Grey College travel to Boishaai’s Brugstaat as underdogs

It’s not often—perhaps never—that you hear Grey College and underdogs in the same sentence. But this isn’t a slight against Grey; rather, it’s a testament to just how formidable Paarl Boys’ High (Boishaai) have become.

The Boishaai Blue Train is running full steam—fast and furious. Much has been said about their ruck speed, but it’s what happens after they retain possession that truly impresses. The days of one-dimensional play are long gone. With a wealth of talent, Boishaai now vary their attack with clever angles and creative configurations.

They can still muscle up and go through the middle with brute strength, but they’re just as comfortable spreading it wide in true champagne-rugby style. Even the lineout, once a persistent weakness, has become a reliable set piece.

Yet one cannot escape the sheer speed of execution. It’s this tempo—relentless and precise—that makes Boishaai such a difficult side to contain.

Grey College are the standard setters in South African schoolboy rugby—so consistent and dominant that an unbeaten season is often more expected than celebrated. They rarely finish outside the top three in national rankings. In fact, the last time they did was in 2015, a year marred by injuries. But 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, and for once, there’s a realistic chance that Grey could finish fourth—or lower.

That said, it would be foolish to write them off. Grey still boast a quality squad, filled with talented individuals capable of stepping up when it matters most.

Among the many exciting subplots in this weekend’s showdown in Paarl is the battle between the two flyhalves.

For Boishaai, Francois van der Merwe has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a mediocre fullback in 2024, he’s perhaps the most in-form flyhalf in the Cape at present. His running rugby style, calm decision-making, and ability to seemingly operate in slow motion have made him a constant threat. His skillset is sharp, and right now, he may well be the form pivot in the region.

Opposite him is Grey’s Cinderella story of 2025: Darius Erwee. Just weeks ago, he was an unknown Cherries (2nd XV) player. Now, he’s a breakout star. Since earning his 1st XV shot, he’s grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Erwee is executing the run/kick/pass balance with composure well beyond his experience, and his goal-kicking has been nothing short of superb.

One of the most anticipated aspects of this weekend’s clash is the resumption of the 2024 battles between the Paarl twins, Jayden and Tristan Joubert, and Grey’s AJ Meyer and Ethan Adams.

Lock AJ Meyer recently returned from injury and wasted no time reasserting his dominance. In 2024, you might’ve stopped short at calling him the best u17 forward in the country—or you might have sensed that even bigger accolades were coming. His performances do the talking. He’s not just living up to expectations; he’s setting a new bar.

On the other side, it remains to be seen where Jayden Joubert will line up—lock or blindside—but his presence is never in question. A giant in both frame and impact, Jayden combines physicality with mobility, and he’s capable of putting in a relentless shift on either side of the ball.

His twin, Tristan, has made notable strides since last season. In 2024, he was still raw at outside centre, but he has come on leaps and bounds. Now a confident and complete player, Tristan understands his role on both attack and defence. He’s that rare breed: elegant link-man one moment, take-no-prisoners bruiser the next. Once again, he’ll go head-to-head with Ethan Adams.

In terms of profile, well-known Adams sits just behind Gim’s Markus Muller who is arguably the schoolboy player of the season, decade, or even millennium. Adams had a standout 2024. Matching those heights in 2025 is no easy task, but Adams has not disappointed. He continues to produce game-changing moments—moments that, especially in a tight game, could be all Grey needs to tip the result in their favour.

Another key contest will unfold at the breakdown. Boishaai are absolute menaces in this area, spearheaded by their tireless leader, Steph van der Merwe. Grey, however, will not stand back. Xander Smit and his forward pack are well-drilled, physical, and will be intent on disrupting Boishaai’s rhythm and continuity.

In truth, every individual battle—along with the collective contests at set pieces, breakdowns, and in open play—is expected to captivate both the crowd at Brugstraat and those watching from afar. With the sheer quality across both squads, this is a clash that promises to demand attention for the full 70 minutes.

Adding to the challenge for Grey is the setting: Boishaai will be playing at home for the first time in 2025. If the rain stays in the forecast, it only strengthens their hand. They’re used to the wet and the weight it brings. On their own turf, in familiar conditions, they become even harder to beat. It’s a tall order—and one that makes this clash all the more compelling.