The 8 teams to take part in trials at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg next Tuesday.
| NORTH DURBAN | SELECTORS B | MIDLANDS | PIETERMARITZBURG | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N. MTHEMBU (NW) | 1 | M. NZAMA (PINE) | 1 | K. MCHUNU (GREY) | 1 | B. MDUTYANA (MC) |
| 2 | A. FEBANA (DHS) | 2 | D. JANTJIES (KLOOF) | 2 | J. VAN REES (MHS) | 2 | S. SWANEPOEL (MC) |
| 3 | N. FINCHAN (NW) | 3 | R. REDDY (MC) | 3 | L. MAZIBUKO (MHS) | 3 | Z. HARMSE (VOOR) |
| 4 | C. HOLLAND (NW) | 4 | J. VAN DER LINDE (SCOTT) | 4 | K. MUSTERD (WEST) | 4 | M. MILES (VOOR) |
| 5 | J. MARAIS (GC) | 5 | N. NKANYISO (HILT) | 5 | J. SESENK CLEE (MHS) | 5 | J. COLENBRANDER (MC) |
| 6 | K. SPARKS (NW) | 6 | E. MARX (HILT) / B. DE MASSI- PUGIN (W) | 6 | C. WEBB (WEST) | 6 | S. MKHIZE (STC) |
| 7 | T. PHEWA (GC) | 7 | M. MCKENZIE (HILT) | 7 | S. DE MARIGNY (HILT) | 7 | K. JONES (STC) |
| 8 | M. NTULI (DHS) | 8 | S. BELL (W) | 8 | D. PATERSON (TREV) | 8 | L. COMMONS (MC) |
| 9 | G. SIMPSON (DHS) | 9 | C. RATTRAY (MC) / B. VOSTER (K) | 9 | M. DAHL (HILT) | 9 | S. HINES (STC) |
| 10 | M. NOOT (DHS) | 10 | D. HIRSCHAWITZ (HILT) | 10 | B. PRETORIUS (MHS) | 10 | J. DE WET (MC) |
| 11 | J. MABIDA (NW) | 11 | J. COETZEE (GW) | 11 | G. RADESICH (HILT) | 11 | L. THAMAHANE (MC) |
| 12 | N. SIBISI (NW) | 12 | B. DEAN (MHS) | 12 | D. LOFTUS (HILT) | 12 | H. WOODROFFE (CART) |
| 13 | B. HERDON (CLIFT) | 13 | J. DE VOS (PN) | 13 | L. FURNISS (MHS) | 13 | K. MUNANGI (MC) |
| 14 | T. MAZIBUKO (DHS) | 14 | F. GOBLE (MHS) | 14 | S. HYATT (HILT) | 14 | L. GETKATE (MC) |
| 15 | L. NHLAMAYO (GC) | 15 | B. HUGHES (K) | 15 | V. VOSTER (MHS) | 15 | M. KRIEL (MC) |
| NORTHERN REGION | SELECTORS A | HIGHWAYS | SOUTH DURBAN | ||||
| 1 | L. MOLOI (SC) | 1 | A. PAVERELLE (HILT) | 1 | M. MTABELA (W) | 1 | S. GELDENHUYS (PN) |
| 2 | F. HENDRICHS (FER) | 2 | R. BEST (EMP) | 2 | D. LEE (W) | 2 | R. COHEN (GW) |
| 3 | W. STEENKAMP (PIO) | 3 | D. HORACK (GW) | 3 | S. STOLZ (W) | 3 | F. ERASMUS (PN) |
| 4 | C. JACOBS (PIO) | 4 | B. OLIVIER (MC) | 4 | R. JACKSON (K) | 4 | K. BLOSE (GW) |
| 5 | J. PIETERS (FER) | 5 | J. HUNTER (GL) | 5 | T. GUMEDE (KLOOF) | 5 | H. VICTOR (GW) |
| 6 | M. LOUW (FEL) | 6 | K. THUNDER (MC) | 6 | D. MULLER (W) | 6 | T. MNYANDA (GW) |
| 7 | W. BOTHA (FER) | 7 | K. SMIT (W) | 7 | K. NICHOLSON (W) | 7 | N. XABA (GW) |
| 8 | J. WERNICH (EMP) | 8 | M. SADIKI (MHS) | 8 | T. DIXON (K) | 8 | B. STAPLES (GW) |
| 9 | B. VAN HEERDEN (L) | 9 | J. DU PREEZ (GW) | 9 | B. KITCHING (W) | 9 | F. NIEWENHUIZEN (PN) |
| 10 | X. KRIEL (SC) | 10 | C. SCHLEMMER (W) | 10 | M. NESBIT (K) | 10 | M. HAND (GW) |
| 11 | T. CHIBISI (EMP) | 11 | A. VORSTER (PN) | 11 | N. NZIMANDE (PINE) | 11 | A. ZUNGU (KINGS) |
| 12 | R. VAN DER WESTHUIZEN (PIO) | 12 | C. FRACKERS (MC) | 12 | D. ROSSOUW (GEL) | 12 | K. DAVEY (STH) |
| 13 | S. SINANE (FEL) | 13 | M. LITTLE (HILT) | 13 | J. TEDDER (K) | 13 | D. DU RANDT (GW) |
| 14 | M. NGUBANE (FEL) | 14 | S. MHLAMVU (W) | 14 | N. NDABEZITA (W) | 14 | I. MUKENDI (GW) |
| 15 | S. MNGUNI (SC) | 15 | T. STRYDOM (W) | 15 | M. COUCH (W) | 15 | J. MORGAN (GW) |
