Full-strength, in-form Nories are becoming a genuine threat

The prospect of another 2026 West Rand derby showdown is growing by the week.

Noordheuwel’s impressive 24-12 victory over Waterkloof in Pretoria lifted the Krugersdorp outfit into third place in the Noordvaal Cup Premier League, one position behind their local rivals Monument. If the standings remain unchanged, the two schools just a few kilometres apart could renew acquaintances in the playoffs in August.

While many viewed the win over Klofies as an upset, respected commentator Alex Jonker highlighted two important factors before kick-off. Noordheuwel arrived in Pretoria with momentum and confidence, whereas Waterkloof were returning from a two-week break. While the rest period allows battered bodies to recover, schoolboy sides often struggle to shake off the rust after lengthy interruptions.

The result extended the Nories’ winning run to four matches and placed them firmly on course for a top-four finish. It represents a remarkable turnaround for a side that, only a few months ago, looked some distance away from being genuine contenders.

Several factors contributed to their sluggish start.

The first was the departure of head coach Ian Joubert to Grey College in the middle of March. Joubert, who had taken charge at the end of September 2025, had overseen significant changes to the programme, introducing new coaches, training methods and a fresh playing philosophy. His departure meant former head coach and director of rugby Botter Lourens had to step back into the role during March after a very poor start. Unsurprisingly, the players needed time to readjust as Botter returned to the blueprint that had elevated Noordheuwel rugby over the previous five or six years.

The coaching staff also required time to settle. Three members of the first-team setup were effectively new to working alongside Botter, and naturally it took time for the group to understand one another’s roles and establish cohesion.

Compounding matters was an injury crisis that stripped the side of several key players at the start of the campaign. Hooker Wikus Roos, eighthman Armand van Eck, flyhalf Tidi Moekesane, centre Kieran Reid and wing Jayden Steyn were all unavailable.

Without those players, Noordheuwel faced six of the current top ten teams in the country.

Roos’ absence was particularly damaging. In schoolboy rugby, where lineout accuracy often influences results, the hooker was a crucial loss. Matters were made worse in that another rated hooker, Iglesias Bruiners departed for Durban High School before the season, leaving the Nories short of two vital lineout throw-in operators.

Against Waterkloof, for the first time this season, Noordheuwel were able to field what is essentially their strongest XV. Only star wing Jayden Steyn remains sidelined.

That fact alone should be enough to send a warning to the rest of the Noordvaal.

The Nories are healthy, they are settled, and they are in form.

And perhaps most significantly of all, they are beginning to look like the side many expected them to be before a ball had even been kicked in 2026.

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