Durban High School’s Van Heerden’s field was the setting for a highly entertaining match of schoolboy rugby. Hosts DHS went on to beat Westville 24-20.
Westville were beaming with confidence after winning three out of three at the recent Kearsney Easter Festival. A number of Ville’s tries during the festival had either been finished or assisted through efforts by their big inside centre Likhona Finca.
However in spite of the form, the feeling was that the Highways visitors would need to produce something special to overcome DHS who up to this match were able to rely on attack guidance talented flyhalf Deano Boesak, who is arguably the KZN player of the season to date.
As it turned out, both Finca and Boesak tried hard but were unable to reach the same dizzy heights during this match.
The first half was an interesting affair even though there was not much influence on the scoreboard until the latter stages. Something that seemed to be taking a toll was the number of matches DHS had already played during April. They looked a bit flat and their tactical kicks deep into Westville territory had little effect thanks in main to an outstanding performance by Westville fullback Speedy Ramaloko. Ramaloko’s kicking out of hand and catch and run-backs from deep inside his own half were of a very high standard. He picked some great lines and beat many DHS defenders on the day.
With the score at 3-all, DHS erred with a regulation inside centre carry from the goal-line to set up a phase ahead of the exit. Ville flyhalf Unathi Mlotshwa pounced to put the visitors 8-3 ahead.
DHS responded with the help of their flashy super-exciting fullback, Hopewell Nshangase, who is surely on the right path to booking his ticket to Craven Week thanks to his amazing lateral ability inspired 1-v-1 beating runs. The fast fullback turned a DHS attack gone wrong into a 7-pointer thanks to his superb balanced weaving run and pass to wing Maurice Willemse who dotted down.
The schools changed ends at 10-8 to DHS.
Westville openside flank Chris Cloete was in top form during the match especially at the breakdowns where he excelled. His combination with hooker Ross Calvert, resulted in the second try – a training ground lineout move executed to textbook perfection. This handed back the lead to the Griffins 13-10.
DHS’s lead was restored through a persevering run by big highly-rated tighthead prop Simphiwe Ngobese before he used those fantastic hands he has to fed hardworking flank Nlululeko Masondo who swan-dived over the line. By this stage DHS appeared to have all the momentum and any thought of tired April legs was out the window. Even big bull flank Siseko Mani got in on the act with a trademark carry.
The home team lead was extended when Maurice Willemse collected a long tactical kick and chose to hoof a high ball which he set off after. At first it seemed like a bit of a nothing kick, but the effort paid handsome dividends when the nearest Westville player misjudged the trajectory and allowed the ball the bounce. Fast moving Willemse gathered it and rounded the last line defender to score, growing the lead to 24-13, once Boesak had converted.
Westville then found their second wind and a ton of urgency. But as a feature of the match, they just could not achieve the level of continuity required to turn possession and territory into points, until very late on when underrated utility forward Daniel Mayo crossed the white chalk late on to help narrow the deficit to the final score of 24-20.
This match was full value and played in a really good spirit.
Northwood beat Glenwood 29-22 at Glenwood and in the process caused a bit of shock on just on a local but a national scale too.
It was the Knights first victory over the Greens since 2011 and their first win on Dixon’s Field since 1996 (according to blogging legend Grasshopper’s records).
Northwood head coach Jacques Deen described it as his top win since leaving Glenwood to take charge of the Durban North school 1st XV last year.
It has been one of those seasons for Glenwood. On paper they are good and are capable of matching it with top performances as witnessed at the recent Easter Festival. During games played at Kearsney props Lithemba Mfupi and Teddy Dlamini stood out for their good setpiece work and their big bashing plays. Fullback Jaco Williams also showed why he is rated as a top SA Schools candidate. However this game against Northwood more closely resembled the under-performances of the South Durban team at Noord-Suid tournament at the start of the month.
Northwood battled hard and were always in the match. At no point did they look like the weaker team on the day.