| GLOSSARY | |
|---|---|
| CC – CRESTON COLLEGE | MC – MARITZBURG COLLEGE |
| CLIFT – CLIFTON | MHS – MICHAELHOUSE |
| DEV – DEVELOPMENT | NW – NORTHWOOD |
| DHS – DURBAN HIGH SCHOOL | PINE – PINETOWN |
| ESH – ESHOWE | PIO – PIONIER |
| GC – GEORGE CAMPBELL | PN – PORT NATAL |
| GREY – GREYTOWN | SC – SAREL CILLIERS |
| GW – GLENWOOD | SN – SUID-NATAL |
| HILT – HILTON | STC – ST CHARLES |
| HOW – HOWICK | TREV – TREVERTON |
| IX – IXOPO | VOOR – VOORTREKKER |
| K – KEARSNEY | VRY – VRYHEID |
| LIN – LINPARK | W- WESTVILLE |
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Looks like you are right about 1 of your picks. Seems some of the team lists have been partly filled in already. It will all result in a nicely balanced side. I will wander off now, look for some quiet place to contemplate life, the universe, and everything.
@Gungets Tuft: “wonder why their “eagles” look like they are turkeys”
@GreenBlooded: I suppose we need to look on the bright side, at least they were actually facing the field, not propping up the bar congratulating each other for a job well done (in advance).
I remain highly sceptical about trials such as these – where the whol session is contrived and artificial. You don’t see the kids in the heat of battle, where the whole team pitches up, the collective effort to tactically win. All you see if 170 individuals out to impress, so much so that the excellent team man, the one guy everyone wants in theit team, gets missed completely, and the people he allows to look good fly on through. Then the selectors wonder why their “eagles” look like they are turkeys, because someone forgot the talisman. Eeisch.
@Pedantic: Chill bru, all in good fun. Slightly seriously, you can comment, you talk having seen many of the lighties play, that’s all we can ask for. To be blindly patriotic is not helpful, we have our school colours on, everyone knows who we support. Gnome sane?
@Gungets Tuft: Seen a similar episode for the past few years at Pinetown and Districts Trials for primary schools. There are 3 annointed schools in the district and the corresponding “3 wise men”. You go through the farce of the lower schools making up chukka’s against each other for most of the afternoon. Then the “3 Schools” rock up, play 2 chukkas against each other and the penciled in teams get selected!! 2 Years ago, the cat was set amoungst the pigeons when a very talented boy from a non-annointed school blew their minds – trials were suspended for about 45 minutes as the 3 wise men pulled out their erasers and pencils to try and find a spot for this guy. He was selected for KZN as an U12 and went on to captain the KZN team the next year.
@Gungets Tuft: Yeah … flipping Saturday afternoon and broke rule # 1 – never drink and comment on blogs!
@Pedantic: Ohhh alright then, I will take what YOU say with 3 pinches of salt instead of one
Hi Everyone
There is a new post with the KZNRU High School Committee selectors structure for 2013.
Hopefully this improves the transparency and knowledge of the process.
