The KZN / Sharks region gets into full swing on Saturday, 16 March with some mouthwatering fixtures.
Durban High School, Hilton, Northwood and Westville all may their regular season starts, while its the first proper test for Clifton.
At Bowden’s in Westville, Coach Jabz Zulu has entrusted Jadewill Koopman, a former u15 iQhawe Week player of the tournament, with the 10-jersey. This sets up nice mini battle within the big game as his opposite number Luke Davidson is the lead contender for the Craven Week berth. Davidson is talented in all aspects of the run-kick-pass but still has room to grow in the all-important decision-making role.
At fullback two old acquaintances cross paths again. Both Zekethelo Siyaya and Stefan Moolman, tipped to do some big things in KZN over the next year or two, played in the same Northern Natal u12A team back in 2019.
Michaelhouse have already been hit by the injury bug and several starters against Helpmekaar have been ruled out.
The speculation time is over with regards to the number of players from last years pace-setting u16A that Hilton would field this year. The answer is FIVE! One of them is young Liyema Nela who will be opposed by flashy Sevens star Siyanda Nkosi, an experiment that head coach Jacques Deen will hoping gives Northwood an extra attacking dimension.
In the backrow Hanu Pieterse will be good value at 8 for the hosts while for the Knights, blindsider Vuyo Gwiji will be looking to build on his SA Schools success of 2023 and will certainly be one of the players very high up many pro unions wishlists. Another interesting switch sees strong, talented prop Reuben Vos operating on the tighthead, as he goes all out in his bid to earn Craven Week honours this season.
Maritzburg College will start James Slevin at flyhalf this weekend. Against Kearsney Slevin proved he has an educated boot and might have been a match-winner had he started.
Adam Selikow will be the pivot for Clifton. Coach Orch will be looking for more domination out of his match-fitter pack and better ball distribution and penetration by the backs.
Due to an injury, Kearsney coach Neil van Heerden has roped in versatile Cameron Veenstra to fill the key role of flyhalf. Durban High School’s Aka Boqwana is a serious contender for Craven Week this year.
Inside centre Zingce Simka is highly rated and hoping to get somewhere while competing in one of the hottest positions in the country this year. Daniel Ikotela could potentially be a key factor in this match at Kearsney if he is allowed to go in search of tackled ball turnovers.
| TEAM | WESTVILLE | TEAM | MICHAELHOUSE | ||
| 1 | Akhona Maseko | u18 | 1 | Aphiwe Shelembe | u18 |
| 2 | Ross Calvert | u18 | 2 | Jordan Rootman | u18 |
| 3 | Athi Dengane | u18 | 3 | Thomas Peach | u17 |
| 4 | Oliver Gcina | u18 | 4 | Robert Combrinck | u18 |
| 5 | Wandile Simelane | u17 | 5 | Dominic Sesink-Clee | u18 |
| 6 | Chris Cloete | u18 | 6 | Anesu Nduru | u18 |
| 7 | Brandon Eke | u17 | 7 | Rilety Gehren | u18 |
| 8 | David Humphreys | u17 | 8 | Carlyle Hawkins | u18 |
| 9 | Ryan Pistor | u18 | 9 | Jack Hughes | u18 |
| 10 | Jadewill Koopman | u17 | 10 | Luke Davidson | u18 |
| 11 | Jadrian Afrikaner | u17 | 11 | Rourke Murray | u18 |
| 12 | Blake Allbon | u18 | 12 | Tom Baguley | u18 |
| 13 | Michael Satade | u18 | 13 | Rourke o’Sullivan | u17 |
| 14 | Unathi Mlotshwa | u18 | 14 | Aya Mkhokeli | u18 |
