| School Rugby fixtures & results – week ending 27 April 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed.24Apr | BOL | Drostdy | 33-20 | Worcester Gim | BOL | |
| Fri.26Apr | BOR | Hudson Park | 18-12 | St Stithians | LIO | |
| Sat.27Apr | KZN | Clifton | 06-61 | Northwood | KZN | Sharks Day Trials |
| Sat.27Apr | KZN | St Charles | 12-54 | Durban HS | KZN | Sharks Day Trials |
| Sat.27Apr | KZN | Westville | 12-41 | Maritzburg College | KZN | Sharks Day Trials |
| Sat.27Apr | KZN | Michaelhouse | 34-19 | Kearsney | KZN | Sharks Day Trials |
| Sat.27Apr | KZN | Hilton | 26-07 | Glenwood | KZN | Sharks Day Trials |
| Sat.27Apr | BOL | Swartland | 65-07 | DF Malan | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | BOL | Dirkie Uys | 03-39 | Hopefield | BOL | |
| Sat.27Apr | SWD | Outeniqua | 68-00 | Parel Vallei | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | BOL | Robertson | 48-12 | Tygerberg | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | WP | Bishops | 08-35 | Wynberg | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | WP | Paarl Gim | 35-10 | SACS | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | WP | Melkbosstrand | 13-45 | Rondebosch | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | WP | Strand | 00-76 | Stellenberg | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | WP | Brackenfell | 22-17 | Worcester Gim | BOL | |
| Sat.27Apr | WP | Milnerton | 29-28 | Bellville | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | BOR | Selborne | 07-36 | Grey College | FS | |
| Sat.27Apr | BOR | Stirling | 00-77 | Kingswood | EP | |
| Sat.27Apr | BOR | Dale | 34-17 | Cambridge | BOR | |
| Sat.27Apr | BOR | Port Rex | 00-52 | Queen’s | BOR | |
| Sat.27Apr | EP | Grey HS | 07-21 | Paul Roos | WP | |
| Sat.27Apr | EP | St Andrew’s | 17-15 | Graeme | EP | |
| Sat.27Apr | EP | Nico Malan | 29-12 | Pearson | EP | |
| Sat.27Apr | EP | Despatch | 09-24 | Daniel Pienaar | EP | |
| Sat.27Apr | EP | Graaff-Reinet VS | 20-31 | Marlow | EP | |
| Sat.27Apr | LIO | Noordheuwel | 15-11 | Wesvalia | LEO | NWU Prestige Final |
| Sat.27Apr | LIO | Marais Viljoen | 37-09 | Pietersburg | LIM | NWU Prestige 3-4 |
| Sat.27Apr | LEO | Rustenburg | 36-10 | Hugenote (Springs) | VAL | NWU Prestige 5-6 |
| Sat.27Apr | VAL | Jeugland | 05-22 | Lichtenburg | LEO | NWU Prestige 7-8 |
| Sat.27Apr | LEO | Potch Gim | 10-17 | Die Anker | VAL | NWU Prestige 9-10 |
| Sat.27Apr | BUL | Zwartkop | 25-19 | Montana | BUL | NWU Prestige 11-12 |
| Sat.27Apr | VAL | Heidelberg VS | 17-34 | Klerksdorp | LEO | NWU Prestige 13-14 |
| Sat.27Apr | LEO | Potch Volkskool | 37-28 | Oosterlig | VAL | NWU Prestige 13-14 |
| Sat.27Apr | BUL | Waterkloof | 61-17 | Nelspruit | PUM | NV Cup |
| Sat.27Apr | BUL | Menlopark | 19-31 | Helpmekaar | LIO | NV Cup |
| Sat.27Apr | VAL | EG Jansen | 32-15 | Monument | LIO | NV Cup |
| Sat.27Apr | LIO | Jeppe | 28-38 | KES | LIO | |
| Sat.27Apr | LIO | Parktown | 05-36 | Pretoria BH | BUL | |
| Sat.27Apr | GRF | Goudveld | 05-21 | Trio | GRF | Wesgrow SSS |
| Sat.27Apr | GRQ | Diamantveld | 41-12 | Fichardtpark | FS | Wesgrow SSS |
| Sat.27Apr | FS | Louis Botha | 10-47 | Jim Fouche | FS | |
| Sat.27Apr | GRF | Voortrekker (Beth) | 24-26 | Welkom Gim | GRF | |
| Sat.27Apr | GRF | Witteberg | 30-24 | Hentie Cilliers | GRF | |
@Trots HJS (Tandem) (Comment #84)
https://www.connectperformance.co.za/
Manne doen goeie werk daar!
@yesnomaybe (Comment #85)
HPC operates from Bosmansdam HS. SACS, Rondebosch and Wynberg have all had players from the academy that represented them. Great pathway for talented youngsters that may otherwise have fallen through the cracks
@yesnomaybe (Comment #85)
Ploegie made that comment about the Connect Acadamy
@Smallies (Comment #83)
Just enquiring, are you referring to Wynberg & the Connect academy. This is strange because up till now I have never even heard of the Connect academy. They based out in the Northern Suburbs & I highly doubt that theres any link there at all to Wynberg unless you know of a few players that have come thru the academy at Wynberg.
@Ploegskaar (Comment #82)
Verskoon my onkunde maar wat is die Connect Academy ?
@Ploegskaar (Comment #82)
👍👍Dankie vir daai info ons hier in die Platteland hoor nie al die goed nie
@Smallies (Comment #81)
Behalwe vir die goeie coaching daar, dink ek ‘n baie gesonde verhouding met Connect Academy werp ook baie vrugte af….
