Thu.16-Jul : Leopards 18 – 17 Griquas CD
Thu.16-Jul : EPCD 51 – 20 Zimbabwe
Thu.16-Jul : South Western Districts 28 – 19 Golden Lions
Thu.16-Jul : Valke 34 – 21 Griquas
Thu.16-Jul : Eastern Province 23 – 22 KwaZulu-Natal
Team of the Day
1 : Christoper Klopper , Glenwood & KZN
2 : HP van Schoor , Oakdale & SWD
3 : Chrisjan Du Toit , Oakdale & SWD
4 : Adre Smith , Oakdale & SWD
5 : Jordan Sinsink-Clee , Michaelhouse & KZN
6 : Janco Cloete , Diamandveld & Griquas
7 : Dylan vd Walt , EG Jansen & Valke
8 : Edmund Rheeder , Klerksdorp & Leopards
9 : Franco Tiedt , Monument & Lions
10 : Anthony Dakin , St Andrew’s & EPCD
11 : Cameron Huffke , Noord-Kaap & Griquas
12 : JP Duvenager , Outeniqua & SWD
13 : Manie Libbok , Outeniqua & SWD
14 : Gevanhier Blom , Midlands Sec & EPCD
15 : Ivan Smit , Monument & Lions
From SARugby.net
Eastern Province and the Valke on Thursday stayed in the running for a possible place in the final match of the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week on Saturday as they fought their way to victories on Day Four at the Markötter Sports Complex at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
Eastern Province and the Valke on Thursday stayed in the running for a possible place in the final match of the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week on Saturday as they fought their way to victories on Day Four at the Markötter Sports Complex at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.Eastern Province, who came out tops in last year’s tournament, registered a nail-biting 23-22 victory against KwaZulu-Natal in a gripping clash, in which two players received red cards.
The Valke, meanwhile, showed fantastic flair on attack in a strong second-half showing to outplay Griquas 34-21, which marked their second victory of the tournament.
In the other matches SWD defeated the Golden Lions 28-19, while Eastern Province CD overpowered Zimbabwe 51-20 and the Leopards pipped Griquas CD 18-17.
The teams will have Friday off to recover from the physical rugby in the last few days, with the final round of matches being played on Saturday.
The fixtures are set to be announced later on Thursday, with Eastern Province, the Valke, Western Province and Boland in the running for places in the grand finale of the tournament.
Eastern Province 23 (10) KwaZulu-Natal 22 (3)
The clash between Eastern Province and KwaZulu-Natal was hard-fought as the teams threw everything at one another on attack and defence, which resulted in the clash resembling the intensity of a Test match. This despite the fact that the Durban side were dealt a big blow in the 31st minute as they were reduced to 14 men due to a red card for a dangerous tackle.
KwaZulu-Natal opened up the scoring in the 16th minute with a penalty by Bader Pretorius to take a 3-0 lead. A yellow card for the Durban side in the 23rd minute, however, paved the way for Eastern Province to score the first try of the match to push them into a 7-3 lead. KwaZulu-Natal, however, were dealt another blow as a red card for a dangerous tackle reduced them to 13 players briefly. In-form Eastern Province flyhalf Curwin Bosch pushed the team into a 10-3 lead shortly before the break thanks to well-timed drop goal.
They added their second try of the match in the 37th minute compliments of Heino Bezuidenhout, which Bosch backed up with another drop goal to stretch their lead. The Durban side, however, fought back with intent with Marco Palvie scoring a try, and Bader Pretorius adding another shortly after Eastern Province were reduced to 14 players, which reduced the deficit on the scoreboard to 17-15.
Two long-distance penalties by Bosch, however, pushed his team 23-15 ahead. Eastern Province, however, were again reduced to 14 men in the 73rd minute after a second yellow-card offence, which KwaZulu-Natal capitalised on to score a try on the stroke of fulltime. Unfortunately the conversion still left them one point short on the scoreboard at 23-22.
Scorers:
Eastern Province – Tries: Khewzi Mafu, Heino Bezuidenhout. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalties: Curwin Bosch (2). Drop Goal: Curwin Bosch.
KwaZulu-Natal – Tries: Bader Pretorius, Marco Palvie (2). Conversions: Bader Pretorius (2). Penalty: Bader Pretorius.
Valke 34 (17) Griquas 21 (18)
The Valke and Griquas were involved in a tense clash with both teams doing well to balance their strong forward play with running rugby among the backs. So closely matched were the teams in the first half only one point separated the teams on the scoreboard, with Griquas leading 18-17.
But the Valke’s attacking prowess handed them an edge as they outscored Griquas five tries to two to secure their second victory in the tournament.
The Valke started the clash strongly with a try in the 12th minute, but Griquas struck back with a penalty by Gert Nortje and a try. The teams each scored another try as the half progressed, while Nortje added his second penalty to push Griquas ahead by one point on the scoreboard.
The Valke, however, broke away in the second half as they scored three more tries, while limiting Griquas to a drop goal to secure a 34-21 victory.
Scorers:
Valke – Tries: Xander Crause, Irvin Ali, Damon Karelse, Dylan Van der Walt. Conversions: Xander Crause (3). Penalty: Xander Crause.
Griquas – Tries: Cameron Huffke (2). Conversion: Gert Nortje. Penalties: Gert Nortje (2). Drop Goal: Gert Nortje.
