Both Northwood and Westville will be making the trip up the N3 to Johannesburg this weekend, where they’ll face tough opposition in Jeppe and KES respectively.
There were high expectations for Westville before the season began, despite the uncertainty surrounding their brand new head coach, Zander Erasmus. However, Erasmus has been exceptional, and under his guidance, the Griffins have been nothing short of outstanding — they remain unbeaten to date. Their forward pack is solid, and their backline has shown the ability to make a real impact. There’s talent spread across the field, but the standout is undoubtedly Zek Siyaya. Siyaya is the poster boy for the team: supremely gifted and boasting every attribute a top-tier backline player could ask for — quick hands, blistering pace, sharp vision, and a powerful boot. You name it, he’s got it.
Arguably the biggest turnaround story in KwaZulu-Natal this season has been that of hooker Ross Calvert, whose brother Bryce plays for the senior Sharks team. Ross, a seasoned 1st XV player, spent two seasons battling with his lineout work — even losing the job to his flank and captain, Chris Cloete, in 2024. But in 2025, he’s a different player entirely — now considered one of the most accurate hookers in the province. His rise is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and determination to become a valued asset to the team.
With Craven Week trials on the horizon, a number of Ville players — including the talented Liam Simpkins and fellow back Jadrian Afrikaner as well as Bandile Mncwango (prop)
Brandon Eke (flank), lock/loosie options Lwandile Mlaba and Wandile Simelane — will be eager to bolster their reputations as dependable and impactful players.
The one major frustration for Westville this season has been their fixture list. It has now been cut to just 13 matches following two unavoidable cancellations. Even more concerning, especially in light of Wildeklawer, is how unambitious the schedule looks for a team of Westville’s calibre. While main KZN rivals DHS and Northwood spent last weekend facing off against the country’s top-ranked side, Westville won’t come close to facing opposition of that standard.
That makes this weekend’s match against KES on Reds Field more than just a traditional inter-schools clash — it’s a vital fixture for Westville’s credibility. KES haven’t enjoyed a standout season themselves, but they still have enough firepower to pose a serious threat over the full 70 minutes.
Under the guidance of young head coach Marco Engelbrecht, KES are showing no signs of shying away from big encounters. Engelbrecht firmly believes that the only way to improve is by testing yourselves against the best — a refreshing and commendable approach. While questions have been raised about Westville’s lack of ambition in their fixture list, KES have shown no such hesitation. The Red Army faithful can be proud of their team’s willingness to step up and embrace the challenge.
Engelbrecht is an astute thinker with a sharp rugby mind, and there’s no doubt that he has a bright coaching future ahead of him.
As for this weekend’s clash, expect a high-tempo contest – “a running spectacle”. But KES will have one major weapon in their corner: their home supporters. The Reds faithful are among the best in the country when it comes to lifting their team’s energy levels. If there’s ever a fixture where home ground advantage can make the difference, it’s this one.
| 04 May 2013 | KES | 16 | 22 | Westville | |
| 24 May 2014 | Westville | 34 | 23 | KES | |
| 27 Apr 2015 | KES | 18 | 11 | Westville | Jeppe 125th |
| 23 May 2015 | KES | 12 | 17 | Westville | |
| 29 Mar 2018 | KES | 28 | 20 | Westville | KES Festival |
| 22 Apr 2019 | KES | X | X | Westville | KES Festival |
| 20 May 2023 | KES | 33 | 14 | Westville | |
| 18 May 2024 | Westville | 36 | 36 | KES |
Northwood has emerged as one of South Africa’s overachieving 1st XV teams this season. Much of their success can be credited to the exceptional leadership of head coach Jacques Deen, complemented by the sharp rugby intellect of Jeremy McLaren. McLaren needs no introduction in schoolboy rugby circles and is poised to elevate his coaching profile even further when his Varsity College side enters the Varsity Cup — another milestone in a career marked by success at every level.
Their task this weekend, however, could prove even more challenging than Westville’s. Jeppe are good!
Northwood’s forward pack has been immense throughout the season, consistently laying a solid platform up front. Among their standout contributors is the highly-rated lock pairing of Lian Terblanche and Chad Howe, both of whom get through a mountain of work on both sides of the ball. The rising star in their ranks is undoubtedly No. 8 Jamie Wimble. Still only in Grade 11, Wimble has been a revelation — a powerful ball-runner with real pace, currently regarded as one of the best in the country in his position.
