For anyone who wants to have a go at picking a KZN Craven Week team, here is list of 62 candidates. I’m sure there are a couple of prospects who have been omitted or who will still come through as the season progresses.
KZN will be up against what is expected to be a strong SWD Craven Week team (based on Outeniqua and Oakdale being fairly strong this season). Remember SWD won the Craven Week unofficial final just a few years back, while KZN has to look back 25 years to 1990 for the last Craven Week success, which was coincidentally on home soil.
Via their high performance training sessions, KZN identified problems with height at lock and at outside centre. If one or two tall players step up, the issues at lock will be solved along with more focus on selecting hookers that can throw straight and find targets. The shortage of outside centres remains problematic and definitely offers an opportunity for someone outside the fold to claim the position. There are also no genuine out and out openside flankers standing out but many scouts for senior rugby are now of the opinion that in SA, an opensider has to be a good ball-carrier, even if it means sacrificing some specialist ability, so perhaps the focus here will be on selecting a mobile player and working on his direct play from there.
Good news is there is no shortage of quality props for a change this year, so KZN selectors will have nowhere to run and hide if WP scrums KZN into the ground. there are plenty of options at scrumhalf.
| # | Position | Name | School | A/G | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loosehead | Kenny van Niekerk | Glenwood | u18 | |
| 2 | Loosehead | Ngoni Chidoma | Northwood | u18 | SA under-16 2012 |
| 3 | Loosehead | Tijde Visser | Kearsney | u18 | Craven Week 2013 |
| 4 | Loosehead | Greg Jackson | Michaelhouse | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 5 | Loosehead | Tiaan Steyn | Maritzburg College | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 6 | Hooker | Beast Mthembu | Northwood | u17 | Grant Khomo 2013 |
| 7 | Hooker | Percy Mngadi | Glenwood | u18 | SA under-16 2012 |
| 8 | Hooker | Masikani Mazwi | Maritzburg College | u18 | Academy 2013 |
| 9 | Hooker | Bradley Roberts | Michaelhouse | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 10 | Hooker | Renier Pieterse | Westville | u18 | |
| 11 | Tighthead | Kabelo Motloung | Northwood | u18 | SA under-16 2012 |
| 12 | Tighthead | Koos Tredoux | Glenwood | u18 | Craven Week 2013 |
| 13 | Tighthead | Lee-Marvin Mazibuko | Michaelhouse | u17 | |
| 14 | Tighthead | Cody Thomas | Westville | u18 | |
| 15 | Tighthead | Tanaka Chikwezvero | Maritzburg College | u17 | Zimbabwe CW 2013 |
| 16 | Tighthead | Mncedisi Dlamini | Maritzburg College | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 17 | Lock | Kevin du Randt | Glenwood | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 18 | Lock | Gary Porter | Michaelhouse | u18 | |
| 19 | Lock | Jordan Sesink Clee | Michaelhouse | u17 | |
| 20 | Lock | Sibabalo Qoma | Westville | u17 | Border GK 2013 |
| 21 | Lock | Tristan Dixon | Kearsney | u17 | |
| 22 | Lock | Andy Vogel | Michaelhouse | u18 | |
| 23 | Lock | Njabulo Phewa | George Campbell | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 24 | Flank | Adrian Heystek | Westville | u18 | |
| 25 | Flank | Hayden Tharratt | Maritzburg College | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 26 | Flank | McMillan Muller | Glenwood | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 27 | Flank | Nathan Meilhon | Westville | u18 | |
| 28 | Flank | Jayson Gouws | Hilton | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 29 | Flank | Ettienne Marx | Hilton | u17 | Grant Khomo 2013 |
| 30 | No.8 | Jaco Coetzee | Glenwood | u18 | Craven Week 2013 |
| 31 | No.8 | Daryn Goodson | Maritzburg College | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 32 | No.8 | Mthokozisi Ntuli | DHS | u17 | Grant Khomo 2013 |
| 33 | No.8 | Teigan Erasmus | Westville | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 34 | Scrumhalf | Kyra Braithwaite | Westville | u18 | |
| 35 | Scrumhalf | Kwazi Khanyile | Glenwood | u18 | SA under-16 2012 |
| 36 | Scrumhalf | James Hall | Kearsney | u18 | |
| 37 | Scrumhalf | Kwando Ngidi | DHS | u18 | |
| 38 | Scrumhalf | Matthew Dahl | Hilton | u17 | SA under-16 2013 |
| 39 | Scrumhalf | Thomas Walker | Michaelhouse | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 40 | Flyhalf | Tristan Tedder | Kearsney | u18 | Craven Week 2013 |
| 41 | Flyhalf | Curtis Jonas | Glenwood | u18 | Academy Week 2013 |
| 42 | Flyhalf | Bader Pretorius | Michaelhouse | u17 | Grant Khomo 2013 |
| 43 | Flyhalf | Lindo Makhanye | Northwood | u18 | |
| 44 | Flyhalf | Jordan Koekemoer | Maritzburg College | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 45 | Flyhalf | Lindo Buthelezi | Westville | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 46 | Centre | David Weersma | Northwood | u18 | |
| 47 | Centre | Wayne Smith | Westville | u18 | |
| 48 | Centre | Blessing Buthelezi* | DHS | u18 | |
| 49 | Centre | Daniel Loftus | Hilton | u17 | Grant Khomo 2013 |
| 50 | Centre | Tristan Blewett | Hilton | u18 | |
| 51 | Centre | Ruben Fouche | Glenwood | u18 | Grant Khomo 2012 |
| 52 | Centre | Brandon Tattam | Michaelhouse | u18 | |
| 53 | Wing | Xolisa Guma | Maritzburg College | u18 | SA under-16 2013 |
| 54 | Wing | Philani Ngcobo | Glenwood | u18 | |
| 55 | Wing | Ilunga Mukendi | Glenwood | u17 | Grant Khomo 2013 |
| 56 | Wing | Karel Terblanche | Port Natal | u18 | |
| 57 | Fullback | Morne Joubert | Glenwood | u18 | Craven Week 2013 |
| 58 | Fullback | Mbhutana Peter | DHS | u18 | Academy “B” 2013 |
| 59 | Fullback | Stefan Harris | Kearsney | u18 | |
| 60 | Fullback | Bradley Smith | Westville | u18 | |
| 61 | Fullback | Robert Lee | Michaelhouse | u18 | |
| 62 | Fullback | Brandon Holder | Maritzburg College | u18 |
@LineBreak: I see your angle. Not a bad team list. I think Koos, and the Westville kid are not bad options. Brad Roberts from MHS is a great player. Wow; glad I am no selector to try and juggle this beast!
