Update with team lists
13 March 2026
I guess it would not be a schoolboy rugby season without a bit of early-season drama.
An article published elsewhere suggested that Westville Boys’ High and Durban High School were fielding an excessive number of U19 players in their 1st XV line-ups. As it turns out, the numbers appear to be roughly half of what was initially reported. The confirmed totals are DHS (2) and Ville (4), with most observers already aware of the two higher-profile Ville returners well in advance. The Westville team list is still outstanding at this stage.
Meanwhile, Maritzburg College have defined their fixture against Helpmekaar as nothing more than a practice session rather than an official match. College have named a 28-player group for the exercise, while the match day itself will see 12 Helpmekaar teams in action.
08 March 2026
The opening rounds of the KwaZulu-Natal school rugby season promise a number of intriguing contests, but a few early trends already appear likely to emerge. In a nutshell, Durban High School and Kearsney should be expected to record wins against Michaelhouse and St Charles respectively as sides begin to find their rhythm.
Another fixture that will attract plenty of attention is the clash between Glenwood and Northwood. Since the Covid era, Northwood hold a slight edge in the rivalry with four wins to Glenwood’s three and arrive on the back of a three-match winning streak — a sequence that hints at the gradual shift in power to the north of the Umgeni River.
Yet the headline may not ultimately be the result. Much of the spotlight will fall on Glenwood outside back Rosco Williams, a player who has carried the aura of generational talent throughout his school career. Comparisons are difficult, but for long-time followers of KZN school rugby, the excitement surrounding Williams evokes memories of MCOB great Clinton Bruyns.
Maritzburg College, meanwhile, face a unique opponent in Gauteng private school Helpmekaar. The “Bruin Reuse” are no strangers to KZN, usually beginning their season against Michaelhouse once the summer sports programme concludes — a fixture where early-season rust is often evident. This year, however, the visitors arrive with a match already under their belts after comfortably dispatching an underpowered Witteberg side, a performance that showcased both cohesion and attacking fluency.
College, for their part, look strong on paper. Hooker Theo Boshoff, Loose-forward Rory Stanton, scrumhalf Dominic du Toit and centre Olwethu Kosani are among the experienced players returning after proving reliable go-to figures in 2025. Their influence could prove crucial if College are to secure a result in what promises to be a demanding encounter at Goldstones.
The biggest local derby of the round, however, sees Hilton travel to face Westville. KwaZulu-Natal’s unbeaten champions of 2025 begin their new campaign in what could prove to be a classic banana-peel fixture on Gilfillan Field, where the two sides meet for the second year running.
The Griffin from Ville have edged the last two encounters between the schools, both thrilling contests decided by narrow margins. Prior to that, Hilton enjoyed a period of dominance, winning five successive matches — including a commanding 40–0 victory in 2022, the year they finished as provincial champions.
Westville head coach Zander Erasmus carries the rare distinction of being unbeaten as a tier-one schoolboy rugby coach, meaning every match offers an opportunity either to extend that remarkable record or see it finally challenged.
Ville appear well equipped to continue their success. Their pack is anchored by SA Schools star Lwandile Mlaba, while the backline boasts exciting attacking threats in Jade-Will Koopman, Jadrian Afrikaner (SA Schools) and Avu Lisa.
The Black and White, meanwhile, take to the field under the guidance of Brad Macleod-Henderson and a playbook that has become increasingly recognisable every year. Expect the hosts to lean on contestable kicking, territorial pressure, strong breakdown work and a powerful maul, coupled with direct carries through the 12 channel. Defence is also well organised and committed. Lock Andrew Schnell captains the side, while influential No 8 Zander Muller provides go-forward at the back of the scrum.
