The first major clash of the 2025 schoolboy rugby season is finally upon us. Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) will face off against Hoër Jongenskool Paarl (Boishaai) in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the NMI Toyota Noord-Suid tournament on the iconic Markotter Field in Stellenbosch. The match is eagerly anticipated, with both teams possessing their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is likely to be decided in the key areas where battle lines are drawn.
Can Boishaai Handle the Scrums?
Historically, Hoër Jongenskool Paarl (Boishaai) has been known for producing formidable front-row players under the guidance of their legendary coach, Richard Visagie. However, in recent seasons, Affies has emerged as a dominant force in the scrums, showing immense power and cohesion in this crucial area of the game. The question now is whether Boishaai can rise to the challenge and contain the powerful Affies pack in the engine room.
The Lineout Battle – can Boishaai step up?
When it comes to the lineout, Affies are a well-oiled machine. One thing you can bank on is for Affies to have a strong hooker at the helm, resulting in their lineout being as close to textbook as one can get in schoolboy rugby. The precision and execution of their set pieces have often been a key part of their success. On the other hand, Boishaai’s lineout has struggled in recent seasons but seems to have found some stability this year. What was once seen as a weakness is now a much more reliable facet of their game, and this will be an area to watch closely.
Breakdown Wars – A Battle of Equal Ferocity
Both teams are well-coached in the art of the breakdown, and neither side is afraid to commit bodies to the ruck in an effort to dominate and even counter-ruck. Affies and Boishaai both pride themselves on winning the tackled ball and contesting every phase of play with relentless aggression. Expect a fierce contest in this area, with neither team willing to give an inch.
Living with Affies’ Physicality
Affies are not just big; they bring intensity and aggression in contact. The Witbulle often win the gain-line battle through sheer physicality and commitment, meaning they can control the tempo of the game and dictate play. Boishaai is certainly no slouch in this area, but it will be interesting to see if they can step up to the next level and match Affies’ intensity at the point of contact.
The Kicking Game – An Increasingly Important Factor
In today’s schoolboy rugby, the kicking game is becoming more and more pivotal in attacking plays, and both teams have talented flyhalves who excel in this area. Whether it’s tactical kicks to gain territory or kicks into the opposition’s defensive line, both teams have players who can execute with precision. Additionally, the role of the scrumhalf in box-kicking will be crucial, as both sides will look to make use of this tool to put pressure on their opponents and control field position.
Affies Backline – The Question of Flair
The Boishaai backline has gelled well this season, allowing them to play with natural variation and unpredictability. They no longer look like a team simply running programmed moves, but rather one that can adapt and play what’s in front of them. In contrast, Affies are often seen as a well-drilled first-phase strike team. They love their spin passes. While they have tempo and solutions in attack, there is a lingering question about their ability to display the same level of flair in test matches when the time and space is limited. Can the Affies backline provide that second dimension of creativity to break down a well-organized and linespeedy Boishaai defence?
Affies in Tight Situations – Do They Have the Composure?
One of the more intriguing aspects of this fixture is Affies’ ability to handle the pressure in close games. In the past, BMT (Big Match Temperament) has let them down more often than not, and those tight, nervy moments near the end of a match have often been the difference between victory and a heartbreaking loss. While Affies possess plenty of character and resilience, the real question is whether they have the composure in their DNA to pull through when it matters most. Will they be able to close out a tight game, or is it just time that karma tip the scales in their favour? It is overdue!
Final Thoughts
The stage is set for an epic encounter between two of South Africa’s most storied rugby schools. With the possibility of an unbeaten season and/or possibly a big step towards finishing the years at the nation’s number-one ranked 1st XV on the line, this match promises to be a spectacle of intensity, strategy, and schoolboy pride. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this is a match no rugby fan will want to miss.
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #5)
Glad nie! Ek was maar net ‘n draadsitter wat hou van drama. (En ek is een van hulle wat voel dat al span wie teen my vyande mag wen is my span!)
Momentum in wedstryd gereeld gedraai … wel verdiende wen vir HJS aan die einde.
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #5)
Nie die een nie! Ek het voor die tyd voorspel dat Affies se gebrek aan BMT hulle weer gaan kos. HJS se vaste vyf en 9 was absoluut uitstekend gisteraand. Ook ‘n pluimpie vir HJS se 14 wat bitter goed uit posisie uit vertoon het.
Sien die PR manne het gehoop vir n Boishaai verloor. Jammer manne..sien julle op Brug straat later.
@JongMatie (Comment #2)
@Wondermaar (Comment #3)
Ek ontmoet julle in die middel. Gelyk op spel, met Boyshigh wat skop vir die wen mis aan die einde
Boishaai met 15
Affies met 20.
AFRIKAANSE HOëR SEUNSKOOL TEEN HOëR JONGENSKOOL PAARL 1947-2024
1952: HJS wen 3-0
1954: HJS wen 6-3
1962: Affies wen 9-3
1962: Affies wen 13-3
1963: Affies wen 11-5
1963: Affies wen 6-3
1967: HJS wen 6-5
1969: Affies wen 9-3
1992: HJS wen 35-3
1995: Affies wen 25-9
1999: Affies wen 28-18
2004: Affies wen 33-6
2005: HJS wen 25-23
2008: Affies wen 34-30
2009: Affies wen 30-15
2010: HJS wen 13-8
2011: Affies wen 25-10
2012: Affies wen 22-14
2016: HJS wen 29-25
2017: HJS wen 14-10
2018: HJS wen 19-14
2019: HJS wen 39-12
2023: HJS wen 26-19
2024: Affies wen 43-21