| 15 | Zekethelo Siyaya | u17 | 15 | Stefan Moolman | u17 |
| Coach | NJABULO ZULU | Coach | JAMES FLEMING | ||
| TEAM | HILTON | TEAM | NORTHWOOD | ||
| 1 | Oliver Proudfoot | u18 | 1 | Sphe Ntshangase | |
| 2 | Dylan Neill | u18 | 2 | Werner van Nieuwenhuizen | |
| 3 | Ben le Roux | u18 | 3 | Rueben Vos | |
| 4 | Emmanuel Dankwah | u17 | 4 | Titas Cesonis | |
| 5 | Kieran Hunter | u19 | 5 | Khwezi Kunene | |
| 6 | Ross Brown | u18 | 6 | Ethan Macey | |
| 7 | Stewart Falconer | u17 | 7 | Vuyo Gwiji | |
| 8 | Hanu Pieterse | u18 | 8 | Dewald Mostert | |
| 9 | Mitchel Wilson | u18 | 9 | Graeham de Swardt | |
| 10 | Liyema Nela | u17 | 10 | Siyanda Nkosi | |
| 11 | Requilme Adonis | u17 | 11 | Nokutenda Gunda | |
| 12 | Daniel Sweeney | u18 | 12 | Bongane Khumalo | |
| 13 | Khazimla Makali | u17 | 13 | Ramatuku Sikhakhane | |
| 14 | Rukudzo Madinga | u18 | 14 | Kwenzo Dlamini | |
| 15 | Ivan Jjuuko | u18 | 15 | Aphiwe Buthelezi | |
| 16 | Khanya Jekwa | u18 | 16 | ||
| 17 | Rowan Cox | u18 | 17 | ||
| 18 | Josh Grant | u17 | 18 | ||
| 19 | Trent Chubb | u17 | 19 | ||
| 20 | Jacques Olivier | u17 | 20 | ||
| 21 | Zander Voster | u17 | 21 | ||
| 22 | Bakana Xola | u19 | 22 | ||
| 23 | Sebastien Gaboreau | u17 | 23 | ||
| Coach | BRAD MACLEOD-HENDERSON | Coach | JACQUES DEEN | ||
| TEAM | MARITZBURG COLLEGE | TEAM | CLIFTON | ||
| 1 | Rambo Kubheka | u18 | 1 | Njabulo Dlomo | |
| 2 | Siyabonga Nyathi | u18 | 2 | Khanya Mgabi | |
| 3 | Aiden Botha | u18 | 3 | Simphiwe Ngcobo | |
| 4 | Mumbere Vyambwera | u17 | 4 | Lukhanyiso Nala | |
| 5 | Jake Jansen | u18 | 5 | Lwazi Madikizela | |
| 6 | Struan Oosthuisen | u18 | 6 | Jamie Brown | |
| 7 | Naz Isaacs | u18 | 7 | Richard Castle | |
| 8 | Imivuyo Kemka | u18 | 8 | Asabonga Jiyane | |
| 9 | Rayke Maartens | u18 | 9 | Kyle Akal | |
| 10 | James Slevin | u18 | 10 | Adam Selikow | |
| 11 | Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein | u17 | 11 | Wandile Ngubane | |
| 12 | Nkululeko Sithole | u18 | 12 | Bryce Beeslaar | |
| 13 | Swelihle Mbatha | u18 | 13 | Nkanyiso Ntshangase | |
| 14 | Langelihle Makhathini | u18 | 14 | Enzo Marcon | |
| 15 | Luyanda Kunene | u19 | 15 | Handre de Bruin | |
| 16 | Lwanda Khumalo | u17 | 16 | Sibande | |
| 17 | Indiphile Mlotshwa | u17 | 17 | Nhlabathi | |
| 18 | Alande Ngubane | u17 | 18 | Hammond | |
| 19 | Marko Nel | u18 | 19 | Baldi | |
| 20 | Cyril Cherayi | u17 | 20 | Ropertz | |
| 21 | Rylan Armoed | u18 | 21 | Farquharson | |
| 22 | Fezile Jozi | u18 | 22 | Beeslaar, Brad | |
| 23 | Amahle Hadebe | u18 | 23 | Myeni | |
| Coach | TIM ORCHARD | Coach | ROSS SAAYMAN | ||
| TEAM | KEARSNEY | TEAM | DURBAN HS | ||
| 1 | Kudawashe Kachambwa | u18 | 1 | Unaye Mndau | u18 |
| 2 | Blake Kruger | u18 | 2 | Mahle Sithole | u18 |
| 3 | Anele Cele | u18 | 3 | Bongani Dlamini | u18 |
| 4 | Simo Mnqokoyi | u17 | 4 | Sibusiso Mahlangu | u18 |
| 5 | Ryan Sim | u18 | 5 | Thando Luthuli | u18 |
| 6 | Seth Brown | u18 | 6 | Daniel Ikotela | u18 |
| 7 | Connor McIntyre | u18 | 7 | Bradley le Grange | u17 |
| 8 | Qhamani Mlalandle | u18 | 8 | Khanyisa Stamper | u18 |
| 9 | Roydan Madatt | u18 | 9 | Marcwin Nero | u18 |
| 10 | Cameron Veenstra | u18 | 10 | Aka Boqwana | u18 |
| 11 | Bukho Hlwatika | u17 | 11 | Adriano Jackson | u18 |
| 12 | Jarred van Staaden | u18 | 12 | Zingce Simka | u18 |
| 13 | Lindokuhle Mpungose | u18 | 13 | Duncan Basson | u18 |
| 14 | Valentino Lenge | u18 | 14 | Zenkosi Mthiyane | u18 |