@Gungets Tuft: I haven’t seen as much of College this season as I would have liked to, but I’ve seen most of the major teams play this season:
College U16A – Twice @ Skonk
Hilton U16A – Twice @ Skonk
Westville – Twice @ Skonk & all the chukkas at Highway trials
Glenwood – once vs Kearsney
St Charles – once vs Kearsney
Northwood – once vs Kearsney
Michaelhouse – once vs Kearsney
Clifton – once vs Kearsney
DHS – Not seen this year – the only player I’ve mentioned from there is Ntuli who I remember being impressed with last season.
I think I’ve seen a fair amount of U16 rugby this season – add to this that over the past several years I’ve coached many of the boys on this list at club and club provincial level, I can probably tell you more about each of their strengths and weaknesses than the actual selectors
Having said that, it all comes down to what the boys do on the day – as all their progress up to this point goes out the window.
@GreenBlooded: And as long as the names are not known, so l long will the process be called into question. I am a cynic, saw it year after year in hockey in Durban, at trials the selectors would spend most of their time horse trading with their backs to the matches. If you had to line the kids up straight after the match and ask them which kid played in which position, mostly they would be stumped.
In rugby the selectors should be known, then we could at least see what matches they bothered to go to and watch. I realise that they probably all have day jobs, so perhaps my expectations are too high. Selection is a thankless job, so perhaps they need to be anonymous to avoid being accosted by disappointed parents. On the other side of that coin is the selector that is involved simply to influence, enough examples of that as well.
From my side, selectors names would be nice, I have nothing personal at stake, so like to think I am fairly neutral. Feel free to dispute that based on the Red, Black and White jersey you see
@Gungets Tuft: A fairly simple question which has been asked a few times but not answered. Who are the selectors and what are their affiliations?? I’m sure there are people here that know these answers.
@burra: What is it that you are NOT saying??
You make it sound as if there is a pencilled in team already with some names in ink. Most of the pragmatists here already know that, it’s generally the case, but I always hold out hope that the best team gets picked, not the negotiated one, or the convenient one.
Who are the selectors, does anyone know?
@burra: There is also a club in Queensburgh – I can give you contact details if you like. Not sure how strong they will be – they are under new chairmanship from this year and are re-building.
@Grasshopper:
By what I said I meamt that very little of them have been punted despite their domination of kzn in the past 2 years. Staples an obvious choice. D.Du Randt has obviously been punted while Handre Viktor will probably make the squad too…
@HORSEFLY NO.1: who has punted any Glenwood boys?
@<a href="#co@beet:
His from here Kzn.
I’ve already spoken to him about DRSU,I only introduced it to him later in the season last year,so he ended up just looking at which club he might fit into to. Either Collegians or Rovers.
Guys Febana will be the most preferred one
@HORSEFLY NO.1: “Irrespective of the College results and players”. Pretty much says it all then hey?
Have you seen them play?. Have the (DHS) bloggers that agreed with you seen them play. Simple answer, in the “Yes or No” sort of category. It’s not a trick question.
I punted 3 DHS boys. And people have agreed with me and have these three in their potential squads. The College team certainly is doing very well but when it comes to KZN its about the individuals, not team. Look at how many Glenwood boys are being punted…and they’ve only lost once in two and a half years now in kzn.
I’m still going for Febana,Ntuli and Simmo to make it, irrespective of the College results and players
@ruggaman: And not campaigning for Kriel, but he has a focus on doing well that I have seen in very few his age. If he does not go on and make a name for himself it will not be for lack of will and effort.
Growth spurt, eeisch. I have seen most of this College U16 team a lot, both on the field and off, most of them being boarders, and all of them have shot up and out. Gone are the little sprogs from 2nd Form, all young men in need of a shave
– No doubt the same everywhere. All my sons DPHS mates are unrecognisable.
I feel for the wings and even outside centre at any trials match. They have to go looking for work or they are doomed, everyone inside them trying to make a name for themselves. The Pietermaritzburg team could be slightly different if the backs from 10 out can convince the sole non-MC kid to play the team game. Unless he is very sharp (from Carter) then it might be his only shot to shine.
@Gungets Tuft: can’t say I disagree there. Very subjective opinions coming through.