Northwood had their noses in front at the break at 12-7 (2 tries to 1)
At 15-22 down in the second half, the match took a crucial turn when the Knights were awarded a penalty try from quite far out. It appeared to be the wrong decision but by then Glenwood had players on the park that were hobbling and it seemed inevitable that Northwood were going to score anyway.
After the penalty try was awarded to make matters 22-22 (3 tries apiece), the energy with which the visitors ran back in eagerness to get the match restarted, spoke volumes about their spirit and desire to win.
This positive attitude paid off as they produced the go-forward and crucial line-break to score the match winning try and then hold out on defence.
Unfortunately the AI camera at Glenwood is terrible. With the shadow cast across part of the field the visuals are even worse than normal.
Heard Glenwood got humped 10-36, eish. Glory days over, no money = less success.
@Vleis: Yep, I think Conan the Barbarian’s brother, albeit not the same build, much leaner and quicker. KZN trials will be tough, at least 4 layers deep in many positions
@Grasshopper: Yep, there is no good reason to rush a lightie into rugby – there is plenty of time for him to develop a passion for the sport first…or not.
I watched Hilton and House at the Easter festivals and they both looked like solid, well-coached teams.
I presume that Ronaldo le Fleur is Conan’s brother? Ironically, the only ex-Glenwood player (that I can remember anyway) who played in my son’s Varsity Cup team was a lock!
@Vleis: Hey boet, hope you are well. Yes, still in the UK and lighty is turning 8 next week. More into swimming, tennis and cricket. Rugby a bit. Yes, I’ve been keeping track of the KZN teams, plenty depth at prop and wing but again lack proper locks, over 1.95cm and 110kg. The KZN side will have a good mix of schools. For Glenwood I think Mpufi (prop), Goosen (Hooker), Plasket-Burne (loosie), Chijindu Okonta (wing), Ronaldo le Fleur (wing) and Jaco Williams (Fullback) have a chance of making the squad. Expecting a good performance from the Banana-boys at Craven Week (if that is what it’s still called)…..Grahamstown is not that anymore….
@Grasshopper: Howzit Hopps – welcome back. You still living in the UK – by now, your lightie must be at the age that he can play rugger? The KZN teams are looking good this year – I don’t think that any will be in the top 5 nationally, but all the A league KZN schools are very competitive. It will be a nightmare to try to pick the Craven Week team.
Howzit all! Lekker to see all the posts and the blog is still thriving. I might even bring Bush out from his cave. House up in the midlands is tough, but Glenwood being the underdogs is better for us. Look forward to seeing the result. 2023 is probably the last year we will be competitive. The age groups look bleak!
@Beet
Is KZN primary school rugby played barefoot?
@Vleis: that is proparbly why the Afrikaans schools tend to be ahead of English schools at age 14
Our boys tend to go to gr1 with his rugby ball ,they also start with “bondeltjie rugby ” in gr 1 so by the time he gets to u 13 A he already has 6 years if ruggas behind him ,this also happens in the “English” primary schools in the eastern cape a typical primary rugby day usually consists of two bondeltjie games ,followd by u 9 ,11,13 usually A and B sometimes c depending on the size of the school
@Henkies: There is actually an issue developing surrounding a particular player that one of the Durban primary schools intended to field. The last I heard, the other KZN schools were not going to play against this particular school because of suspicions that the player is overaged.
@Kaya 85: That’s quite interesting.
I believe its a good idea in general to introduce as many young kids as possible to a form of rugby. I think if they understand how the game is played, there is an improved chance of them growing up as someone who associates with the sport and hopefully becomes a rugby supporter of sorts.
Also interesting I bumped into Etienne Fynn of the Sharks who has coached various teams and worked in a senior role at the academy. His new assignment is coaching awoman’s rugby at provincial level, a task that requires him to oversee its development at all levels including school. Again I would say that if nothing else is achieved, its a very good opportunity to grow the fan base for pro rugby.
