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It’s not often—perhaps never—that you hear Grey College and underdogs in the same sentence. But this isn’t a slight against Grey; rather, it’s a testament to just how formidable Paarl Boys’ High (Boishaai) have become.
The Boishaai Blue Train is running full steam—fast and furious. Much has been said about their ruck speed, but it’s what happens after they retain possession that truly impresses. The days of one-dimensional play are long gone. With a wealth of talent, Boishaai now vary their attack with clever angles and creative configurations.
They can still muscle up and go through the middle with brute strength, but they’re just as comfortable spreading it wide in true champagne-rugby style. Even the lineout, once a persistent weakness, has become a reliable set piece.
Yet one cannot escape the sheer speed of execution. It’s this tempo—relentless and precise—that makes Boishaai such a difficult side to contain.
Grey College are the standard setters in South African schoolboy rugby—so consistent and dominant that an unbeaten season is often more expected than celebrated. They rarely finish outside the top three in national rankings. In fact, the last time they did was in 2015, a year marred by injuries. But 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, and for once, there’s a realistic chance that Grey could finish fourth—or lower.
That said, it would be foolish to write them off. Grey still boast a quality squad, filled with talented individuals capable of stepping up when it matters most.
Among the many exciting subplots in this weekend’s showdown in Paarl is the battle between the two flyhalves.
For Boishaai, Francois van der Merwe has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a mediocre fullback in 2024, he’s perhaps the most in-form flyhalf in the Cape at present. His running rugby style, calm decision-making, and ability to seemingly operate in slow motion have made him a constant threat. His skillset is sharp and he is exciting to watch.
Opposite him is Grey’s Cinderella story of 2025: Darius Erwee. Just weeks ago, he was an unknown Cherries (2nd XV) player. Now, he’s a breakout star. Since earning his 1st XV shot, he’s grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Erwee is executing the run/kick/pass balance with composure well beyond his experience, and his goal-kicking has been nothing short of superb.
One of the most anticipated aspects of this weekend’s clash is the resumption of the 2024 battles between the Paarl twins, Jayden and Tristan Joubert, and Grey’s AJ Meyer and Ethan Adams.
Lock AJ Meyer recently returned from injury and wasted no time reasserting his dominance. In 2024, you might’ve stopped short at calling him the best u17 forward in the country—or you might have sensed that even bigger accolades were coming. His performances do the talking. He’s not just living up to expectations; he’s setting a new bar.
On the other side, it remains to be seen where Jayden Joubert will line up—lock or blindside—but his presence is never in question. A giant in both frame and impact, Jayden combines physicality with mobility, and he’s capable of putting in a relentless shift on either side of the ball.
His twin, Tristan, has made notable strides since last season. In 2024, he was still raw at outside centre, but he has come on leaps and bounds. Now a confident and complete player, Tristan understands his role on both attack and defence. He’s that rare breed: elegant link-man one moment, take-no-prisoners bruiser the next. Once again, he’ll go head-to-head with Ethan Adams.
In terms of profile, well-known Adams sits just behind Gim’s Markus Muller who is arguably the schoolboy player of the season, decade, or even millennium. Adams had a standout 2024. Matching those heights in 2025 is no easy task, but Adams has not disappointed. He continues to produce game-changing moments—moments that, especially in a tight game, could be all Grey needs to tip the result in their favour.
Another key contest will unfold at the breakdown. Boishaai are absolute menaces in this area, spearheaded by their tireless leader, Steph van der Merwe. Grey, however, will not stand back. Xander Smit and his forward pack are well-drilled, physical, and will be intent on disrupting Boishaai’s rhythm and continuity.
In truth, every individual battle—along with the collective contests at set pieces, breakdowns, and in open play—is expected to captivate both the crowd at Brugstraat and those watching from afar. With the sheer quality across both squads, this is a clash that promises to demand attention for the full 70 minutes.