@Deon (Comment #78)
Ek weet Wynberg was op n tyd baie sterk ,maar hulle het bietjie terug gesak onlangs,toe was Bishops en Rondebosch die groot honde in Kaapstad,ek het eers weer verlede jaar of 2022 van hulle gehoor toe hulle bietjie amok in die Wynlande gemaak het….
@brentsw3 (Comment #71)
It’s a typo. Final score was 36-5.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #70)
I stated a couple of weeks ago that there might be something special about the Wesvalia-team from Klersdorp this year, maybe not big wins but some tight scores against very good opponents.
Are they playing KHS Kaya? I remember during the late 90s this was a brutal derby, both on and off the field, sadly ending before the final whistle on one or two occasions. Think it was stopped during that time, not sure if was ever resumed after that?
@Smallies (Comment #74)
Wynberg were champs decades ago. Ek het toe gisteraand Grey vs Selborne hoogtepunte gekyk, en toe sommer GCB vs Kwaggas ook. WOW, van der Merwe-ongelooflik, daardie fris, bedrieglik vinnige pocket battleship senter, ek dink Adams, en daardie vleuel met die vreemde naam en van……WOW. Ek kan eerlikwaar nie sien hoe PRG die mas teen Gim of GCB kan opkom nie. PRG lyk so traak-my-nie-agtig op die veld. Hopelik is hulle soos sekere visspesies wat maar net bloot aanpas by die druk in die spesifieke tenk waarin hulle geplaas word en net groei/speel soos verlang word, net genoeg doen. Ek bly positief realisties. Dankie vir die scores gisteraand Warrant. @Deon (Comment #75)
PRG, not ORG etc. Haastige hond……
@Smallies (Comment #74)
Wynberg were champs decades ago. Ek het toe gisteraand Grey vs Selborne hoogtepunte gekyk, en toe sommer GCB vs Kwaggas ook. WOW, van der Merwe-ongelooflik, daardie fris, bedrieglik vinnige pocket battleship senter, ek dink Adams, en daardie vleuel met die vreemde naam en van……WOW. Ek kan eerlikwaar nie sien hoe PRG die mas teen Gim of GCB kan opkom nie. PRG lyk so traak-my-nie-agtig op die veld. Hopelik is hulle soos sekere visspesies wat maar net bloot aanpas by die druk in die spesifieke tenk waarin hulle geplaas word en net groei/speel soos verlang word, net genoeg doen. Ek bly positief realisties. Dankie vir die scores gisteraand Warrant.
@Smallies (Comment #74)
B
@Gold (Comment #67)
Thank you. Margins of 66 and 88???? Wow. Coming from the 80’s and remembering a very different Bishops, reading your post is a bit like watching Twilight Zone on SABC in the 80’s. That said, I recall only one weaker Wynberg team, long after I have left school, I think 1991, PRG won 63-3, a score I disregard because ORG had 3 post matric under 19’s playing that game. The first year it happened as in the years I have knowledge of. Other than that, I recall close scores against a tough Wynberg and I THINK not playing them when I was at school. PRG also did not play Gim for years after 85 due to an ugly event on the field when PRG won 4-0, Wayne Bird scoring the only points of the game. I also recall a draw of 10-10 or 20-20, PRG vs Wynberg, 90’s somewhere. Have a great Sunday.
@yesnomaybe (Comment #72)
I might well be wrong ,however only started hearing about Wynberg improving in the last couple of years….If im wrong I stand corrected
@brentsw3 (Comment #71)
Think you are right….another site also reported 36-35…but just checked PBHS on FB …36-5 as u say.
@Smallies (Comment #69)
Sorry very much disagree with ur comment. The change for Wynberg Rugby started with Jannie de Waal the ex headmaster appointing Craig Childs as DOR way before Deon Scheepers. He also made the unsung hero Justin van Winkel head coach. The process doesn’t change overnight so the hard work they put in just before Covid pandemic is starting to bear fruit as Wynberg has had a couple of good 1st XV’s in a row now which proves that the program is working. Mr Scheepers legacy will be known in a few years.
Parktown 5 PBHS 36. Pretty sure 35-36 is a typo.
State of the weekend:
1. Maritzburg College with a big win…hammering Westville, who I thought would have been physically tougher on the day. Durban dismantled St Charles which surprised me because last week SC performed so admirably.
2. Kudos to Parktown who clung to Pretoria Boys, almost pulling off an unlikely win. Still, great performance and impressive.
3. EG Jansen buried Monnas, I’m not surprised because I’ve been following Jansen for a while, know how good they can be. But surprised at Monument’s disappointing outcome. Grey might hurt them.
4. Also disappointed with Jeppe, who will be bitterly sad about their game. KES’ pack has been so underrated, they work very hard, stay tight and disciplined, don’t relent. No 8. Maake had a monster game, as did 10 and 2, and tighthead IMO…but the task discipline of 1 – 8 no nonsense, no frills, just grit and graft. Also, this team is very well conditioned.
5.Waterkloof building a new reputation…Will be interesting to see if they can click on now that they are settled and shown they can really hurt an undercooked opponent. They play Affies later…? Hhmmmm….
6. Noordheuwel living up to their promise, getting a tight win. Wesvalia have been good, can’t wait for their derby with KHS.
7.Menlo and Helpies both decent, but neither will trouble NV big guns.
8. Marais Viljoen could still do something big this year…I predict a Semifinal in NV.
Lekker braai boys!
@Gold (Comment #67)
Wynberg’s fortunes began to change when Deon Scheepers took over the reigns at the school,he and Wynberg seems to be a very good fit
Dale got their revenge against Cambridge, but this is a good Cambridge side. Cambridge were leading until Dale scored 2 tries in the last 10 minutes.