SWD 28 (14) Golden Lions 19 (0)
SWD made their presence felt early on against the Golden Lions as they retained possession and applied continuous pressure on attack in the first half. They were particularly effective at forcing their way over the advantage line, and despite having to work hard for their points, their persistence on attack earned them two tries compliments of Bradley Kiewitz and Christo Hamman for a 14-0 lead.
With the Golden Lions having to feed off the scraps, meanwhile, they spent a large part of the first half in their own half, while they battled to get close to SWD’s tryline. And when they did, they were shut out by the effective defence, which left them scoreless at the break.
SWD continued to make their presence felt in the second half, but the Golden Lions tightened up their defence and stepped up their attack. SWD tried hard to breach the defence in the opening exchanges after the break but their efforts proved unsuccessful.
The Lions, meanwhile, did well to capitalise on their point-scoring chances and finally broke through the defence in the 44th minute for their first try and then added another minutes later following a fantastic break to reduce the deficit to 14-12.
This, however, was cancelled out soon after as SWD centre Imanuel Libbok dashed to the tryline, while Nevada Jacobs scored an intercept try three minutes later to stretch their lead to 28-12. Another stunning break by the Lions allowed them to close the gap on the scoreboard to 28-19 thanks to their third try with minutes left on the clock, but this was too little too late for the Johannesburg side.
Scorers:
SWD – Tries: Imanuel Libbok, Nevada Jacobs, Christo Hamman, Bradley Kiewitz. Conversions: Imanuel Libbok (4).
Lions – Tries: Ivan Smit (2), Len Massyn. Conversions: Ivan Smit (2)
Griquas CD 17 (10) Leopards 18 (8)
The first half between Zimbabwe and Eastern Province CD was exciting as the teams stretched the defence and ran hard at one another, which resulted in a try festival, with a total of 11 tries scored.
Zimbabwe dominated the opening exchanges as they found space out wide, which their speedy backs capitalised on, to score three tries in the first 13 minutes for a 15-0 lead. Eastern Province CD, however, fought back strongly and scored two tries and a penalty.
Zimbabwe, however, crossed the tryline once again before the break to take a narrow 20-15 lead. This was short-lived as the Eastern Cape side dominated territory and possession in the second half, which allowed them to run riot on attack.
Such was their dominance they crossed the tryline five times to take their tally for the match to seven. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, were forced to defend most of the time and were unable to add to their score, resulting in them having to settle for a 51-20 defeat.
Scorers:
Zimbabwe – Tries: Ernest Mudzengerere, Stuart Marriott-Dodington, Tinotenda Vheriwa, Russel Dinha.
Eastern Province CD – Tries: Joshua Nieuwoudt, Chulu Chutu, Grant Dixie (2), Gevanhier Blom (3). Conversions: Geoffrey Dakin (5). Penalties: Geoffrey Dakin (2).
Griquas CD 17 (10) Leopards 18 (8)
The clash between Griquas CD and the Leopards was hard-fought from start to end as neither team gave an inch on attack and defence. Both sides tried to retain possession for long periods and placed pressure on the opposition’s defence, but with the players putting their bodies on the line, only four tries were scored in the match.
Griquas CD took a 10-8 lead at the break thanks to a fantastic try by Denvill Joseph, and a penalty before the break, even though the Leopards struck first with a try in the sixth minute followed by a drop goal.
The second half was equally close, but a penalty try by Griquas CD pushed them further into the lead. The Leopards, however, added their second try in the 51st minute, while flyhalf Andre Kock his second drop goal to push the team into one-point lead, which they held onto to secure the victory.
Scorers:
Griquas CD – Try: Denvill Joseph, Penalty Try. Conversions: Renier Fortuin, Adri du Plessis. Penalty: Renier Fortuin.
Leopards – Tries: Lionel George, Ryno Visagie. Conversion: Andre Kock. Drop Goals: Andre Kock.
@h2o: I know how much the game means to Hendrik . He is a fine young gent who has a great future ahead of him. Dirty play is not part of his makeup and had a ‘BRAIN FART” for sure.
As it happened my heart sank as I know how much it meant to him to represent his province at CW. I know he will pick himself up and come back from this. Vlei- you must not watch with blinkers on. Hell, you would swear that only MHS pitched up to play yesterday. All the boys played out of their boots and my stand-outs were Palvie, Bader and Klopper.
@Playa: The Holy Trinity
@Andre T: en die feit dat hy my ‘n fitness wannabee noem, kan net beteken dat hy ‘n vettie is (vetties hou mos nie van fikse ouens nie en probeer hul afkraak), of miskien is ek verkeerd. Maak nie saak nie, daai manne van Kearnsey lewer nou al vir dekades goeie rugbyspanne op, so wie kan met hul stry?
@Andre T: ek hou meer vd surfer aantyging, komende van n rooinekkie van Natal moet dit ‘n eervole beskrywing wees
@Andre T: BTW, waar de hel is Festus in die wereld? Het jul nie onlangs met hom gepraat op Ruggas nie?
@Die Ken: Stil jy jou wannabe sokkerspeler/surfer
Ek het verwag dat die Morele-Polisie, aka BOG, op ‘n stadium weer iets onsamehangend sal kwytraak.
Dont forget the Russian noble man. And “Die Ken”is beginning to sound just like a combination of Festus and Nonnie
The Good, The bad and my skoonma
@Playa: me, myself & Irene more like it!
@McCulleys Workshop: They/he/she/it make a helluva team, don’t they
@Speartackle: @Andre T: I love your work.