Adding to the challenge for Grey is the setting: Boishaai will be playing at home for the first time in 2025. If the rain stays in the forecast, it only strengthens their hand. They’re used to the wet and the weight it brings. On their own turf, in familiar conditions, they become even harder to beat. It’s a tall order—and one that makes this clash all the more compelling.
| 25/05/2013 | HJS Paarl BH | 28 | 35 | w | Grey College | |
| 24/05/2014 | HJS Paarl BH | 10 | 15 | w | Grey College | |
| 02/05/2015 | HJS Paarl BH | w | 21 | 19 | Grey College | |
| 21/05/2016 | HJS Paarl BH | w | 28 | 18 | Grey College | |
| 13/05/2017 | HJS Paarl BH | w | 46 | 31 | Grey College | |
| 05/05/2018 | HJS Paarl BH | 20 | 34 | w | Grey College | |
| 11/05/2019 | HJS Paarl BH | 24 | 43 | w | Grey College | |
| 08/05/2021 | HJS Paarl BH | 3 | 37 | w | Grey College | |
| 14/05/2022 | HJS Paarl BH | 12 | 21 | w | Grey College | |
| 13/05/2023 | HJS Paarl BH | 30 | 39 | w | Grey College | |
| 11/05/2024 | HJS Paarl BH | 28 | 40 | w | Grey College |
@Vleis (Comment #72)
hahahha, 49 of them flew out last night, no?
@Vleis (Comment #72)
Yes, Virginia High may be ranked nr 1 in a couple of years 😂
@Grasshopper (Comment #71)
Hopefully, they won’t be sending their kids to “Hoerskool” Houston, or Dallas “Gim”!
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #70)
Good point on the farmers, not going anywhere….
@Grasshopper (Comment #69)
It could happen, but the Grey machine will still attract the best players, only difference could be that the parents are now staying in Western Cape instead of Noordvaal area. One of the best feeder areas are still the platteland of Freestate and North East Cape. Those farmers are unlikely to semi-grate to the Cape and will remain a feeder system for Grey.
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #68)
No question and without a doubt, Grey Bloem is the GOAT of schoolboy rugby factories in the world. It just shows 2 or 3 losses in a season and eyebrows are raised. Grey will never be written off, however with semigration to the Cape, I do think talent is certainly pooling in Stellies, Paarl, Northern Suburbs etc. Grey might be battling to attract the quality they did before due to location…..but I may be wrong. The Cape will end up having 15 of the Top 20 schools in time….
@Rainier (Comment #67)
Very much so!. I have heard those sentiments for many years now when Grey take a loss or two, only for them to go unbeaten the very next season!. The nature of schoolboy rugby is such that you might always came up against a school that will have an exceptional team for that year that just edges you. Consistant performers over decades will always have some off season here and there. Makes for interesting seasons!.
@Rainier (Comment #54)
On Beet’s list there is a season with 8 losses. The 90’s was probably the worst decade for GCB, whereas the 80’s was probably the best.
Rumors of GCB demise is premature.
Thanks Grey for magnificent weekend. Boishaai did very well and won 17 out of 26 rugby games also with 1 draw. It was a great day and very enjoyable with great friendships between the spectators. I am of course very happy with the result of the main game and thought both teams gave their all. May this tradition continues for many more years.
@Smallies (Comment #53)
Calm down to a panic, I never said Grey were soft, that was Wondermaar. Glenwood would lose by 50, but that would be a good result…
@Grizzly (Comment #56)
Grey looked tired in the second half, and looking at the second teams, the depth may also be limited. Affies may be better rested. Grey will need to dig deep.
@OomPB (Comment #62)
Ja dis special,my seun het nou nog kontak met die manne by wie hy gehost was….