The Kingswood Stirling score is a bit of a shock, Kingswood were obviously favorites but not by 70 points.
Queens with a good win before Grey pe fest. It’s nice to see Port Rex Junior teams giving a good fight, none of the junior teams took more than 50 and the 14s and 15s had managed to keep the score relatively respectable.
Ooskus (Grens) are in big trouble, They lost to Hangklip 17-21. They are even struggling to make B teams. There is the hope that the merging of Nahoon Laerskool with the revamped primary will start producing results in the long term.
@Deon (Comment #65)
It’s definitely an above average Wynberg group and a below average Bishops year. But looking at the results across all team, I’m worried for Bishops. A few of their U14 teams lost 66-0 and 87-0 to Wynberg. When they come up against the likes of the Paarl rugby factories they are going to have to call games early to prevents 100s
@Vleis (Comment #64)
Maybe, but why should it be Hilton in the driving seat re decisions. They stopped fixtures in 2010 and 2011 too, due to an ‘incident’. Glenwood could easily have said from 1989 to 1997, no games because of post matrics, BUT we just took the beatings. Hilton are going to find it tough to keep recruiting from Joburg etc, not a cheap exercise. To fund one pupil is R400,000 a year incl extras, so R2m for 5 years. Anyway, may our longest official rivalry continue and hopefully we can make it more of a game in the years to come…
Feeling a bit of remorse for Bishops; so many people expecting so much of them. Lots of pressure. I doubt they ever had a year in history comparable to the nightmare of 2024. Would be interesting to know. Not taking anything away from a brilliant Wynberg. Good to see Kwaggas picking themselves up again after the Grey and great to see my late dad’s Alma Mater, Potch Volkskool’s score.
@Grasshopper (Comment #62)
To be fair, I seem to remember Hilton’s headmaster, at the time, making the decision not to play Glenwood…and most of the old boys were up in arms re same. He swiftly got the boot and Hilton have not looked back since…so I wouldn’t necessarily tarnish the whole school with the “hypocrite” brush.
Indeed, my mate’s son plays for the Hilton u16A team, which attended the Paarl Gim fest this year instead of the Bishops 175th fest like the rest of the Hilton A teams. At the Gim fest they played the likes of GCB…so they’ve definitely changed their attitude.
Weet iemand wat aangaan met Tygerberg deesdae? Dit lyk na ‘n hengse val van tot so relatief onlangs soos 2012 saam met die groothonde blaf (hulle het daardie jaar vir PRG op Markötter gewen), na nou swaar slae kry teen Robertson. Dit is glad nie ‘n klap na Robertson nie – ek hoor hulle het hierdie jaar ‘n puik span – maar dit is hartseer om te sien dat ‘n skool soos Tygerberg so agteruit gaan. Ek neem aan dit is seker, ten minste deels, te wyte aan Stellenberg se vinnige groei, en dat Stellenberg nou meeste van die goeie spelers uit daardie omliggende areas trek?
Glenwood vs Hilton, since 1915. Played 101, Won 39, lost 57, Draws 5. What is interesting is in 2014 Glenwood beat Hilton 67-7, then the uproar in the press about Glenwood being too professional and them wanting to avoid injuries. 5 years the fixture was cancelled, which allowed Hilton to build their teams and buy the best team possible. 2020 they beat Glenwood 14-10, then COVID in 2021, since then won the last 3…..all fine for them. They are the biggest hypocrites of them all. They were fine with post matrics and Glenwood had to accept it….no whinging and whining….
@Henkies (Comment #59)
Not sure, didn’t see the rest. I have hope from the U15s and U14s, should be playing vs DHS to see where they stand. When the Head starts to get OB money flowing back, the Green Machine will be back. Everything ebbs and flows, I mean DHS 10 years ago were poor, barely putting out 12 teams. I don’t care if we lose by 50 to DHS as long as we play…
@Grasshopper (Comment #58)
Looks like Glenwood age group teams did well Grassy
@Grasshopper (Comment #58)
Grassy I think there was actually a decent crowd but they were all sitting on the tunnel side which rarely came into view with where the camera was placed.
As expected the young Green Machine lost 7-26 to Hilton. A very tough season indeed. Shock for me was the massive wins by DHS and College over St Charles and Westville respectively. Kings park looked like a morgue, nobody there. It would have been much better played at the schools.
Geluk aan Nico Malan met ‘n mooi wen teen Pearson.
Grey kollege moes hard werk in Oos London die score is nie heeltamal n refleksie van die game nie
Gim het babbelas gehad die eerste helfte
PRG het nie regtig oortuig teen Grey High nie
KES moes hard werk vir n baie goeie wen.
@wanza_15 (Comment #32)
You called the line out struggles, KES targeted it…and defended with fury against a much bigger pack
@Kaya 85 (Comment #52)
Was also interested by the St Stithians tour of EC. They are taking their 1st XV and u16A team. And they face Queens and Brandwag on the tour as well. Will be interesting to see how it goes!
@OUD ANKER (Comment #50)
Dit sou seker die grootste doelwit wees hierdie jaar na verlede jaar se chaos, om net vastrapplek te kry en die bloeding te stop – op die telbord maar ook hul poel van spelers. Die moeilike deel van hul seisoen le egter nog voor, nowhere to hide in die NV, week na week.
St Stithians on tour down to the Eastern Cape?…interesting choice of fixture to go play Hudson Park…from rugby strength point of view I suppose it makes sense.
Menlo look solid so far this year, Cup rugby will show how they stack up… a stunning first class school.