@Andre T: Nee man, @pedantic is Grassy se beskerm engel…teen mense soos jy en Spear. Ek en Grassy is nou moerse pelle, want hy het n huisie by die see!
@Pedantic: Hear Hear! I really get annoyed but all the SA supporters who wished we played like NZ & Aus. We not like them & shouldn’t want to be like them either. Yes, we have some work to do on ball skills but our game is a stifling one that works in crunch knock out type rugby.
@Pedantic: True words!!!
@Ludz: Human nature … when a top class player has an average game (by his standards) the knives are out. If a no name player had a game like he had they would be singing his praises.
The kid has done all that can be done in SBR, created a pedigree of his own and through talent and hard work earned himself a great opportunity after school. He has the talent, if he has the discipline and commitment to go with it we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the future.
It’s a bit like many on the blog who slam South African rugby because of it’s style, but they forget that our traditional style of rugby is why we’re consistently in the top 3 in the world. I reckon there are 100 nations who would love to be in SA’s position, much like there are 10,000 young rugby players who would love to have a game like Bosch on his worst day.
@Pedantic: You’re just being pedantic now
@Dave41: Thank you good sir. I think a lot of bloggers on here are forgetting that this is an 18 year old kid they are talking about. I cannot understand how we expect him to be perfect. This being, he was bang average yesterday, but still 1 of EP big difference makers. I’m very worried that we can’t just celebrate a clearly very special player.
@Pedantic: And who are you???? Austin Powers?
@Grasshopper: Why are you even entertaining these three clowns ?
Two of them are actually 1 schizophrenic having a conversation with himself / themselves / whoever else might be part of the party in his mind, and the other is a young fitness wannabe surfer / rafter / rugby / soccer player
@Playa: Confusing response there – sounds like you’re responding to me with a repeat of what I posted ?
@h2o:I have been there,just a month ago
in the local newspaper. The sun will shine again,hard for a parent to see their kids make mistakes,but they will,learn from it and move on.Good luck to you and him.
@Grasshopper: Jeepers Grassy I promise you I never posted that pic of yours. I had no idea who you were till that pic was posted, all I knew was that you were living in London near Upton Park
i have been enjoying the cw and have been watching most of the games. the rugga has been great and some awesome talent on display. the only critic Ive got is the all round ball skills and handling is not that great and surely that must be an absolute basic.
the sharks team did really well wasn’t pretty but very gutsie against a star ep team. I really rate Bader at 10 I have seen him play and I rate him as a top class flyhalf. it just looks as if the sharks line are playing so flat with no depth but Bader cant be blamed for that cause he is a flat playing advantage line 10 when the depth should come from 12 wich is tedder and he is not offering that at the moment? if tedder plays with great depth you will see a completely diff line movement. I wont be surprised id bader slips in to higher honours and I also thought that klopper from glenwood is exceptional,
Point is if you out people on a blog full of avatars you should be brave enough to out yourself. Always ask yourself would you say that to the persons face in real life. I’m sure you are all fine fellas just taking the piss & we would probably have a good laugh around the braai with some dops, but too post pictures is a no no unless we are all treated the same…
@Speartackle: Nou doen dit dan en los net al my ex vrouens ook uit………..en my skoonma ook
@Andre T: Ek en BOG is nie lief vir mekaar nie, so dit maak sin vir my. Chin up Grassy, they are good, Christian people, and mean no harm
@Andre T: Jy bring mens net altyd in die moeilikheid….ek wil alle bande met jou eindig
@Die Ken: Ja maar hy hou nou al jare aan dat dit ek was wat n foto van hom geplaas het….en dit was eintlik Bog
@Andre T: Gaan weg Satan! Die man is ontsteld
@Grasshopper: Gosh, what did I do wrong?
You still think it was me who posted that pic of yours on 365?
Speartackle & Andre T always have to take it one step too far!
@Grasshopper: So i guess you snubbed my stywe handdruk?
All very brave behind their avatars, I would love if this blog required real names then suddenly all the chirping etc would stop…..bunch of arrogant twats!
@Speartackle: @Grasshopper: This will keep my busy for hours, but alas, I need to make sure the corporate wheel is turning
@Die Ken: And then the biggest achievement of it all was that Grassy was the first ever blogger who’s picture appeared on Rugby 365……sporting a lovely West Ham goatie
@Grasshopper: Sorry to say but KES was kak in those days..fondly known as the “Bad old days” amongst the KES boys, but hey, they did have a good year in 2012.
@Speartackle: then Grassy and I are friends, I will never so no to a holiday aan die Noordkus. Thanks Grassy, I’ll take week 24 in 2016.
@Die Ken: Wou jou nog waarsku, was net ‘n kwessie van tyd voor jy die “Bluff to Ballito with balls on my chin” Bio sou kry
@Die Ken: And sorry, I forgot, he also has timeshare in the Umhlanga Sands, week 24
@Grasshopper: I’m just joking with you boet…stywe handdruk?
@Grasshopper: You have 3 friends! Lucky man, I have none, would you share?
@Speartackle: @Grasshopper: Wow Grassy! If Spear is reg, you are a big honcho! Sorry man, and here I thought Im talking to an Ignoramus (big word for me).
@Speartackle: That is correct. 3 friends working at Westville, sister is IT Director at Kingsmead College and my grandfather was in matric and played 1st team rugby at KES in 1943…
@Die Ken: Yep, only 36 boet…spring chicken.