From what I’ve seen Simpson looks the best 9 with a cool head on his shoulders. Reminds one of staffie hay from college and dphs a few years back. Would like to see Dean and Durandt at centres for a good mix of skill and pace. Wings can pick themselves on what they do at trials as imho at u16 level they won’t do much at Grant Khomo as having played there myself there just isn’t enough time to bring structures into place that give wings a chance to do much special.
15 for me has to be Matt kriel. Like his brothers has had a serious growth spurt after u15. Watched him against dhs and boys high away and he looked like the real deal. Strong runner, great hand off and excellent vision with a great pass. Just needs to work on his kicking out of hand methinks. Although to be fair haven’t seen much of the other guys as games didn’t allow them space.
Ok, here’s a question to all those punting players for spots in the GK squad, how many have actually, this year, watched the “opposition” play. If you are putting names forward, and actually naming the other players who are reportedly inferior, are you doing it from a position of personal experience, or patriotism?
I have no comment other than to say I find it confusing that pundits here can find just a spot or two for College players, then 5 or six certainties from DHS, after a 60-6 result in the match they played. How many people here made the trip to College that Wednesday to watch?. How many of the Durban based pundits have actually watched College U16 play at all??. If so, which match?
I have no view, certainly not going to politic on behalf of anyone, not having a personal interest in any of the boys, or a vicarious interest. Doesn’t mean I disagree with the views either. I know kids like Simmo, Matt Noot, rate both kids personally, cool , calm. Not at all surprised to see their names mentioned
@Mopaan1:
Do you honestly, with your WHOLE heart, believe he’s better than Simmo? Because if so, you are like the only person I know who believes that!
I have been watching Westville rugby for the last 5 years, and they have produced some great scrumhalfs over the years, like Cameron Wright and Dwayne Kelly to name a few, and their is another great in the making at the moment, Bryce Kitching. I hav watched him last year and this year, and he on every occasion seems to out play his opposite number, he has an exceptional pass, second to none and his vision and box kicking is unbelievable for a 15 year old, i think that he should be the KZn scrummie, based on what I have seen, and I think that Vorster, Dahl and Simpson should fight it out for the Reserve spot. There is a lot of talent this year , so I believe that the Kzn team will have a good run at the Grant Khomo week.
@burra: It would be a bit concerning if big KZN schools looked outside the province to recruit talent only to find out that some of our home ground players were possibly better.
I guess we won’t ever find out about Sisa’s true potential this year but maybe you should suggest to him that he tries out for DRSU Colt Club Rugby later in the year. I think this is a good place for players to get some good training and possibly still get a bit of provincial recognition via the huge national club tournament (IPT)
The team that will be choosen will surely not disappoint from my view.
I’ll have to go for Febana as hooker though that’s only my view.
Would’ve loved to see Sisa Sibiya in the team (from Queensburgh high) weighs 92kg very skilled,vision and very powerful. He couldn’t make the trials due to complications in the school. With the sports manager.His always telling me how he’d love to move to a bigger school and surecase his talent,playing with the big guns.
@star: I don’t think this week will be a good time for Kearsney with trials on Tuesday, trip to St Stithians on Jozi on Saturday, trials next Tuesday and then I think they have a half term break that following weekend.
For Westville with a local game against Port Natal coming up this Saturday the extra game is a lot more feasible.
Has anyone heard if Westville will be playing Kearsney this week( Wednesday/Thursday)
@Gungets Tuft: This College side has come on in leaps and bounds since U14 – probably the U16 team to beat, will be interesting to see their result vs GW.
@Pedantic: College beat House 20-17 today. House scored 2 tries in the last 5 minutes to their to their score.
College U16A summary this year
vs NW 38 – 5
vs DHS 60 – 6
vs Gramesby 47 – 10
vs Monnas 7 – 31
VS PBHS 13 – 3
vs House 20 – 17
Just saying
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Very difficult call between Febana and Sam. Both very strong and good with all basics required of a hooker. If I had to be forced into making a call I would start with Febana. Also agree with the huge improvement of Noot this year. He is making a big difference to the U16 A back line play. Not sure it will be enough for these trials but if he keeps improving he will be a big challenger in 2015. Hope it is enough to make an impression this year and wish him the best of luck.
@flyparent:
Definitely some big competition!! Who do you think should start between the two hookers? Yeah I don’t think Simmo will let his size affect him. Never has! James Hall is just as small yet is doing very well for himself.