St Charles at home to Durban Boys could be a good opportunity for them to have a real go…
Framesby should blow Brandwag away as if they were an u16 side…
Zwartkop v Montana is one of those fixtures where u could see sparks fly, like a local turf war…
Marais Viljoen v PHS another well-matched fixture, the Limpopo lads usually tough as nails but I feel MV will prevail…
Voortrekker have performed on the big stage, but will they be able to do so again v Welkom Gim…they’re at home, so maybe yes? But can Gim emulate that team of a few years ago?…
Also wondering how the wild horses of Klerksdorp will go at Heidelberg. Imagine the opportunity to travel hours to these towns and play the local Brekers and Bruisers…Klerksdorp has the most stylish looking Nandos I ever saw…
Lastly, a shout out to Lichtenburg who show up with two thirds of the town and play 100% flat out full throttle…I remember that Beeld Large schools Final ca. 2012 where they snatched that last second try v. Potch Volkskool, after the mean Volkies team had disposed of a mean Helpmekaar in the Semifinal, who had disposed of an equally mean Ermelo team in the QF.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #50)
Ek het gedink dit gaan so twee jaar vat vir Menlo om weer kompeterend te wees maar hulle het my sover baie aangenaam verras, ek dink as hulle beserings vry kan bly, gaan hulle defnitief ‘n paar spanne skrik maak, hulle o/16 span speel ook vir my regtig goed, wat positief kan wees vir die volgende paar jaar.
Helpmekaar vir my baie warm en koud sover, so wie weet dalk is more die 1ste skok, alhoewel ek dink dit gaan dalk net te moeilik vir Menlo more wees.
@AbsolutMenlo (Comment #48)
Hel is daai nou ‘n “feel good story”! Sterkte met die Helpmekaar game. Ek persoonlik dink nie Menlo gaan hierdie jaar al vir skokke sorg nie, MAAR ten minste gaan hulle baie meer kompeterend wees.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #47)
A KES team that has lost to Jeppe….😉
I kid, massive respect to the Reds. Its gona be a cracker at Collards Field this Sat.
Sterkte aan die MenloBoys … begin van die NV Cup!!
Well done Dylan Stumke (Menlo 0/16) wat opslae maak met sy kanonvoet die afgelope naweek, insluitende Beaden Barret.
#hou menlodop
@Roger (Comment #46)
@Ringo (Comment #45)
What’s black and white and red all over?
@Kaya 85 (Comment #39)
yes they did, and lost to Affies at u16 level by a point or two – a day when Moyo missed a few kicks – he needs to be 100% on song this weekend!
@Kaya 85 (Comment #44)
From your keyboard to God’s ears ….. Jeppe are the good guys here …. for my nervous desposition and general good order Jeppe by 15 would be a lot better all round…… Just to say money does not buy you class…. that is all I am going to say about our neighbors from across the valley
Big Predictions:
Jeppe 28 – 25 KES (True Humdinger of SBR, Jeppe emerges from the cauldron with a W)
Bishops 15 – 32 Wynberg (Prove your credentials Wynberg)
Westville 22 – 21 Maritzburg College (Ditto WV, narrow loss again for MC)
Selborne 6 – 40 Grey College (Jedis, Bloem stretch their legs, rotate some players to keep them fresh)
Grey High 13 – 37 Paul Roos (comfortable win in the wind)
Potch Gim 12 – 25 Anker (manne vannie Panne pompie Potch kanne)
Menlopark 22 – 29 Helpmekaar (Bruinmasjien bounce back away from home)
EG Jansen 24 – 20 Monument (Monnas battling to find their identity this year to date, Jansen firepower and ambition)
Parktown 11 – 45 Pretoria BH (it’s the size of the dog in the fight)
@brentsw3 (Comment #42)
absolute magic
In fact I wouldn’t be at all surprised if KES take the 2nd team fixture. I’m almost expecting it, much in the same way I’m expecting a loss in the 1st team fixture…
@Kaya 85 (Comment #40)
On that 2nd team fixture… KES were in good form against PBHS on Saturday, running out comfortable 41-0 winners. There a number of back line players that have 1st team aspirations. Raymond Gordon, Stuart Faber, Sky Segal to name just 3. They’ve all been capped. For the first time this season, they actually fired and it was quite impressive!
It is going to be a fantastic game and awesome occasion…I don’t write KES off for a single second despite Jeppe looking so strong this year…Jeppe’s pack is metallic, from 1 to 8…on paper they are stronger, but rugby is played on grass not paper. Although the Jeppe loose forwards are special, the way KES use no 8 Maake and especially their SA schools hooker to punch holes is smart, watch from kickoffs in the 2nd half with a long pass from Moyo. I agree with previous comments about his class, but feel he overdoses the double skip long pass directly to the wings because that means the midfield defense is not fixed.
Interesting comments about the relative merits of the two 9s at KES’ disposal. In the Reds’ favour us their cohesion, workrate and structure…Jeppe better at off the cuff attacking and have more explosive power in the centres + blindside flank where Klaasen has been exceptional. The 2nd team is going to be a big one too…
@Roger (Comment #17)
This KES side beat Affies at u15 level in the very short covid season if I’m not mistaken
Some big games five days out from Wildeklawer. Three big games in seven days may test some teams and sore and tired bodies may be telling come next Saturday. Schoolboy rugby is definitely not for sissies nowadays!
Sorry guys and admin. I’m new to the blog and battling a bit with the format of the comments section. Some duplicate posts and quote reply anomalies. My apologies
@Smallies (Comment #34)
@Smallies (Comment #26)
I think I’m just preparing myself mentally for disappointment. It worked well for me during the RWC. I didn’t think we would make it past the QF’s. I held that position from the day the draw came out, till the last 20 seconds of the France QF…
One of our gang of 5 (5 when he’s active), in the BUILD UP TO the knock out stages of RWC kept plugging away at the “we only need to win by 1 narrative”…
This same “scribe” has KES going back to back and by 11 on Saturday.