| 15 | Daniel Eagar | u18 | 15 | Allston Cedras | u19 |
| Coach | NEIL VAN HEERDEN | Coach | PETER ENGLEDOW |
@Beet thanks for the write ups. It was always going to be a bit of an unknown with Kearsney toppling College the weekend before. Yes I think Kearsney were unlucky in some areas. They were pressing hard on the DHS try line when they conceeded the turnover and subsequent score. The charge down of the kick which led to the last try was also unlucky. I thought their scrums and line outs were solid and their rush defence really closes down the the space quickly. As you say, they have some dangerous runners which need to see more ball. I think it was the Kearsney full back who has a great step when gathering the ball at the back. He was always able to beat 1 or 2 defenders. DHS seemed to be very composed, especially for a first match and a team with a lot of new faces. It is difficult to see exactly what is going on with the camera a long way from the action but they seemed to be able to control the game with their forwards and was good to see the lineout functioning well so early in the season. @Skywalker yes the NW fly half seems to have a lot of time on his hands, has a great step which seems to get the whole backline going. That long range try was a beaut!
St Charles College vs Bishops. What a great performance this was. At 21-7 and Bishops playing free-flowing running passing rugby it looked like a big score was on the card. Then St Charles clicked into gear and produced such good variation off recycled ball. They never lost their cool and were so good at creating phases. One might fault Bishops for not being able to pilfer but just like Paarl Gim, SCC showed good ball protection after the tackle to form rucks.
They got the game back to 21-19 at one stage before Bishops scored again and then they ended the match with fourth try but it was an outstanding effort. Their lineout game was also good.
I hope I don’t leave anyone out for praise here but first of all the hats off to the coaching staff after that display and then to
2 Marlon Mbewe
4 Raphael Ajibade
5 Reece Curtin
8 Stefan Veldsman
9 Matthew Fick
12 Okuhle Peti
15 Salmaan Mohammed
all played well
I went to watch Westville vs Michaelhouse. It was a very enjoyable game for a neutral.
The thing that struck me the most was the returning senior players. MHS Hawkins (8) wasn’t really a 1st XV player last year but his step up has been huge. He’s different to what I imagined as well. I expected a silky player but he does the graft and hard yards as well. At 12 Baguley is a very reliable player for House. Davidson at 10 has the talent to do everything and in the tricky wind, his boot was was valuable. But the overall feeling is he can still perform a lot better.
On another website there is a nice report which sadly overlooks the contribution of Wvl’s Chris Cloete (6) especially in the first half. Good player and the only Ville returner who looked better than last year. Allbon tried hard. Got the intercept that might have been offside but it was testimony to his character and it was crucial to giving Wvl a bit of self belief. Three other seniors in the line did not look better than last year and their backs only started to show look up once it was 17-18 and broken unstructured play took hold of their attack. Then suddenly they looked like they had something to offer. In the pack the Wvl lineout was woeful.
