Light rain is forecast across much of KZN on Saturday, 21 March 2026, setting the tone for what could be a bruising second round of schoolboy rugby in the province.
Durban High School’s much-anticipated visit to Hilton – a fixture that would almost certainly have been the match of the weekend – has unfortunately been cancelled. A severe bout of flu has swept through the Hilton camp, leaving players sidelined in numbers. Ironically, DHS were gearing up for a rare milestone, chasing their first win on Gilfillan since 2016.
Northwood make the trip to Balgowan where, despite their encouraging showing against Glenwood last weekend, they head in as underdogs. This Michaelhouse side has already proven stronger than pre-season expectations suggested. The Knights’ task is further steepened by history – they have never won on the Meadows. That opportunity is also on hold this year, with the match shifted to Bailey’s as the Meadows undergoes final levelling and drainage upgrades. Even so, a win at Michaelhouse in any form would mark a historic first for Northwood.
Maritzburg College, as always, are expected to draw a strong travelling crowd and, weather permitting, Bowden’s should be well filled. Their clash against Helpmekaar would have offered key takeaways, particularly in defensive line speed and a more effective use of the boot from the base. Both areas will need to be sharp against a Westville outfit likely to push the tempo throughout. Discipline, however, remains a concern for Ville following their defeat to Hilton.
College boast a strong overall record against the Griffin, even at Bowden’s. The last home victory in this fixture dates back to 2018, although Covid disruptions and Sharks Day scheduling have limited recent meetings. The Red, Black and White last claimed victory in Westville in 2022.
A confident Kearsney side returns to Stott Field aiming to secure a third consecutive win over Glenwood, having edged a 25–22 result on their last outing against the Green Machine in 2024. There is a pleasing balance to the One Stripe, but conditions and the traditionally testing Stott Field surface could shift the contest towards the forwards.
Glenwood’s last victory at Kearsney came in 2023, and they arrive primed to lift their intensity — particularly at set piece — with visiting supporters eager to see their strike runners given more opportunities to influence the game.
So apparently Kearsney needed a home game for this weekend due to the Gr 8 2027 open day. They made an arrangement for Glenwood to get Westville (meant to be at Ville this year) at home so that this Glenwood game could take place on the Stott
@Black and white (Comment #1)
Eish. Thank you.
Might be the second weekend in a row that the school meant to host the match this weekend comes up short.
Very unfortunate about the DHS:Hilton game. Would also give some insights into where those teams are at. But 100% the right call.
Do you have team lists @beet?
1. Mhouse vs Northwood: House to win by 7. Not sure if Parkinson is ok after limping off, or the hooker? Need Wimble to have a massive game to challenge House away from home though, especially if rainy weather expected. Not ideal for what NW would want i think.
2. Kearsney to secure another win. I think they have a team to take on the big guns this year and will be composed enough to beat Glenwood this weekend i feel. Glenwood will fight back, but i think better coaching and execution will pay off for KC. KC by 16.
3. Westville will be hurting after last weekend. Dont really have much to go on for College. I would think Ville at home to take the win, unless College get dominance early and the pressure of losing at home starts to derail Ville? But think they will come back strong. Ville by 9.
Correction Kearsney are playing Glenwwood at home, on the much improved STOTT this weekend .