@Die Ken: Please don’t forget his friend is a teacher at Westville, his sister the principal of a convent in JHB and his grandfather was the groundsman at KES
@Playa: Nee maar reg dan so
@Grasshopper: then you are younger than me. Now you have to be nice to me, it says so in the Bible!
@Dave41: In that case he shouldn’t be going to the Sharks……..if I was his dad I would have sent him to NZ
@Die Ken: no SS I’m afraid, missed the army by 2 years…
@Speartackle: eks jammer maar oud-Krugersdorpers meng nie met daai dam se ganse nie
Imagine this backline, Rudi Paige, Curwin Bosch, Juan de Jongh, Lionel Mapoe, Dillyn Leyds, Cheslin Kolbe and Gio Aplon……my eyes would go cross eyed with jinxing and pace!
@Grasshopper: that was a friendly outreach from me Grassy, sies. I would have loved to chat to a director/coach/ex-SS/Glenwoodian/there must be other virtues/etc.
@Dave41: Amen!!!
@Dave41: I think Bosch is great and glad the Banana Republic have signed him :-)
@Die Ken: You can’t sommer tell me what to say or do either boetie, I am a coach too and for me my preference is a No8 around 190cm. Go give Heyneke some advice instead, he needs it. I don’t live in the Southern Suburbs now but did and I came up to Paarl, Stellies etc often. I have been blogging for years, run a few of my own and am A digital media director, I don’t think I need your advice at all…
@Die Ken:
@Ploegskaar: He gets those right more often than not.That box is ticked.
Plenty of “Bosch-bashing” on this thread. I have watched this kid for the last five years. He is special and whether he will carry it on to senior level is irrelevant right now. Comparisons to that Rose-fellow are also misguided. Bosch is in a different class.
He shoulders a lot of responsibility for his school team as he plays 10 on attack and 15 on defense and is still a work in progress. I have seen him have the odd indifferent day, but many days when you simply sit back and enjoy the show.
He seems to excel when it is a fast-paced and open game and is less prominent when it is tight and slow. The faster, running game is the game upon which he has learnt his rugby at Grey.
@Die Ken: Nee hy bly in Bothasig
@Grasshopper: and Grassy, you need to learn that you cant sommer say an 8 must be 1.9m or taller..it doesn’t work like that boet. But, you’ll learn from experience to keep things under wrap when required and be a better person thereafter. You stay mos there in the Southern Suburbs? If so, take the long trek to Stellies tomorrow, I’ll meet you there for a wine and maybe give you some tips on rugby blogging etc, you dont even have to thank me
@akw: “some issues with option taking and decision making”. Some would say that is the first box a fly has to tick on the list of basics
@Grasshopper: @Playa: I agree, they do know a bit. Like, the game consists of 2 halves, played on a field, with an oval ball and the rest is semantics
@Grasshopper: YOU DID NOT RUN THIS COMMENT PAST ME FIRST! SIES!
@TuksStudent: Ek gaan hulle met Valkoë dophou
@Playa: I would not worry to much, the EP 8 is a fantastic player and specimen, just remember, he is still u17 and had another year.
Muzi won the first half, Palvie won the second half – I think Palvie is a great player and I think Muzi is a great player, it comes down to what kind of style you like in a number 8 – Palvie is direct, Muzi seems to be more flamboyant. I think you will find both in the mix after Craven Week.
@Speartackle: Ons stem baie saam ja nee Valke 5 Valke 7 en natierlik Valke 10 weet ons hulle gaan hierdie gam RUGBY nog baie speel .
@Die Ken: Yes boet, just like Drak Rainbow trout..
@Die Ken: Klim in……die sardine run is blykbaar aan
@Grasshopper: Don’t be so hard on yourself
@Die Ken: 2011 Craven Week; Western Province 21 – 23 KwaZulu Natal
@Speartackle: lekker man, en die manne byt soos karpe!!!
@Grasshopper: @Pedantic: good that you learnt that, next time, before you blog, run it past me, I’ll help you with the facts and make it seem plausible
@Die Ken: Jy soek lekker kak vandag met die souttotties ne…….lol
@Die Ken: hahaha, can I remind you WP lost to lowly KZN only about 3 years ago. Also, that Glenwood beat your beloved Paul Roos twice recently. Also Boishaai about a year ago…..we won’t talk about the under15 results either…
@Pedantic: there arent many fit looking players in the KZN team, so that can’t be too difficult
@Grasshopper: Above average in other games maybe, not yesterday
@Playa: Edzackery …
@Pedantic: We must remember only the bloggers from the Cape know about rugby, us souties in KZN know absolutely nothing about the game.
@h2o: Your son will only become a better man with a father like you by his side.Godspeed to him, and may he learn from his moment of madness.
@Grasshopper: exactly! Now keep quiet
@Pedantic: The trouble starts when you make ‘informed’ statements about players you have barely seen playing.A comment on one game about a player you don’t know is fair game.But a general statement about a player whom you’ve only seen one game of is downright arrogant and irresponsible.
@Pedantic: I would love to know his tackle count, metres made etc. I’m sure it will be above average for a loose forward. But hey ho, what do we know…we only from the Banana Republic…
@Die Ken: I agree he doesn’t look like the perfect athletic rugby player but interestingly at High Performance testing during the CW camps his stats were excellent, out scoring several much fitter looking players – he’s definitely fitter than you think, hence the much higher work rate than his opposite number yesterday.