@star:
Interesting..I haven’t seen those two play so thanks. Think moving Noot to flyhalf has paid dividends.
For me its good to hear that there are soooo many boys in contention NOT from Glenwood as they’ve only lost once in 3 years in kzn.
Think it’ll be the same at next years U16 trials with DHS,Kearsney,Glenwood,College and Westville on a par!!
@ Horsy- Noot definitely has improved tremendously and is comfortable to take control. However I would still go with Pretorius at GK level then Nisbet although his consistency needs to be worked on.. Who knows in 2 years time?
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Totally agree with your 2 hookers, Febana and Sam are both playing very well. Dixon, Staples, Ntuli and De Marigny should also all be definites. Haven’t seen the Kearsney or MHS flyhalves yet this year but very exciting to have 2 good prospects. For scrum half Simpson definitely has to be my first choice. He is highly skilled in all aspects of a scrummies game and has a brilliant rugby brain along with great leadership qualities and a mean left boot with a pretty good right one too. Seen him successfully stop the biggest boys on the field many times with good tackling regardless of his size and he doesn’t seem to have any fear whatsoever. [edited] rate Vorster as a much more quality scrummie, [edited] Kriel also should definitely get a chance, very talented boy. Good luck to all of the boys going on with trials. Big competition! Hope we get a few DHS boys in, there are a few who deserve to be there!
@Pedantic:
I would honestly rather put Febana ahead of Sam in that starting team. He is better IMO and great on attack with good defence. Throwing is top-notch too.
Good looking team though, they could do quite well and its interesting how much bigger some of these boys are compared to last years U16. Next years bunch won’t be too big either
@ Pedantic- Who is the best U16 side? I think on paper you would have to say MC/GW or Westville. This supported by the numbers at the trials where Westville and MC have 14 and GW 13. I think Kearsney have 6.But you know what is said about paper and its various uses. I think which ever team finishes the strongest will be deemed to be the best eg if Westville can beat MHS and MC( on Goldstones) . Likewise if Kearsney can beat Hilton and College(although at home) Lots to look forward to although the cancellation today was a HUGE disappointment for all concerned.
@Griffon: I was privileged to spend a week with a lot of these guys on a week long tour – Kevin Smit spent at least 90 minutes a day kicking at a lightning arrestor close to our dorms – his kicking prowess is no fluke, this boy works hard at his craft.
Kevin is probably the best place kicker in this age group in KZN (along with simmo) .. John Eales would be proud
Agreed … as a unit they are probably the best combination.
Remember, Lee was a Westville B team player last year, so he’s certainly progressing nicely – you will probably find at opens level he is going to be a serious contender.
Stoltz is another progressive player, just seems to go from strength to strength and still looks physically immature – this guy could be something special when he matures, great pickup by whoever recruited him.
Is Mtabela the guy they call “beast” (all black props seems to be called beast these days) ? If so, nice younger player but over-rated IMO.
@ Pedantic : That would be a strong pack, the only name I don’t recognise is Horack. Also who do you think will kick for poles. Smit has to be 1 of the best in this age group.
@ Pedantic- being a backline coach and a parent of a forward does not get you off the hook
You have watched a lot of these boys over a period of time and your input is always considered and valued.Griffon asked about the Westville front row (Mtabela,Lee and Stoltz) which I think as unit are the best in KZN. What are their chances? Mtabela-height? and Stoltz still” maturing”?
@HORSEFLY NO.1: I think Dixon will slot into lock at around 1.95 – I saw the selectors run him there a little at Highway trials.
Ok you forced my hand … my U16 pack:
1. Mthembu
2. Swanepoel
3. Horack
4. Smit
5. Dixon
6. Ntuli
7. De Marigny
8. Staples
Glenwood U16A sneaking the win late against Hilton – 10 -8
How close are the U16A teams this season ??
Glenwood win vs Kearsney
Hilton lose to Marais Viljoen
Kearsney win vs Marais Viljoen
MHS win vs Glenwood
Kearsney win vs MHS
Hilton lose to Glenwood
Where does Westville fit in here?
Who is the top KZN U16 side this year?
So are we all agreeing that Febana of DHS and Swanepoel of College are the two hookers for the side because I haven’t seen anyone better than the two In KZN. In U14 and U15 Febana had the better of Sam but I didn’t get to watch the game this year so I don’t know how Sams developed.