@wanza_15 (Comment #32)
It sounds like you retracted the invite to the old boys stand?
Yes, we old bullets. I didn’t realize you’re so young. You write with an authority and eloquence that belies your age.
Dude, the comradery between the schools has reached angelic proportions. Seriously, there is little to no animosity between the boys. This is exactly how it should be!!
After the unfortunate events at the start of the season, KES sent platters over for the staff and students, comfort food if you like. There was a lot of love and compassion shown on social media channels and you right, there’s a strong sense of solidarity between the 2 schools!! I think it is absolutely brilliant!
On a side note I never felt any animosity to any school we competed against growing up, 84-88, but that’s probably down to my nature. I’m a pacifist at heart. What I remember about fixtures against Jeppe, was not deep seated hatred, it was spending most of the 2nd half camped in our own 22, defending a 2 point lead.
Anyway, hope to catch you on Saturday, would be great to have a chat and a beer and exchange war stories. I can’t believe how much I have already over thought this fixture and it’s only Tuesday!!!
And yeah, the fixture list is a weird one. There are fixtures scheduled for Friday too!! 7ths, U15E, U14E, U16B, U16E, 6ths, Collard field and top near field…
@brentsw3 (Comment #33)
Well you only need 1 point,good luck Saturday,I will for obvious reasons back Jeppe😂😂😂
@Smallies (Comment #26)
I think I’m just preparing myself mentally for disappointment. It worked well for me during the RWC. I didn’t think we would make it past the QF’s. I held that position from the day the draw came out, till the last 20 seconds of the France QF…
One of our gang of 5 (5 when he’s active), in the BUILD UP TO the knock out stages of RWC kept plugging away at the “we only need to win by 1 narrative”…
This same “scribe” has KES going back to back and by 11 on Saturday.
@brentsw3 (Comment #27)
I don’t know what the issue with the lineouts are. Whether it’s from the thrower or they lack general synergy or as you allude to, gents are tough to lift?
What you say scares me; if KES challenge lineouts with relatively good effect, we have a very interesting game on our hands I tell you. It will then depend on what you guys do with the ball, but you’ll definitely have your fair share of it.
This is all assuming of course that Spilhaus and the team are completely ignoring this factor, which will frustrate the brains out of me on Saturday if it becomes apparant.
No games on the Jake White field doesn’t sound right to me? I don’t know Jeppe plan to pull that off? I will know (I guess we all will lol) tomorrow, or Thursday morning latest.
Not shocked at all to hear the winger is from Congo, proper Central African genes lol.
I can’t wait for Saturday.. I am definitely not as dilligent as you guys to be arriving at 7/8am. I think I will arrive towards the end of the 16A game around 11;45/11;50.
Like I said to Beet, that Old Boy stand on this day is not one I’d recommend sitting on, even for older more level headed Jeppe old boys themselves lol.. You sound like a family man, apologies on Jeppe’s behalf for the tough watch from that stand behind the goal, it does indeed look like a horrible watch but I would nonetheless recommend it for you 😉!
Another thing i wanted to touch on regarding Jeppe KES these days is that a lot of these gents are buddies off the field, and I mean genuinely. I see sometimes on Instagram they give each other shout outs and stuff like that, and they follow each other, I notice also at festivals they clap each other on to the field. Your 8th man Kebotile is a pioneer for good things off the field, he seems like a guy that really believes in upliftment and life. The friendship thing is a bit strange to see because this wasn’t the case as early back as even 2017 when I was in matric. We were absolutely NOT friends with KES boys. I am speaking generally obviously – there did exist exceptions. When I was in grade 8, the matrics would even resort to propaganda to get us to not like KES.
I had a bit to say about the Parktown/KES traditional fixture being a bit long in the tooth. Does the Selborne/Grey College fixture fall into the same category?
@Roger (Comment #12)
Good point… I love to try though…
@brentsw3 (Comment #23)
Looking forward to seeing you and the malakas bright and early ….
@Grasshopper (Comment #21)
Glenwood miss their ex head. Very influential it seems. But overall, KZN Schools rugby on the rise I would say. Good to see.
@wanza_15 (Comment #15)
@wanza_15 (Comment #15)
It’s interesting you mention the lineouts. I hadn’t being paying that much attention to them, if I’m being honest. From what I have seen they’ve looked relatively efficient, but occasionally the jumpers look rather sluggish getting up and it makes perfect sense when you consider the size of the locks and loosies. Lifting the likes of Cannon or Nathan all day long must be a bit exhausting? They chunky individuals! Are you suggesting the Jeppe 2’s throwing is a bit scratchy?
KES are pretty good in the lineouts and very good at competing on opposition ball. They been doing it all season long to good effect. Sam Bruwer is a lanky 7 but of moderate build. Athletic and agile, easy to lift and used to good effect at the back of the lineout. Particularly impressive against Paarl Boys where the 6 ball was found with regular monotony.
Of course the caveat: you compete at the lineout, don’t disrupt, don’t get the early sack and are then not set to counter the lineout maul. Can’t see KES sticking guys in the air anywhere inside their own 22 on a defensive lineout. Would be suicide. And they struggle against a well set lineout maul. I mean STRUGGLE! So I hear you on the lineouts. It is going to be super interesting to see how this pans out. As you say, could prove decisive for either side.
Moyo is outstanding. I really think he is. I hope we get to see the best of him on Saturday. Not nearly as consistent a performer as Matthew though. One thing I’d like you to consider, Moyo plays behind a pack that is almost always, on average, lighter and shorter than the opposition and quite often hanging on by a shoelace… and secondly, he hasn’t had the most proficient 9’s servicing him. Van Buuren last year was considered one of the weakest players in the XV and this year, both 9’s are not quite up to par. Matthew’s played with 2 classy 9’s behind a pack that has been better than most. I feel this makes a big difference to how a 10 operates.