I agree that Paul Anthony has made a big difference at BBHS and I’m sure that the “newish” headmaster is also helping matters…and both will continue to do so in future. The headmaster played 1st team rugby for PBHS and later coached the PBHS 1st team. Does PBHS not allow old boys to recruit and sponsor deserving potential scholars (who are sometimes rugby players) like other schools do?
The number of english-speaking schools in Gauteng that play rugby in junior school is increasing at a rapid rate. My son went to a tiny private school that played hockey and soccer, so he only started playing rugby in gr8, but even his school (and many like it) started rugby programs from about u10 quite a few years ago.
I think another factor which is improving the standard of rugby at the English high schools is the much larger number of players of colour that now play the game….and play the game with ferocious commitment and style.
@Henkies: I believe in the so called “golden line” in a rugby team line up i.e. your numbers 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 15. If you have exceptional players in those positions, chances are good you will have a good team. In 2019 PBHS had MORE than exceptional players in each of those positions and they truly punched way above their weight especially that day against Affies. In 2023 I dont think they will be that good, but guess what PBHS again has a very good no 2, 8, 9 and 10 and some very decent players around them and the results show so far this season.
In Durban the likes of DHS Prep do play rugby in primary school, and then there is the junior club rugby option. One of the reasons the likes of KES and Jeppe have improved in the lower age groups is because more English medium primary schools in their catchment areas have started taking up rugby from u11 or so, e.g. KEPS even play from u9, and 4 or 5 primary schools east of Jeppe also offer some rugby.
@OudAnker yes College are playing to a gameplan which really suits their strengths. Their loose head must be their top try scorer and they never give up with those come from behind wins against Noordheuwel and Jeppe. They’ve been great to watch. What a fixture list though – Grey College, Jeppe, KES, Pretoria, Stellenberg, Affies, Glenwood x2. That’s a long season. Would you say thus is Pretoria’ strongest side in a good while? They’ve got some real difference maker players in the side. The primary school scene in KZN is quite healthy I think OudAnker. There is Glenwood Prep, Durban Prep,Merchiston, Highbury, Berea West, Umhlali seems to be doing well and other schools too. But as has been mentioned,they are probably small in numbers compared to other regions.
@ForeverHorseFly: I agree 100% with your feeder school comments. I must say DHS is doing something right though. You’ve got a lekker team this year and it also helps that you’ve got Peter as your coach. You gave Affies one hell of a game at North/South and are you with College in my opinion the Natal schools to beat this year.
@Henkies: I am a huge fan of Paul Anthony. One of the best coaches around and on top of that he is just such a decent guy. The boys will kill for him. It also helps that he is an old boy as well, so the passion for the school filters through in his coaching. Yes, they beat Affies in 2019 a year after they lost by a record score against Affies and 2019 was the year Paul took over. PBHS will most probably never be a rugby power house, because of their strict no recruiting policy (not even jersey sponsors are allowed) and no recruiting means even if they go around and recruit boys for the hostels those boys DONT get financial bursaries or assistance. They go to PBHS because they want to be there. Their parents still pay in full. Paul’s rugby curse is therefore the grade 8 0/14s. Affies for instance have a gizzilion primary schools to target in PTA. Boys High has virtually nothing, because the English primary schools just dont play rugby in PTA. By the way I have a huge amount of respect for the PBHS non financial recruiting rugby model.
@OUD ANKER: I am just guessing here but I would put primary schools that play rugby as a sport in KZN at 20% to 30%…and of those even fewer play at a higher enough level to compete with top Schools in other provinces…I think part of successfully recruiting at grade 8 isn’t just a focus on the talented provincial u13 players but by having strong feeder schools which allows you access to players who played u13A or B for their primary schools but find themselves in the lower u14 teams come high school…these are the players that become late bloomers and help high schools have top open age group teams without the need of bringing in guys post u16.
That’s interesting information about Pretoria Oud Anker. I’ve often wondered what the feeder schools are for Pretoria Boys. I’m a big fan of Paul Anthony. He sounds like a chap who doesn’t need to say a lot to really get a strong message across to the boys and I can imagine his players really want to do their best for him. That win against Affies in 2019 was epic. (I think it was 2019) They’ve been great to watch this year – they showed so much self belief in the win against Grey.