@Smallies (Comment #61)
Weet PRG en Grey het dit ook. Hulle het destyds probeer om dieselfde spanne by mekaar te host. Was altyd die mooiste dat die kinders die eerste is om mekaar geluk te wens na n harde wedstryde
@OomPB (Comment #60)
Jy sal verbaas wees hoe min skole sulke tradiesies het…min skole doen die hosting ding
@Djou (Comment #57)
Dis n instelling elke naweek met al die skole. Behalwe hier in die Wynland waar almal 30 km van mekaar is. Dit is wat Paarl interskole uniek maak. Dis een Dorp met gesinne wat kinder en ouers het by die twee skole.
@Djou (Comment #57)
My seun se altyd dat as hy sy seun eendag na n ander seuns skool moet stuur as Grey sal dit Boishaai wees
@Rainier (Comment #55)
Oops …
FROM A PAARL BOYS PRIMARY MOM
“Dit is Grey naweek in die Paarl…..en soos ons, ons 2 Grey seuns vanmiddag by die busse groet, kom die busse met die Hoërskool seuns aan. 🇪🇪
Mens kan eenvoudig nie help om diep asem te haal, te glimlag en hoendervleis oor jou hele lyf uit te slaan nie….daar is net iets spesiaal rondom hierdie tradisie.
Twee skole in twee provinsies, so verskillend, maar so dieselfde. Een keer per jaar pak een van die twee skole die 15 ure na mekaar toe aan om kragte te meet.
Almal kry speelbeurt, A – E…. 7x sportsoorte en ‘n beseerde “waterboy” of 2….
Ons verwelkom mekaar, neem paar seuns aan vir 2 of 3 dae. Neem baie “proof of life” fotos.
Ons stamp en stoot ‘n bietjie, tackle, onderskep en verdrink mekaar selfs so af en toe…Ons wen en verloor.
Ons geniet klipharde sport, skree onsself hees, smeer die spiere, voer die lywe, pak 5 kosblikke ipv 3, ons vier die oorwinning en lek die wonde.
Maar vannaand na klipharde rugby, speel ons touchies… helfte Grey, helfte Bois in ‘n span, want ons bly vriende, ons is seuns met dieselfde doel voor oë. Dieselfde tradisies, waardes, talent, fiemies …. respek…
Dan eet ons saam, lag saam, bespreek die dag se games en maak ‘n paar lekker grappe. Ons beplan saam aan vlg jaar se wraak of vedediging en ‘n kuier.
Mens voel so amper hartseer as jy jou aanneem kinders groet. Seuns ruil nommers uit…ons hou kontak, elkeen al ‘n bynaam…sien julle vlg jaar. Jy kry ‘n druk en ‘n pak chocolates met ‘n erg gebuigde boksie, want Tannie, dit kom al die pad van Bloem af. Dankie Tannie vir alles!
Jy ry huistoe met vreugde, trots en vrede in jou hart.
Vannaand voel jou huis skoon stil en terwyl jy vir 2 minder plekke dek, bid jy vir jou “ander 2 kinders en jou seun se nuwe maats…”
Here bewaar hulle op die pad vannaand en tot ons mekaar weer sien.
Dit is dae soos hierdie wat mens dankbaar is vir tradisies en waardes. Vir onderwysers, ouers en kinders wat hierdie tradisie elke jaar aanpak en volhou. Dankbaarheid is hier ‘n te klein woord.
Dankie Grey. Tot vlg jaar…..sien julle in Bloem.”
Beautiful – en dit is mos hoe dit moet wees!
@Smallies (Comment #53)
Affies gaan met n moerse poging kom die naweek. Alhoewel ek my Pta span ondersteun en hulle n droe tydperk het teen Grey gaan geen trane gesort word as die uitslag anders is nie. Imo is hierdie spanne baie gelyk itm van sterkte. Affies kort kop voor en Grey agter. Ek gaan egter vir n Grey wen met 5.Hulle10, 13 en 15 is game breakers. Hulle gaan met n ongelooflike aanslag kom en eks bly eks nie op daai veld die eerste 5 min nie. Affies vs Grey by Grey op my bucket list, wens ek kan daar wees.
