At long last, the most eagerly anticipated match of the KZN local interschools season has arrived.
Westville will host Durban High School on Bowden’s Field in their first home game of the season and quite possibly the biggest game of the province’s domestic league season. The winners are likely to be crowned as KZN champions for 2025.
From the start, both DHS and Westville were tipped for big things in 2025 — and neither has disappointed.
Under the guidance of new head coach Zander Erasmus, Westville are unbeaten. It’s been a superb effort, especially considering the pressure to perform, the quality of opposition, and the inconsistency that has often haunted Ville rugby in the past. That said, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing — two interschools fixtures were cancelled along the way, through no fault of their own.
DHS, by contrast, have been the model of consistency over the past two seasons. They’re a patient, disciplined team, who stick to the plan better than most — with excellent structures and on-field chemistry. Their only loss this year came against Paarl Gim, the current number-one ranked 1st XV in the country.
This matchup promises intriguing battles across the field, both in the team strategies and in the 1v1 contests. Up front, Westville’s 800kg pack pride themselves on never backing down. They’ve got serious size — players who take some stopping — though it feels like they still haven’t quite unleashed their full potential as dominators. Their lineout, however, is the best it’s been in years and has become a real weapon.
DHS, on the other hand, hunts as a unit. Some of the biggest Dragonflies you’ll ever see — and there’s every chance they’ll outweigh Ville’s pack. Their forwards often go unnoticed, but their work always shows on the scoreboard. Depth is another strength, and with the 12-substitute rule in play, they’re well-positioned to make that count.
As for individual talent, one name that stands out is Jordan van Wyk, the DHS flyback slash fullhalf — or maybe just call him a flexback. He’s caught the eye this season with his booming punts, which DHS are using effectively to control territory.
At the back, Westville will look to Zekhethelo Siyaya, a genuine u18 superstar and one of the most exciting players in the country. DHS can’t afford to give him space — with his speed and rugby IQ, he only needs a small opening to turn a game.
In the midfield, Westville’s Sean McGough is a big presence at inside centre — standing 1.88m tall and weighing over 90kg. He’ll need to bring every ounce of that size to stop his direct opponent, “Iron Mike” Zingce Simka. At 104kg, Simka has been delivering knockout punches in midfield all season. He’s direct, destructive, and one of the most reliable players in schoolboy rugby this year and possibly the KZN player of the year.
On the wings, both sides have real firepower. DHS’s Zenkosi Mthiyane is strong, determined, and has a solid left boot. Westville’s Avu Lisa is a jetshoes sensation who loves nothing more than finishing behind the opposition tryline.
DHS come into this one off a subdued yet comfortable 47–20 win over Kearsney. There’s no doubt they’re capable of playing with greater intensity. Westville, meanwhile, were given a bit of a wake-up call by Maritzburg College — in a game that started according to plan but ended up being settled by a long-range Siyaya penalty to clinch a come from behind 22-21 victory.
The cup-half-full view for both camps after those performances: any hints of complacency have likely been dealt with — just in time for the biggest clash of the season.
Recent head-to-head
| DATE | VENUE | ||||
| 27 Apr 2013 | Westville | 42 | 03 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
| 12 Apr 2014 | Westville | 33 | 09 | Durban HS | Westville |
| 06 Jun 2015 | Westville | 20 | 12 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
| 16 Apr 2016 | Westville | 24 | 25 | Durban HS | Westville |
| 03 Jun 2017 | Westville | 25 | 24 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
| 12 May 2018 | Westville | 10 | 60 | Durban HS | Westville |
| 02 Jun 2018 | Westville | 14 | 24 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
| 06 Apr 2019 | Westville | 26 | 27 | Durban HS | Westville |
| 14 Mar 2020 | Westville | 52 | 07 | Durban HS | Westville |
| 28 May 2022 | Westville | 23 | 33 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
| 15 Apr 2023 | Westville | 20 | 24 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
| 20 May 2023 | Westville | 19 | 43 | Durban HS | Westville |
| 06 Apr 2024 | Westville | 09 | 19 | Durban HS | Durban HS |
KZN Table (using the SS4 bonus-point system)
| # | SCHOOL | REG | AVG | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TTL | AVG | LOCAL MATCHES | |||||||
| 1 | Durban HS | KZN | 5.50 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 121 | 74 | 47 | 22.0 | 5.50 | KEA | NW | MHS | MC | ||||
| 42-20 | 22-19 | 28-22 | 29-13 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Westville | KZN | 5.00 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 61 | 50 | 11 | 15.0 | 5.00 | MC | NW | HIL | |||||
| 22-21 | 16-14 | 23-15 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Hilton | KZN | 4.80 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 222 | 82 | 140 | 24.0 | 4.80 | GLE | MHS | STC | KEA | WVL | |||