Beet; I see that. Tried to get it to the 9 – I also don’t watch enough other schools to know precisely.
@LineBreak: good team, I think Tredoux from Glenwood will make it too…
With combinations crucial and PDI’s being a factor, here is a stab at what I think will be a decent team.
Apologies in advance to MHS supporters, haven’t seen them play this year so don’t have an opinion on any of the players but one or two are likely to popup; from what I saw last season Bader could be a very good prospect to cover both 10 & 12.
@beet: You do not have James Tedder in your list of candidates. Considering there is a gaping hole in that position, this could be your man.
1.Ngoni Chidoma (NW)
2.Beast Mthembu (NW)
3.Kabelo Motloung (NW)
4.Kevin du Randt (GW)
5.Tristan Dixon (KC)
6.Daryn Goodson (MC)
7.McMillan Muller( GW)
8.Jaco Coetzee (GW)
9.James Hall (KC)
10.Tristan Tedder (KC)
11.Ilunga Mukendi (GW)
12.David Weersma (NW)
13.James Tedder (KC)
14.Xolisa Guma (MC)
15.Morne Joubert (GW)
16.Masikani Mazwi (MC)
17.Kenny van Niekerk (GW)
18.Jayson Gouws (HIL)
19.Adrian Heystek (WV)
20.Curtis Jonas (GW)
21.Kwazi Khanyile (GW)
22.Lindo Buthelezi (WV)
GW – 8
NW – 4
KC – 4
MC – 3
WV – 2
HIL – 1
PDI – 10
KCOB- I think you are very close. Combo’s a thing that will play a big part in the selection process. I do think that at hooker you could have 2 PDA’s in College and Northwood and that would be your 9 with the College no 2 able to cover at Prop.
@beet: Jordaan not in touch with who is who in KZN SBR this season. There are a couple of glaring omissions in his side but that will be revealed on the 27th.
@kcob: I think your team has a max of 8 PDIs depending on who your picks relate to. You need a minimum of 9.
@Jordaan: You managed to leave out 2 of KZN’s brightest hopes for SA Schools (Coetzee and Joubert) and you only picked a record low 3 PDIs when the rules state a team must start each game with at least 5.
I think a few selectors are going to enjoy this. It proves just how difficult their job really is.
Ok, lets have a stab at this 2014 CW Team:
1). Kearsney / College
2). Northwood / MHS
3). Westville / Glenwood
4). Hilton / Westville
5). MHS / Kearsney
6). College
7). Westville / College
8) Glenwood
9) Glenwood / Kearsney
10). Kearsney / Glenwood
11). College / Glenwood
12). Westville / Northwood
13). Hilton / (?)
14). Glenwood / (?)
15). Glenwood / (?)
So far this should be the team if we want to make any impression at Craven Week this year:
1) Tiaan Steyn (College)
2) Masikani Mazwi (College)
3) Koos Tredoux (Glenwood)
4) Kevin du Randt (Glenwood)
5) Andy Vogel (Michaelhouse)
6) Adrian Heystek (Westville)
7) Nathan Meilhon (Westville)
*) Darren Goodsen (College)
9) Matthew Dahl (Hilton)
10) Tristan Tedder (Kearsney)
11) Xolisa Guma (College)
12) Wayne Smith (Westville)
13) Tristan Blewitt (Hilton)
14) Karel Terblanche (Port Natal)
15) Robert Lee (Michaelhouse)
Madness not to go with the Westville loose trio, Meilhon, Erasmus and Qoma (Border) should be definite starters. Let’s see if the darker forces are still in play with regards to KZN selections, hopefully with Erasmus gone everyone should now get a fair shot!
Robbie Ball is the St andrews centre, played craven week last year for EP Distric side!
Going to be a good battle between Dahl and Hall this weekend! i have never seen Dahl have a bad game!
@Grasshopper: I think he can be picked. A few years back MHS scrummy Hilton Mudariki was KZN 1st choice.