You spot on regarding the KES right winger. Jarrell Mbuyi is due a big game. He’s dangerous in space, reasonable on defence, on and off under the high ball, catches some passes, drops others, a little bit all over the shop but give him some space… and, Ja, genuine athlete.. Gr 11, hasn’t been playing rugby for longer than 3 seasons I believe. Congolese. We don’t get our super stars from the Eastern Cape/Dale college anymore…
Lastly, thank you so much for the invite to the old boys stand! It seems like those stands will be placed as early as Friday afternoon? One of our party of 4 noticed there no fixtures assigned to the Jake White field. Looks like resources are being pooled towards Collard field, which is fantastic! IT IS GOING TO BE HEAVING!!!
So our plan was to get to the school around 7.45am, catch the 14A game on top field, thereafter grab a coffee and bacon and egg roll and head to main field for the rest of the day. We’d resigned ourselves to watching from the main stand behind the poles but now you may find us camped on the old boys stand, around the half way line, trying hard to blend in? Trying hard to avoid eviction? Trying hard to keep our kidneys intact? Timidly asking every passerby, ” ar…a…. are you wanza_15″?
@brentsw3 (Comment #23)
Mate you sound a lot like I(a former Grey dad )did before they played Jeppe ,I too couldn’t see Jeppe even come close to victory…..
@wanza_15 (Comment #16)
Yes, this matric year were exceptional through the age groups. A lot is expected of them this season. To be honest they haven’t quite fulfilled that promise. I have a good idea why but now probably isn’t the time or the place.
@Vleis (Comment #18)
Yeah, I should really look this up but going off memory 2023 16A at Jeppe KES 32 Jeppe 0, 2022 16A at Jeppe KES 33 Jeppe 17… don’t quote me though. Need to look this up, sure someone will beat me to it…
@Grant (Comment #19)
Thank you GF….
Yip, I’ve looked hard and long and I can’t see my way to a KES victory but as you say… derbies can be unpredictable… see you bright and early mate…
@Roger (Comment #17)
At age group level, this year’s matric’s have never lost to Jeppe, this year’s Gr 11’s have a good record against them too. Not 100% certain but I don’t believe they’ve ever lost to Jeppe either. So while I sit here waxing lyrical over this magnificent Jeppe XV, the REDs won’t be! They know these players and what to expect, they won’t be overawed and most importantly, they know how to beat them! It’s all down to coaching and tactics now….as much as I like Marco and Sheldon and as popular as they both are as coaches I feel they err when it comes to nailing down the legalities which are a big part of the contest. The penalty count for and against has been a concerning factor, this season and in fact seasons past. As a coaching combo they incredibly green but I do feel they have the ability to motivate and inspire. Marcos pep talks are a thing of beauty. Not all coaches have that ability. I’m not overly au fait with the Jeppe setup but with Spilhaus well and truly in the mix, as director of rugby, I would imagine they got their game pretty water tight too… A feel Jeppe, for a while now, have performed incredibly well at 1st team level, on the back of some exceptional coaching. The age group form maybe be an indicator of opens form but by no means the deciding factor. Spilhaus gets his boys to play at another level. I’d imagine the current coach does too….
Nice posts here, love the derby passion. Very similar to a DHS vs Glenwood (since 1912 with teachers) officially since 1922, College vs DHS, College vs Glenwood and the two privates, House vs Hilton. I think DHS VS Glenwood is closest in terms of 2x Urban schools, close together, small grounds that get packed with 8,000 plus people. Antics in the days before, like the boarders defending the bell, hanging carrots from the posts etc. Unfortunately that great rivalry has been switched off by a few arrogant and selfish ‘leaders’. My guess is Jeppe have the upper hand, but derbies never go to form. My grandad-in-law played in the KES 1943 1st team, he loved the Jeppe derby.
No involved in the game – but man I am enjoying the passion coming through these posts. Makes me wish I was there on Saturday!
Brent. What a brilliant synopsis and prequel to Jozi’s biggest schoolboy rugby derby. It’s going to be like a Bok/ All Blacks’ test match : hard , unforgiving and no quarter given but usually played with great spirit and respect. I’m nervous. Form book usually goes out the window in these derbies. See you at 07:15 👍🏻🍷 🔴
@Roger (Comment #17)
You’re correct that KES u16A beat Jeppe u16A, in 2022, by some 18 points in both the home and away fixtures…but things can change quite a bit at open level. Also, some of their common results pointed to Jeppe being stronger – e.g. v SJC, NW, Saints…so, maybe Jeppe just had a mental block v KES. We’ll find out if that’s still the case on Sat.
Didn’t this KES team beat this Jeppe team quite convincingly through the age groups? Does anyone know – I seem to remember this KES team been very highly rated at U16 level in 2022? I think they lost only to Affies by one point or so?
@Roger (Comment #14)
Yes he wasn’t playing though.
But despite the guys being away for SA Schools we still did really believe we would win that game, there was no question about it. For me that is still the most painful loss to KES to date, it was bad that day. 24-0 the score was.
@brentsw3 (Comment #10)
Very insightful take.
I agree with most of it.
Jeppe by 30 against KES has absolutely no chance of happening as much as I’d love it. It just isn’t in Jeppe’s DNA to do that sort of thing no matter how better than KES we may be.
The best case scenario, even if all your conditions you describe are met for Jeppe to roll KES over, trust me, can be Jeppe by 18 maybe.