@Smallies (Comment #53)
Jy baklei met die verkeerde persoon.
@Grasshopper (Comment #43)
Some Grey teams in the past lost more matches. I think 5 or 6 was the worst season ever. So 3 after next week will not be great, but not the worst ever.
@Grasshopper (Comment #43)
Why dont Glenwood play them and then we can find out how soft Grey is….
@Pypkan (Comment #51)
Hulle gaan wild wees volgende jaar. Baie Jong span. Dink die ander 4 grote het meer matrieks hierdie jaar. Kyk ook uit vir die Bere volgende jaar.
@Grizzly (Comment #21)
Heeltemal. So onlangs as 2023 was hulle onstuitbaar. Laasjaar net een wedstryd verloor teen die ander grotes. GCB sal nooit net nog ‘n span wees nie. Sal nie verbaas wees as hulle volgende jaar weer oorheers nie.
Baie geluk aan Boishaai.
Dankie Grey vir n ‘greyt’ wedstryd.
Geen ernstige beserings nie.
So n ‘derby’ bly spesiaal.
Tot 2026 in Bloemfontein.
@Grasshopper (Comment #43)
They really look soft, or what do I see.
Aggenee!!!!!! Grey bloem raak nou n sokker skool. Hul o14 spannetjie het met 30 punte verloor teen Garsfontein en affies het die gars o14 spannerjie met 40 gewen. Nee bloem julle laaste bate is besig om waarde te verloor.
Only Grey could keep that score to 25-10.
@Wondermaar (Comment #44)
Stem saam …..
Geluk aan Boishaai. Interskole gaan Groot wees van jaar.
Ag mense, Grey bloem is n skool, maar bietjie af die jaar.
Genuine question, is this now the worst Grey team of all time? Grey just don’t lose more than 2 games a season, ever….
Hulle se verloor bou karakter ….ek voel Grey het nou gefokkenoeg karakter gebou.
Baie geluk Boishaai wel verdiend👍👍
@Snelvuur (Comment #37)
Venter wel graad 11, was Covid jaar as ek dit nie mis het nie, laaste wedstryd was Grey
Julle stry ooor bollie, daarbjs oorloë aan die gang😃
It is unfortunately going to be a swimming contest in Paarl today. Raining in bucket loads and strong winds expected. For me this is a disappointment in the context of the spectators and whatever game plan the respective coaches had will have to be adjusted.
@Snelvuur (Comment #36)
Weet net ek het hom in o/17 7’s toernooi sien speel vir BH by Gim…weet nie watter jaar dit was nie..Venter was n heel ander geval ja. Maar nog steeds matrikuleer by die skool.
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #35)
En, terloops, Venter het nie in graad 11 HJS toe gekom nie, maar in graad 12 as ‘n o19. Sien Beet se artikel hieroor in 2021 – soos Beet meld, hy was in 2020 Sutherland se kaptein: https://schoolboyrugby.co.za/?p=39293.
(Teensy hy natuurlik na die aanvang van die rugbyseisoen in 2020 geskuif het.)
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #35)
Wil nou nie snaaks wees nie, maar hoe het Hanekom in 2018 (toe hy 16 was) vir Boland Grant Khomo gespeel as hy toe reeds in HJS was? Hy het eers in graad 11 van Charlie Hofmeyr af gekom (hy was 2020 matriek).
Ek probeer nie aflei van enige feite nie (en ek’t geen probleem met die Bokke wat enige skool claim nie) – ek wys maar net die feite wat ek van weet uit. Ek ken nie Cabous se hele storie nie, maar jy kan hom maar aftrek by ons lys ook as jy wil.