With several gripping matchups across the province, the opening rounds of the KZN season are set to deliver both excitement and an early glimpse of where the balance of power may lie in 2026. Expect healthy crowds, vibrant school spirit and the kind of electric atmosphere that makes KwaZulu-Natal school rugby one of the most captivating spectacles in the game.
| TEAM | DURBAN HS | TEAM | MICHAELHOUSE | ||
| 1 | Likho Konza | u18 | 1 | Aphelele Chamane | u18 |
| 2 | Eglisuis Bruiners | u17 | 2 | Max Oliva | u18 |
| 3 | Priden Sibiya | u18 | 3 | Nicolas Salamousas | u18 |
| 4 | Bulelani Cebani | u17 | 4 | Reese Hill | u18 |
| 5 | Jose Lottering | u19 | 5 | Oliver Vickery | u18 |
| 6 | Okhule Mbanjwa | u19 | 6 | Kumkani Dwenga | u17 |
| 7 | Zion Smith | u18 | 7 | Jed Reilly | u17 |
| 8 | Aobakwe Moeng | u17 | 8 | Oliver Guy | u18 |
| 9 | Richard Kriel | u17 | 9 | James Mallett | u18 |
| 10 | Tanwill Onkers | u17 | 10 | Jack Carmody | u18 |
| 11 | Richard Gyamfi | u18 | 11 | Barend de Bruyn | u17 |
| 12 | Amo Mataboge | u18 | 12 | Alex Jankowitz | u18 |
| 13 | Nathan Aneke | u18 | 13 | Fabiano Fierro | u17 |
| 14 | Militandho George | u18 | 14 | Laird Hamilton-Brown | u18 |
| 15 | Cilermo Carolus | u18 | 15 | Reece Cole | u18 |
| 16 | Jayden Botha | u18 | 16 | ||
| 17 | Triumso Mokoena | 17 | |||
| 18 | Ayanda Mtabiyane | 18 | |||
| 19 | Daniel Kazambo | 19 | |||
| 20 | Ambesiwe Sipanga | 20 | |||
| 21 | Sterling Padi | 21 | |||
| 22 | Slyzer Mbani | 22 | |||
| Coach | PETER ENGLEDOW | Coach | MARCO ENGELBRECHT | ||
| TEAM | HILTON | TEAM | WESTVILLE | ||
| 1 | Aidan du Plooy | u17 | 1 | Sbu Hlongwa | |
| 2 | Kyle-Reese Clements | u18 | 2 | Rorke Stirk | u17 |
| 3 | Mholi Khuzwayo | 3 | Bandile Mncwango | u19 | |
| 4 | Hartman Fourie | u18 | 4 | Warren Murray | |
| 5 | Andrew Schnell | u18 | 5 | Lwandile Mlaba | u18 |
| 6 | Callan Kenmuir | u18 | 6 | Levin Allen | |
| 7 | Ross Steyn | u18 | 7 | Makanya | u19 |
| 8 | Zander Muller | u18 | 8 | Ezra Karolisin | u17 |
| 9 | Benoit Rey | u18 | 9 | ||
| 10 | John Grubb | u18 | 10 | Jade-Will Koopman | u19 |
| 11 | Liyema Gazi | u18 | 11 | Avu Lisa | u18 |
| 12 | Ruan Mulder | u17 | 12 | Kyle McGough | u17 |
| 13 | Guy Fender | u18 | 13 | Jadrian Afrikaner | u19 |
| 14 | Tomupeishe Gurupira | u18 | 14 | ||
| 15 | James Peattie | u18 | 15 | Lux Sonkononkono | u18 |
| 16 | Sean Burman | u17 | 16 | ||
| 17 | Garrick Phillips | u18 | 17 | ||
| 18 | Dimo Zigiriadis | u17 | 18 | ||
| 19 | Lwango Ntantala | u17 | 19 | ||
| 20 | Rob Jervis | u18 | 20 | ||
| 21 | Nico Davel | u17 | 21 | ||
| 22 | JD van Wyk | u17 | 22 | ||
| 23 | Zhaun Swart | 23 | |||
| Coach | BRAD MACLEOD-HENDERSON | Coach | ZANDER ERASMUS | ||
| TEAM | NORTHWOOD | TEAM | GLENWOOD | ||