But I also remember reading that Dave Denton, the Scotland no.8 born in Zim could not go to CW for EPCD coz he was told he was not born in SA or something like that, so confusing.
@Grasshopper: You are supporting my point about who the new disadvantaged rugby kids in SA are these days.
@RugbyDad: I must say that Beast Mthembu is my favourite hooker to watch play. He has “gees” and is tough as nails. Very physical. I know he was a prop through the junior age groups, so as a hooker he is new to the role. I really hope he get his lineout accuracy up to a high standard over these next two seasons.
For me having seen CW lineouts being our achilles in the past and with KZN possibly having short locks again this year but with hopefully one or two taller players in the backrow, I value lineout accuracy above all other qualities in a hooker right now. So personally I’m leaning towards the likes of Mngadi, Roberts and Pieterse who made such a big statement at KERF with his ability to find Heystek and Erasmus near the tail. These are the boys who I’ve seen finding their targets more often than not.
@Grasshopper: Visser wants to play hooker after school. He has great temperament and the coaches loved him at Craven Week last year where he was a late call up. Unfortunately he has to put his personal aspirations aside coz Kearsney’s need this year is for him to play at prop.
Having said that I hope the slate gets wiped clean and previous achievements don’t outweigh current form when CW selections are made.
For 2014 u19 the Sharks contracted Andrew du Plessis from Grey College as a hooker, who could help out at prop if necessary. Like Tijde Visser for Kearsney, Andrew played loosehead for 2 years 1st XV at Grey Bloem, where he excelled at prop.
@beet: Problem is they then go to Craven Week and find themselves out of their depth and actually get mentally scarred for the experience…..nothing worse than being out of your depth. I know, was at Sharks Under21 trials in 2000 and was put on the flank, every ruck I got too the ball had been swung out already……I was just too bulky and slow for a flank and too short for lock…..felt pretty crap…BJ Botha & Pedrie Wanneberg made it though…
@BOG: lets face it, the new disadvantaged is coming from schools like Rondebosch, Wynberg, Sentraal, Northwood, Westville, KES, Pretoria Boys High etc etc.
as well as the smaller schools that are not regulars in the Top 100 every year. They fall outside the fold and generally their players no matter how good, have a hard time getting picked for CW.
Any kid irrespective of PDI or PAI status who attends one of the schools that features on the Top 100 annually, 9.5x out of 10 has access to excellent facilities and coaches and can only be defined as advantaged.
The new PDI requirement should be to pick X number of kids from smaller and non-traditional feeder schools.
In WP, it should be 9 boys from Cape Town.
In KZN, 9 boys who do not go to Glenwood, Kearsney, Hilton or MHS.
In G/Lions, 9 boys not at Monnas.
In Free State not much change is required, just tweak it to be any 9 boys not at Grey as opposed to 9 boys from Louis Botha.
Can’t really fault the Bulls, they even select boys from Beeld small schools league Southdowns now. Maybe they should be required to select 9 English first home language boys to put them under pressure.
Then we can talk about currently “disadvantaged” boys getting a chance.
@Grasshopper: He is 99. Came down from a heavy 108 to be more mobile and it has had the desired effect. Fitter and stronger but as he grows,will pick up the necessary weight needed for u20 and open rugby. I remember playing against the likes of Tom Lawton and he was regarded as a monster at 120 kgs. Times have changed but so has diet and training.
@Buffel: What does he weigh now, 95kg? No matter how good his technique is he will be exposed at open level if only that size..
@RBugger: have known and had Visser in all our sides from an 8 year old at prep. Has always been the no 1 pick and so he should be. Just to add a string to his bow would be nice ,and has also played tight head from time to time and done really well.
@Buffel: Having spoken to Maloi and Schramm etc, they are the guys who really vouch for Visser – when your team mates sing your praises, that is when you know the guy is worth his spot.
And this was when he was still in Grade 11, so ja, with that type of praise, I would have him as my loose head come CW
@Grasshopper: Nothing wrong with having a player that can slot in anywhere in the front row. Makes him very desireable. He is still only 17 years old and has some growing to do. Will get heavier and stronger with time .
Played u13 Craven week as an 11 year old and held his own when in grade 6.
@RugbyDad: Thanks, this type of additional info is good. I’ll look out for them in future games…The Zim prop for College is pretty good but I don’t think can be picked for KZN..
@Grasshopper: Not bad side, but I think Weersma (NW) is easily the best centre in KZN – would also be big competition to Tedder at 10. Saw him and Kurt Webster play 10 for DRSU last year and Weersma was way better than Webster.
Nthutuko Mathembu must be in with a shout – was one of the best hookers on show at KES and St Johns.
@Buffel: Agreed, they need to ruffle the boys up and test them with different team mates and then see who plays best under pressure. The point is where will Visser play outside of school if he decides to play rugby, if it’s the front row it will be hooker…
@Grasshopper: could be an option-watch this space. There is a lot of competition in all the positions but Visser has always had an excellent technique and has the strength to hold his own. Zonals in 3 weeks then final trials. Glenwood to fill one team which is going to be little unfair when coming up against a composite side coming together for the first time.
Choose the boys from the different zones then mix them up in PMB.
@Grasshopper: Not sure he is mobile enough to be a hooker. Do not worry about his size, at this level, he is strong enough and will do a good job at CW.