@Snelvuur (Comment #34)
Jy probeer nou weer aflei van die feite..dit antwoord nog nie my vraag oor Cabous nie. Ons manne het darem almal matrikuleer by die skool. Net Venter het in sy Gr 11 jaar oorgekom. Die res was daar van Gr 10 af. Hele paar PR bokke hier in die vroeer jare wat ook deur Gim en Hottentots Holland geclaim word. Lyk my as jy destyds net verby PR gery het oppad Paarl of Strand toe het PR jou geclaim.
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #33)
BH moet maar oppas vir daardie argument – Ruan Venter was eers in sy o19-jaar Paarl toe van Sutherland in Gauteng af. Ons tel hom steeds by julle s’n. Nie Roos, Hanekom of Horn was al vyf jaar in BH gewees nie…
@Snelvuur (Comment #31)
Ek soek nog antwoord op Cabous…nie matrikuleer by PR nie en ook geen toetse gespeel nie..granted, daar is n paar spelers wat Bok status gekry het omdat hulle op toere was maar het niks toets caps nie…maar hoe claim PR vir Cabous as hy nie daar klaargemaak het nie?. Dis immers die maatstaf, anders kon BH vir Marcel vd Merwe claim…maar hy is matriek Grey toe en is nou n Grey Bok.
@Snelvuur (Comment #29)
OK
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #30)
Ek dink nie daar hoef enige beperking te wees nie – ek het bloot die afgelope dekade as ‘n steekproef gevat om te wys dat PRG nie net Springbokke in JVR se tyd opgelewer het nie. Wou net feite regstel 😉
@Snelvuur (Comment #29)
Ja..Goosen en Serfontein het reeds 2013 gespeel. Maar hoekom net laaste 10 jaar vat?. Mens moet seker at least spelers vat wat nou nog aktief speel. Nie noodwendig vir Bokke nie maar nog aktief speel.
@Kantman (Comment #28)
Ek’s selfs bereid om my bron te deel 😉
https://nextgenxv.com/list-of-south-african-rugby-internationals/list-of-springboks-and-their-schools/
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #26)
Wat is die lys van spelers?
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #26)
Watter 5 het Grey opgelewer in die laaste 10 jaar? Van 2015 af, het PRG Kitshoff (2016), Willemse (2018), Jantjies (2019), Edwill (2024) en BJ Dixon (2024). In dieselfde tyd het Grey vir Francois Venter (2016), JH Wessels (2024) en AH Venter (2024) opgelewer. Wie is die ander twee sedert 2015?
Baie goeie dekade vir HJS: Du Toit (2018), Moerat (2022), Roos (2022), Venter (2024), Hanekom (2024) en Horn (2024).
@Snelvuur (Comment #23)
Nogal nie..5 elk. Terwyl BH 6 opgelewer het. Stel net feite reg.
@Rainier (Comment #22)
💪🏻
Prediction
HJS Paarl 18 – 19 Grey College
@Grizzly (Comment #21)
Ag toe, PRG het darem in die laaste 10 jaar ook meer Bokke as Grey opgelewer 😉
@Trots HJS (Tandem) (Comment #19)
Ek gaan nie met ‘n idioot stry nie.
Dink Boishaai sal wen Saterdag. Maar om die rugby fabriek,loshande die beste rugby skool in wereld SBR geskiedenis na een seisoen wat hulle nog steeds top 3-5 gaan eindig, af te skryf is voortydig.Weet PRG gaan nou weer kom met meeste Bokke ens maar dit het in JVR se tyd gebeur. In die moderende era het niemand teen Grey n meer wenne as verloor rekord nie. Imo gaan Grey sterker eindig na mate seisoen vorder. Het n Jong span wat nou begin jel en gewoond raak aan die standaard wat gestel word om week in en week uit teen die top SA skool spanne te speel.BH met 12.
Ek dink dit is weer HJS se beurt om te wen. Nie een van die 2 spanne het enige motivering nodig om alles uit te haal nie. Gunsteling tags het geen impak op voorbereiding vir Saterdag.
