Third Test in a Week for Stellenberg

The high-flying Stellenberg Jade Brigade return to their fortress on Mountain View Road today for what promises to be a stern examination against a well-rested Wynberg outfit.

While Stellenberg were forced to dig deep through successive outings at the ABSA Wildeklawer festival, Wynberg were among the few leading schools to enjoy a rare bye over the long weekend — a factor that could prove significant.

Stellenberg first edged an in-form Maritzburg College side 24–19 in a physical contest they largely controlled, before being pushed well beyond their comfort zone by hosts Diamantveld. The determined Kimberley outfit forced the Northern Suburbers to find another gear, with Stellenberg eventually sealing a hard-fought 31–20 victory.

Today presents a different kind of challenge: a third demanding fixture in the space of a week.

Wynberg have emerged as arguably the leading U19A side in the Southern Suburbs in 2026 and will undoubtedly sense an opportunity to capitalise on any fatigue or battered bodies in the Stellenberg camp.

For the visitors, however, the task is straightforward in theory but demanding in execution. They must find a way to withstand the relentless pressure Stellenberg exert through their pack — an area in which the hosts have been suffocatingly effective this season.

Equally important will be Wynberg’s ability to shake off any rust quickly. After a weekend off, there can be no slow start against a Stellenberg side that has made a habit of dictating terms early and forcing opponents onto the back foot.

If Wynberg can match the physical intensity and survive the opening exchanges, they may yet turn Stellenberg’s packed schedule into a genuine factor. But on current form, the Jade Brigade remain a formidable proposition at home.

TEAM	STELLENBERG		TEAM	WYNBERG
1	Uzair Blanckenberg	u17	1	James Welsh
2	Liam Joubert	u18	2	Naeem Mohammed	u18
3	Janu van Deventer	u18	3	Solam Gegana	u18
4	Jayden Young	u17	4	James Orwin	u18
5	Juvan Burden	u18	5	Jack De Beer
6	Seth Coetze	u18	6	Alvin Machinja	u18
7	Carlo Brink	u18	7	Alex Barrett	u18
8	Robert Hewitt	u18	8	Esa van der Schyff	u18
9	Daniel Steffen	u18	9	Rauf Ahmed	u17
10	Ethan van Biljon	u18	10	Luke Gertze	u19
11	Emile Cilliers	u17	11	Chad Campbell	u18
12	Daniel Mongie	u18	12	Cayleb Buys
13	JC Swart	u17	13	Ithandile Nkohla	u18
14	Ralton Roode	u19	14	Matthew Farah
15	Liam Jacobs	u17	15	Laeeq Davids	u18
Coach	DIVAN BATT		Coach	JUSTIN VAN WINKEL