As for Simmo, yeah I guess his size is counting against him but we’ll have to see what the selectors want. If they are looking for skill, a good rugby brain, a good,educated boot then Simmo is your man .
Then at 10, this is also a tough one to call and will depend on combinations IMO. How did Star rate Noot for DHS??
For me, they simply HAVE to HAVE Dixon,Staples AND Ntuli in the side!! Big,strong,talented boys these three. Maybe one of them can slot into lock as I think Ntuli is the shortest at about 1.88m or so. So either that or if the selectors want to have them as loosies plus a fetcher then one will have to play bench.
How KZN will miss the talent and height of Henjolah Peters!! He’s left DHS and stopped playing rugby altogether. Went back to Newcastle. He was about 1.95m tall and had some skill to back it up
@Griffon: Can’t comment as I can’t put the name to a face / player on the field.
@ Pedantic : Sounds like a good backline, how do you rate Shange ?/ or haven’t you seen enough of him
@Pedantic: Agree , agree , agree . All three spot on !! Maybe bell at loosie is an option ?? I think Couch would make an excellent 13 , not 12 !! like some coaches think ! Nicholson will have to make the move sooner or later to no 2 ! Played prop a bit last year I think ??
@Griffon: A few things … Couch being charged down repeatedly may indicate he is not really suited to 15 – I would agree to a point and play him at 13 for Westville – at provincial level however it’s a little different.
Also I see you mention Bell at 8 … sorry, but he is not in the same class of the other 8’s on offer – Ntuli, Dixon and Staples are way ahead in that respect.
For the past 2 years I have been saying Nicholson should be groomed as a hooker – his lack of height means there is no future for him at loosie.
@Pedantic: Dixon is a class act and would have him in my team anytime , IMHO I don’t know if 8 will be his position going forward into opens . He has through the years had the ability to run through opposition . Players have all grown and caught up a bit , I would think lock will be his position .
@BWS: Not sure if you’re basing your opinion on the Highway trials, but remember Dixon was sick on the day … ask the MHS guys what they thought of him at 8
@ Star : Agree about being spoilt for choice with loosies. Also heard about him going to lock before the age restrictions. I’m sure they’ll play him there next year. @ BWS : Yes, Bell is a bot injury prone, missed about 2/3 games. Couchs one clearance that was charged down resulted in a try at DHS. Also got charged down once or twice at trials, so he needs to improve that factor. Some feel he’s not that quick enough which opposition can expose if he makes the side. Also Nicholson at flank would be good, with Bell at 8. I think Nicholson could end up being groomed for hooker after this season as he’s got the build, and speed. What do you think about Mhlamvu ?
My 2 cents worth … (only coz all the bloody rugger is cancelled)
As a forwards parent and a backline coach, I’ll steer clear of the forwards other than stating I don’t feel Staples is tall enough to be a lock any longer – he is probably around 1.90 and a real handful physically so would suit the 7 or 8 position quite nicely, no chance they can leave him out.
9
Simmo is pure class, but his size is certainly against him as the boys get bigger and more physical – Vorster is easily the next best scrummie all round and I would tip him for the crucial 9 position, he was streets ahead of Kitching in Highway trials IMO.
10
I haven’t seen Noot this year so can’t comment on him, but IMO it will be close between Pretorius (MHS) and Nesbit (KC). Pretorius looks like an incredible athlete and could quite possibly slot into the 12 position. Nesbit is an enigma – he has been solid since joining Kearsney but at Highway trials he was sublime, his team mates even asking “where the hell did that come from?”! Both of them selected … one for the bench as utility.
12
Dexton Rossouw played U13 Craven week – he still seems to have something special, but from my experience, the guys that don’t play tier 1 rugby day in and out seem to lack the edge required at this level. He looked good at trials, nice footwork and pace, but lacked the X-factor one would see in a player like Strydom. I also like the look of Billy Dean from MHS … if they go for Pretorius at 10, Dean would be a good selection at 12 as they link well together.
13
This is a tough one … it’s either select Durandt here and that’s it, or look at Durandt as a wing (blistering pace) and look for something extra here … De Vos is a nice player but probably not quite up to it at this level, Tedder is one of those players that just seems to do everything right while Little will give you a more physical option. For me, possibly Tedder at 13 and Durandt at 11.