@TuksStudent: Ek stem volkome saam met jou oor Xander Crouse…..ek het hom seker al 10 wedstryde sien speel vanjaar en word met elke wedstryd beter. Nog n baie onderskatte speler is Dylan van der Walt (Valke 7), hy is daai tipiese 70 minuut in your face speler wat dit nog ver gaan bring
@Grasshopper: I never said I did, I’m just telling you what I saw yesterday. He was falling off tackles.
@Grasshopper: He has signed with the Sharks
@Ludz: hahah, again shows you don’t know is normal play. He usually smears players across the grass…anyway enough defending him, I know what he can do…
@Grasshopper: Another thing he needs to work on is his tackling, fell off quite a few tackles, particularly in 1st half.
@Speartackle: Ja beslis stem ons saam met jou. Valke (10) Xander Crause was definitief die uitstaande 10 van die dag. Hy verdien definitief al die krediet wat na hom toe kom. Curwin Bosch OP (10) het die eerste dag drie drop goals oorgesit maar sy tweede dag drie drop goals gemis. Ek weet vir ‘n feit dat al die kommentaar oor die TV wat uitgesaai is deur die kommentators wat hulle rugby ken Crause hoog aanspreek. Bosch is goed maar hy gaan definitief 15 speel by die Sharks. Crause staan op 32 punte aangeteken vir sy span tot op hede en Bosch 31. Bulle (10) Fouche gaan definitief op eindig as ‘n 12 oor hy bietjie te groot is vir 10 maar gee dit vir hom hy is ‘n goeie speler. Sharks (10) Pretorius het ongelukkig twee crusual skoppe gister gemis onder druk wat definitief die wen vir die Sharks kon deur haak. Mense hierdie is nie wat ek se nie maar deur kommentators wat die wedstryde volg op ‘n profesionele vlak en weet waarvan hulle praat aangesien hulle dit week in en uit doen. Ons het self ook al die games gevolg en opgeneem. Ons kan dit maar vir Crause gee hy was sover vir ons ook die uitstaande 10 van die toernooi, maar as mens na die punte telling tot dusver kyk spreek dit vanself.
@beet et al – Anyone want to put together SA Schools A & B team candidates following the first 4 days of CW?
@h2o:
Managed to catch the incident on DSTV Catchup late last night – the new Explora is a wonderful thing!!
I liken this very much to the Kelvin Elder incident in the 44-40 match a few years ago. Not a massive spear in the true sense of the term, but definitely dangerous and definitely a RC. I think it was unfortunate the way the ‘victim’s’ head was positioned as he hit the deck – look horrific and could have been a catastrophic injury.
Hope Hendrik learns something from this – actions have consequences and the RC was a best case scenario here. Living with a conscience for the rest of his life had this turned really nasty would have been infinitely worse.
Good luck to him going forward – he is going to go very far in this game.
@Thumper: Agreed, look at Welsh captain Sam Warburton, he received a red card for a dangerous tackle in the World Cup semi-final, probably causing Wales to lose the game. He was silly and made a mistake. He then went on to captain the Lions, youngest ever captain at 24. Hang in their young man, you made a mistake, learn from it and move on :-)
@Grasshopper:
pulling your leg
@h2o: Your son is not an idiot. These things happen on a rugby field. It could have had a disastrous outcome but than God it never.He will now take his punishment and learn from this. Your son is a fine player, don’t be too hard on him, we all make mistakes!!
@Die Ken: Bossr is the little Glenwood flyhalf, did he not play yesterday. He was the contentious kid who left Selborne for Glenwood, hence why Selborne have boycotted fixtures vs Glenwood, not sure if it’s only rugby though…
@Grasshopper: Also, forgot to ask you, Who is Bossr?
@Grasshopper: Fitness/conditioning needs to improve
@Die Ken: dude, he has played nearly every game this season & has kept up with all of them. In fact breaking the line & racing away from players to put quicker players away. He is in grade 11 so has next year to improve even further, although he can’t play Craven Week as will be under 19. Look at Pierre Spies, a physical specimen but kak! I loved watching ‘the selectors’ last night where they covered loose forwards, a few of the guys selected Owen Finigen & Teichmann as their best ever. They weren’t exactly physical specimens. They also mentioned Waldrom, saying he might not have the fitness stats but can recover quicker than most in the match. Looks are deceiving, Palvie is good & could be great!
@Grasshopper: Fitness/conditioning needs to improve considerably.
@Die Ken: mate, physically Palvie isn’t a monster at around 105kg, but it’s his style of play. He isn’t scared of or will not stand back for any player no matter if they an Affies giant lock or Monnas huge prop. Palvie plays like an animal. I think he will end up being an Alberts type of player. He has the mongrel, skills & rugby head to make it. Fitness or conditioning can always be improved. Mafu will make SA Schools, we all know that but hopefully Palvie is signed by a big Union & comes through the ranks…
@akw: You forgot about the Boland fly, class
@Ploegskaar: WP gaan hul afslag soos kalkoene bd slagpale voor Krismis
@Playa: Agree, I expected this monster (based on the KZN bloggers opinions) and I think he has a lot to learn, his play is too loose, and he can do with a few kilos lighter. He has the inbred, that one can see, but he needs to learn how to use it better and not stormram as much as he does
@Pedantic: 100% correct, I only watch WC teams play, even when I attend Bois u15 and PG u16 every year, and…you know what, you are right
No offence intended just felt i had to ask a question in general. If ypu look at my posts i actually value your team the type of rugby they play and some massive talent within the team. Aonif you feel offended no intent purely an observation that must have not gone down well.
