It was a tough day for most teams as 8 out of 10 games had close scorelines. In all those games the difference was 5 points or less, in a couple of games the game was only won in the last 5 minutes. This should be good news for SA Rugby as this proves how strong SA Rugby is.
KZN took on a physical Eastern Province side. The KZN boys decided to use the same approach and got physical as well. KZN did concede a number of penalties in the first 20 minutes. Eastern Province were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute and decided to go for poles but unfortunately couldn’t convert the kick. The nature of the game didn’t change and there were big tackles from Webster, Erasmus and Phahla.
KZN had a chance of going ahead in the 21st minute after Eastern Province collapsed a maul in front of their tryline. Joubert missed the kick and the score remained 0 – 0. In the 25th Tharratt had to be stretched off after colliding with an Eastern Province player. The first half finished 0 – 0 as the game was evenly poised.
The second half was just like the first half with both sides doing their all to try change the scoreline. Both sides had a chance to bury the game but did not take those chances. KZN were awarded a penalty in the 52 minutes but the kick went wide. When everyone thought the game would be a draw, EP played a quick ball to the left where there was an overlap and ran around Blewett at wing to score an unconverted try in the last minute. That’s how the game ended with Eastern Province being victors. The final score was EP 5 – KZN 0.
The game of the day was Blue Bulls vs Western Province. The game was played at a frantic pace. Western Province took a lead early in the game through a penalty. Blue Bulls hit back immediately after good passes from the backline. Western Province in got a penalty and converted it to go 6 – 5 up in the first 20 minutes. Western Province then showed the Bulls why they are favourites in this year’s Grant Khomo Week with a brilliant try that involved the forwards and the backline. That try was converted and that took the score to 13 – 5 at halftime.
In the second half there was only one team in the park as Western Province comfortably won by 35 – 5.
Day 2. Field A
Border 24 – Limpopo Blue Bulls 19
Boland 23 – Pumas 22
Eastern Province 5 – KZN 0
Free State 17 – Lions 15
Western Province 35 – Blue Bulls 5
Field B
Border CD 6 – Griquas 35
Golden Lions XV 21 – Namibia 3
Zimbabwe 18 – Griquas CD 14
Griffons 10 – Valke 13
SWD 20 – Leopards 21
@pedantic
This age group is blessed with huge, tall boys! Hope JJ Peters plays next year, would be good for KZN rugga to have another 1.9m plus lock!
@pedantic
So those boys aren’t consistent enough? Dillon Bryan from DHS is good on defence and almost never misses a tackle but his kicking game lets him down. Quite a bit. He can also play flyhalf and centre.
In terms of backline players turned to forwards DHS has had it the other way around with former KzN U13b and dphs boy Mazwi Ngcobo moving from flank to wing/centre last year.
RE: Kriel
Well I didn’t really notice him when college played DHS so I can’t say much but how is the GW no.10?
I didn’t see the Nw no.10 this year but only saw him last year when he was dominated by Tristan Ross.
@ Pedantic : Westville’s u15 backline for me has to be the most versatile backline in their age group, with the flyhalf being able to cover centre and fullback, the centres can both cover fullback and flyhalf, the one wing can cover fullback and centre, the other wing can cover centre and flyhalf. For me this can be a weakness and a strenghth. I think these players need to pick their position in which they feel most comfortable under before the end of their pre season. For me Strydom is confident in any position he covers, I feel Couch who is quite well built does’nt use his ability to his advantage. Westvilles u15 flyhalf, I feel is very good on attack and does his part in defense. Their one lock who I feel is their best jumper is very good, but I feel that he lacks the height that is needed. I think a move to flank would be good for him because he’s got a very high work rate and is very quick to the ruck
@HORSEFLY NO.1: They’re actually all over 1.9m and approaching 100 KG already – big boys.
Westville have two fullback options – both good, Couch and Strydom – Couch tends to get injured very often though, while Strydom is a confidence player … need to work on his mental toughness and he will be awesome.
I thought Kriel from MC at 10 looked pretty good when I saw him, but from discussions with a few parents they don’t rate him too highly ?
@Griffon: I was actually thinking the same thing … he doesn’t look like he’ll be a #8 for much longer as he’s just not getting any taller – great player though – possibly a fetcher or hooker.
He played centre in Under 13 and Under 14 – interesting how many backline players have been converted to forwards this year.
