN model. Also, being later in the day allows you to sleep in and recover from Friday hangovers
@Speartackle: Brilliant!
@Rugger fan: Lol……let me tell you an interesting story
2014 during the World Cup in Rio I was walking down the Ipanema boardwalk wearing my Monnas jumper when a Japanese couple stopped me and said …”Haah Monnhas”………apparently their son played against Monnas at SANIX
@Greenman: Klopper? Was /17 last year.
@Speartackle:
Hi there
Each school differs – e.g. Westville – A teams play on the main field – College – on open teams play on main field – they A’s play on the field next door.
games often start at 08h00 or 09h00 depending on the 2 schools involved
Gazebo – most schools – yes – but just fit with protocol of the Oom who has sat in that spot for 25 years
Most KZN schools do not allow alcohol (Privates being the exception) – but College has the bowls club across the road – Westville has Waxy’s etc.
Single mommies (sorry – I dont look)
Monnas – you are welcome to wear it – no one would know whaty it is
I am not in Durban so not on the ground. Maybe Grasshopper can be of more assistance
Is Hendrik Prinsloo back to full fitness?
@akw: Referring to Vorster? If so, I am not sure.
@Greenman: Lol……thanks Green
@Bwana: This is what I have got.
@Speartackle: Hi Spear, Lots of great food, no alcohol, not sure about the Gazebo but lots of parking the bud space, haven’t seen any single mommies, games start around 8 and no Monnas jumper. Why would you?
@Greenman: College Glenwood game in August is in PMB
@Grasshopper: Your opinion…We prefer early games down here and the atmosphere is great. We know you have foknoll else to do in KZN so the SBR is the biggest event of the day…here we have plenty of other things to attend to.
@Greenman: Thanks Green then I’ll make my debut as a KZN schoolboyrugby spectator on the 28th.
What time will the u/14 A’s start?
Is there decent food at the venues?
Is there space for my gazebo?
Is there a place where I can enjoys a few toots between games or should I bring my own nippies?
Are there lots of single mommies?
May I wear my Monnas jumper?
And the Glenwood loosehead?
@Speartackle:
Glenwood fixtures:
28 May – DHS at DHS
4 June – Monument at Monument
11 June – Westville at Westville
15 June – Maritzburg College at Maritzburg
30 July – Affies at affies
6 Aug – Maritzburg College at Glenwood
13 Aug – Grey at Glenwood
@Grasshopper: Do you have Glenwood’s fixture list for the rest of the season perhaps?
Another thing I want to ask……if the KZN teams play their main match at 3 or 3h30…….what time do the other games start. I like to watch u/14 A through to 1st teams and do they all play on the A fields or what?
Who is the best u/16 team so far this year?
Hi Guys, is the loosehead prop from Glenwood injured? Cloete?
Hi beet . I just confirmed that it is Reintges. All others seem to be wrong
last round tomorrow?
@Rugger fan: Totally agree and we certainly know how to do war cries, spelling etc. I think it’s pretty unique to KZN, except Grey Bloem. I also prefer in KZN the 1st team game being at 3 or 3.30, much better build up. The games in JHB & the Cape are played far too early, it’s like a non event. The KZN games played in the midlands certainly take the cake for atmosphere. I have attended all the big derby games in SA and Hilton vs House, Glenwood vs College and Glenwood vs DHS are by the far the best.
@Speartackle: Maritzburg College / Kearsney should be pretty good this weekend.
The good thing about KZN schools rugby – it may not be the strongest in the country – but it is usually great to watch and played in an awesome spirit (with some really pretty locations too).
@beet: Alright, thanks
@Playa: yes Guma is u19. He’s had 2 years as a CW player prior to this year
@Grasshopper: I guess there is merit in suggesting combinations are more effective but in terms if a selection policy I don’t think that approach is being used anywhere in senior rugby as a guideline. It’s also important to remember that CW represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for many and some good players are already being denied this chance due to circumstances beyond their control and unrelated to form. Adding another obstacle would be sad.
@GreenBlooded: Well cohesion does play a part in success and there was a time when very successful FS CW teams were called Greystaat
Where’s Guma? Is he under 19?
@GreenBlooded: hence why every year they pick combinations where players are used to each other. Lock pairings, front rows, halfbacks, centers etc. Shock horror a few of those might be from Glenwood, then outcry about bias etc
On current form – send the entire Glenwood team to Craven week. Truth be told – they would probably do better than a cobbled together team who train together for a few weeks.