| 1 | Tinayeishe Ruwona | u18 | 1 | Bonga Cibane | u18 |
| 2 | Zak Vrey | u18 | 2 | Tyler Leon | u17 |
| 3 | Janco Visagie | u18 | 3 | Thabiso Nkuhlu | u17 |
| 4 | Nala Shabangu | u17 | 4 | Siwesambe Ndamase | u18 |
| 5 | Ruddy Makoni | u18 | 5 | Rosisang Ngwenya | u18 |
| 6 | Kevin van Vollenstee | u17 | 6 | Andile Mbokazi | u17 |
| 7 | Tristan Parkinson | u18 | 7 | Joshua Edwards | u18 |
| 8 | Jamie Wimble | u18 | 8 | Makhaya Mbaile | u18 |
| 9 | Ludi vd Walt | u18 | 9 | Vincenzo Loutz | u17 |
| 10 | Sondelani Sheleni | u17 | 10 | Joshua Kopp | u18 |
| 11 | Phinda Nkosi | u17 | 11 | Rosco Williams | u17 |
| 12 | Sifiso Meyiwa | u18 | 12 | Loyiso Mvubu | u18 |
| 13 | Andile Thwala | u18 | 13 | Jakub Bednar | u18 |
| 14 | Anesu Kuzonyei | u18 | 14 | Lebohang Skosana | u18 |
| 15 | Trevor van Vollenstee | u18 | 15 | Elgenio Oersen | u17 |
| 16 | 16 | Inganathi Pepu | u17 | ||
| 17 | 17 | Martin Maakal | u18 | ||
| 18 | 18 | Ethan Swindon | u18 | ||
| 19 | 19 | James Swift | u19 | ||
| 20 | 20 | Riley Foxcroft | u18 | ||
| 21 | 21 | Lohan Carolus | u18 | ||
| 22 | 22 | Zubenathi Molulo | u17 | ||
| 23 | 23 | Cade Isaacs | u17 | ||
| Coach | JACQUES DEEN | Coach | |||
| TEAM | ST CHARLES | TEAM | KEARSNEY | ||
| 1 | Dane Allardice | u17 | 1 | Luke Faure | u18 |
| 2 | Dresden Coetzee | u18 | 2 | Matthew Wilson | u17 |
| 3 | Bonga Nkosi | u17 | 3 | Azania Thela | u18 |
| 4 | Quinten Swart | u18 | 4 | Robert Gelderman | u17 |
| 5 | Joshua Harris | u18 | 5 | Thomas Francke | u18 |
| 6 | Alec Steenkamp | u17 | 6 | James Whatmore | u17 |
| 7 | Hlubelihle Nkosi | u17 | 7 | Oliver Ludwig | u18 |
| 8 | Thomas Borgen | u18 | 8 | Nhlanhla Ndlovu | u18 |
| 9 | Thandokuhle Nyawo | u18 | 9 | Fynn Verbaan | u18 |
| 10 | Phiwe-Junior Dlamini | u18 | 10 | Daniel Miskey | u17 |
| 11 | Mathew Ludick | u19 | 11 | Lwandle Mkhize | u18 |
| 12 | Caleb Sharp | u17 | 12 | Keanu Williamson | u18 |
| 13 | Likuthi Mbalana | u19 | 13 | Thomas Aylward | u18 |
| 14 | Qhawe Macebo | u18 | 14 | Sibu Khuzwayo | u18 |
| 15 | Njabulo Nala | u18 | 15 | Lwazi Mbebe | u18 |
| 16 | Connor Dickerson | u18 | 16 | ||
| 17 | Raiden Reid | u18 | 17 | ||
| 18 | Xavier Horner | u19 | 18 | ||
| 19 | Joshua Milne | u18 | 19 | ||
| 20 | Unesuelihle Shabalala | u17 | 20 | ||
| 21 | Ntsikelelo Madosi | u17 | 21 | ||
| 22 | Blake Da Costa | u18 | 22 | ||
| 23 | Raheem Wheatley | u17 | 23 | ||
| Coach | CRAIG DWYER | Coach | GRANT BASHFORD | ||
| TEAM | MARITZBURG COLL | TEAM | HELPMEKAAR | ||
| 1 | Alande Ngubane | u18 | 1 | Kyle Beyleveld | 1 |
| 2 | Theo Boshoff | u18 | 2 | Jeandre vd Merwe | 2 |
| 3 | Linamandla Mabanga | 3 | Karlo Steenkamp | 1 | |
| 4 | Sean Jansen | u17 | 4 | Dewald du Preez | 3 |