Great piece of writing, Beet. So much to comment on! Let’s get the obvious and exceptionally irritating “thing” out of the way…the AI camera. It’s horrendous wherever its used. It’s obviously a commercial decision as it doesn’t require camera-people to operate but the angles, zoom and ability to follow the ball are all questionable. Regrettably I don’t see it changing anytime soon. Just about every school streams on the SuperSportSchools platform so never enough staff or kit to go round.
As far as the Glenwood game went, I think the hunger between the two sides and the coaching staff was the difference. Ironically both Northwood coaches are ex Glenwood first squad coaches but they did a great job of nullifying Glenwood’s strengths and then the gameplay fell apart. I think people wrote Northwood off too soon and I think they’ll surprise a few more sides this year. Their junior sides are looking really good. The school with a rugby field with sea views seems to have a rugby program now to match their location:)
Doesn’t get easier for The Wood, traveling to the thinner air of the Midlands this week with a squad that has already played a lot of rugby in the last few weeks…let’s see if their big heavies can last the pace. I also noticed some key players seem to be carrying injuries, not great for them as individuals heading into Craven week trials time. Michaelhouse will be tough on Meadows
DHS are the best all round side in my opinion but their consistency not quite there yet as seen by the one loss at KERF
Still the side to beat this year in KZN, they’ve won 2 tight games on Van Heerdens so let’s see how they travel. Engledouw seems to have done a great job!
@ForeverHorseFly: I’m not so familiar with the primary school system in KZN. Do the primary schools play rugby as official sport in especially the English speaking primary schools? I speak from a Pretoria Boys High perspective and their problem is exactly that, their 0/14 teams get hammered, because for many of those boys it is the first time they play rugby coming from non rugby playing primary schools. They then get better by 0/15 even better by 0/16 and by the time they get to open teams they can compete. PBHS has a strict no buying/recruiting policy, however recognising the primary school non playing rugby problem, they do actively try to get more rugby playing boys from grade 7 even from other provinces in their hostels and also now believe it or not trying to get Afrikaans boys from the local Afrikaans primary schools to join PBHS.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – those AI cameras are the worse idea ever. They are hopeless. The one at DHS was abbismal as well and hardly worth watching. Supersport schools need to serious rethink this approach.
@beet: Thanks Beet. For some time now the KZN Schools selection and development program has been setting the standard for me. Spread the recruitment, get strength against strength and develop multiple options in positions. That u17 team at Academy week last year was a good strategic move that will reap long term benefits IMO.
@ForeverHorseFly: I have no problem with schools going outside the province to recruit for Gr 8 year…..Can’t say I respect the shopping that goes on at Grant Khomo annually….it is a huge reality though. Also players that were great in Gr 7 are often average by the time they get to U15….so schools want to bring in fresh talent (late bloomers). But the way it gets done often leaves a bad taste.
@Kaya 85: Agreed. 1st Team reserves playing a full game for the 2nd team immediately before the 1st team game and then sometimes having to come on early in the 1st half is also less than ideal.
@skelmbos: I think the way rugby is going, the squad system must be used more intelligently in schools rugby, especially over the festivals where teams play numerous games in a short period of time. Looking at the senior pro game, the SA URC teams are realising that they will need larger squads to compete in both URC and Heineken … and looking at a team like Leinster who are leading the way…their depth in the squad is phenomenal … not lost a single game in both competitions…Schools like HJS and others who played 5 games in 8 or 9 days…they really should use larger squads or not play as many games
@Jakkals: It is no secret KZN as a province doesn’t have the grassroots depth of talent in rugby provinces like EC and WC and others might have so the schools will look to bring in grade 8s from where the talent is…first priority is always the top KZN players, but there are 8 top kzn schools competing for a small pool of players, so you have to look out of province which at grade 8 is not a bad thing.