@RBugger: Good spot! He is a little on the small side but good technique, his experience will count too. Could he not be converted into a hooker to add experience?
@Buffel: being disadvantaged, would be unconstitutional. Given the fact that the players that would qualify for selection, we’re all born around 1996, when and where we’re they disadvantaged.
@RBugger: very good call. Has also been more involved in the tight loose and taking on the mantle as the senior boy in the Kearsney pack. Can play both sides too.
@Grasshopper: That is if they pic a side without PDA’s . A well balanced team none the less. Cover in all positions.
This weekend going to be interesting. MHS are fresh and will cause problems for Westville because of their workload over this last weekend and the match up between Walker and Braithwaite should be key.
Walker is an abrasive player with his roots as a flanker and will be all over Braithwaite like a bad rash. That will put pressure on the 10 and so on.
Hilton /Kearsney is going to be closer than we first thought. They were playing under the radar with a close win over St.Charles but then had a very impressive Saints festival. Would be a good one to come and watch if in the area.
@Grasshopper: Not bad, but what about Visser on KC, best scrummer in Natal and has the experience of having played CW last year
My KZN team for now, NOT guaranteed or a certainty…I repeat NOT a certainty…
1) Kenny Van Niekerk (GW)
2) Masikani Mazwi (College)
3) Koos Tredoux (GW)
4) Kevin du Randt (GW)
5) Jayson Gouws (Hilton)
6) Adrian Heystek (West)
7) Jaco Coetzee (GW)
8) Darren Goodsen (College – Cpt)
9) Kyran Braithwaite (West)
10) Tristan Tedder (Kears – Vice Cpt)
11) Philani Ngcobo (GW)
12) Wayne Smith (West)
13) Tristan Blewitt (Hilton)
14) Xolisa Guma (College)
15) Morne Joubert (GW)
Bench
Ngoni Chidoma (North)
Cody Thomas (West)
Tristan Dixon (Kearsney)
Nathan Meilhon (West)
James Hall (Kears)
Bader Pretorius (MHS)
Ruben Fouche (GW)
…..remember this is just an opinion…..don’t shoot me down and obviously slightly Glenwood biased…
@star: Hall and Dahl are also going head to head this weekend, which will also be interesting to see. Dahl must have some real class to be the only KZN representative in last year’s final U 16 SA high performance squad.
@Thumper: Le Roux is U/19 so can’t make it – pity though – he is a real presence.
@ Thumper-well Walker will be going head to head with Braithwaite this weekend and so a good time to assess their relative strengths. I will also be interested to see how Pieterse goes against Roberts.
@TheGoose: Having gone through the list of candidates for the Craven Week side, one noticeable omission is Le Roux (flank for Maritzburg College). He is arguably the best forward in their team and has had a great season thus far. Looking at the scrum halves I have seen them all play with the exception of the DHS lad. My pick is Walker from MHS and then the lad from Westville. Walker had a great season last year representing KZN 7’s and the Academy B side. I think Tedder and Walker will be a very dangerous combination. I must admit that Glenwood are the best side in KZN and are a very well conditioned and fit side.
I would make Tedder Captain – he would be the first name of my team sheet and an easy decision making him Captain.
I rate him as our version of Australia’s Larkham, same build, same style – except that in my oponion, Tedder has a better tactical game – I really rate he could be a Springbok Flyhalf one day
@Buffel: agreed, no need for quotas anymore the boys are boys and can be picked on merit..
This year is going to be very interesting when selection takes place. As far as captain is concerned, probably will be a boy in the pack with Du Randt and Goodson as front runners. Tedder as vice captain to run the backs with a cool head on his shoulders, with the rest made up of some seriously talented boys. IMHO the PDA’s are there on merit and should be playing ‘off the shoulder’ with the PA’s so the selection is not based on colour but ability and that will make their job a lot easier to get the right 23 boys to CW.
On the injury front, KC are getting their boys in shape after a very physical KERF and should have a clean bill of health for the Hilton game. Going to be a tight affair after Hilton’s good showing at the Saints festival and add to that the home ground advantage.
@John3175:
Cool. Who is Robbie Ball?
With festivals pretty much been around longer than the 1st team players have been alive, it should be well established by now that the 7 reserves on tour are part of the school’s festival 1st XV and it’s up to coaching staff to manage the mix. If all 7 happen to be on at the same time, it’s still the 1st XV, not a 2nd XV. Same unwritten rules apply to all teams at the festivals.
Kenny Van Niekerk could be another captain contender…leading from the front!
Was at Saints fest and can confirm Blewett had an excellent three games!
I think he might have even outplayed robbie ball in the last game considering hilton had their 2nd team out for that game.
Jayson Gouws was magical in the game against Saints and SACS he’s jumping was completed by good line out throwing by the hilton hooker. if he does get selected he could even captain the side between him and goodson
The hilton flyhalf hirshowitz was great against st stithies until going off with he’s shoulder injury and so was the reserve inside centre van tonder.
the hiltonnwing mcghee has some serious pace! watch out for him and their other wing nemetswrani was good against st stithians and even better against st andrews proved difficult to bring down with a big hand off on Robbie ball
@Griffon: I think he is concentrating on athletics, went SA champs during the Grey festival. I think he was too small for rugby in the end…extremely quick though….