I don’t know as far as the schools are concerned who comes over here and reads these things or how much what we say reaches the schools at ground level but your take is quite educated and informed.
If I look back on all of Jeppes games this season, apart from some frustrating handling here and there, and some lack of discipline at times (normal), the real Achilles heel which exists within this team is how inept we are come line-out time.
If KES have done any video study on us and on the Affies game particularly, I think it will have been very apparent to them – try and upset every single lineout. Add more pressure on the thrower as well, perhaps instruct the 9 to be in his ear.
We lose a lot of our own line-outs and it hurts us a lot. A LOT. Jeppe this season have single handely matured my mind and approach and appreciation to line outs, they are so important and we are so sloppy with them. I really really really really really hope this is being addressed as we speak otherwise it’s gonna be long day on Saturday.
If we can secure our own line outs then I feel much better about the overall trajectory of the game and the result ultimately.
I know the forwards will come to the party, they’ll hit hard and hit with conviction, I don’t think they have an incling of fear for any of the Red counterparts.
To the backline, finally we will see this 10 battle head on. Both are not excellent kickers but I’d say Matthew is perhaps a 10% better kicker than Moyo. My money is on Matthew to win the personal battle between the 2, I just rate him more than I do Moyo.
The KES right winger for me goes under the radar a bit. It must be a nightmare trying to stop him at full velocity, he seems a little reserved in his personality but he’s a proper athlete.. Will be interesting to see how that battle pans out with Lesego because the help thereafter is Simelane at full back who isn’t your doesn’t make his bread playing great defense either.
For me it’s these 2 areas from a KES perspective over and above being brace and being up for it obviously; 1 to disrupt the lineout, and 2 to try and isolate our winger on the right with theirs, because KES and Moyo as you mention, have that skip pass in the locker..
Brent, you’re more than welcome to come and join me on the Old Boy stands at centre field. I just need to teach you 1 or 2 warcries and get from you what your favourite beer is 😁
@wanza_15 (Comment #13)
apologies, it was 2015 when Jeppe had a star studded 15 and KES rolled them – contrary to all expectations.
@Roger (Comment #12)
2016 was a routine Jeppe win.
2012s Jeppe win was much like KES’ 2015 win, wins I believe are owed to having men missing for SA Schools duty. In 2012 when Marx and co arrived for the second half, the bus was already full and moving with momentum. No human being was stopping it. 2015 Simelane and the crew were at Markotter for SA Schools.
But your general point is true. I’d rather not be the favourite than to be the favourite in this one.
@brentsw3 (Comment #11)
hmmmm – was it 2016 when Jeppe had a star studded fifteen and they got rolled? Then again – was it 2012 when KES had the dream team with Marx, Brink, Smith et al and got rolled home and away by Jeppe! My point is …. it’s pointless trying to predict the outcome when these two meet – particularly since circa 2010.
@beet (Comment #2)
It’s really not my favourite place to watch rugby. I always do my best to avoid watching from behind poles, preferring to be as close to the halfway line as possible. Not an option at Jeppe… Saturday it’s going to be heaving!! Argh, not in the mood. Will get there 8.00am and find a spot to settle in… gang of 4 we usually rotate tuck shop duty throughout the day, so as not to lose our spots… it’s going to be tiresome… BUT well worth it….
Yeah, I’ll bite. As hard as I’ve tried, I simply cannot envisage a KES victory here. I thought last year’s Jeppe vintage was one of the best the schools ever produced and I think this year, those boys have taken it up 3%-5%!! I had no idea so many of last year’s 1st XV were back again for another bite this year.
I tell you what, I am properly worried.
Jeppe seem to have quality from 1-15, there very few weak spots where KES are relying heavily on a handful of super stars. Any one of those super stars has an off day and KES will lose by 20-25.
I think the front rows are fairly evenly matched, Esethu is quality and White and van der Merwe have grown nicely into their roles as the season has progressed. For Jeppe Andre Poulton has very much been the unsung hero of that tight 5. That kid is putting in the yard hards and then some. Luca no pushover either. It’s a proper front row.
Lock is where KES are properly outgunned (see what I did there). Chinedu, the KES 5 is a re-treaded 8th man and a Gr11 to boot. Stacks of potential, a proper athlete but very green at this level and in the position of lock. His locking partner, under normal circumstances, would have been a returning Lions academy player, an enforcer, a player of which big things were expected this season, his season currently lying in tatters, the one and only Thomas Beiling. Beiling v Cannon/Boyder would have been a treat but alas a shoulder injury has ruled Thomas out. And speaking of Luke, he’s another having an immense season so far. He seems to picked up a pound or 2 in the off season and grown an inch or 2 as well. Maybe not the menacing and imposing 2m plus locks, that have become the norm in school boy rugby these days, but he has the grunt and mobility to rival the best in the business. Proper handful.
Many pundits will tell you, the game is won and lost in the loose and again here I think Jeppe have an advantage. Nathan Klaasen, Khosa and Ndou are an imposing battery of loosies while Kabrowisky, Bruwer and Maake are shorter, lighter, slower and collectively less experienced at this level. But beware the mongrel in the REDs loose trio. Kabrowisky is all mongrel. He has felled many a Pinetree this season already. Many will expect Klaasen and co to run rings around him or simply run over him. Many will be proven wrong this weekend. Maake too, almost impossible to bring down 5-7 metres from the tryline. he is a consummate finisher from 5 metres out. You’ve been warned. Sam is a light weight Gr11 still finding his feet at this level. What he lacks in size and power he makes up for with agility and skill. Great hands, light and nimble, easy to chuck into the sky at the back of the lineout. And chuck him they will.
Right, to the backline.
Again, man for man KES are outclassed and outgunned. Much will depend on the starting 9 for KES. McGurk or Gordon?