@griffon
Yah there is no out and out fetcher but what about this years side? Do they have one? All the loosies I’ve mentioned are big and tall and we all know the selectors go for size over skill. They are all over 1,8m tall.
Flyhalf and fullback worrying maybe?
The thing I’v noticed with all the loose forwards that have been named, not 1 of them is a fetcher. I think the Westville captain, who’s the one of the shorter eights in Natal could shift to flank and assume the fetcher role. Another player who isn’t noticed is Sabela who played B team for Westville who I feel is very good with ball in hand,stealing ball and defense. He played wing in u13 where he made KZN but later moved to flank last year.
@griffon
Surprised Glenwood havnt tried to get him. Hopefully he develops enough at Gleofte and makes KZN next year, he is a centre though
@pedantic
The Glenwood centres are real class. Yah Simpsons. Boot does help him out and puts him ahead of others. 3 KZN players at grey bloem??? Sjoe! KZN schools clearly not good enough for them. A big loss for kzn. Schools. Didn’t. Think Grey recruited from KZN!
Flyhalves do look abit thin and Ross is out of the running since he plays hockey. If he changes his mind and gets fit then maybe he could make a name for himself.
The forwards in the age group are big and good but backline does look a bit shaky except for centres!
@ Horsefly : Dexton Rossouw was at Westville for a week, but due to language problems went to Gelofte. The reason for a lot of Westville boys’ is because of their rapid improvement.
If I remember correctly, Hilton had some pretty impressive centres while Michaelhouse have the talented #8 Wiseman.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: I know that van Wyk, Bekker and Rust are at Grey Bloem – not sure about the other 2 though.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Agree on Simpson – he is a classy player and when I saw him this year has grown a little. Also has the advantage of a very educated boot – probably the best kicker in U15 by far.
I think it will depend on how they want to play the game – Vorster is a very mobile scrummie with a horrible tendency to run sideways but is effective a lot of the time, while Simpson has great distribution and kicking skills.
@Griffon … interesting that you mention the fast Westville winger – he struggled from Under 13 level with his hands, so 2 years later with no improvement – he HAS to do some remedial work as he could be devastating with his size and speed.
Flyhalf .. we could have a problem there as I haven’t seen anyone step up to make the #10 their own in any of the sides – the NW 10 looks decent though.
I really like the Glenwood centres and the Westville Full Back who has recently moved from centre looks like he could be something special with some experience.
@griffon
Lots of Westville boys there. I don’t know about the scrumhalves you mention but I felt Simpson was better than them when they played against each other.
Is that Russouw as in Dexton Russouw?
Also maybe you can help me with telling me where these former KZN U13 players are:
Schalk van Wyk( 10)
Jeandre Bekker (11)
Dexton Russouw (12)
Daniel Rust. (8)
Samuel Swanepoel (2)
@ Horsefly : I think at hooker the Westville, who used to play is a contender along with the Westville prop both players some of the many players who have excelled from KZN Development programme. Locks and Loosies are good. Scrum half front runners I feel are the new Kearsney 1 and the former Kearsney 1 now at Westville. Flyhalf is open but I feel the front runners are Kriel from M.C, Rossouw who was at Westville for a week but left due language problems. He’s now at Gelofte but I feel his rugby skills will be under honed at Gelofte, I watched him a bit and his attack and defense are amazing. Wings are wide open, but I feel the Westville 1 who’s a S.A sprinter could make it if he improved his hands, decision making and defense. Centres also a wide open with the Glenwood centres being good, and the Westville centres also in the running.Fullback is a wide open position with no real boy who I’v seen put up their hands.
@pedantic
Yah that’s true and a lot of the boys who made it at U13 have kinda disappeared. But Dixon (kearsney) and Simpson(DHS) have for me been outstanding in losing teams. But for almost everyone else I guess its just open.
I think the best individuals are all over the province and not just one school but Glenwood will have the most once more.
@Griffon: I think a lot can change from now until next year, especially if the “fringe” players put in the extra time in club rugby that runs from July to October.
I would recommend all U15 players with 2013 GK aspirations to use the 3rd term club rugby season to hone their skills and use the DRSU trials as a preparation for trials next year – Jordan Martin is a case in point, he had a solid Under 15 club season (even playing Collegians U15B at times) and this year had the confidence to step up and be one of the best U16 players in the province.