Before the ball even gets to the line, Northwood has the benefit of a crafty attacking general in scrumhalf Gavin Mun-Gavin, whose vision and keenest to exploit half-gaps keeps defences guessing and he is good at getting his teammates onto the frontfoot. Out wide, they’ve shown enough quality to capitalise when opportunities arise.
Last season, Jeppe head coach Drickus Venter was arguably the breakout 1st XV coach of the year. His team was outstanding, even managing to pull off a famous win against Grey College in a titanic clash. While they weren’t able to repeat that feat in 2025, Jeppe haven’t lost their trademark identity. They remain one of the most entertaining and dynamic sides in South African schoolboy rugby.
The absence of their injured powerhouse prop, André Poulton, has certainly been felt — his ball-carrying ability and physical presence are difficult to replace. Yet, Jeppe’s pack continues to embody grit and intensity, thriving in the collisions and refusing to back down.
Their backline, though, is where they truly shine. Flyhalf Nehemia Hollenbach is a standout talent, dictating play with poise and creativity. The centre pairing of Phano Letsie and Lindelani Nkambule faced the daunting task of filling the boots of their highly regarded predecessors from the 2023 and 2024 seasons. However, they’ve risen to the challenge with style. The duo brings flair, intelligence, and relentless energy — attacking defences with hard-to-read angles and clear intent.
| 13 Apr 2013 | Jeppe | 33 | 24 | Northwood | |
| 26 Apr 2014 | Northwood | 31 | 17 | Jeppe | |
| 18 Apr 2015 | Jeppe | 29 | 22 | Northwood | |
| 23 Apr 2016 | Northwood | 14 | 46 | Jeppe | |
| 22 Apr 2017 | Jeppe | 41 | 14 | Northwood | |
| 21 May 2022 | Northwood | 8 | 9 | Jeppe | |
| 20 May 2023 | Jeppe | 50 | 17 | Northwood | |
| 11 May 2024 | Northwood | 8 | 40 | Jeppe |
@wanza_15 (Comment #39)
KES are not considering it at all!! Let me make that blatantly clear! It is my opinion and my opinion alone!!
@brentsw3 (Comment #31)
I would be BEYOND shocked if KES are even considering something like a forfeit. For me it is better to lose badly than to not show up at all. The result will soon be forgotten and the good times will be back. The implications of quitting may stick longer, and the streets won’t forget it, the banter in the bus and train rides, grocery stores, Saturday nights out – for me this is worse than Gim at Wildeklawer.
I think a good point is made about how St Benedicts (70+) and Parktown (0-80) took to the field last year against KES who they no business being matched up against.. That was merely last year, Parktown look a completely different outfit now. These things aren’t as damaging as what you guys make them out to be – these kids are tough. In fact, in some ways it is more damaging to the (albeit makeshift) team that was going to attempt to do the business to pull out of the game. Absolutely no chance that KES duck.
I guess just another question from a personal capacity, why so many injuries? Has there been a change in the strength & conditioning ranks? This is an absurd amount of injuries
@star (Comment #37)
Thats such a key point, so true. Its not just the matric group, its how strong the Grade 11 group is as well. Thats why if you see a strong first team and a great u16A team, you know you have a good team coming the year after. It doesnt guarantee success, but it means you have a quality team in almost all positions, and a strong 2nd team as well, often times with boys who played KZN u16A even having to wait their turn. Thats where you want to be. Speaking of that, Kearsney seem to have a strong u16A team. That will go a long way to help their chances next year.
Also so tru abaout the forwards. Westville have always had bg forwards. Year on year, they seem to have some massive units up front, and you need that for the backs to shine. DHS have shown that, as have Northwood in the last 2 years. Hilton had the same in their unbeaten teams a few years back. Tha pack is so key to success.
@Skywalker (Comment #35)
I think they would have been a solid top 20 side. I think the important issue is how the 2 grades complement one another that creates a successful team. You are right in that the Westville teams in the past have flattered to deceive. This team seems more resolute in its approach and for all the talk of the incredible backs the tight five has also put its hand up and at the Kearsney festival won numerous scrum penalties. Against NW they also showed dominance and the lineout has been more than competitive( thanks in so small part to the accuracy of the hooker’s throw ins. ) This balance is helping with the improved consistency. The DHS match up on Bowdens(one of only 3 home games) should be epic.
@brentsw3 (Comment #30)
4 concussions…shew that feels like a lot to see in one team. You sometimes hear of maybe 1 in a season if that. Or am I wrong? Is it becoming more prevalent? Hope they are OK. So dangerous for these kids.
@star (Comment #15)
I haven’t followed this team through the age groups. Were they always quite a standout year?