@h2o: wow, great response from both you and your son, good on you. Having watched the incident live, and near the field, it was just a bit unnerving, it was very close to being a tragic incident, luckily, it was not and we can all move on. Your son should not shoulder the defeat at all, cards happen, it will probably motivate him to play even better and even harder when he gets his next game for Westville, I presume he is at Westville.
@Rugbymal: Meneer, jy slaan baie laag. Pedantic said it well. We just have smaller frame of reference and I think if you read some of the older blogs and posts you will notice that the KZN guys have nothing but the utmost respect for other schools and players. There are a handful of bloggers here that really know their rugby ( and I exclude myself from this category). So if you read their posts they make sense all the time
Is it not just a case of those damn souties shouldn’t even be playing the game let alone have a good run every now and then. I believe if you look at some of the flack the Garsies guys get, they sometimes feel the same. AG nee man Daar is mos genoeg son in ons mooi land vir almal, so laat hy maar op ons almal skyn
And yes, the best teams are indeed playing the finals but that should not diminish some really good efforts by the others
From my very small point of reference, we play PBHS, Affies and Grey Bloem in the next three weeks, and I can guarantee you that none of us will be short of praise for our very significant and well respected opponents.
@Grasshopper: 25 years ago in 1990 Natal beat N Tvl 18-8 in the “final” game at Craven Week. A few years earlier in ’87 they drew the final game against Tvl in Paarl.
@Rugbymal: Grumpy and sarcastic all in one ?
There are plenty threads on the blog that support teams around the country – just because the KZN bloggers seem to be more active, doesn’t mean anything is exclusive – maybe just add something constructive instead of creating provincial animosity.
@the professor: Agree with you … I think the best 2 teams are in the final with maybe Valke being a tad unlucky not to have the opportunity.
Having said that, I think the KZN boys have displayed great heart and tenacity at this year’s CW and can hold their heads high.
@Grasshopper: appologies for invading an exclusive blog then seen from a national support perspective
@h2o: Life has a way of keeping us humble when least we expect it. The fact that your boy accepted responsibility means far more to me than the incident. That I think is testimony to his character, something money cannot buy. He is clearly a gifted kid and this unfortunate incident is not the end of the world, it’s a leason life puts on our path.
Hang in there, the sun will rise again tomorrow!
@meadows: No offence taken at all i am just as disapointment in the action and loss as you are and i am sure he has learned from this incident. I think now with the pressure of our boys we will see the real KZN flair on Saturday. I think the team has done great against a very good EP side and to go down by 1 is certainty not a disgrace. Well done to EP/WP and good luck for Saturday.
@Muzi: He does remind one of Pat. Lambie would have played 10 in u14. What school did you play for against MHS?
@h2o: I apologise for calling him an idiot – it was his action that was stupid as was that of Foster. I have no doubt that he is acutely aware of the consequence of his actions and you sound like the type of parent who will ensure that he learns from the experience. I sincerely hope that he is able to put this behind him and realise his rugby aspirations.
@Playa: Of course a young player can have a bad day. I acknowledged that he is talented and he showed some good touches. today. I guess I was just expecting something more after all the hype.
Wish I could watch the game! Sounds like a cracker! Really good stuff KZN and EP, a great display by the sounds of things.
Firstly congrats to EP! I expected a bigger win for them hence the KZN excitement over the closeness of the game. They are not defending champs for nothing. On the chirp about KZN bloggers, Beet is from KZN, attended Kearsney & started the blog. Initially it was a KZN blog only so there are naturally more KZN bloggers and we are passionate about our boys. We are normally written off, called sag souties etc so when they stand up and show the rest of the country KZN schools can play we are proud of them. 20 years ago KZN schools would have had no chance at all. Look at GK & Craven week so far, KZN winning a few. Great stuff boys!
Didn’t see the game but if Bader is not firing all the shots at goal, why did Jame Tedder who is an incredible goal kicking not be given the ball?
The stand out flyhalf today was Xander Crouse from the Valke
If Bosch had slotted those drop goals we would have been discussing his brilliance. His pace and stepping off both feet, together with accurate goal kicking and the prodigious distance he gets with his punts shows the raw material is there to make the step up. Would love to see him punt in Bfn or Jhb. There were some issues with option taking and decision making, but that should come with experience.
With the Valke and Kzn 10’s playing well today there was some good flyhalves on display today.
Palsies’ late hit on Bosch and another shoulder charge the officials missed marred his game for me.
Klopper was awesome in all facets of the game and my man of the match. On todays play he is the best loosehead I have seen at the week, and if I am not mistaken he is still u17. Wow, he can grow into something special.
EP missed the 6 that was injured on Tuesday, up until his injury he was very impressive with his strength over the ball in the rucks and creating the first try with a perfect pump fake before his pass.
The haters will hate, but Stassen is awesome.
What is still disappointing after 4 days is the lack of players being able to run straight, with the ball in both hands, to preserve the space on the outside. Time and again today players would be bundled into touch after lateral running, this skill is the main difference between SA and NZ teams in S15 and at international level.
