Affies are gearing up for another thrilling season, with their opening match against Diamantveld in Kimberley on 8 March 2025. On paper, the team looks exceptional. Expectations are high, and with that comes the inevitable pressure on coach Ruan Jacobs and his squad.
The 2024 season was one that could have been. Affies may very well have been the top-ranked school in the country, but three agonisingly close defeats in key test matches ultimately sealed their fate.
For long-time Affies supporters, it’s almost a sense of déjà vu. In their last 13 tight encounters, Die Wilbulle have come out victorious only twice. Karma suggests their fortunes are bound to change. Big Match Temperament is expected to play in their favour, giving them the edge to claim victory. However, while the forwards remain strong and capable, Affies’ main concern might lie in their lack of true flair in the backline. There have been few backs in recent years who have been able to slice through the midfield in the way that Jurie Linde (twice selected for SA Schools) once did. Though the team boasts players with speed and skill, one can’t help but feel that their traditional powerhouse rivals—Grey College, Paarl Boys’ High, Paarl Gymnasium, and Paul Roos—have the upper hand in this department. These schools seem to have a sharper ability to spot and exploit space, whether through raw pace, precise passing, or an overall high rugby IQ.
Diamantveld, under the guidance of coach Vlos Molnar, made a solid start to their campaign with a convincing 25-7 win over hosts Fichardtpark on Saturday, 1 March. While the match fitness will be beneficial, the hosts will have their work cut out for them, as they have a midweek fixture against Upington in the Kalahari-Karoo before facing the highly-rated Affies.
Affies have won their last three encounters against Diamantveld by an average score of 33-5.
Affies track record in tight test matches against powerhouses
| DATE | AFFIES | RESULT | AHS | OPP | OPPONENT | |
| 04May13 | Affies | WON | 17 | 10 | Paul Roos | Affies |
| 11May13 | Affies | WON | 37 | 31 | Grey College | Grey College |
| 27Apr15 | Affies | DREW | 22 | 22 | Paarl Gim | Affies |
| 28Mar16 | Affies | WON | 24 | 17 | Paul Roos | Paul Roos |
| 02May16 | Affies | LOST | 25 | 29 | HJS Paarl BH | Affies |
| 25Mar17 | Affies | LOST | 33 | 35 | Paarl Gim | Paarl Gim |
| 17Apr17 | Affies | LOST | 10 | 14 | HJS Paarl BH | HJS Paarl BH |
| 29Apr17 | Affies | LOST | 14 | 21 | Paul Roos | Affies |
| 06May17 | Affies | LOST | 32 | 35 | Grey College | Grey College |
| 30Apr18 | Affies | LOST | 14 | 19 | HJS Paarl BH | HJS Paarl BH |
| 26Mar22 | Affies | WON | 24 | 18 | Paul Roos | Affies |
| 23Apr22 | Affies | WON | 29 | 26 | Paarl Gim | Affies |
| 04Apr23 | Affies | LOST | 19 | 26 | HJS Paarl BH | Affies |
| 01May23 | Affies | LOST | 25 | 31 | Paul Roos | Affies |
| 23Mar24 | Affies | LOST | 25 | 30 | Paul Roos | Affies |
| 23Mar24 | Affies | LOST | 25 | 30 | Paul Roos | NMI Toyota Noord Suid |
| 18May24 | Affies | LOST | 27 | 31 | Grey College | Affies |
AGREE 100%
Affies overdue for a No1 finish now. They need more dimension in the backline play and they need to have the last say in the big games that matter for a change.
I watched the Affies u15A team (now matrics) play KES in 2022 and it was the best u15A team that I’ve ever seen – the team had size, speed, skill, etc. Of course, that does not necessarily mean that the 1st team this year will be quite so sensational…but it is promising.
Affies for a top 3 position this year for sure
The scores are not right. Paul Roos is indicated twice in 2024 and the HJS Paarl BH does not reflect. That been said, very true that they lose the close contents against the Powerhouses more often than normally and they definitely need some BMT going forward. And to make it even worse is that most of their games lately are lost at the “Plaas.”
Karma? Try ‘law of averages’.