| 55-15 | 25-20 | 74-14 | 53-10 | 15-23 | ||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Northwood | KZN | 3.80 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 115 | 101 | 14 | 19.0 | 3.80 | MHS | DHS | WVL | MC | MHS | |||
| 43-29 | 19-22 | 14-16 | 24-21 | 15-13 | ||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Maritzburg College | KZN | 2.80 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 118 | 116 | 2 | 14.0 | 2.80 | WVL | STC | GLE | NW | DHS | |||
| 21-22 | 26-16 | 37-25 | 21-24 | 13-29 | ||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Michaelhouse | KZN | 2.60 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 134 | 128 | 6 | 13.0 | 2.60 | NW | KEA | HIL | DHS | NW | |||
| 29-43 | 50-17 | 20-25 | 22-28 | 13-15 | ||||||||||||||||
| 7 | Glenwood | KZN | 2.25 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 109 | 124 | -15 | 9.0 | 2.25 | HIL | KEA | MC | STC | ||||
| 15-55 | 31-32 | 25-37 | 38-00 | |||||||||||||||||
| 8 | Kearsney | KZN | 2.20 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 129 | 176 | -47 | 11.0 | 2.20 | DHS | MHS | GLE | HIL | CC | |||
| 20-42 | 17-50 | 32-31 | 10-53 | 50-00 | ||||||||||||||||
| 9 | St Charles | KZN | 1.75 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 77 | 152 | -75 | 7.0 | 1.75 | CC | MC | HIL | GLE | ||||
| 47-14 | 16-26 | 14-74 | 00-38 | |||||||||||||||||
@TJ (Comment #102)
Goverment will NEVER tell me where I send my kids to school,neither will saru…never… a sporting body has no say about the education of my children
As this is pertinent to the “state of origin” of several of the players on the field yesterday. Below is the link to the latest Rugby365 article with an interesting question, should SA Rugby follow the NZ model and prevent players from crossing provincial boundaries to play for school’s outside their provinces.
https://rugby365.com/schools/top-20/schools-rankings-a-call-to-level-the-playing-field/
@Bush (Comment #94)
Yes apart from skills and pace, he is a very smart rugby player
@warriors7 (Comment #79)
The AR you refer to was not from Westville – I think he is a new union appointment but does not have his kit yet. Why the ref ignored his flag up is a mystery.
@Jakkals (Comment #98)
They all lost. 2nds drew 13-13. So 1st and 2nds still unbeaten. So were the 3rds until this DHS game.
Anyone know how the age group A-teams went on the day?
@Smallies (Comment #95)
Whahahagahahaha Hoppers got the recipe
@beet (Comment #92)
Waxies must be pumping tonight
@Bush (Comment #93)
How do you make droewors from bangers…
@beet (Comment #92)
Siyaya is incredible, the commentators during the KERF were making a big fuss about him. One thinks they punting him but when you actually see him play live. You understand how brilliant he is and they were correct.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #90)
@Smallies (Comment #91)
Kaya is wrong, it’s the Corner of Tara and Hollesley Road. You could find a Hopper dressed in Drag with English made Droewors
This game was epic.
Westville was jam packed.
I wonder if their OB day can top it
The match feeling was a bit like a game against Glenwood on Bowdens in 2010. That one was also a sort of cup final feel to it but a lot more defensively orientated. I think Glenwood won 9-6. It was low scoring.
Today was tries galore with a few of them coming from bad errors.
Siyaya was brilliant again but picked up an injury.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #90)
Thats the one ….
@Smallies (Comment #89)
Point road.
…
Don’t even ask…
@Bush (Comment #88)
What is that street where all the ladys of the night used to stand ?
I was working for Toyota and attended a cource at the factory, we were told in no uncertain terms what whould happen if we went there,this was 1992
@Grasshopper (Comment #87)
Nothing wrong with the Bluff. Spent quite a bit of time there on Bluff Street good army buddy of mine lived there. Glad your dad found happiness and you got an upgrade. Can see that set you up well for your move to Immigration Island👍👍👍👍👍
@Bush (Comment #80)
Bluff born & bred, proud of it. Lived in Wentworth near the hospital. My dad married again after my mom passed & she lived in Westville, Village Green next to Westville Boys High, behind the hotel & Waxies. I moved their aged 15…
Any way we off topic, WSBH vs DHS going to massive
@Smallies (Comment #66)
U21🤣🤣🤣🤣oke was on Pension
@Kaya 85 (Comment #73)
I’ve never been a fan of Pinhead but he’s a go getter.
@Jakkals (Comment #76)
When Hopper explains this, it was quite ironic as WBHS a few overage men themselves, which only came to light when Thom was busted
@Grasshopper (Comment #68)
No imports from other countries and provinces? Just from the North Coast
@Grasshopper (Comment #74)
Leadership Hopper, Pinhead is a great leader and wants results and gets those result. I was a the MHS vs DHS when he took over as head. After the game walking out he was just in front of me, a DHS student had a surf tog bag not a school bag. He kindly to told the boy that that bag was not acceptable. Which goes to show he’s a no nonsense man and wants a system to work. Well done to him and his team for what they have done for the school. Forget his open cheque book Bla bla bla. To lead a Government school today is a challenge.