Does anyone know what happened to Thobejane. This guy is a real under dog. Makes representative sides but always excluded from high teams for school. The boy played 4ths and made Academy A last year. Obviously the Glenwood coaches dont rate
@Andre T: Say it out loud.
@beet: Thanks Beet, I was trying to remember which of the boys were u17 last year but now we can work it out from the the above list.
@Gungets Tuft: Ja I know. I’m just trying to impress those who having been telling me over and over again about the complexities of selections with my ability to retain some of the info they pass on
@Gungets Tuft: What’s this cosYcos ?
@beet: Ja, it’s a mess, and causes the rubbish we see with recruitment. Unintended consequence, but it has been disucssed to death, certainly not going to start that again. Do you have the exact rules, cosYcos the coaches had better learn to play chess as well as rugby.
@Hilty: Academy B
Thinasonke Mgwaba
Brad Roberts
Muthunzi Moloi
Njabulo Phewa
Jayson Gouws
McMillan Miller
Jarred Hayes-Hill
Rob Baldwin
Ntando Sibiya
Jordan Koekemoer
Bandile Nzimande
Lucas Booysen
Mabhutana Peter
Sam Matiwane
Mark Gunn
Alex Vorster
Greg Jackson
S Sibiso
Jordan Martin
Thomas Walker
Ntlantla Ngubane
Tyler Smith
de la Rey
I will add details. Not sure what happened to Sam Matiwane
@Gungets Tuft: There are quota rule changes on the cards for this year but for now you have to think a little bit further than just selecting 9 PDI players. The rules also state that a team must have 5 PDI on the field at any given time and that all 22 players must start a game during 1st two games. As a result double substitutions have been the order of the day. So if you want your key players to play every minute on the first 2 days, the selections have to fall in line with the strategy or these has to be a reasonable compromise.
@beet: Yes Beet it was a big concern as he came off against St Charles because of the Knee.
He says its healed nicely during the school break and I noticed that he didnt even have it strapped at the Saints Fes.
@Hilty: @CRC: Good to hear that Tristan Blewett is playing well. I heard that earlier in the year he had a knee issue. It sounds like this is sorted out now
@CRC: Yes thats right he did.
There is a list of boys that made the KZN inv Team(Acadamey B) last year that are also not mentioned.Cant remember all the names.
10 Jordan Koekemoer
5 Jayson Gouws
9 Tom Walker
7 McMillan Muller
14 Sam(from GW not sure of his real name)
4 Jordan Martin(injured)
@RBugger: Coetzee was born in December, so hardly an extra year. 3 weeks and he would be U18. One could then argue that he outperformed in 2012 and 2013 being nearly a year younger than the people he was playing against.
ou Malcolm Gladwell has had his research rubbished a bit, but I agree, a kid born in January has a massive advantage over a kid born in November/December.
@Hilty: Agreed that Tristan Blewett must have a very good chance for the CW side. I believe he made the Academy side last year and Grant Khomo in 2012, which is not included in the list above.
@Grasshopper: I agree with RBugger. Last year he seemed to shy away from contact but now he thrives in head on challenges and honestly he stops carriers in their tracks by going in quickly, low and hard. His timing is very good.
@RBugger: Sure I appreciate that.There is alot of concern for the No13 KZN jersey and once you watch Blewett play this year Im sure you will all feel better about having a really good outside centre.
@pongola: Pongola you clearly dont know much about the boys from MC or Hilton this year.Three of the Hilton boys played against you last year.One would think that after the result of last year you would add one or two of their names to your list.
@RBugger: Sparks is only 70kg, not sure he is smashing guys probably tackling with a great technique…
@Hilty: With Coetzee, in much the same way as Sparks of GW, the age gap makes a huge difference.
Both are U19 and the fact they are dominating has much to do with the extra year, no matter what anyone tells me, the difference at this stage of development is massive.
I have been told Sparks is smashing guys
Tristan Blewett and Marcel Coetzee were by far the two stand out No13 at the Saints Fes.Tristan doesnt hold back for any oppersition regardless of size,the boy is an absolute beast and has the pace to back himself as well.
@BOG: Agreed, Bryan Habana, Beast and others are certainly not PSD!
What exactly are previously disadvantaged players. Born in 1996, but previously disadvantaged. And on top of it, attending a private school. Stop accommodating them by referring to pd players. They are quotas, period. If you want to find disadvantaged kids, look in the squatter camps. And they come in all colours
@Pedantic: Correct. Remember the CW rules, everyone in the squad has to start at least one game (also has to play at least 70 minutes??).
@Gungets Tuft: Agreed, without mentioning any names I think the list below shows it won’t be that difficult to select the 9 players – more than likely not all starting, but easily competitive.
1 Hooker
1 Prop
1 Lock
1 Scrummie
1 Flyhalf
2 Utility Backs
1 Wing
1 Additional front row – bench
@Pedantic: If you start writing down some names, perhaps finding 9 quality “PDI’s” is not going to be as hard as you think. Will they be the best in their positions – there’s the debate, but we would be debating that anyway. There will always be disappointed boys, unfortunately, so closely matched are all the teams in KZN this year.
@Grasshopper: Sure .. don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying anyone is a certainty – been very impressed with Braithwaite in the 4 games I’ve seen him play. Khanyile I reserve comment on as I haven’t seen enough from him.