Wings
With all due respect .. we need to find 11 players of colour for this team and traditionally wing is the position where we can find some boys who not only fit the profile but can also be selected on merit … Mukendi from GW has decent size, good skill and great pace – probably a banker here along with the Westville wing Ndabazita.
15
Couch has been super impressive this year at both centre and fullback so he has to be in the mix – he seems to have done a lot of work in the off-season and has grown a lot! Strydom is such a great player all round but I’m not convinced 15 is his place on the field – would be a nice selection as a utility back though. Between Couch and Glenwood’s Morgan for this one.
Now let’s hear it for the forwards from someone who has some insight there
@Griffon: agree Bell , has some BIG games , but needs to be more consistant . Also a bit injury prone , missed KES trip too !! Nicholson does have an ankle injury , so can only get better . Also prfer him at flank rather than 8 . Couch needs to work on the speed of his clearing of his kicks , few charge downs so far this season . Can cost a game ??
@ Griffon- I agree about Dixon at lock given the fact that we are spoilt for choice at no8 and a bit thin at lock(in terms of height) It will also give our pack some serious mobility. I seem to remember a previous post that Kearsney was grooming Dixon for lock this year before the age restrictions came into play.
@BWS : Bell is quite big and very strong, but I thinlk at times he’s failed to use those attributes. He’s also got quite some speed on him, watched him a bit a Skonk, made a 40m break, also putting in a good step. He needs to be consistent with his game. IMO Nicholson’s been playing well even with his ankle injury, correct me if I’m wrong. The u16 frontrow has played well this season. All 3 having a chance, but some have said the Mthabelas height might be a disadvantage. What do you think ?
@HORSEFLY NO.1: At some stage it plays a part . one can be short at scrummy but , small and light can become a problem . Some strong robust scrummys in this set-up . suppose will see what selectors are looking for ??
Agree about Kitching comment , am a bit surprised about him being first choice ?Dixon at 8 does not impress me that much , like your lock suggestion . Wstville no 6 has been a great fetcher so far !! Still think Strydom is a good versatile player , DRSU U15 player of the tournament last year . HAs a lot to give !S Bell in the selectors B side ?? thought he had a better chance !!
Don’t think Simmos size will be a problem…never really has been
@ Star : The thing about Strydom is that as a 12 he hardly links, which is a key thing a 12.I’d put Staples and Dixon as locks, as they’re both quite tall. Watching the Highway trials I have to say that Foster outplayed Kitching. Maybe Smit on the bench, as he covers all loose positions and locks, plus he’s quite useful when it comes to fetching,where I’v hardly seen a fetcher in this age group this year. Mhlamvu at 14, this kids been playing well in the few games he’s had. Knows how to read the game well as a wing, has a bit of footwork, a lot of pace, plus a strong handoff. Can also play 13
Pity about Shange , great strong 13 . Think Simmo is a wonderful leader , but feel he is a bit small , although plays with heart . Big compo at 15 , See Couch and Kriel and Strydom , should be interesting tussel . IMHO , like Strydom at 12 , as his defence is solid and generally looked better at trials than the other boys at 12 .Dixon / Staples at 8 will also be interesting . Next round will be tough . Good luck to all boys
@star:
Simmo will have his hands full but since I’ve watched his team play since U14, I’ve never seen a single scrummie in KZN fully outplay him and many of those games DHS were on the backfoot so that has to say something??
Think Simmo is just the natural choice to be honest, has it all in his position.
Think there are quite a few good no.8’s and I was impressed by our 8th man against WBHS. Staples has played a lot of his rugby at no.4 hence him there.
I haven’t seen this kid from MHS but if so then he’s probably a certainty. But Noot at no.21 then, love the way he controls things from flyhald.
Also Beet is right about Pretorius from MHS. I watched the match against Kearsney and he was a constant threat to the K defensive line. Must be a certainty. Simpson will have his hands full with Dahl, Voster and Kitching. I see some more good Westville stock is representing Hilton
in de Marigny.