| 5 | Raymond Chikukwa | u18 | 5 | MC van Tonder | 3 |
| 6 | Mian Pretorius | 6 | Llewelyn Vermaak | 4 | |
| 7 | Caleb Sweetnam | u18 | 7 | Xander Jackson | 4 |
| 8 | Rory Stanton | u18 | 8 | Ruan Bester | 4 |
| 9 | Dominic du Toit | u18 | 9 | Shaye Lourens | 5 |
| 10 | Liyema Tsoko | u18 | 10 | Ethan Kruger | 6 |
| 11 | Lwanzo Vyambwera | u17 | 11 | Ruben Coetzee | 8 |
| 12 | Matthew Harris | 12 | Ethan Lourens | 7 | |
| 13 | Lungelo Hadebe | u18 | 13 | Andreas Badenhorst | 7 |
| 14 | Caleb Scheepers | u18 | 14 | Francois Tonkin | 8 |
| 15 | Mojalefa Mogale | u17 | 15 | Xander van Niekerk | 11 |
| 16 | Mzwamandla Manana | 16 | Danil vd Linden | 2 | |
| 17 | Jedidha Mbanzaswi | 17 | Ingatius Botha | 1 | |
| 18 | Kwakhanya Ngantweni | 18 | |||
| 19 | Josh Thompson | 19 | Ruben Pieterse | 3 | |
| 20 | Connor Mountfort | u18 | 20 | Eben van Buren | 3 |
| 21 | Karl Finn | 21 | John van Druten | 5 | |
| 22 | B. Botha | 22 | Daniel Kelbrick | 7 | |
| 23 | Brent Smith | 23 | Liam Hessel | 7 | |
| 24 | Luthando Dladla | u17 | 24 | ||
| 25 | Karl Lubbe | 25 | |||
| Coach | HENDRE MARNITZ | Coach | TJAART VD WALT |
@Skywalker (Comment #28)
It was the classic tale of structure over flair. Brad(in his last year) is renowned for the former and I think most of Hilton’s points came from rolling mauls and set plays. The ref was extremely pedantic and the penalties and resultant kicks into the corner added the process. Westville’s kicking for poles and out of hand was not great with two penalties missing touch. There were also 2 grubbers a few meters from the line where patience was needed. If Westville can tighten up these lose ends I think they will spring some real surprises on whoever they meet. I am looking forward to see if Hilton can back up against DHS this weekend. They have some strong individuals and as said before they are well coached.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #38)
Ya ten minute highlight package doesn’t do anything justice🤣 so not sure what you can draw from watching highlights🤣🤣🤣… however new week new team to worry about.
@Rod (Comment #37)
Another neutral here, who watched the 10min highlights, my impression is that Westville have a potent attacking team, but Hilton scored early, kept the scoreboard pressure, built up a lead and played well throughout and well enough for the win. Well done. Westville were unbeaten last year so it’s a shock to lose in the opening match, like Gim or Garsies, they could still have a potent season ahead. I didn’t notice bad calls, the worst I can say is that the Ref could lose a few kg’s (like Kaya) but he seemed consistent. If there’s a return match the score might be different, but HC full value for the W.