On the other point, quotas, in the past the CW quota has been 13-9 but as we all know our sports minister has other ideas. Does anyone know if this quota will change for 2014 and also, will they pick 22 or 23 ?
The challenge is to then find 9 top quality PD players and work the rest of the team around them.
@Pedantic: Yeah, many bloggers have the BS nerve too as we all cannot realistically watch every game, hence opinions are formed on what we have seen. I’m sure you have not watched Khanyile and Braithwaite’s every game either. Remember it works both ways….
Just remember all there is this horrible thing called ‘quotas’ so the coaches have that to deal with too…
@Buffel: Frans Steyn going to be the next Springbok Scrumhalf then
?? Braithwaite has chopped and changed this season so maybe isnt 100% settled yet. By the end of last year his pass was perfect along with his kicking, its still along season and anyone can step up to the plate IMO. Hall did take the pressure on himself in the second half yes but did that create anything?? As i agree with Star T Tedder is first name on the team list and should build around him. Some X- Factor inside him and i think he can flourish even more. With the above list of players plus a few other contenders i feel like the coaching staff should approach them and inform them what they feel they should work on week in week out to have the best chance of reaching their goal of playing CW and if iron out their weaknesses. Then i have no doubt KZN can remain unbeaten come CW
@Buffel: you have now given the criteria for the props. What about the back line players.
@ Tjoppa- if the scrummie in question is anything like his father than maybe he will have too much attitude
The scrumhalf debate will wage and it will come down to X-factor over orthodox and the final combinations. Tedder would be the first name on my team sheet and so the proven partnership definitely comes into consideration. I think Beet has a different view on this ie get the form players together and have enough time to develop the combinations.
@Grasshopper: No connection to Hall – my guy won’t be a CW contender, not this year at least.
The nerve you hit was the BS nerve – informed opinions are great but then at least be on the grandstands to substantiate your opinion.
What impresses me about Hall is his temperament, apart from checking all the skill boxes required of a scrummie.
Not sure how many noticed how he took all the pressure on himself in the 2nd half vs EG when T Tedder went off injured.
@Grasshopper: Hopper – Hall from Kearsney is outstanding and the No 9 of the festival by far. Take it from me – I watched him very closely…..
@Buffel: yes that is what I look for too, only one player has ever had it all, Fourie Du Preez. At this level you have to forgo one or two of those. I’ll be watching more games in the regular season including Kearsney so might change my view. Currently Braithwaite is my favourite with Khanyile second…
@Tjoppa: point taken. In bucket loads.
@Buffel: You are missing the most important criteria Attitude Attitude and Attitude.
@Grasshopper: what are your criteria for a good scrum half?
These are mine.
1. An ability to pass both ways, accurately and with crispness.
2. A box kick as a defence and attacking option.
3.Physicallity around the base.
4.Explosive pace
5.Ability to play under pressure and get the backline away.
Added to this- An ability to convert the ball 60+ meters when the need arises.
If you can do all of those things then you have a scrum half.
@pongola: Agreed! I like the idea of no names just numbers and completely mixed teams at trials to see who adapts best to new team mates etc…..throwing combinations together. I agree some talent can be missed by not seeing all the area’s of the province play. Hence the reason the big schools are scouting kids from these area’s to join their boarding establishments of which Glenwood does very well. I think Ricky Schnetler the SA Schools lock from a few years back was from Vryheid or Newcastle. Glenwood’s BE has many boys from the North Coast, South Coast, Northern Natal and inland…
Was encouraging to see the new KZN convenor of selectors at the festival today.
@grasshopper
they must pick a selector from north of province to watch the boys through the season so he can make informed decisions on players. bit unfair for player to go to trails and that 10minutes he plays is the only time any selector seen him. and the first trail where the whole province is present they must mix the boys up. like last year the one trail team had 14 of one school. so the boys can use their high school moves and look very impressive at trail against boys that know nothing of one another. and then they can group players as they see fit.
@Grasshopper: Unfortunately KZN is behind provinces like the Bulls and Western Province when it comes to Craven Week preparations. Those unions are able to pick good players and mold them into a team.
This isn’t entirely the selectors or coaching staff’s fault because schools are placing their own agendas ahead of the KZN CW team, meaning that Craven Week preparations have to work around school fixtures.
The key to Craven Week success is to select the best players within the criteria and develop them into good combinations. KZN / Natal with 2 Craven Week wins in 40 odd years are not getting closer to a 3rd title when comparing our level of preparations to those of the main title contenders these days.
@GREENMASJIEN: happy for Kenny & Curtis, especially Kenny after being injured most of last year. He is in awesome shape now!
@pongola: true, but the KZN selectors for the past few years have left it to the last minute so stuck with combinations from the main schools knowing they are used to playing top sides in the other provinces. Having a team of the best players doesn’t make a great team, hence the coaches choosing those they can rely on. I know this is probably not fair and ideal but is what has happened. Hopefully it changes going forward. Those boys chosen in previous years didn’t pick themselves…
@Grasshopper:
15 from Dale
7 from Westville
Kenny van Niekerk Glenwood
Curtis Jonas Glenwood
Glenwood unbeaten at KERF 2014
@grashopper
i’m really dont want to see pionier players their for the sake of it.
i dont even know if there are any good players this year.
the sharks selector has to get up from their arses and do more work. like said above the sharks need tall locks and an outside centre, go look for them them elsewhere in the province.
i understant glenwood has the strongest team over the last few years but that doesn’t mean they have the best player in each position.