Westville I feel have had some superb players year on year and great age group strength, but the 1st team has often blown a tad hot and cold throughout a season, yet this year seem pretty dominant. Can DHS halt them even? Should be a great match up.
@Griffin (Comment #17)
Whether it should have been a red card or not, the decision stands. In real-time it did look like a punch. Having the benefit of video replay, I’m not so sure. But what is more embarrassing is the conduct of the coach. By creating a scene, did he think that the ref would change his mind? And to make matters worse he then confronted the ref at the end of the game too. That was unnecessary after such a brilliant display by Westville. And the player was replaced after 15 or 20 minutes – I’m not sure but certainly didn’t play the match with 14 players. But wow – those Westville backs were scintillating. Well done to them.
@brentsw3 (Comment #31)
Geez cry me a river you calling for your game against @brentsw3 (Comment #31)
Hectic yet you guys have played strength against strengh against Saint Bennedicts including last year when you guys had 3 SA schools players and were a top 20 team not that rankings matter….. mate take your hiddings like a man and do not cherry pick your fixtures
HI MY IS NKATEKO AND I HATE KES SUE ME
Call it trolling if you may.But this is me just poking some hubris out of the rose tinted perspective or superioty complex the majority of people who went to your school suffer from….. All I have ever said is just know the feeling is mutual
I can see us forfeiting the Affies fixture this season, 1sts and maybe 2nd’s and quite possibly the entire open age group. Menlopark controversially did it in 2023 and 2024 and at the time I was on the bandwagon of pundits criticizing their decision. It had deep ramifications with Affies cancelling the fixture indefinitely. I’m now a pundit/fan/supporter in year 2025 secretly preying that KES do the same (open age group only). It is not about being a fair-weather opponent. It is not about being cowardly. It is not about disappointing fans and supporters from both institutions. It is not about wimping out on a challenge. It is not about setting a bad precedent. IT IS ABOUT the welfare and safety of the kids involved!! Rugby is a uniquely physical and brutal sport, which makes it an intrinsically dangerous sport. Time to put our egos aside and do what is best for the boys on course for a significant mismatch creating what could potentially be a life-threatening situation!! And IT IS POTENTIALLY A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION!!
Perhaps, ultimately the decision resides with the boys themselves. Should it? Does it? The boys will be keen. Do they need protecting from themselves?
THOUGHTS?
@Roger (Comment #27)
16A 2023/2024 were sound. 2023 Lost only to Affies 12-41. Other than that went unbeaten including back to back against Jeppe and PBHS…
2024 lost to Noordheuwel 5-13, Affies 17-39, Maritzburg College 12-17, won the rest including back to back against Jeppe and PBHS.
Injured players:
Nathan van der Merwe, prop (2024 Lions U17 Academy) – 8 weeks knee, recently returned to play
Luyanda Mbadamana, wing (2024 U16 Lions Grant Khomo) – season ending shoulder injury
Mafu, flank – concussion, returned to play against Westivlle, injured against Jeppe
Jarrel Mbuyi, wing (2024 Lions U18 Academy) – ankle injury against Jeppe
Camryn Tabor, lock/flank 2nd team/bench 1sts – concussed against Jeppe, recently returned to play
Michael Bownes, lock/flank (2024 Lions U17 Academy) – concussion against Parktown I think
Junior Shivuri, centre/wing (2024 Lions U17 Academy) – concussion against Parktown
Dylan Budler, prop, 1sts covering for Nathan, back to 2nds – not sure when or what his injury is
Daniel Rundle, 2nd team centre – knee/leg injury against Parktown I think, stand under correction
Sam Smith, centre – shoulder/collar bone, not sure when
Tristan Randall, hooker – not sure what or when
Regan McGurk, scrumhalf (2024 Lions U18 craven week), bruised sternum, been playing through it for a while now.
Those are more or less the injuries I know of, I’ve quite likely missed 2 or 3 more.. It’s been hard to keep up.
I’m gutted for these boys to be honest. The cold, hard, calculated stats won’t provide much needed context. One expects injuries. That is rugby, but this season has been beyond acceptable parameters. Added to that this is probably the toughest fixture list the school has ever arranged, including fixtures against Paarl Gim (1), Affies (3), Northwood (9), DHS (10), Westville (11), Noordheuwel (12), Rondebosch (14), Helpmekaar (16), SACS (18)…
@brentsw3 (Comment #26)
@brentsw3 (Comment #26)
Correction, Dylan Budler, not Daniel..
@Vleis (Comment #25)
best not to give these trolls airtime Vleisie – Ringo is another one you can ignore!
