There’s no shortage of U17 talent on South African schoolboy rugby fields this season. On any given Saturday, boys across the country are putting up their hands and holding their own among the older players in the 1st XV. Time and again, spectators and viewers are recognising these youngsters as some of the best players on the field.
One such player who seems to tick all the boxes is Juvan Burden, a lock from Stellenberg in Cape Town. This tall, top-class lineout asset is the real deal. He’s big, strong, physical, skilful, and confident—more than ready to take on responsibilities in the set pieces and in general play.
After yet another good performance this past weekend against SACS, I suggested that this consistent deliver of top form might well be the best u17 schoolboy player in the country—this in a season stacked with exceptional young talent, as is so often the case.
Who’s been your standout performer this year to date?
A potential team that unfortunately has to leave out a number of class players.
@Snelvuur (Comment #4)
Verstaan, dankie.
With Affies top talent Zirk Meyer being injured, Fourie Roberts had big shoes to fill and he has done well. He’s a Joost sized 9 by the looks of things and I saw he got the MotM against Garsies. Found out today that he is not named after the Affies and Bok legend
but Fourie du Preez has been assisting him.
Monnas flyhalf Jaydon Viljoen is another player I would say everyone should watch. Fantastic player. Just has to be content living in the shadows of the ongoing Ethan van Biljon (Stellenberg) vs Travis Pheiffer (Paul Roos) conversations.
One of the players who interests me is Diaan Augustyn, the massive Oakdale lock. Maybe not the most mobile but his bulk is able to make a significant difference in a match. He is a French club rugby dream player based on his size. Just think of big 140kg+ locks like Emmanuel Meafou and Posolo Tuilagi. If the 7-1 split bench becomes a norm in test rugby, these man-mountains will increase in value as one only needs 40min out of them.
@Maroon machine supporter (Comment #3)
Ek is nie seker nie. Hy het vir 15min teen Bishops opgekom, maar weet nie of hy al op volle stoom is nie. Verwag dat hy in die groep sal wees, maar moontlik van die bankie af sal speel.
@Snelvuur (Comment #2)
Is Christian fiks en reg vir Wildeklawer?
Christian le Roux of PRG hasn’t played much this year yet, but once he gets going, he’ll be my standout u17 player in SA. One of the best opensides I’ve ever seen at u16 level. Definitely someone to look out for. I’ve also been impressed with Lehan Barnard’s transition from WP’s GK tighthead to hooker for PRG. Even played a few minutes at openside vs Bishops. Strong in the setpiece and adding nicely to his overall skillset. He’ll only get better.
Have to say Charles Whitehead of Paarl Gim is another excellent player