Top 20 – Matches that matter for week ending 09/04/2022

There are some huge Top 20 matches coming up with the three really big ones being on the weekend being:
Garsfontein vs Affies

Grey College vs Outeniqua

HJS Paarl BH vs Oakdale

Affies under the guidance of new head coach Ruan Jacobs registered a massive 73-6 win against Durbanville at Noord-Suid. That makes them four and oh for the season-to-date and  necessitates a move up the rankings to join third place contenders  Garsfontein and HJS Paarl who drew 19-all after a very physical battle at Noord-Suid.

Garsies coached by  old boy Johan du Plessis, having been longing for this Pretoria derby to materialise as Affies have for the best part of their history been the capital’s flagship team and therefore the standard against which schools in the region. The Bere have a really good squad and will hope for better more composed finishing than against Boishaai.

Joining the Affies’ climb are Bishops.The Platinum Blues’ coached by Wes Chetty stocks rise after they overcame a much improved Outeniqua 31-20 at the Grey High Festival are able to produce some of the most attractive rugby on show.
Even though it’s no secret that Outeniqua are gearing up for their 100th birthday in 2023 with a “bulspan” expected, they have serious talent to work with this year. Grey are the standard setters in South Africa but there is no reason why Outeniqua coached by the veteran campaigner Abrie Minnie cannot fine-tune their Bishops effort and offer The Navy under the guidance of Old Grey 2007, Jannie Geldenhuys a serious challenge.

Hoër Jongenskool slash Brugstaat are not words you find in the same sentence as away win very often. They have shown their worth on defence while their attacking play has not quite started firing on all cylinders yet.
Oakdale basically won the first half  against Monument quite convincingly in general play. Their variation was excellent and at one stage they looked to be the far stronger team on the field. However the Witbulle made the most of opportunities that came their way in half one and then really turned it up a notch in the second 35. The Krugersdorpers big forwards didn’t disappoint and perhaps a bit uncharacteristic of Monnas rugby these days, they showed plenty of creative energy and one-on-one flair when the ball was away from the breakdown points. A very well-balanced and convincing performance in the end to give them a handy 41-18 win. Against Boishaai, the Bulle of Riversdale will possibly feel more confident that they can contain the threats out wide but will it be enough?

Grey HS vs Paul Roos

Another high profile Top 20 match sees Paul Roos travel to Gqeberha to face Grey High. Grey seem to be on the mend but injury concerns in Stellenbosch camp are hectic and are bound to make new coach Corne Uys’ job harder than just about all of his recent predecessors combined.

Most of the other contenders have the weekend off ahead of the Easter festivals. Maritzburg College have their first really big bite at the apple when they entertain the Candies, Pretoria Boys’ High.

Feel-feel Ranking update:

1. Paarl Gim
2. Grey College
3. Garsfontein / HJS Paarl BH / Affies / Bishops
7. Stellenberg / Monument
9. Outeniqua
10. Grey HS / Waterkloof / Boland Landbou / Oakdale
14.  Drostdy / Helpmekaar / Paul Roos
18. Hilton / Maritzburg College /Westville / Hudson Park