@brentsw3 (Comment #26)
How many players across the 1st and 2nd team squad are out injured? Sounds like a casualty ward on a Saturday night in Boksburg (with apologies to any Boksburg residents reading this)! I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of such an injury affected season for KES?
If I remember correctly these guys were pretty useful at U16A level (not brilliant but more than capable of holding their own) and the 2nd team last year were one of the better teams at the school – really unfortunate for Marco and the players.
It doesn’t get any easier though – Affies, Helpmekaar and Noorheuwel still to come! Hopefully in the third term he will have a full squad to choose from.
@beet (Comment #9)
Yes, that is accurate.
You can add Daniel Budler to the list. He was the prop selected to cover Nathan van der Merwe who was out for 8 weeks before the season had even started. Tighthead prop.
Also Junior Shivuri at 12, concussed against Parktown and he was brought in as cover for the injured Sam Smith.
It’s been a helluva season for the 1sts/2nds.
Injuries to 1st team players effect 1sts right down to 8ths as everyone is moving up a team to cover the injured player.
Against Jeppe, 2nd game of the season, Mafu at flank got concussed and was replaced by Camryn Tabor who then also got concussed.
Daniel Rundle the 2nd team centre has been off with a knee injury since around the 4th game of the season. So the stocks are seriously depleted.
Marco and co have not had the luxury of selecting their first choice side once this season.
It’s a very unfortunate predicament they find themselves in. A number of boys have had to make the step up and to their credit, they’ve done so with a degree of bravery and competency which is to be commended.
There lads running out against Westville who would have expected a casual season of 3rd and 2nd team rugby.
Regarding the red card, the Westville 4 had just smashed the KES 4 forcing a knock on. It was a good hit. He then sought to rub salt in the wound with a half attempted shove with a clinched fist. Straight to the face of the KES 4. It was totally unnecessary and importantly against the laws of the game. Red was justified. He was subbed after 20 minutes.
Anyway, Westville were magnificent on the day. Their backline is stacked with serious ballers. They were a pleasure to watch, albeit painful to watch, as they repeatedly cut our defense to ribbons. Siyaya is every bit as good as people say he is.
@Griffin (Comment #23)
The refs at opposition schools are cheats; your own school’s brains trust don’t know what they’re doing and select ineligible players, etc, etc. Do you shout at the screen in movie theatres?
@TJ (Comment #21)
Agreed, the amount of money getting pumped in is insane!! But as you say playing a softer fixture list helps with the win %, ask House and Hilton ;-)
@TJ (Comment #21)
Let’s hope so. Not sure what the brains trust think at Westville regarding festival participation.
As for xxx, he should not be allowed at Westville, let alone in the fist team. Strange decisions being made.
@Ringo (Comment #20)
Ah, makes sense then. Very obvious that he tried to favour the home side – happens far to often in my opinion and seems to go unchecked in the whole schoolboy scene. Being a ref must be the worst job in the world, but as you say – be fair on both sides and don’t favour one team.
Does this mean that Westville will finally put their heads above the parapet and take on either Wildeklawer
or Noord/Suid and 3rd term rugby? For all that they spend on their rugby programme, they are doing their players a disservice by not taking on the best in SA. It would be great viewing to seeing Siyaya and Koopman taking on Grey or Gim at a Wildeklawer but alas they would rather play at a lesser festival inorder to fluff their win percentages.
@Griffin (Comment #19)
Oh he is union alright but just happens to work at a certain school and gets appointed to all their games if you get my drift ….. hint hint wink wink ….. its not necessarily a bad thing being a union ref for school boy and club rugby is a thankless job for two years between 2016 to 2017 I had never been sworn at that much in my life…. My motto when I was refereeing was if you going to be bad be bad in both directions in all honesty it is a really tough job….. but the particular individual who also hails from Natal PMB if I recall…. Is as straight as a boomerang when it comes to that school unfortunately
@Ringo (Comment #18)
The assistant ref was the same guy who blew the 2nd team game. Some very questionable calls there as well. In KZN we have Union refs for 2nd team games, so assumed Jhb schools do the same which means he is not a staff member at KES, but I could be wrong as I’m not sure Jhb use Union refs for 2nd team games.
