Glenwood opens their season in style with a curtain-raiser to the Sharks versus Stormers Super Rugby match at Kings Park on Saturday 02 March 2013. Kickoff is at 5pm. Their worthy opponents will be Framesby from Port Elizabeth, who like Glenwood are involved in three major rugby festivals this season, namely NWU-Puk, Kearsney and Wildeklawer. It’s a big season for both and although this game is billed as a proper fixture, Glenwood has indicated that they will be approaching it as a pre-season game with combinations still under the microscope.
Rupert Kay, one of only two returning forwards will lead Glenwood for this match. Even in this area, the school is yet to confirm the captain for the season. Joining Kay in the backrow is 2012 player Mzwandile Mazibuko who has experience at lock as well but really stands out for his abilities on the flank. Solidly built Jaco Coetzee will be filling some big boots. Over the last few years Glenwood has produced some very good no.8’s.
The Green Machine tight five are an unknown quantity in many respects. They have two good sized props in Jo Potgieter and former Klofies player Kobus Tredoux who comes highly rated having played Bulls Grant Khomo last year. Hooker Kieran van Vuuren is a converted flank who will hopefully provide the first positive signs for 2013 of a lineout throw-in recovery. Last year many KZN teams including Glenwood were plagued by lineout inaccuracies at crucial stages during big games. The good news is that Glenwood have a nearly 2-metre tall lineout target to aim for in lock Seth Harmsworth. Harmsworth is joined by former KZN Grant Khomo representative Seth van der Heever, who is bound to add good mobility.
Nothing good can be achieved on a rugby field without a reliable pack of forwards and if the boys up front can get the job done, it could transform Glenwood from KZN underdogs this year into a potential SA Top 10 team. The reason is that they have all the ingredients for a red-hot backline. Add to this that head coach Sean Erasmus has stated that as part of his coaching evolution he wants to adopt a new attacking game. This means that the Green Machine backs will be given license to express themselves.
Scrumhalf Kyle Gerhard has been tasked with making the key decisions to set the dangerous backline in motion. Flowing young flyhalf Curtis Jonas will enjoy playing alongside the experienced and solid Akona Nela, while the exciting Nkululeko Mcuma is looking the part and will relish his new role as an outside centre. Out on the wings there is good quality in KZN Academy Week speedster Sparks Ngcobo and strong running Craven Week player Corne Vermaak.
The best gets saved for the last line of defence. In Morne Joubert, Glenwood has a star in the making. The youngster plays with a great deal of maturity and there is calmness about what he does on the field even though he usually operates at a terrific speed. Joubert makes the workload look effortless. His reading of the game is top drawer and as a result more often than not he makes the right choices. He has BMT as well. Although still only under-17 this year, the SA High Performance 2012 player is set to make a huge difference at Glenwood this season.
The Glenwood team for Framesby:
1.Kobus Tredoux
2.Kieran van Vuuren
3.Joseph Potgieter
4.Seth vd Heever
5.Matthew Harmsworth
6.Rupert Kay (C)
7.Mzwandile Mazibuko
8.Jaco Coetzee
9.Kyle Gerhard
10.Curtis Jonas
11.Sphamandla Ngcobo
12.Akhona Nela
13.Nkululeko Mcuma
14.Corne Vermaak
15.Morne Joubert
16.Percy Mngadi
17.Robert Peacock
18.Kevin Du Randt
19.Ntokozo Vidima
20.Jacques Dumas
21.Kayd Du Toit
22.Derwent Stopforth
23.Dewald van Tonder
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Ok, here the stats:
2010 – Westville U14A beat DHS 40-0
2011 – Westville U15A beat DHS 26-13
2012 – Westville U16A beat DHS 25-3
As far as DHS choosing to play Webster in the 1st team last year, that is their decision. I am not going to mention which of Westville’s players were injured or sick etc. That is part and parcel of the game.
Having said that, I believe that DHS are on the right track and are getting better every year across the age groups. This makes me happy, as I would like as many KZN schools as possible to be strong. If we compete strength again strength every week, it is entertaining and also good for the boys. It will also make the KZN schools more competitive against the big schools from the Cape etc.
