Noordvaal Cup Playoff Race 2026 permutations

As the interschools programme for the second term winds down ahead of the holidays and the provincial youth weeks, the two matches in the best cup competition in SA carry significance weight in the race for the Noordvaal Cup Premier League playoffs.

All eyes are currently on Helpmekaar as they have to come for a long way back to pursue a place in the knockout stages. Their immediate challenge comes in the form of Middelburg, a fixture from which the Bruin Reuse can ill afford to leave empty-handed. Maximum points are essential if Helpies are to keep their playoff ambitions firmly in their own hands.

Just as intriguing, however, is the question of which result they would prefer in the clash between Waterkloof and Noordheuwel.

Klofies have been one of the most underrated teams in South African school rugby this season. They are the embodiment of teamwork, with a group of players whose strengths complement one another exceptionally well. Despite sitting high in the national rankings and compiling an impressive body of work, they somehow continue to fly under the radar.

For Noordheuwel, the campaign has followed a very different path. Uncertainty surrounding the future of the head coach at the start of the season appeared to disrupt the team’s momentum and threatened to derail their ambitions. Yet, in characteristic fashion, Nories have responded with resilience and determination. What once looked like it could become a disappointing season is rapidly turning into one of hope and maybe plenty still to celebrate. Their character and perseverance deserve recognition.

From a purely short-term perspective, a Waterkloof victory would appear to favour Helpmekaar. It would push Klofies further clear of the chasing pack while leaving Nories locked in a direct battle with Helpies for the fourth and final playoff position.

The reality, however, is more complicated.

Noordheuwel arguably have the easier run home, with Menlopark and Middelburg still to come. Waterkloof, meanwhile, face a far tougher finish after EG Jansen, with fixtures against both Helpmekaar and Monument still awaiting them. Should Nories overcome Klofies, it could effectively turn the Helpmekaar versus Waterkloof encounter on 1 August into a quarter-final before the playoffs have even begun.

Another factor that may concern Waterkloof supporters is the broader health of the school’s rugby programme. While the first team has enjoyed an outstanding season, the school’s overall ProReg rating paints a less encouraging picture. The Pretoria-based co-educational school currently finds itself at the foot of the standings, albeit with a game in hand.

With two schools facing relegation at season’s end, Klofies still have work to do. Their impressive first-team performances have kept them in the spotlight, but they will need strong results across the programme in the weeks ahead if they are to create a comfortable buffer between themselves and the drop zone.

#	1st XV	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	TTL
1	Garsfontein	6	6	0	0	287	139	148	5	29
2	Monument	5	4	0	1	274	145	129	5	21
3	Waterkloof	4	3	0	1	137	72	65	4	16
4	Noordheuwel	5	3	0	2	151	142	9	3	15
5	Middelburg	4	2	0	2	111	136	-25	4	12
6	Helpmekaar	5	1	0	4	131	174	-43	5	9
7	EG Jansen	5	2	0	3	103	195	-92	1	9
8	Menlopark	5	1	0	4	119	227	-108	4	8
9	Rustenburg	5	0	0	5	140	223	-83	5	5

PROREG

#	NV CUP	P	PTS	AVG
1	Garsfontein	6	204.0	34.0
2	Monument	5	156.0	31.2
3	Helpmekaar	5	148.5	29.7
4	Noordheuwel	5	146.5	29.3
5	Rustenburg	5	137.5	27.5
6	Menlopark	5	130.0	26.0
7	EG Jansen	5	129.0	25.8
8	Middelburg	4	121.5	30.4
9	Waterkloof	4	103.0	25.8
#	NV PLATE	P	PTS	AVG
1	Transvalia	6	163.5	27.3
2	Nelspuit	5	143.0	28.6
3	Kempton Park	5	121.5	24.3
4	Oos-Moot	6	120.0	20.0
5	HTS Middelburg	5	108.0	21.6
6	Montana	5	102.0	20.4
7	Wesvalia	5	102.0	20.4
8	Zwartkop	4	95.0	23.8
9	Klerksdorp	3	57.0	19.0