@Kaya 85: DHS has a boarding establishment so it does recruit grade 7 students from outside the province to come to the school in grade 8…now to say it recruits 50%+ for the first team is totally wrong. Looking at the starting 15, only 3 or so players arrived post u16, the rest have been at the school since grade 8.
@beet: Yep, the mental aspect is often overlooked. Getting the boys psyched up game after game for what is nowadays massive physical battles with not enough recovery time to recover from the adrenaline high of a tough game will also lead to players not being switched-on going into the next. Mental fatigue typically leads to poor decision-making and execution.
Plus these boys have the added pressure of personal academic targets in the 2 years that can be critical for their potential future non-rugby-playing careers.
@Kaya 85: lots of cape accent afrikaans in the DHS team…definitely not kzn afrikaans
Correct me if I’m worng….Glenwood has been running a ‘pro’ set up with strategic recruiting of 50% + of their first team for a number of years now. It looks like DHS is doing the same, initially latecomers they look to be purring this year, building on a very good 2022. I’m estimating they are also recruiting far beyond the borders of KZN, 50% + of the team…is there a way to establish to what extent….
Now Westville I thought had recruited locally only, and Northwood least of all, is this correct? I’m not trying to instigate the merits of recruiting in this post, just that what has worked successfully for Glenwood for at least 15 years is now also obviously reaping reward for DHS. But has Northwood taken a different approach?
@skelmbos: Valid point noted.
We talk about the physical hardship on the boys bodies to play so many matches in a short space of time. Is there a mental aspect that also has to be considered. Thinking not only about getting up to peak mental performance for a match but also specifically of a trip to Riversdale just after having an extended time spent time in Pretoria and then Jozi.
I was convinced that this was part of Monnas undoing a few weeks back when they traveled to Kroonstad and then Welkom on successive weekends.
@beet: As for the Boishaai vs Oakdale result (please see my post on the “talking points” thread), I don’t believe the Northwood win was that much of an upset for exactly the same reasons. Glenwood had 6 games within 15 days and they had much tougher opposition over Easter. In light of this, the DHS (similar workload disadvantage as Glenwood) win over Westville could im fact be seen as an upset?
I expect to see more “upsets” as the effects of player workload mismanagement starts to bite. For the larger schools with more player depth and stronger competition for 1st team places this should obviously be less of an issue (ig managed properly!).
I have really enjoyed the KZN schools’ skills and style of play this year.
@Kantman: We have so many imported players these days, that quota is no longer an obstacle. It still is a challenge in many other parts.
So the KZN selectors can literally ignore colour and pick a CW team on merit now.
The bigger challenge is in positions like prop. Who do they leave out?
But there are also a few positions of weakness.
I watched Garsies lock Oosthuizen who was at Northwood. He is u17 and did a great job against Affies. I think KZN misses a second row player like him.
So frontrow – tops for depth
Secondrow – maybe a lack of height and grunt. Altho that said my two frontrunners in the College locks Jake Jansen and Kuhle Mthimkulu have shown they can mix it up with a very physical Grey College pack and win some of those big collisions.
Backrow – sorted for depth
Scrumhalf – looking for a backup 9 to step up. There are options including taking a 9/10
Flyhalf – also maybe still looking to see who wants it most but again options in the form of French style 9/10 halves. Also GW 15 Jaco Williams could cover here.
Inside Centre – big questionmark esp with Keith Chirwa of NW out. Maybe RD Englebrecht of HC can move to 12. He has a nice physical presence.
Outside Centre – sorted
Back Three – sorted for depth
@Henkies: Thanks. DHS have a good team. They could be in line for the best ranking finish in a long time. Fatigue is going to be major challenge particularly after Wildeklawer because then its back into KZN and the distraction of trials along the way. Too much rugby.
@Skywalker: Actually when you look at the three KZN rounds of results now, one can see NW is a lot more competitive than preseason expectations.
Gwd beat Ville by 1 point
Ville beat NW by 1 point
NW beat Gwd by 7 points
Then consider that
DHS beat Ville by 4 points
DHS beat College by 7 points
MHS beat College by 7 points
There is basically nothing in these matches at the moment. Just about every final score could have gone the other way.