@Grasshopper:
They are playing KZN Development this coming Saturday. DHS aren’t one to play big games in the 1st term. Usually hasn’t worked out too well if done like so.
I’m expecting a couple of teams to carry the schools pride this year with the U15A being one of them.
This U15A side also has the advantage of having about 6 of its players playing water polo, 3 of which are also KZN Water Polo including the KZN Captain.
@Horsie, when does DHS’s campaign kick off?
@Horsie, agreed. This game came as a blessing in disguise. Glenwood vs Framesby
2010 – Glenwood won 23-3
2011 – Glenwood won 22-9
2012 – Framesby won 22-7
2013 – Glenwood won 26-24
I like this fixture as the teams seem evenly matched. I hope this one continues as it gives us some sort of benchmark with the Eastern Cape if we do not play any other EC sides.
Sorry team not time
@GreenBlooded:
No. I’m saying that the situation has given GWD an advantage. I know it wasn’t planned. Relax. Glenwood have match experience under their belts and have already tested their boys against a good time in a high level SBR game. They now know their weaknesses and strengths from an actual match and not just the training ground.something their oppositions don’t have the advantage of.
That’s all. Don’t read too much into what I said. It is as I’ve said it, no sub-text
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Horsey – what are you on about? Do you think they went to the Sharks and said: “Can you let us play the curtain raiser – it will give us an advantage over the other schools at Pukke? Please can we??”
@Grasshopper:
Meaning Glenwood now has an advantage over other schools now. Clever.
Well done then. Good win before big Kearsney game. Someone will have their spirits dampened very early in the season. Kearsney U15 will be looking for revenge on their 8-7 defeat last year
Horsie, I believe a real match. Was supposed to be played at Pukke bug due to hectic schedules both schools agreed to bring it forward and were offered the Sharks curtain raiser. Proper game, 1 game down 1 game in the bag :-)
Was this a proper match or pre-season chukka style match? If real then well fone GWD but if otherwise aaggh man
Nice work boys, 4 tries to 2 means we playing more expansive. Also good to get a tight win against tough opponents a week or two before Kearsney! Framesby games are always tight, I think it’s 3-2 in the last 5 years with no more than 5 points difference…
@Amalekite:
The KES U16 team lost 15-16 to DHS last year and also lost 0-7 in 2010. Our team weren’t pushovers hey. The westville score wasn’t close but the game was close. It was 0-0 at HT and DHS didn’t have their star centre,prop and Webster on the day, all VERY important parts of team. They then almost beat both College and Glenwood. Lost the GWD game in last 5mins…so no, not pushovers
@Grasshopper: not sure really – they have about five players back – that means zich though. The U16’s were pretty good so lets wait and see. The star player is Marco Engelbrecht (flyhalf) – this is his third season at thislevel. He was injured for the bulk of last years season so hope he is fully recovered. At this level a really good flyhalf is a huge bonus. The Affies flyhalf last year (Bulls Craven Week flyhalf) was brilliant – made that team along with a few incredibly quick wings and centres!
@Amelekite, that DHS Under16 side was good, probably their best side with their Under14A’s. They pushed the Glenwood Under16a’s all the way at Glenwood. DHS will not be pushovers this year and next.
@Westers: That is correct. I think that the KES U16 side drew with College’s unbeaten side, but lost to DHS !
@Grasshopper, KES in Jhb will always be tough. You are correct about last years U16A’s – KES did beat Westville in a close game. If memory serves me correctly, it was the only game Westville U16A lost during the season that included a draw with College.
@Roger, so what is expected for KES this year. Average or good? I think your Under16A’s beat Westville on the highveld and that Westville Under16 side was very good. A young side with lots of talent?