From what I’ve seen there haven’t been many standout players … maybe the NW prop Mthembu, the Kearsney scrumhalf Vorster and Glenwood’s Staples – for the rest I think it’s pretty open ?
@griffon
The loosehead prop for next year will surely be the so called’ Mr T’ from Northwood. He made the u16 final round this year as an u15. Outplayed boys older than he is!
At hooker I’m not sure but I think our very own hooker is good enough and I don’t know any tightheads!
The best u15 scrummie for me this year was Gareth Simpson who might lose out because of his size. The loose trio will be quite good in my opinion, for me it could be
6) Ntuli
7) Dixon
8) Staples
I thinkk next years side will be able to come out tops!
Besides the locks we’ve been talking about, I think we should start talking about future contenders for next years Grant Khomo side in Natal. I think next years team can match what this years team did, with correct preparation. Starting with the front row going down, I think we can analyse players who’ve performed.
@pedantic
well Jj seemed to have quit after sustaining a bad injury in the beginning of the season against Westville. he was already in the schools swimming team but hopefully they convince him to play again next year. i believe he is still taller than Staples so he must be around 1.95m whivh is massive for a 15 year old. this age group has some very tall blokes which is good and encouraging,
JJ for me seemed to have no confidence in himself this year and if he can regain his confidence he can become quite good, would love to see hi in a KZN U16 jumper come next year!!
To add .. Staples is the U15 equivalent of Daniel Du Preez at the moment – massive potential, and I believe he is relishing the superior focus on his rugby at Glenwood at the moment. Big talent, keep an eye on him.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: From what I understand, JJ Peters has given up rugby in favour of swimming? Staples is around 1.91 at the moment.
The Northwood U15 locks are huge right now, will be interesting to see how they progress in 2013. Kearsney have a tall inexperienced player who is coming through the ranks nicely, currently around 1.93 – 6 months time will be interesting.
@beet
I guess DHS used to be the lock factory. I wonder how tall are our two grade 11 locks Mare and Kotze are. The SA rugby site says Jl du preez is 1.93m and Dan du preez is 1.96m.
Also, maybe next years side will have taller locks. The KZN U13 locks from 2010 were Staples(glenwood) and JJ Peters(DHS). JJ at that time was taller than just about all of the kzn u16 boys of thiss year. JJ was 1.86m. And Staples 1.83m. Surely both these boys have grown towards 1.9m if not more.
@Grasshopper: Daniel says his 1.96m. But right. Guys like Hargreaves, Bresler are rare. You have mentioned the likes of Manson-Bishop, Ryder and Schule of DHS in the past as well. All from just 1 school. Seemed like we had some tall guys back then.
@Beet, I don’t think I have seen or heard of a KZN Under18 lock being near or over 2m for years. Our locks are always only about 6foot3/6foot4. How tall are the Doops? I do remember in 90’s there were plenty tall timber, Rob Linde, Trevor Boynton etc..
A 50 men squad will be announced at the end of Craven Week when they announce SA u18 and SA Academy.
Final score: Cheetahs 7 – WP 10
Yes. Well done to our u16 team. They came within a whisker of going through the week unbeaten.
Just when we want our KZN u16 locks to push and grow to 1.98m, their growth spells seem to end and they max out at 1.90-1.92m. I’m guessing that Thambiran will fall short of even this mark, which will make him a shortish lock in u18 rugby.
Halftime score for the final game: Free State 7 – Western Province 0.
I think Martin is a better lock than flank, although others may feel Thamburin is not the best jumper in KZN, I feel that him and Martin have been the most consistent lock pairing this year. I feel that the coach should’ve have gone with Erasmus at flank/eight. I feel that Erasmus is one of the most explosive loose forward in Natal and I hope to see his performances next year, because he seems to be bulking. I think you might find Weir might not play next year if his knee problem is not resolved quickly.
Well done KZN
@Sir Pius
Martin certainly has been one of the better locks, but I agree with @Pedantic that blindside would suit him better. He is all over the field and puts in the big hits. Thambiran may be the best jumper at GK, but he is nowhere near the best in the province (or even in Durban for that matter – the NW no 5 constantly outjumped both WV locks in their game and has better hands). He has always had the height advantage over his competitors, but has not grown (while his competitors have caught up).
I think Thambiran would make a better flank, than lock. He has the agility and mobility to ensure he gets to the breakdowns first and runs well with ball in hand. Next year will be a telling one and I think a lot of surprises are in store from teams that didn’t perform well this year.