@h2o: That is good to hear, he’ll learn from it. Heard he’s a good player and still u17, looking forward to seeing him again next year
@h2o: A very humble posting h2o, and indeed I am in no doubt that your son did not go out to injure an opposing player deliberately. That his Craven Week is probably over, and that he has self reflected on the tackle already, is testimony to the fact that you have clearly brought him up very well, so heads up to you and your son. Onwards and upwards to his future rugby career. In no way can he carry on his young shoulders, that he was the cause of the loss as the KZN boys gave it their all in his absence. It is just a game, and to be honest, the baby Sharks were a shade fortunate to pull off the win over the Lions on day 2. I am not convinced that the Sharks are deserving of playing in the final game as I am of the opinion that hey are not the second best team at the week.
@h2o: We know this is not part of his natural game and I know just how hard Hendrik is on himself – one of those “brain fart” moments that happen – we’ve all had them, even as adults.
The biggest pity is that the nation couldn’t see what he can actually do on a rugby field … roll on 2016.
@Ploegskaar: He had a few shaky moments and a little individualistic at times, but he’s got big future
@Ploegskaar: Thing is, as KZN supporters we have the seen players develop and can make informed comments on what they can / cannot do. I personally don’t comment on players I haven’t seen play at least 350 minutes of rugby – anyone can have a flash in the pan performance.
You may have the inside track on the WP players as you watch them over the years, but you could never make an informed comment on a KZN player – maybe a “hearsay” comment or a once off performance comment, but not a properly informed one as many of the KZN bloggers could.
@AffieOuer: Thank you sir
Thanks gents. Hendrik received a 1 match ban. He has also confirmed and spoke with the EP no 9 and he is ok. I think the ban is a bit lenient…….
@Ludz: Well done to EP and Earl Bosch, although the latter was a bit funky today under pressure, as I expected
@h2o: Strongs to your boy, he will be judged on what he did to get to CW, not one incident at CW
@Ludz: absolutely!!! Well done EP!
@Rugbymal: No frame of reference wider than the JZN province borders I’m afraid, but you’ll get used to it. Bit like the British press as well, talk e’m and knock e’m down. Beet knows his stuff, but then he is a school rugby follower, not a school follower
@AffieOuer: No congrats to our EC boys
@h2o: well done on raising a boy that stands up and takes responsibility. These boys are energised on the field and the incident unfortunate. We have a saying “it is not how you fall but how you get up that determines your caracter”. You can be proud how he is handling the matter of the field. This will pass and he will be stronger for it.
To all the KZN boys – it was exciting watching the game and you almost pulled it off. Overall good entertaining rugby. Hold your heads high, you did well. A little but more and you would have played in the final.
@Rugbymal: Along with Zimbabwe and Namibia, KZN sees themselves as an independent country, and most are not familiar with school rugby in SA
@Rugbymal: Good question sir, I still can’t believe they thought Palvie had a better game than Mafu
I must have drank a lot of alcohol before this game, Palvie better than Mafu? No doubting Palvie a wonderful ball carrier, but better than Mafu? Geez I was either watching a different game or drunk if Palvie had a better game than Mafu
Just a general observation in my short term on the blog. Does the KZN supporters on here actually ever compliment players and teams from other areas / regions or is it all about there respective players and teams.
@h2o: sterkte daar en weereens dit bly n kind en hy mag maar foute maak. Laat hy sy kop hoof hou.
@h2o: Sal jy ook asb vir ons die tugverhoor uitslag gee….ek hoop nie dit is te erg nie
@h2o: Dit gebeur maar in rugby, blink toekoms wag op jou seun……sterkte vir hom
@meadows: As the father of this “idiot” let me apologise for Hendrik’s action today. He will be sitting a disciplinary at 18:00. He is inconsolable and asked me to relay the following to all parents and supporters. He has admitted his lack of concentration and will plead guilty and take any form of punishment for something that does not belong in rugby. He has played 25 games this season with not one yellow card. I know that he is a broken boy and as he mentioned to me he has dropped himself and his team and is taking the blame for the loss solely on himself. I hope that this does not affect his positive outlook on rugby and life. Other than that i think the KZN boys have made us proud and have performed way better than expected.
WP by 25 on Saturday
@meadows:
Bader Pretorius’s composed performace today reminded me of a certain Michaelhouse 15 I played against when I was Under 14..Pat Lambie.
@Pedantic: he was brilliant. Only problem I had with him was he ran away from his support a lot of the time. Other than that he was solid. Great in the scrums!
@Playa: dude Palvie bounces 130kg props like they under13 players….
Just imagine KZN with Dixon too, eish!
I see a lot of talk about Sesink-Clee who was at his best today, but one name that hasn’t emerged is Christopher Klopper who IMO was the best player on the field today – well done young man, that green heart shone through like a Superman emblem.
@Playa: Download the Dartfish app, watch the game again and track Palvie – then tell me he didn’t move mountains
@Muzi: The key for Bosch will be whether a bit of maturity will bring the mental strength he will need to succeed in senior rugby and whether he has the necessary discipline and work ethic. Right now i’m reminded of a player like Earl Rose who, quite frankly, made far more of an impact at CW than Bosch is busy doing. Time will tell.
I’ve been impressed by Pretorius on the occasions that I’ve seen him play this year. He isn’t the quickest but he always seems to have time and he sees space – you can’t teach that.
Who have the other outstanding hookers this week been? Once again outstanding. Sesink-Clee for SA schools?
@meadows: Can’t a person have a bad day? The kid was Craven Week player of the week last year, give him that. This doesn’t mean he’ll have a great game everytime he runs onto the field.I tell you what, you should expect an even worse performance from him against WP as it will be pi$$ing with rain.