Who won the Sharks Academy bursaries?
@kcob: well connected then cos I hit a nerve big time….
@Grasshopper: no, not his dad
Funnily enough I trust my dad and very good friends opinions on KERF, they said Braithwaite was the standout scrummie in fact stand out backline player. I have seen enough of him to give an opinion. Khanyile and him are front runners, I won’t use the term certainty as it upsets some. Let me guess your lighty is the Kearsney scrum half?
@Grasshopper: Opinions are great – we all have them and love to hear others, but certainties? If you watched Braithwaite against Glenwood it’s hardly a foundation to have an opinion of “certainty” at 9 – he was playing 10 that day.
So we can take it that your opinions from coaching mates and the old man are not necessarily your own ?
@Pedantic: actually I have boet, it’s called an aeroplane something that I catch weekly around the country. I’m in Durban twice a month and have watched a few games already. I was at Westville vs Glenwood and I don’t recall Meilhon playing at all. Erasmus was injured and same for Martin. I also have mates coaching at these schools and a passionate dad who watches a lot. Sorry if I have opinions, I thought it was a democratic blog and country where you can express your opinions…
@Grasshopper: Sorry boet, you have all these huge opinions about certainties – How do you have all these incredibly “certain” selections when you’re not even in KZN watching the games?
The fact that you have no idea about Meilhon illustrates that you have not been watching KZN rugby for a long long time. Have you even watched Jordan Martin or Jason Gouws in the past 2 years?
I agree that there is something special about Braithwaite but when selecting your 9 for Craven Week you have to look at the players ability to actually pass. In that regard I gave seen very few players who can pass a ball with as much accuracy and distance as Hall from Kearsney! Weak and strong side, he can pass a ball brilliantly. He has a good boot as well.
@Buffel: I think you missed the obvious sarcasm.
@pongola: sorry mate ,you smoking something. Glenwood aint Kwazulu Natal. Your side will be very different to the ‘REAL KZN SIDE”
@Grasshopper: Braithwaite would be my 9 for Craven Week. The boy turns moments of nothing into something when under pressure or if limited with space. I believe you’re refering to Heystek, has had a good season so far and is a strong contender for Craven Week. Sometimes hogs the ball a bit, but otherwise solid player who you’d want in your team. Meihlon is quite the talent, very hardworker on defense and the teams battering ram. Hes been in great form this season, also a strong contender.
@pongola: Wa ha ha great selection!
@Grasshopper: There has never been a better year than this year to see how much influence the Sharks have on the selections. It’s going to be a very interesting year.
@Griffon: Braithwaite is a certainty based on performances so far. Martin would have been too. Smith is close are your big blonde lock/flank, forget his name. Meilhon never heard of, how good is he?
@pongola: As a team last year Glenwood might not have been at its best, but as individuals their players are talented. With the way they’ve been playing this year, i wouldnt be surprised if they have the most representatives. On a westville side of things, it’ll be interesting which position Buthelezi picks to play at trials, as he’s very good at Fullback, and is quickly growing at flyhalf. He also was a late call up to the academy team last year where he played wing, after playing 13 for the 1st last year. Quite the utility back, which could work in his favour for Craven Week selection
@Tjoppa: Only 2 years ago KZN beat WP, hardly dismal….only the past 2 years the coaching team played their best team on day 1 to lose day 2 and not make the semi’s…..Glenwood deserved about 6 last year but got 8, Tredoux and Vidima were lucky in my opinion…..
@star: But size with technique is a certain winner.
@pongola: Subjective ranking anyway, Westville didn’t play Kearsney or Glenwood. Also, the coach was from Kearsney and the assistant was Sean, unless Barend had no balls he would not have selected Glenwood players for fun. Maybe they should appoint the Pioneer coach as KZN coach and the whole of Pioneer should make the side. Move on boet, stop being so bitter and twisted. Pioneer will get their chance and the new coaching set-up won’t have a Glenwood bias, but assure you 5 or more Glenwood players will be picked based on current performances…
@pongola: The only thing this proof is that the Glenwood boys are being overrated and picked ahead of boys who really deserves this. That can then also explain the dismal performance of KZN’s teams at CW.
@grasshopper
typical response from a glenwood supporter doesn’t matter if sharks win 0 games at craven week at least most of the players are from glenwood.
last years school rankings and representation %
1.paarl gim 27% 1st in province
2.affies 37% 1st in province
3.grey col 59% 1st in province
4.Outeniqua 55% 1st in province
5.eg jansen 40% 1st in province
6.garsfontein 36% 2nd in province
7.kearsney 27% 1st in province
8.hjs paarl 36% 2nd in province
9.westville 9% 2nd in province
10.oakdale 40% 2nd in province
11.monument 40% 1st in province
12.nelspruit 32% 1st in province
13. grey high 40% 1st in province
14. noord ka 55% 1st in province
15.wynberg 5% 3rd in province
16.waterkloof 14% 3rd in province
17.pretori bh 0% 4th in province
18.hts middel 37% 2nd in province
19.hts drosdy 18% 1st in province
20.glenwood 40% 3rd in province
looks a bit skew dont you recon?