Some impressions from a neutral who watched the game live. A fabulous low stress experience which I could enjoy just for what it was. My overall impression is that the better team on the day lost and that the ref (who I didn’t notice as being especially bad, if bad at all) had little if any impact on the result. Also, I agree that the WBHS No.8 is very good, but there were times near the end when that lethal backline needed the ball and yet he repeatedly, and without success, picked up from the back of the scrum and charged for the line. All in all, a high quality match which was a great advertisement for schoolboy rugby.
@Skywalker (Comment #28)
Congrats to Northwood, well deserved! Glenwood showed promise, badly coached. Wimble & the Dutch brothers the difference. Glenwood have a very very long season ahead…
@Dixon’s (Comment #26)
Yea facts it blatantly cheating and its sad to see!
@Skywalker (Comment #28)
Yea look if you watch the game as a whole will leave you to be the Judge but any team thats going up and to be refeered by a Hilton ref good luck!
@Overlooked lad (Comment #30)
Yea life of a kicker you have your bad days and you can easily be blamed … However when you have your good days never get showered with the kicker won the game… He was off and so be it.. Can never blame a kicker they always bounce back.
@TJ (Comment #29)
I want to give you the opportunity to back up your comment how many?? Are you aware that the 1 is also from the border region that was given the opportunity from Iqahwe week to go to a main stream school? He is a 90 % student and is the Head Boy at wbhs ??? Talk about given a boy the opportunity… get off your High horse and back up the Comment??
The Midlands referees are never paragon’s of virtue, but the DRSU lads also dont cover themselves in glory…
Hilton are a proper outfit and converted their chances when it mattered but westville have alot to be excited about this season. Thier loosehead Ngcali was outstanding at scrumtime dominated the much fancied khuzwayo. Mlaba is quality always gets stuck in. Thier 8th man was very good hes offload game created many openings for westville. Koopman and Lux were outstanding unplayable at break of play.Afrikaner scoring as usual and both wingers finished well. Koopman although scored a worldie was poor of the tee which was the diffrence as westville scored more trys but couldnt convert.
To give credit where its due The hiltonn 10 Grubb had cracker of a game
@Westville_Boy (Comment #24)
More so than most. Let’s just say that Westville has perfected the grade 10 staying another year trick. Plus their Iqhawe recruitment is bearing fruit for under performing academics.
@Westville_Boy (Comment #24)
I did call this upset but after you linked that article about the Westville team I thought I had maybe overestimated Hiltons chances. Your Westville team is chockerblock with talent and provincial players. But sounds like the ref wasn’t great? That’s always frustrating and seems to be a thing with the midlands schools.
@Grasshopper (Comment #20)
Just regular SA Afrikaans boys as far as I know.
@Overlooked lad (Comment #22)
I was just about to comment to respond to comment #21 by TJ to say that the EfT would have been done early so the ref was happy. Its becoming a joke now. The Glenwood v Hilton game a few years ago. A controversial loss for DHS as well I remember. Midlands refs obviously know who butters their bread!
@Overlooked lad (Comment #22)
I was just about to comment to respond to comment #21 by TJ to say that the EfT would have been done early so the ref was happy. Its becoming a joke now. The Glenwood v Hilton game a few years ago. A controversial loss for DHS as well I remember. Midlands refs obviously know who butters their bread!
@TJ (Comment #21)
How many under 19s you think is in that team?? And remember school boy rugby is u19 not u18..
@Overlooked lad (Comment #22) Still taken back how bad that ref was … School boy rugby is progressing at such a rapid pace i believe the refs are being left behind… I dont believe any ref decides that they going to cheat… but you have competent and incompetent and that ref should never ref a firy side game he was absolutely horrible.
what a shocking performance from the ref in the westville v Hilton game. A great game from both sides but ruined by inconsistent officiating and bizzare decesions which to no suprise all went the way of Hilton
So I see the Westville u19 team lost to the Hilton u18 team today…
Northwood’s Van Vollenstee brothers (I guess) sound properly Dutch. Northwood always seem to have some international flavour in their ranks…
@Beet, …sounds like Maritzburg getting their excuses in early? ..hedging ? Why would they host a team driving 6 hours by bus from up-country only to call it a practise? Don’t buy it…. The big festivals are almost upon us too.