I didn’t think Palvie moved mountains today, it wouldn’t be fair of me to say the hype about him is unwarranted as I haven’t seen enough of him to make a deduction about him abilities. I have seen better no 8s at this Craven Week than what I saw of his performance today.
Manie Libbok and Heino Bezuidenhout….the two @13 that have impressed me this week….
I didn’t watch the game unfortunately, work to do but Palvie is one of the best ball carriers I’ve seen this season and I watched KERF live. He also has great hands, ball skills & rugby brain to put players away, watch the Glenwood vs College game again. If he is not showing this I’m not sure why. For me Wiseman has a good outside chance for SA Schools…
@meadows:
I concur Curwin Bosch is a quality player…it’s amazing what pressure can do to a player…he’ll learn though…had Bader Pretorius kicked those points over it could have been a different ball game…
@Pedantic: Second half yes, I was commenting on the first half performance where Mafu looked for dangerous than Palvie. Second half, Palvie certainly got the upper hand.
On Bosch, as great a talent as he is, I was a bit miffed with his play in the second half – he over killed the drop goals, it got a bit silly – he is a fantastic runner and off loader, he should only be looking for the drop when nothing else is on.
But I tell you what, no one can complain about the KZN effort in this game, superb. From what I have seen, the 2, 4, 5, 8 and 10 can all be considered for one of the SA Schools side, great showing
I don’t know what game some of you guys were watching…besides his 100% kicking rate quite frankly Curwin Bosch’s option taking…decision-making…game management and tactical acumen left a lot to be desired…under pressure he looked quite ordinary…those stupid little chip kicks will NOT work in senior rugby
….and let’s not forget the woeful drop goals.
If Bader Pretorius had his kicking boots on KZN would have won this game…IMHO he had a damn good game…he showed a will the win under tough circumstances..he played a captain’s innings even though he’s not the skipper.
A special shout out to that KZN 2.01m lock from Michaelhouse he was outstanding.
Palvie is SA schools material he outplayed Mafu.
WP will win on Saturday IMHO EP is a one man show put pressure on Bosch then the whole ship sinks.
@vlei: Sesink-Clee had a good game.
Well that turned into a hell of a game!
IMO Bosch is very talented but I didn’t see anything today to warrant the extraordinary hype that he has been getting – some poor decision making at times but he is still a youngster.
I thought Palvie got stronger as the match progressed for KZN and from a MHS perspective Wiseman, in particular, and the tall lock Sesink-Clee were good. I thought that Pretorius had a good game in general play but his goal kicking wasn’t at its best.
Wiseman, Sesink-Clee were brilliant from KZN. Careless from Foster and Prinsloo unfortunately cost them this game.
@RBugger: @the professor: Not sure if you guys saw the same game I did, but Palvie edged Mafu – twice as many tackles and a higher work rate.
EP lucky they got to play 14 men today, seems the octopus wannabe guy read KZN very wrong.
@RBugger: Agree wholeheartedly with you on the EP no. 8 and Palvie( no race!), and Bosch is in another league compared to Pretorius. Regarding the red card, absolute stupidity and ill discipline at its best. No life ban for me as the youngster is still learning his trade. But a spell as a hospital nurse in a ward of paraplegic and quadriplegic patients might be the answer.
@meadows: It was probably over anyway with possibly only a run on from the bench on Sat.
A stupid lack of discipline will ultimately decide this game in favour of EP! What was Foster thinking? as for the stupid and very dangerous indiscretion by the hooker – this idiot’s CW is now over if my recollection of the regulations is correct.
That boy from KZN who got a red should get a ban from rugby! That head into ground tackle was as dangerous as it gets and he should be thankful the EP scrummie did not break his neck – there is no place in rugby for that, rugby is a tough game, not a game where you try and kill your opponent.
In terms of the game, EP 8 has one over Palvie thus far – Bosch just supreme.
KZN need to dig deep, they must believe in themselves for the second half
@Bush: Not me, I’m secretly (till now) judging him
I think if KZN want to win this game they will have to keep it very tight. They need to be a brick wall of defense in the backline and not get sucked in to trying to beat EP at running the ball. If they can hassle 9 and 10 they’re in with a shot.
@vlei: EP by 15 unfortunately :-(
Wiseman was outstanding last game, he will definitely start Day 3. Scoreline prediction?
Bader needs to match Bosch with the boot.
@Grasshopper: We understand you, its not a spelling competition blog.
@vlei: That will be a show down of note.
@Grasshopper: It’s freezing, but not wet…just yet
Whoever designed the Griffons shorts obviously did not realize that on National television the white prt would look like the boys are wearing NAPPIES! Shame man! How embarrassing!!!!!!!!
Entire front row will change bringing in Klopper, Prinsloo, Songca. Muller will probably replace Sadiki at 7 and vd Westhuizen will replace Dahl.
Bossr at the back and Munangi will have to slot in somewhere – probably in for Tony.
In the wet weather with a slightly more physical pack KZN will be just fine – just worried about scrummie as Dahl has been excellent all the way through.
hear not here…doh!
I here it’s wet and cold there so KZN need their biggest pack possible, although I am aware they have to play all their players over the 2 days. Klopper will come in at prop. I would play Bossr at fullback.
Pretorius vs Bosch! Will be interesting to see how KZN pick their team today. Could see Bossr at fullback. Foster can play wing, Kriel might be on the bench today with Munangi at 13?
@Grasshopper: Palvie vs Mafu
The last game looks a goodie!