McGurk grows in stature with every outing but still lacks confidence and still doesn’t back himself. He’s a hardworking 9 with good instincts and natural ability. Maybe a bit one dimensional and does have the penchant for throwing match winning passes… to the opposition. He can be a liability. Of somewhat slight build but don’t be fooled. He is a McGurk after all.
Gordon on the other hand Darren, brings physical presence (although he isn’t a 9 that imposes himself), a bullet pass, fast and extremely accurate, he has skills honed on a basketball court (good enough to be selected to SA Schools), eye hand co-ordination most can only dream about. Why’s he not starting? Well, he’s in his 2nd season playing at 9 so very green in a very specialized position. And although he dwarfs McGurk, not as robust and physical as you would expect.
I don’t think Talent will be worried by either of these 9’s. If I were him I would be more worried about the 6…
The pundits that don’t think matches are won and lost in the loose will tell you matches are won and lost at 10. And here is where KES does have an advantage, quite a significant one! Moyo is class, period! This kid is an enigma. In fact the only thing standing between him and SA schools selection is an ego which grows exponentially with every fixture and an under par kicking success rate. He needs 75%-85% where is currently probably around 60%. A bit like Libbok, he is either on or he is off. If he is off on Saturday, Jeppe will win by 30. If he is on, it could be a 1 score game. He is that good.
Now, that’s not to say Matthew is no good. In fact I don’t think there is a more composed 10 in school boy rugby. I love watching him play. He plays the percentages well, no flamboyance just good, rock solid service. he recognizes the gold dust playing outside him and he uses his remarkable distribution skills to get them in the game. When an exit play is required he is there to provide it. No hail mary passes or plays, just good, clean service. I like him a lot and if KES are to have a chance on Saturday they need to hit him hard, out his boots, early on. Rattle his cage, unsettle him. Jeppe playing with their 2nd choice 10 looked somewhat impotent against Westville. Jeppe playing with a flustered Coetzee are fallible.
If they fail to unsettle either 1 of Talent or Matthew it’s game over. McMillen and Rasivhaga, Simelane, Lesego… they will rip chunks out of the RED’s backline.
The midfield combination of Maugeri and Olunje hasn’t quite jelled this season yet, YET!! Haniel Monkoti at 11 is genuinely quick and he does his best work when the centres are missed and Moyo throws him the hail mary putting him in space. He doesn’t need much space to get around would be defenders. Lesego, you been warned son.
The KES backline is a decent one but Jeppe’s backline is exceptional! KES will need to disrupt at source if they are to suppress the likes of McMillan and co. These boys can jol, no question. Moyo’s long range punts will need to find grass cause Jeppe’s counter is irrepressible. Defensively, Moyo is a rock, Olunje is a mountain but Tristan is a bit of a valley. Out wide too, the diminutive Monkoti and Methula at 15, might be found wanting.
Anyway a bit of a long winded 2 cents worth…
I think this Jeppe side has already shown this season they the real McCoy. I’m a proud KES old boy but I can’t look past the player match ups. Jeppe by 10-15.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #7)
Yeah so excited I went to google earth to see Malvern Road. I alwasy just assumed there was a river below the fence level on that end. But considering that Glenwood built a really nice pavilion (Ivan Clarke) virtually next to the road, there is some creative architectural opportunity for Jeppe to build something facing the field above that slope. However it would mean losing or transplanting the trees
@wanza_15 (Comment #3)
Haha. Yeah I would love to attend but this weekend is the closest thing KZN gets to having a Graeme Rugby Day with all the top schools in the province playing at one venue.
It would be interesting to find out how many spectators the Jeppe stand behind the posts can accommodate. It must surely set the record in SA for people watching from that part of the pitch.
@beet (Comment #2)
The hockey field side will have plenty extra seating…as wanza says a couple thousand vocal old boys and semi-chic riff-raff…the southern end of the field has exactly 0, zero, nada, zip spectators except coaches and the ambulance. The dead ball line backs up directly against the fence with Malvern streets beneath.
At Jeppe the largest portion of spectators (more than 50% at least, maybe more) will be directly behind the northern poles, fairly unique in school boy rugby, from where over the years we’ve appreciated the talents of the likes of Tyrone Green, Wandisile Simelane, Ricky Ngwabarra, Hacjivah Dayimane, and not forgetting notorious hitmen like James Dalton. Are you getting exciting?
@wanza_15 (Comment #3)
It’s a big one…and the 2nd, u16A and u15A are must watch games too…
This game always lights up the imagination, the Jeppe crowd and old boys are such passionate fans, + the 1000 black-and-white blazers in that NW corner create a cauldron environment where Legends are born and reputations forged or destroyed…
@OomPB (Comment #4)
Travis teen sy ou skool. Gaan nippy wees.
PRG se volgende toets. Grey High het reeds mussle gewys teen Wynberg.
@beet (Comment #2)
Yes that is typically standard procedure for this game – across the entire Jake White field end that you describe. However I don’t recommend sitting there if you aren’t on the side of the home team, or if you want some piece of mind. There tends to be choice words that come from there if the ref loses his sense of sight😊.
For a level headed gentleman like yourself Mr Beet, I’d recommend you come early and take up a seat behind the goal posts, leave the rowdiness to us😁
@wanza_15 (Comment #1)
BIG BIG game on Saturday vs KES. I cannot wait. It is perfectly teed up for this day. Camera and streaming better not be a letdown.
Will Jeppe provide more seating for spectators on the hockey field side of the field?
I’ve not seen a message from Roger or from KES oldboy for a good minute now. I know bears can hibernate for up to 7 months but it’s time for you guys to come out and play now😊