@ Horsy- Stolz for tighthead. Can also play both sides of the scrum. Muller on the bench as a utilty player( lock/flank/8th man) as well as Couch and Strydom.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: You need to watch the Michaelhouse flyhalf Bader Pretorius. He is quite the player. His parents relocated from the W.Cape to NKZN last year, so in 2012 he was the captain of the unbeaten Paul Roos u15A team (wins against Grey Bloem, HJS, Gim etc etc). I think he might be a very strong contender for GK.
The new Kearsney flyhalf Nesbit is good as well.
The Hilton scrummy Dahl also very good and the Hilton no.8 de Marigny – big strong boy.
Michaelhouse prop Mazibuko also decent.
When Glenwood beat Kearsney I really liked the Glenwood centre but did not catch his name. I’m assuming its Du Randt???
Ok so potential squad??
1)N.Mthembu(NWood)
2)A.Febana (DHS)
3) ??
4)B.Staples
5) ??
6) Ntuli(DHS)
7)Nicholson(WBHS)
8)T.Dixon(Kearsney)
9)G.Simpson(DHS)
10)M,Noot(DHS
11)Coetzee(Glenwood)
12)D.Russouw(Gelofte)
13)Shange (Westville)
14) ??
15) Kriel(College)
16) Swanepoel(College)
17)??
18)??
19)??
20)??
21)??
22)??
@ Star : I hope the selectors could try push Shange throigh as he is one of the best u16 centres this year, not to be biased. He would also be an ‘asset’ to the team the GK team if he made it as he can cover both centres, fullback, and flyhalf and still be very effective.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: The are a few Craven week U13B players in the mix there. Simpson and Kriel were the 9 and 10 partnership, Sibisi and Erasmus I think were also there. Kitchin was selected on the bench but didn’t go in the end. There are also quite a few DRSU U15 players from last years IPT. Not sure if Tristan Dixon also didn’t make KZN U13B?
@ McCulleys Workshop-
Beet is right about the PBHS comparison. Final decision to be made at 11.30. Seems to be clearing from the South( so says my Kearsney brother in law). I cannot believe that DHS and Northwood have thrown in the towel so early as GW across the Berea are still hanging in .
@star:
Its quite sad but usually yes. You’ll find that at U18 if you are well known and have made KZN before you’ll be passed to the next round anyway but if you are U16 then usually yes. Especially if you haven’t made KZN before. Most of the guys who made the U13 squad in 2010 aren’t here. Had they been injured, they probably would’ve been passed to the 2nd round. Only KZN U13A players I see are Mthembu,Swanepoel,Staples,Dahl and Xaba.
Interesing that DHS no.10 Matt Noot has pushed out the Northwood no.10 to inside centre. Noot has improved massively though, an awesome flyhalf now !!
@McCulleys Workshop: I’ve heard the rain effect is the same as it was a few weeks ago for the Pretoria Boys clash, so hope floats of a game on Bowdens 2 at Westville
@star: Sun, Moon and Star, will the Westville games still happen?
@ Horsy- No the big prop ” beast” Mtabela is in the Highways team. Shange is the outside center who was actually injured against DHS. I believe he is back playing this weekend. If you are injured during trials does that mean the end of your GK aspirations.
@star:
If he is the big prop then maybe stilll injured?
Ross Muil of Northwood and Dillon Bryan of DHS were also injured players who couldn’t trial. Good players
I see that 2 of the boys that left Westville (Moloi- cousin of the Kearsney prop and Mnguni )have made the final trials via the Northern Region. And where is Shange from Westville. To me he has GK written all over him.
Well done to the boys that has gone through to the 2nd round. I was very disappointed with the way the trails was held at George Campbell School. Some of the boys played to full chakas, other boys played 9 minutes in the whole afternoon of trails. Some boys on the field did not even touch the ball, for example the full back. I excepted at the trails that all the boys will get equal time to show what they can do, but that did not happen. Some boys played 3 minutes on the field. How is that a fair system of selecting boys. It just demoralized the boys that was there at trails. It would be nice if the same system is used that the DRSU uses where you use number and no names, each player is assigned a number and the names are not known to the selectors.
Well done to all the boys who made it – lovely to see so many boys I know. To those who didn’t make it, remember that you were invited to trials and you may just not be what the selectors are looking for. Keep at your rugby, keep at your training and keep focussed on your goals.
Well done to these boys!!
All DHS players have a good chance but I rate Ntuli,Noot,Febana and Simpson to make it. All very good players and Noot has improved MASSIVELY since last year