@Amelekite, not good news as KES again get away with playing at home. The highveld plays a huge role in the KZN performances. It’s a distinct advantage for the Gauteng sides, in fact them coming down here is far easier than us going up there…..good luck though whatever happens, I’ll be looking out for the results with keen interest…
@Amalekite: you are right – and College at College
@Grasshopper: 1 SA Schools player – Marx, 7 in the Lions team, 3 in the academy team. Very good on paper – flattered to deceive- similar to Glenwood. With the talent in the squad they should have easily beaten PBHS and Jeppe. Affies was 2 points in it with KES missing five kicks at goal. The bulk of the 2012 team was together in 2011 where they had a much better season results wise – too much expectation in 2012. Jeppe and PBHS were rank underdogs – suited them perfectly – no pressure, no expectation
@Grasshopper: According to my sources, Westville will play KES in Jhb again this year. I think that it has something to do with Westville hosting PBHS at home.
@Roger, obviously KES has a mental thing with PBHS or it was derby pressure, but based on other performances they probably should have won those 2. Jeppe again a typical derby result. Affies was close and they had a very good side. Didn’t you beat Monnas? OK, it wasn’t Monnas’ best year. KES had about 8 Lions reps and 2 SA Schools, that for KES is a good year. Yes, but between 2007 and 2011 Glenwood were the strongest in KZN, so you missed the best side each of those years. Glenwood vs College since 2004;
2004: Glenwood won 26-24; College won 21-7
2005: College won 30-7 and 12-5
2006: College won 24-0; Glenwood won 19-14
2007: Glenwood won 19-12
2008: Glenwood won 47-10 and 15-7
2009: Glenwood won 23-11 and 31-0
2010: College won 35-16; Glenwood won 20-13
2011: Glenwood won 31-10 and 31-3
2012 – 2x draws
@Grasshopper: KES lost to Jeppe, PBHS (twice) and Affies last year – what makes you thinks they had a great season? 2008, 2009 and 2011 were better. Fact is, since KES lost to Michaelhouse in 2007 at the KES festival, they have lost only once to KZN opposition (College 2010)
@Slam, Nela must have moved in 2011 or early 2012 as he played a few games 1st team in 2012.
@Westers, good to hear you supporting the local side. I said I would be on the fence with KES vs Westville, but to be honest I hope Westville beat KES easily at home. We need to end this whole ‘we beat all of KZN’ rubbish. KES probably had their best side in a decade last year and had 70% of their games at home of which there was only about 12 games all season. They were much fresher than us KZN sides. They are kind of doing a Michaelhouse, have a handful of games and be fully prepared for each, that way giving themselves the best chance to win and then claim unbeaten seasons etc. The more you play the more chance of losing. Good luck to Westville against Grey PE and for all the season, a pity we won’t be playing each other…
@Grasshopper: Nela played for Border U16 in 2011 while at Selborne College. Not sure when he was head hunted…
Good luck GWD. Coetzee has been at GWD since grade 8 and was cappie though the age-groups.
Surpries not to see Fouche there. He’s in gr.11 and played very well last year for 1st side vs College at Glodstones
@Grasshopper & Greenblooded, It might surprise you but I will be supporting Glenwood on Saturday. Always support local over outsiders. Interesting match up of fixtures with Glenwood, Framesby and Kearsney all playing each other before the end of March.
It would be great if Supersport could televise the game, even a later broadcast. It would be better than all the repeats they show during the week
@Greenblooded, you are right. Good luck to the boys in green, Framesby will be tough. We have played them quite regularly in the past few years and the games have always been close. Let’s hope the boys watching can put on a really good war cry display and of course the new ‘Oh boys of Glenwood’ half time song. Not my favourite song as I associate it with Scotland, but sing it loud and proud. The band will add some spice too, if they are allowed in with their instruments. Jimolayo Ji, Jimolayo Ji, G! L! E! N! W! O! O! D! Glenwood!!!
GO GREEN ON SATURDAY AT KINGS PARK!!
A great honour for all these boys to pull on the green jersey and an even greater honour to play at the Stadium. I’ll reserve my judgement of the team, coach etc until the end of the season – at this stage they haven’t had a minute of game time so who knows what they will be like. They will do us proud – no doubt about it. I will be there cheering them on at the top of my lungs. I might even stay afterwards and watch the Sharks.