@Rainier (Comment #18)
@JongMatie (Comment #17)
Stem saam, dis duidelik nou Affies en Paarl Gim.
Die dae wat Grey die barometer is van SBR is verby.
@Snelvuur (Comment #13)
Nee wat, geen verskoning of skande as daar teen ‘n gewonde Grey span verloor word nie…
Die Paarl teen Stellenbosch en Bloemfontein die naweek.
Groot wedstryde vir een naweek, bepalend vir hoe die seisoen kan uitspeel totdat die Paarl mekaar aanvat in Augustus.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #12)
Maybe that is a bit drastic. But I will be very surprised if Grey wins this one. They play undisciplined rugby and I think they might battle at the breakdowns.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #11)
Asseblief kan Affies nie nou al met die verskonings begin nie 😉
@Rainier (Comment #7)
No chance?? So are u saying like 0% ….??
@Bert (Comment #10)
Baie waar! Die probleem vir Affies is dat indien HJS vir Grey stamp gaan Grey WEER kwaad wees en dit op Affies uithaal.
Boishaai moet groot asb Grey sagmaak vir die Affies game volgende week! Affies wil graag vir ‘n slag weer wen in Bloem.
Sal more n update op ons beserings gee
Groter game op AF Markotter, rede hoekom dit ook voorkeur geniet op SS 211 en nie 216 nie.
Stellenbosch is die plek om te wees Saterdag.
Meer pawiljoen spasie, asook meer spasie onderdak vir die eende weer wat oppad is.
Grey swakpunte – dalk te lig voor.
Boishaai swakpunte – agterlyn is gemiddeld. (is dit wettig om subtiel n ‘bomb squad’ op skool te gebruik?)
Voorspelling – DRAW
I give Grey no chance of winning this one. HJS clear favorites.
This is building up nicely with all the great posts! What a game to look forward to. HJS by one.
Skoolseun rugby, soos die wedstryd,,minste dom foute wen die wedstryd, want op die vlak rugby, gebeur dit ontrent in elke weddstryd 1,2 of 3 keer.
This is going to be an absorbing, engaging, fierce fierce contest. A baptism of Fire!!
Thx Beet for the preview and insight.
Explosive mid-field contest coming…a Fierce breakdown battle, …tactical kicking duels, the ongoing game management challenge and of course, who can cope with the intense pressure of this relentless, AA grade, non-stop volcanic high-stakes, high-tempo test match rugger.
I have to really contemplate long and hard + phone my contacts in Bloem and Paarl before I venture a prediction for this…
@beet (Comment #2)
I agree with you that Grey is indeed the slight underdogs…and Boishaai should embrace the favourite tag and why not! The Boks are favourites in every game they play these days and they use the favourite tag to their advantage.
@Trots HJS (Tandem) (Comment #1)
Opportunities to beat Grey do not come around often and this big occasion on Saturday will be one of them. Certainly it is the best opportunity that has presented itself to Boishaai in a while.
Just by watching Leinster in the EPCR Cup playoffs over the last few years is acknowledgement that anything can and will happen on the day but it does not mean Leinster were not the favourites heading into a number of those matches.
My feeling is based on form, Grey are going along very well but Boishaai are in amazing form. For this match to go against that form either they have to drop off a bit or Grey has to lift their own game a bit.
Different story if this same game was in Bloem this year.
Dear Beet. Thank you for the well written post. There is no way however that Grey will be the “ under dog “ that is not the case. Just in terms of the last 3 years results we need to rather see Grey arriving as the “ title holders”. I really do not believe in the underdog thing anymore. Any of the top teams can win or loose a game on any given day. Some years some schools just have exceptional teams but I cannot see that any school will dominate year after year anymore. Boishaai will of course work hard to perform consistently well but so will Grey , PRG , Gim , Affies etc. Schoolboy rugby is just so exciting and it is such a pleasure to watch.
I hope that it will be a memorable occasion on Saturday!