Who’s to say NW don’t finish higher than the predicted 7 to 8 in KZN at the start of the season.
Great write up Beet. It was a great win for DHS as Westville looked very strong and well structured in their wins at the Kearsney Festival, particularly in the match against EG Jansen where their forwards were strong in the set piece and their big wings and centres had some battering runs. I also thought the 6 games in 10 days for DHS from Noord Suid and the Kearsney Festival might take its toll but they came out and had a strong 2nd half. I think the Westville v College, Michaelhouse and Hilton will be great match ups. Its been a good season so far for the KZN schools. They’ve shown they can be competitive at the tournaments against the big guns. @Smallies yes you are right. DHS has been very fortunate to have Peter Engledow. He’s brought an edge and real sense of self belief to the team. @Skywalker enjoy the win pal. The beers must have gone down very well on Sat night. The lower age group teams at Northwod are looking very strong. I am sure Glenwood will bounce back strongly in their next games.
@Dixon’s: Have a look on the SSS app.
During the Westville game a few weeks ago, the ref actually had to ask the Glenwood replacements to move away because there was no space for the Westville backs near the deadball line.
Unfortuately as innocent as it may seem, to an opposition supporter or even a neutral like myself that can be construed as an attempt at an unfair advantage.
The general rule should be offer the same courtesy as you’d like to receive when a visitor at another school.
Plus those picket fences being so close are unsafe.
The 1st team victory was special, and im so happy for the team. We all spent many years on the recieving end of some tough games against Glenwood and it was great to watch them claim that win on Dixons. More so though, I am happy with the strength of the rugby programme overall. The results down the line is more important and it’s great to have Northwood competing and winning big games in all age groups. NW rugby should never had dropped off the radar as much as it did for all those years, and it’s taken hard work by many to slowly build, catch up and now compete with the best in KZN again. Still hard work to do, but great for KZN rugby and for the NW community to have the rugby programme at the same levels as the other sports codes like their hockey or cricket.
@beet: I park by the swimming pool gate and sit in front of the Mike Turrel Pavillion like I have for the last 20 odd years iv been watching Glenwood play, so iv never actually noticed the fences by the IC Pavillion. Next home game I must go have a look.
The more I see of thisDHS team the more I’m convinced that Boishaai made a mistake in letting Engeldow go in favor of Erasmus,oh well Boishaai’s loss is DHS’s gain…
@Dixon’s: I was unfortunately at a different game and the AI camera makes it extremely difficult to follow the match in detail.
The penalty try looked like a wrong call. The ball had been passed before the tip tackle was made and the NW advance was halted after that. The ref and AR however did not have the benefit of a TMO.
I think in the pros. the tip tackle would have been a straight red. It was one of two that I saw on SSS over the weekend and both escaped red card sanctions. But its an interesting topic for more discussion.
I also have to wonder about the picket fences so close to the dead-ball line by the Ivan Clarke pavilion. I have no idea why they are there in the first place, maybe to preserve the grass. Surely those have to be moved back a few metres???
Penalty try looked like a very dubious decision as did the yellow card. also the reffing of the scrum later on looked very suspect. But Glewood lost beccause
1. overcomplicating the lineouts put themselves under pressure
2. no fetcher, all well and good playing a big back row and trying to outmuscle the opposition, but somebody has to protect the ball. the Northwood 6 had field day at the rucks
3. poor communication late on from the medical staff, it was clearly obvious that the 1 wing was finished should have been replaced much earlier. he became such a liability on defence
4. most importantly poor tactics, the Glenwood outside backs are lethal 11 13 14 and 15 are fast skillfull players who just hardly ever got the ball in space. the dew time they did they either scored or made huge gains into northwood territory. dont understand the thinking behind playing route 1 bash crash rugby for so long when you have such talent outside.
I think the Sharks will be playing in the final at Cravenweek this year.