The surprise player of the match was the MHS outside centre Rourke o’Sullivan. It was hard to believe he wasn’t an automatic first choice. He played like a returning senior.
As I said elsewhere I thought Kearsney deserved to lose by a narrower margin. DHS scored an opportunist try and a great counter attack try from their own tryline. I couldn’t really fault the latter because pulling it off showed a bit of ammo that KC don’t have. But it just goes to show that minus those two events and the score would have been 11-0 and probably a fairer reflection of the game.
DHS were better in a number of departments. Upperbody conditioning stood out. Explosive play ability by Stamper(8) and Mahlangu(4) in the forwards unmatched – KC does not have a player who can produce the same thing. DHS had more individual ability as well as cohesion in the line. If feels like no two KC backs are on the same wavelength. They also have no designs to utilise their dangerman Lenge. He seems like a kid who has been accustomed to scoring at least one try every game during his SBR career and now he has about 5 touches of the ball in two games with maybe 2 of those being quality attacking ball to work with. But KC definitely gave DHS a good challenge so there are positives to take out of the match. I think for DHS, they will probably want better match fitness in the second half against Rondebosch that they had in this match.
@Skywalker (Comment #6)
Both Northwood tries were constructed out of playing at very high speed. The Pixellot camera combined with the gold numbers made it hard to work out who was who but it was unusual to see a team being able to execute at that speed.
Hanu Pieterse at 8 for Hilton seemed good and so did Rukudzo Madinga on the right wing.
@Henkies (Comment #5)
Certainly a happy sight to see! I was wrong, Siyanda kicked well out of hand too from the bits I saw. Our backline caused some problems a d in fact their try was an intercept. Missed both conversions though and that isn’t good. But even stole some lineouts. So happy for them. This is clearly not a Hilton team like they have had the last few years but no matter, still a gutsy win and they deserve it.
Dhs I see put the hammer down against Kearsney. Woah. Brought them back down to earth with a thud. Hope they have a shocker against NW haha but otherwise hope they have a great season.
@Skywalker Well done on the win Skywalker. Away from home as well which is not easy up on the hill. I’m sure the beers will go down well tonight
Best of luck to this Northwood team. If the forwards can man up that backline can also cause some damage on attack. Not sure how well they can defend though and Hilton pride themselves on that. Also will see how Siyanda goes at 10. If he needs to kick strategically im not sure it will play into his natural game. But kets see. Hope for a close game at least
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #2)
I think they could be no.1 in KZN though year. Based on the strength of this age group at u16A level mixed with the returning players and Engledow I think they will be tough to beat. Also last year their games against Mhouse and Hilton could have gone the other way- they will want to put that right this season.
@Beet, Mahle Sithole at DHS is u18. He was in the KZN Academy Week u17 team last year and KZN GK in 2022.
Really excited to see what this DHS team can do this season.
Wow! These fixtures are going to be close except for the Clifton vs College fixture. There are some exciting names and combinations in these team lists and time will tell with regard to who is the most prepared going into the season and their Easter Festivals where they will be tested against some of the best schools from around the country.
Westville vs Michealhouse:
Westvile to be just too good. There are two match ups that I am looking forward to and that is between the two outside centers Satade and O’Sillivan. Siyaya will be the best fullback in KZN this year and his matchup against Moolman who was one of the most talented flyhalves last year will be very interesting- I say Westville by 5
Hilton vs Northwood:
This one will be won up front with Jacques Deen loving a physical and dominant style of rugby vs a Hilton that has an electrifying backline. Hilton will find a way to keep the ball and set up their exciting backs- Hilton by 13
College vs Clifton:
College to be too dominant – College by 40
Kearsney vs DHS:
Too very experienced sides coming up against each other. Kearsney beating College took me by surprise. This one will be the best game to watch live this weekend. It is a tough one to call..- DHS by 8
It is going to be an exciting weekend ahead in KZN with great matchups. Goodluck to all and enjoy!