Grey College have kicked off their 2025 campaign with a perfect seven-from-seven record, but the true test of their season is only just beginning.
They’ve already overcome some stiff early challenges — a gritty second-half turnaround to beat a feisty Oakdale 25–10, a nail-biter against Noordheuwel (24–22) at Noord-Suid where their driving maul defence was pushed to the limit, and a hard-earned 29–18 away win against a spirited Outeniqua side in George.
These were all quality victories, but in stature, none match the occasion of facing Paarl Gimnasium — even with the match taking place in Grey’s famed Bloemfontein fortress.
And it’s not just Gim on the horizon. Grey are heading into a brutal stretch of fixtures, with Paarl Boys’ High, Affies, and a dangerous Garsfontein still to come. It’s shaping up to be a defining few weeks — a “test match season” in every sense.
Big Names, Big Stage
Grey’s midfield wrecking ball, Ethan Adams (13), is still getting into full flight this year. While his conditioning and ball skills have noticeably improved, he hasn’t quite hit the towering standards of his jaw-dropping 2024 season — at least not yet. That spotlight has instead fallen on electric outside back Lamla Mgedezi, whose flair and finishing have lit up the early rounds.
On the other side, Paarl Gim boast arguably the player of the season so far in Markus Muller. The midfield maestro has been in irrepressible form, racking up tries and turning matches with moments of magic. Veteran schoolboy rugby followers are already placing him in the rare company of players whose individual brilliance consistently shifts outcomes.
Battle Up Front
With rain soaking Bloemfontein, Saturday’s showdown may well be fought in the trenches. This could be just the moment for Grey’s tight-five — often overlooked in national discussions — to impose themselves. They might not have the media hype, but their work rate is immense, and the wet conditions could tip the scales in their favour.
One key returnee is lock AJ Meyer, one of SA’s top schoolboy forwards in 2024. His presence could be decisive in neutralising the physically relentless Gim pack — a unit known for their relentless tempo and clinical execution.
If Grey are to tame the Gim tsunami, it will take a full shift from the engine room in navy.
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