Any idea’s on the pack weight? 780kg?
@Cyndi, OK maybe I have just not heard of some of the kids. Maybe Tredoux is the only import, if so good on Sean and Kershaw for stopping the rot. I apologise if I implied imports. What would be great is if someone could list the team and state when they joined Glenwood, so what grade. What would be even better is to do that for all the KZN schools and that way we can see which schools are loyal to kids coming in at grade 8 and those who don’t have the faith…..
Sean is so predictable , every year a recycled hooked , imported props and a game plan revolving around s big pack, what rubbish he is going to run the ball , why would a pack centered like this spread the ball , watch this space
@Grasshopper: Harmsworth has been there since Grade 8 – I think he played 3rds and 4ths last year. Not sure of Coetzee but he played U16A last year and was there in the beginning of the year – see my photos from athlectics last year.
@Grasshopper: hasn’t shown any loyalty
@Grasshopper: Curious to know who all the imports are – I only know of Kobus Tredoux but don’t know all the Grade 11 and 12 boys in the school. There is incredible depth in the open side. There are a few injury niggles at this stage which accounts for some of the missing names.
What I found the most interesting in the list comparison was the movement of positions. This could be due to the combinations that the boys are working on.
@Greenwood: Will see you in the sky – at least you know if the oxygen masks fail, you are close to heaven. I will be taking photos of the boys but won’t get very clear action shots from that distance.
@Grasshopper: no (edited) just simply has no vision
(edited) needs to go , look at boys there fir years and again imports , I would say to players leave and see what other schhols have for you ,Sean only about himself
@ALL, where did the front row, Harmsworth and Coetzee come from? Looks like Sean still wants a heavy and slow loose trio, unless Kay and Mazibuko have trimmed down and sped up. Locks converted to flanks usually means less competition at the break-down, I might be wrong. The backs look super quick….nice!
Looking forward to the game – from what I hear about the seating arrangements- i must remember to take the climbing boots and oxygen masks – the Granny will also have to miss this one !!
From what I hear Framesby can be very competitive
In just over 2 Weeks time Glenwood face Kearsney @ Bothas Hill in a normal Kzn fixture so this Framesby game is what they need
with the KERF coming up this means that Kearsney will almost feel like a home ground to the Glenwood boys with all the games that will be played there
@Cyndi, that was the team I predicted before imports etc. The big question is any of the above Under19 and did they arrive in the past 24 months? Never heard of about 5 of the players. Where is the front row, Hippolite, Khanyile, Bredell, Fouche, Thobejane etc. What was the name of the KZN Development No8?
Here was my full team;
1) T. Zondi
2) A Mthembu
3) Wynand Vermeulen
4) Muzewandile Mazibuko
5) Rupert Kay
6) W. Hippolite
7) Kevin Du Randt
8] S. Van der Heever
9) Kwazi Khanyile
10) M. Mcume
11) Sphamandla Ngcobo
12) Akhona Nela
13) Ruben Fouche
14) Corne Vermaak
15) Chris Bredell
N Ntanzi
K Gerrard
Khutso Thobejane
Morne Joubert
Curtis Jonas
Percy Mngadi
K Ntshangase
T. Mgwaba
@CyndiAtRugby: I did the same thing.
http://schoolboyrugby.co.za/blog/?p=1680
Interesting to compare the predicted team of 22 November 2012 with the team announced today.
I’m looking forward to seeing these boys on the field and watching the combinations at work. This team also leaves some good players for the 2nd team.
@beet: Please change Seth Harmsworth to Matthew Harmsworth.
flag sorry
Lets see if Framesby can fly the Eastern Cape flaf high here.
@Muzi: The Sharks Academy is about 5km away from Glenwood and Rudolph Straueli probably drops his son off at the school every morning. I think they have had more than a few opportunities already
Geez what a perfect opportunity for Hans Scriba to offer Morne Joubert and Ernst Stapelberg sharks junior contracts.