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.
@Meesh N (Comment #16)
At the moment Wimble is an exciting prospect. He’s big but also has great mobility.
@RuggaFreak (Comment #14)
I watched Graeme vs Beth Voortrekker. Nice entertaining game. Erin Nelso and a number of his teammates played well. He played like an u18 TBH. Lots of ticks. I enjoyed his good balance and feel for the game.
Hold on Jamie Wimble is only u17? Wow that’s one massive 17 year old.
I will say though that Erin Nelson is defs a better 13 than most in his year, also keep an eye on Queenton Mncube from PBHS
That Rondebosch hooker is also u17 from what I hear
@Snelvuur (Comment #2)
Limited game time tonight, but Le Roux made a real impact when he came on. Such a threat at the breakdown.
@beet (Comment #13)
Graeme and Nelson are starting to get going now, Nelson is a special player who had numerous schools trying to lure him away from Graeme. Graeme might be the surprise package of 2025, the bulk of their team will be back next year as well.
@RuggaFreak (Comment #12)
No offence taken. I clearly need to keep you commenting on this topic to get more info.
I watched Graeme take on Hilton and Erin was talked up by the commentary team but he just could not get going – it was just one of those games. Hilton also could not press home their advantage but as the season has unfolded Graeme has proven to be a lot stronger than they showed.
@beet (Comment #11)
My apologies if what I said came out sour, Beet.Haha thanks for the good intentions, he is hardly a secret as other schools did pursue him after the great GK week he had last year and made the SA EPD camp but he’s already on a full bursary and his dad absolutely loves and appreciates the school. He comes from a disadvantaged background and has been given an opportunity that he is fully utilizing. Another unlucky player to miss out on your list is Graeme college ace, Erin Nelson who is absolutely ripping it up for Graeme at 13
@RuggaFreak (Comment #9)
Yeah, I was just doing my bit to keep Kepe in the Eastern Cape for a few more months! Now that the word is out that he’s the best wing in his age group, who knows what offers might come knocking…
Jokes aside, I actually watched QC at Grey Fest and again this past weekend when they were on TV. I honestly didn’t even realise Kepe is still u17.
Also, just to be clear—the post above is purely my personal opinion. It’s far from gospel, and there are loads of other top achievers out there, including a few stuck in the seccies purely because their schools are stacked with depth. So I’m not here to debate—rather just to appreciate your contribution which helps us all grow the database of insight.
As for Lwandle Mkhize, yes, he still has a few things to tighten up defensively, but on attack? He’s a machine. His acceleration from standing start to full tilt is ridiculous, his footwork on the move is insane, and his ability to find space in tight areas is seriously impressive. He doesn’t get nearly enough opportunity to shine in the KC setup, in my view. At another school with designs to set their wings free (a bit like QC did on Sat), his X-factor would probably have people talking a lot more. And as much as I’d like to say this as a neutral… I’m just grateful you’re not related to Kepe either!
But bottomline I appreciate your comment and an sure there are plenty who will back you up
@beet (Comment #5)
Blimey Beet, I’ve also been very impressed with him but never thought for a moment he was u17?? Unbelievable. He’s coming back next year? Very rare to see an u17 player so physically dominant
I’m sorry Beet but Lwandle Mkhize is not better than Queen’s 11, Ncutu Kepe. They both made the Grey Fest team of the tournament but Kepe adds hard hitting tackling to his attacking arsenal. Kepe has scored 11 tries already this season.
@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