@Skywalker (Comment #17)
Although maybe with another year of growing, weight gain + strength & conditioning he might be a powerful forward option.
Looks like NW have shifted Parkinson to 7? Recall he played 12 last year. That was my worry for this year, not enough in the pack, having to now shift tall backline players into the forwards. Hopefully he does well.
@Skywalker (Comment #15)
Dont throw College away this year! They will be back for sure. Dhs Wbhs College Hilton is can speak for the rest uncertain they all will have strong teams and can beat anyone on their day!! Dhs has the ability to take most on however they will weaken towards back end of the season they push their payers to breaking point. Some make it some dont.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #14)
I have a feeling Kearsney may be higher then that this year. Very tough teams all around though. DHS and Westville will prob clintch 1 and 2 again this year, but then between Hilton, Northwood, Maritzburg College, Kearsney, Mhouse and Glenwood you will have a real fight for those next few spots! Will be interesting to see how they go this year. Will be on the day for all these teams.
Kaya’s KZN Week 1 Predictions
Maritzburg College 12 – 29 Helpmekaar (MC Hammered)
DHS 38 – 17 Michaelhouse (MH Hammered)
Hilton 30 – 33 Westville (both sides ambitious)
Northwood 29 – 27 Glenwood (Glen lesser of the woods)
St Charles 20 – 37 Kearnsey (who is 8th best in KZN?)
@Westville_Boy (Comment #12)
Yeah it’s Brad Morgan. He does great work in KZN and works really hard on match days as well
@Skywalker (Comment #11) have a look at this article it explains Westville position pretty well and I know the writer normally goes to the source that being someone inside Westville.
https://ssschoolsplus.co.za/westville-boys-high-primed-for-another-powerhouse-campaign/?fbclid=IwdGRzaAQdGZ9jbGNrBB0YOWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHgJShVKQltT4xpj1NcYWIGeO3Zh3Otn15xOYD3vBQ21SirO-OrQSa3Rr0Z_S_aem_ElUuSLNaNcGy4cU2jVbRYA&sfnsn=wa
@Westville_Boy (Comment #9)
I mean like when Beet gives team lineups to see for example:
Northwood
1. Name, 2025: u16A, KZN u16A
2. Name, 2025: 1st team
3. Name, 2025: 2nd team
4. Name, 2025: 1st team, KZN CW
5. Name, 2025: 1st team, KZN CW, SA EPD
6. Name, 2025: u16A, KZN u16B
7. Name, 2025: 1st team
8. Name, 2025: 1st team, KZN AW
Etc.
You get the idea. Would be interesting to see the make up of the teams and how many are returning players vs grade 11’s vs how many KZN reps etc.
@Couchcoach (Comment #7)
Absolutely. No you have hit the Nail on the head with your mentions.. I do believe Westville pack is bigger than last year’s side… Granted they dont have a Siyaya… However dont take anything away from the 15 this year after all like i said he was invited to Epd where Dhs karolis wasn’t…. Afrikaner is dangerous and can argue if he wasnt at school still he might of found his way in the Sa u20 side… be interesting to see where they play him as he played 13 last year however played wing for the country… Koopman was veey unlucky with his injury timing last year so he will be back for them with Vengeance.. Be that as it may I believe Westville strength this year lies with their pack of forwards.. But Kzn school boy rugby is so competitive every team will be tough and good… For me DHS will be the side to beat that team is loaded with provincial players!! U16 and u17 from last year! If they hit the ground running no one will stop them… Just my opinion.
@Skywalker (Comment #8)
What do you mean ??
@Westville_Boy (Comment #6)
Would be interesting to see a team list for each team, with last year’s team and any representative teams noted per name. Sounds like Westville and DHS have some serious talent!
@Westville_Boy (Comment #6)
WB – Thanks for the insight on Mlaba and correction on Sonkonokono. How are you feeling about the rest of the WBH squad? Any to look out for that I haven’t mentioned?