@Beet: agree with additional team for strong regions. Just develop POC’s first before allowing them in the bullpen – that may be a good focus area.
@beet: thank you for the info, hoping for the best but at least he has another year,
Seeing that I’m a Natalian now and will have to go and watch all these below average schoolboy rugby in this region……..what will be the best game to watch this weekend?
@Greenman: All still 22 players per team last time I checked. It was tabled but not agreed to at SA Schools meeting to review an increase to 23 which makes practical sense ever since the requirement to have a full front row on the bench was introduced a few years back. Here are the KZN teams to be picked with quota splits if they are the same as last year.
1. Craven Week team (13:9 with 5 of 9 on field at any one time barring injury or card and all 22 players to play at least 1 full game for either 1st or 2nd match)
2. Academy Week team
3. KZN Country Districts team
4. Grant Khomo Week team
All teams except Craven Week : 11:11 split with 6 PDI on the field at any one time barring injury or card and all 22 players to play 1 full game for either 1st or 2nd match
@BrotherBear: I know I’m a stuck record on this but I really feel it’s obvious that WP need extra teams and with transformation becoming a far more urgent issue now, from a political aspect it makes sense to give opportunities to regions where there is an abundance of POC.
@beet: selecting more teams for deserving provinces quite a good incentive. Understood that PD must play a role, but “country district” teams rarely do well. Rather let the winner of previous year pick an additional team each for GK and CW. Will still be space for some CD’s.
Still 120 players and positional slots to fill by 8. Tough job awaits the selectors. What teams are selected for KZN and how many in group?
One of the things I have not inquired about is the possibility of an extra KZN team at Academy Week. A few years ago one of the neighbouring country’s teams dropped out and KZN as hosts (at Glenwood) put together a last minute AW team for the event. They performed reasonably well.
It might be a good contingency plan to allow the selectors to pick a standby team just in case. These things should not be left to the decision making of a few select individuals, they should be formalised through the selection process.
@beet: Westville has them in abundance. Grant has played Loose-head, Tight-head, Hooker when touring at Saints this year and also having had a run at 7.
My only problem is that this is sometimes exploited to the detriment of the player with not allowing them to get enough game time in a particular position.
I thought the Hilton lock Hull would get a call back. I liked his lineout work. It’s been a refreshing change compared to most of 2015 where Hilton struggled at lineout time. Unfortunately for those at the Meadow’s a few weeks back, that was not a good example of how the Hilton lineout has improved.
@star: Based on his form prior to injury last year one would have expected JP Pelser to feature this time around.
If KZN wants to do well at CW, its important to pick the best players. I’m sure Prinsloo is one of the players that will play himself into contention at final trials. He adds a bit of physicality and is a useful ballcarrier plus has the added benefit of being a versatile frontrow player now.
@star: as is always the case, after a serious injury like he had last year, the confidence takes a beating. He also injured his hamstring when playing at Jeppe so that pretty much ruled him out of any further participation this year.Its a shame because if he had continued where he left off last year, I think he would have had a very good chance. Life is very cruel! He will also miss out next year as he is no longer eligible.
@Rhino_67: What has happened to JP as last year he was in the mix (before his season ending injury)?
@Grasshopper: H. Prinsloo is actually the incumbent CW hooker. He has been injured and playing out of position in a weak Westville team. I hope he gets proper and due exposure on Wednesday.
@Skywalker: I think the main issue for Mr T is that he is not elegible for Craven Week. He is now u19 which will exclude him automatically. Size is not an issue here because Donovan Grant is one of the smaller front rows but this hasnt stopped him from having a fantastic season.
@Rugger fan, Barnes has another year in the system so his transition from No.8 to Prop will have some time to mature. He will definitely be in the mix next year.
Sean Barnes from DHS? Has been brilliant from U13 level.
@Grasshopper: Yes, last years no.10
g/ k Morne van Rensburg.
Vowles IX looks the strongest side. I can’t see any major exclusions, anybody?
Sad to see that Northwood player Mr T – Tee Mthembu can’t find a place in the provincial set up. GK in 2013 but too small to continue at prop and after shifting to hooked has struggled a bit. Still so hard-working and great in general play – operates like a loose forward! Such potential but seeing the names above it is clear why the hooker birth is a tough one to crack.
Good luck to all the boys…