Final score KZN 29 – Leopards 11.
Halftime score: Sharks 24 – Leopards 8.
Maybe the move of Martin to blindside gives an indication of the WBHS loose forward preferences for 2013.Lerato would be the “fetcher” and De la Rey 8th man.Thambiran would partner Weir at lock. It must be remembered that Westville will be without the services of both 1st and 2nd team locks for next year and that was definitely a weakness that Glenwood found difficult to overcome this year.
@beet – Jordan Martin is a very mobile lock with a huge work rate – I think the blindside position would suit him and offer additional lineout options – I wouldn’t classify him as a “bulk” option. Thambiran could well be the best jumper in the squad, so coaches probably wanted to give him a run while retaining the services of the hard-working Martin who one simply can’t leave out – his work rate and attitude are second to none.
With regards to Webster – he has been groomed as a front row forward for years now, problem is, he doesn’t fit that profile physically any longer – possibly hooker would be an option for him for now, but he will ultimately be a flanker unless he gains weight.
@beet
i think they will play him in the forwards next year. the u16s of this year had a good no.12 in Blessing Buthelezi who should play there thus moving Ntlantla Ngubane to 13 and Leroux van Zyl to 10. the no.6 jersey is best for him in my opinion and if he gains a bit of weight he should surely make the KZN U18 side next year.
hope quite a few of these KZN boys make SA U16 HP squad tomorrow!!
@ Beet am not sure as to what led to that shift. Jordan Martin has proven throughout the season that he’s the best lock in KZN. We used Erasmus as our 3rd lineout option and he won so many balls for us. I’m sure that Martin will play well in that position.
Its also quite interesting that Martin and Erasmus are both WBHS players, yet the lock is being preferred at blindside. Is this possibly coz the coach wants the bulk or a better 3rd lineout option?
I wonder what position Webster will end up playing in next year. By all accounts he seems like a very talented prospect. But judging by the way he’s being shuffled around, there can’t be many clear indications of what his best position must be.
Fixtures, Day 3 – Thursday, 5 July:
At UJ Stadium, Johannesburg
08.00: Namibia vs Zimbabwe
09.15: KwaZulu-Natal vs Leopards
10.30: Eastern Province vs Boland
11.45: Western Province vs Free State
Fixtures for tomorrow:
At UJ B Field, Johannesburg
08.00: Valke vs Border
09.15: Pumas vs Limpopo UJ B Field, Johannesburg U16 Grant Khomo Week
10.30: Golden Lions vs Blue Bulls UJ B Field, Johannesburg U16 Grant Khomo Week
At UJ West Sport A
08.00: Griquas vs Griquas CD
09.15: Golden Lions XV vs Border CD
10.30: South Western Districts vs Griffons
Webster is, without doubt, the most talented and most consistent of all KZN players (whether at Grant Khomo or not).
@ Pendatic yes he came on for Tharratt in the first half, he played at flank. I think if the loose trio were Webster, Erasmus and Goodsen that combination will destroy any opposition. For me Webster has been the most consistent out of the KZN players.
Pius has mentioned that we will play the Leopards our final match tomorrow while WP will meet the FS in game of the day.
@Pedantic: I think the rotation policy is enforced by all teams, so all day 2 teams should be in the same boat.
@NW_Knight: I think KZN has already entered the realm of school vs province with round 1 going to the schools. Trying to organise anything at province level in terms of prepping requires all the schools to be onboard. The congestion caused by the local rugby season ending in Term 2 isn’t helping matters either. Just like you pointed out, if KZN doesn’t at least match what other provinces are doing ahead of these age-group weeks, the boys immediately start the festivals on the back foot.
@NW_Knight: Agree to a point, but keep in mind that the KZN team started with the entire bench – surely this has to disrupt things substantially.
@Pius – can you confirm if Goodsen played off the bench?
It is however necessary that all players on tour get game time, so no way to get around it.
I wonder if having trials a few weeks earlier and some more practice sessions and warm up games wouldn’t have helped. I know that a number of provinces (FS and Valke U13) did that – although it did not seem to help FS.
Definitely, EP came to the game with an intention to disrupt KZN in every way and succeeded in that. KZN could have wrapped up the game earlier on but credit to EP for defending well.
Yeah. Good report Pius. It sounds like it was an intense game.
Thanks Sir Pius. Good report…tell the boys to give it horns, we all routing for them!