@Couchcoach (Comment #4)
Just on Mlaba…. Mlaba will play lock and hopefully no injury will play SA u18 this year.. the management team at the top absolutely love him… he calls a line out and is a massive player for Westville I see a huge season for him and he will achieve great things.. So to answer the question he wont move to another position he simply is to good at lock.
So Sonkonokono is from Westville not Nw and remember he was in the u17 Epd camp.
@Couchcoach (Comment #4)
Yes some great squad depth. Really great for KZN rugby, but harder for any 1 team to standout nowadays I think. Composure, clever coaching and then some x-factor will be the difference. Agree some exciting u17’s coming through as well!
KZN has good quality and depth this season, with so many of last season’s top performers still in the system, and the outstanding u16 group from 2025 joining the first team squads. Should make for a competitive Craven Week squad – as long as the selectors can do a better job than they did last year!
Beet’s earlier post highlighted the depth at 8, with Wimble, Muller and Ndlovu all strong contenders. I could see them working as a loose trio with Muller and Ndlovu at blindside and openside respectively, but there will be competition from guys like Stanton and Colenbrander from MC both having plenty of first XV experience. Some of the u17s like Jubber and Moeng look promising. No doubt others that I’m not as familiar with will put their hands up too.
At lock, Mlaba was SA Schools last year, and guys like Ndamase and Schnell are seasoned first XV players. Cebani from DHS looks like a top u17 prospect. I’d be interested to hear if those who follow Westville closely followed think that Mlaba could find himself at blindside long term?
I’m not as familiar with the front row options, but could see Salamousas and Boschoff being front runners at tighthead and hooker.
In the backs I expect guy like Carolus (DHS), Kosani (MC), Aneke (DHS), Mkhize, Mbebe (both Kearsney), Sonkonokono (NW) and Jankowitz (MH) to be experienced options, and a couple of the talented u17 crop like Miskey (Kearsney), Oersen (GW) and Williams (GW) to be in the mix.
I’m probably missing a few names from DHS – mainly because their first XV last year was quite G12-heavy, so I’m not as familiar with the younger guys coming through. They will likely be a dominant force in KZN again, so expect them to have contenders in many positions.
@Westville_Boy (Comment #2)
Agree, that first game was a big statement from WV last year against Hilton. Hilton got stronger though. Their match against NW on our OBD was quite impressive, although maybe it was that NW was a bit ‘pap’ by that part of the season after Wildeklawer and Jeppe.
Last year NW beat MBC at MBC, MBC beat Hilton at Hilton and Hilton beat NW at NW. So you are correct, maybe home ground advantage doesnt count for much and on the day I think any team can take it. Westville vs DHS will be a great game again this year. 2 powerhouse rugby programmes at present.
@Skywalker (Comment #1)
Hilton last year wasn’t close… Siyaya was very average against Hilton.. Both Afrikaner and Koopman still there. It will be a great game Westville pack of forwards bar 2 or 3 of them all have returned as they were in grade 11 last year. Westville have a very talented 15 thats been waiting in the shadows and expect big things from him. Over all great game and I believe that in Kzn whoever rocks up and deals with the big moments will win the fixture.
Some really meaty KZN match ups to start. I think it shows what KZN has transformed into over the last few years – competitive all round.
Some predictions:
DHS:MHouse – DHS by 12
Kearsney: St Charles – Kearsney to get off to winning ways for Bashy and his team. KC by 23.
NW: Glenwood – NW to clintch a close one. Glenwood looking to surprise. Won’t be easy I think. NW by 7. Worried about NW pack.
MBC: Helpmekaar – Dont know much about the teams. Helpies by 5.
Westville: Hilton – Calling a surprise here. Hilton at home by 2. Ville came ever so close to losing to both MBC and NW last season. Were it not for Siyaya, it may have gone the other way. They still have x-factor but Hilton always well drilled and will keep it tight to avoid the danger as best they can. Are Koopman and Afrikaaner still there? u19?