@pongola: typical Pingola response, bitter and twisted his Pioneer players were not picked in the past. Sean Erasmus has gone, no more excuses about Glenwood bias….
mprobable kzn u/18 1st team
1. Kenny van Niekerk
2. Percy Mngadi
3. Koos Tredoux
4. Kevin du Randt
5. Ruan Desmore
6. James Venter
7. Mcmillan Muller
8. Jaco Coetzee
9. Kwazi Khanyile
10. Curtis Jonas
11. Philani Ngcobo
12. Ruben Fouche
13. Sphandla Ngcobo
14. Ilunga Mukendi
15. Morne Joubert
at most 5 mistakes with the team maybe a few second team players that i missed.
@star: GCB has over the years won many encounters very similarly. Also, festival rugby is approached totally different to interschools and Im sure that many here will confirm it. GCB would never underestimate an opponent, but they are human and Im sure that they must have rated that the easier of the 3 encounters, which explains why they started that match with all their reserves. Years ago, I also heard the words ” We pushed you in the scrums, hey? To which the response came: “Yes, but when you were pushing us in the scrums, we were scoring tries” For me to respond to your question regarding the other sport, would be mere speculation. Only a proper inter schools program over an extended period of time, would answer that question. But coming back to the point raised here, allow me a quote from Boy Louw “Looks at the scoreboard” (Something like that)
@star: I would say the Red hoops around Jan Hofmeyer would be more appropriate.
@ McCulleys- Westville’s track record on Meadows is extremely poor. But you guys do a great tea so all is not lost.
I have a bet with the nephew so might have to don the red hoops at the Pav the following week. A disgrace indeed. 
@star: Star, I was very impressed by Westvilles overall play. They dominated the set pieces and have a mercurial scrum half. Even better still they approached the season without pretending to be world beaters! Having watched Selborne and Westville play, I find it hard to see how they would have lost today. Saturday should be a great game with the Ville as favourites.
@ Bog- are you talking about the Grey Westville score.I think an effective 14 point intercept turn around makes it pretty moot. Westville’s pack at 823 kgs was the heaviest at the festival and most probably the heaviest in its history. While size is not always that important
it can create a platform and Westville dominated most of the tight exchanges and possession. Grey’s loose forwards created some great turnover ball and they were able to exploit Westville’s perennial Achilles’s heel being the outside channels. It is all about controlling your own destiny and in the last few minutes Grey had to rely on Westville mistakes to come through.( very similar to the Westville Kearsney game a few weeks ago) I once asked you if Westville and Grey went head to head in the top 10 sports what you thought the outcome would be. You responded ( a touch arrogantly) that Westville would only win swimming and JUST. Given some of the recent results ( soccer,waterpolo ect and of course Saturday) I think your answer should have been that Grey would win only rugby and JUST. This is not an attack on one of the greatest rugby institutions in the land and possibly the world but that humility and mutual respect are also part of that proud tradition.
Wow What a try Westville 7-0…. mate sending me clips if the game.. No.9 is great player..
@TheGoose: what was the score
@TheGoose: I have been told the same, but what about quotas…?
30 No.8 Jaco Coetzee Glenwood u18 Craven Week 2013
34 Scrumhalf Kyra Braithwaite Westville u18
47 Centre Wayne Smith Westville u18
57 Fullback Morne Joubert Glenwood u18 Craven Week 2013
These guys were in sublime form at KERF. Westville’s Braithwaite at scrumhalf made some of the Grey defenders look like they were stuck in concrete.
@Grasshopper: My personal view is that they will look at combinations. Going to be very interesting.
@Pedantic: yep, I would have had him, Du Randt and Gouws as the 3 locks….
@Grasshopper: I spoke to Jordan at KERF – he said another 3 to 4 months. He is devastated but philosophical as always, a great loss to KZN this season.
@beet: Eeisch, just checked, correct. I thought Coetsee was the only U19. Marcel apparently missed by weeks, December baby. Should have extended Lent for a week or two
@beet: Jordan Martin, is he not coming back at all?
@Gungets Tuft: Renard le Roux is my favourite College player this year so far. He would definitely be in my KZN team of the season to date but like a few otherswho woyld also make such a team, he is u19
@Amalekite: Yeah Els needs to be included on this list. At this stage I think he will be a very strong contender for 2015.
Sadly Egberink is out for the season like another star, the Wvl lock.
@Amalekite: Le Roux is in good form. Big, strong and plenty of gas. As a unit the College loosies are playing well. Loads of competition this year, very few obvious choices. Main KZN season is going to be revealing.
Jordan Els from Westville has impressed me at loose head prop.
I haven’t seen MHS this season, but I have always thought the their loosie Egbrink is a quality player. Another one to look out for is Renard Le Roux from College.
Some great talent in there, from a Glenwood perspective I think Van Niekerk, Tredoux, Du Randt, Coetzee, Khanyile, Jonas and Joubert will make it. For me Gouws is a lock at this level…James Venter is a dark horse. What is Meilhon from Westville like? I hear he is a big fella..
I agree that prospects have been omitted , Tough job for the selectors when the time comes.
The powers that be must consider so much – may merit , form and skills needed to execute accurately on match winning game plans, inform their decisions.