@Griffin (Comment #17)
With Westville 24 nil up 16 minutes into a game on reunion day ….. I too if I was an employee of the school would intervene….. humour me and check were the touchjudge/assistant referee works….maybe a yellow or talking to but straight red ….. but we have a Kes blogger who is good at cutting clips and sharing them on here …. I keenly await the latest from that amazing youtuber 🫣🤫
Good win for Westville with only 14 boys. Disapointing that we leaked 31. The ref however,and especially the linesman were a joke, and I think will be very embarrassed when they watch the footage. That was never a read card – completely unnecessary, and cost the coach a red card too. Dismal, and ruined a good game.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #14)
Sounds like the game of the day ….. thought I would crawl out of my hole and join you but alas life, mother’s day brunch and the Municiplality conspired to say I must adult today….. on the first team field I must say watching Northwood beat themselve was something on the weird and frustrating SSschools app that seems to skip moments in the game ….. Glad the only 10 year drought broken today was by my beloved Khosi nation …. Today I am more about the Khosi for life happiness and seeing that joy can only say eish I am sure it will come for the knights soon
I was wrong. Westville came to play. And the exceptional talent that I mentioned sparkled. It must be understood that the 7 seven games where Westville have been victorious ( the only school in the country) have been away from fortress Bowdens and have included 2 away reunion days which are difficult in themselves. Well done boys. The OBs are watching and are extremely proud.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #13)
Jeppe u15D a decent team.
Good tough nuggety front row, neat lineouts, loosies hardworking. The halfbacks got the ball moving, centres passed efficiently, tackled hard and wings and FB were quick and alert. The two coaches were engaged and gave players a lot of feedback. Scored 40+….Northwood for their part scored 3 tries…the flank with the scrum cap impressive…could be B team or higher soon.
…going to watch U15 D Jeppe v Northwood… The real pulse of youth rugby?
STAR
Boys are on their way. KES – look after our boys, they enjoy the trip to you and no doubt you’ll give them good memories and continue to build on the great friendships. The rugby will to tight. May the best team win.
@beet (Comment #9)
Ask the Garsies lot, injuries make no difference 😉
@Roger (Comment #4)
I heard that KES have a number of injuries. I’m not sure they can recover from the setback if all the guys mentioned don’t start.
1 Tristan Randall
2 Michael Bownes
3 Nkosendle Mafu
4 Reegan McGurk
5 Luyanda Mbandama
6 Sam Smith
7 Jarrel Mbuyi
@Ringo (Comment #5)
Yeah sorry. All sorted now. Would have liked to take my own little bit of credit for an attempt to derail the Gauteng crowd in the hopes that translates to KZN success but it was just a mistake.
@Ringo (Comment #5)
Yes, last win was in 2014 if I recall. We let one slip in 2023, losing 9:8 in the rain at home. Last year your team was just a cut above. Beating Grey was incredible. NW had a great season but got blown away a bit that game, despite missing Vuyo. Should be a good clash on Sat. Just worried our travel fatigue may kick in. Too many bus trips in my opinion. Like you, our schedule has been quite hectic, but hope it is a good clash.
@Roger (Comment #4)
All the best for the weekend. Westville will be a great opponent. Hope its an exciting game!
@beet (Comment #3)
I was a bit confused when I saw the results past head to head table earlier this morning…. cause I had thought I remembered that Jeppe had not lost to Northwood since 2014 ….. I know last year Northwood were good and that we got lucky as their Headboy and SA schools player was not available when we played them but in my baised opinion one player is still not worth 40 points at home ….. for us this year Andre Poulton in all honesty has been sorely missed and then when we thought we found a new star in the flanker Kuhle he gets injured..been a really tough season with an impossible fixture list… but with that said Northwood for one or another reason tend to struggle on Collard …Come on Jeppe Boys!!!!!!! .. even back in my day Northwood were the easier fixture of the DHS/Northwood double header weekend ….. with that said I am nervous for this weekend. I think they are due one against us….. Just hope it does not happen…. Come on Jeppe Boys!!!!
KES WESTVILLE
Anyone got news on KES injury situation – I heard 6 first choice players were out vs Parktown two weeks ago!
@Skywalker (Comment #1)
Thank you
The tables were the wrong way around. I will fix them tonight as well as the Northwood result vs Drostdy from AWK.
In terms of Westville, as i mentioned elsewhere, i am really keen to see how they go over the next 4 games. They had a good win against Hilton in game 1, but otherwise the festivals have not really tested them. They only just won a tight game against Northwood 16:14 (with a piece of individual Siyaya magic the difference giving them the lead in the 2nd half), so I think a team with a big forward pack who will challenge them could cause them to slip up.
Great write ups. Both should be meaty matches.
The NW, Jeppe results are not all correct in the table though, just mentioning. Some seem mixed around.
I know NW beat Jeppe 31:14 in 2014. The result in 2016 should be reversed and 2022.