@Grasshopper (Comment #50)
You said you lived on Bluff🤣🤣🤣🤣now I’m not scared of you at all, when you said Bluff I kukked in my jean pant
No union assistant refs at a game of this magnitude is mind boggling. The Westville AR had his flag up and the ref ignored it leading to DHS first 3 points. Ref also decided that he’s not call high tackles today.. they’ve been at least for each team so far terrible for player safety.
@Grasshopper (Comment #50)
What’s the story with Marne gate?@Grasshopper (Comment #77)
Thank you
@Jakkals (Comment #76)
https://saschoolsports.co.za/glenwood-v-westville-who-is-the-victim/
@Grasshopper (Comment #50)
What’s the story with Marne gate?
@Grasshopper (Comment #74)
Jealousy realy makes you nasty ….
@Kaya 85 (Comment #73)
If you knew the Head personally, like I do, you will know it’s not leadership, it’s ego. If some benefit from it, all good.
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #72)
Thx for that info…
What I’m hearing is bold entrepreneurial leadership at DHS over a number of years now to offer so many viable educational options. For that let’s give credit where it is due… There is a variation of this kind of forward thinking at Varsity College and their elite pathway rugby program there too.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #45)
Yes there is the Cambridge International but they also have Nonpareil Academy, Brave Generation Academy and Academic Support Centre…a quick glance on the DHS website will give you a rundown on them but they seem to be an extention of the NCS or Cambridge depending on the students. They also offer an electives programme which I believe takes advantage of some of the courses or programs taught at NewBridge which is a tertiary institution that has a campus on the DHS premises amongst other external electives.
@Smallies (Comment #66)
He was under25, get it right ;-)
@Grizzly (Comment #67)
Pot kettle from Garsies, Garsiesbosch!
@Smallies (Comment #66)
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤐
@Skywalker (Comment #63)
Well, best of luck. I always enjoyed the fixtures vs Northwood, usually very competitive. Northwood now benefit from the North Coast intake of wealthier families…
@Grasshopper (Comment #59)
80!If you give me 6 bus for recruitment at first team level at GW I will smash everyone in Natal and EP, 80% GP and halve the Cape. Facts.
@Grasshopper (Comment #62)
At least they don’t have any u21 players🤣🤣🤣
@Smallies (Comment #60)
Can’t comment on his case, don’t know the reasons. I’m sure Boishaai and Gim coped fine without him. ALL the out of province recruitment I’m not a fan of. JJ van der Mescht too was from Pretoria BUT recruited at grade 8, a natural change of school point…..there needs to be some guardrails in my view, there are literally none now…
@Skywalker (Comment #61)
As long as the Boy benifits….and for me personally Reqruitment up to gr10 is fine…
@Grasshopper (Comment #58)
Agree. The wheel has turned. Facing Glenwood was always a hard game and probably a loss on the cards. Our u14A and u15A teams have been a bit weaker I think. Our y16A team i think is pretty good, but have lost to Kearsney and Michaelhouse so we will see.
@Skywalker (Comment #61)
Let’s throw in how many u19s a school fields, seems DHS have many….
@Smallies (Comment #54)
Agree. I was making the point as this was raised below in the thread regarding DHS and the fact that 1st rugby teams in KZN are made up of out of town recruits (which some feel is an unsustainable model, albeit a successful one right now). I think to Grasshoppers point, the debate rages on about what is ‘fair’ and when is it too much? ie if a kid is a boarder at a KZN school from Grade 8 is that ok? Does that count as local enough? Is it Ok for a school like DHS to bring boys to KZN in primary school, and then know they are secured already for Grade 8? Is that clever or is it pushing it too far? Is it a problem only if rugby stars get recruited from Grant Khomo week and they arrive at a KZN school in Grade 11 only? These are the questions, with much debate about what is right and fair. Hard to know nowadays as yes many of these boys have received good education, played 1st team rugby, had chances to get University bursaries and play Varsity rugby and further studies and even get signed to Unions because of it all.
@Grasshopper (Comment #56)
How about Conan Le Fleur who proparbly would’ve gone to Boishaai or Gim?
@Smallies (Comment #57)
Recruited at grade 8 and I didn’t like it…..
@Skywalker (Comment #52)
Northwood vs Glenwood this weekend will be interesting. I fear Hilton has blasted any bit of confidence Glenwood had out the water, although Northwood must be physically tired. All the travel and hectic schedule. I think the Knights will win but not big. The age groups will be interesting as a barometer too. How times have changed, Northwood used to be almost a given win back in the day.
@Grasshopper (Comment #56)
Were you this upset when the Hendriks brothers were reqruited from East London when there pathway proparbly would’ve gone through Selborne?
@Smallies (Comment #54)
So it’s now a free for all, just do what you can to win and that’s all cool. Maybe we should just allow all the boys to take whatever roids they wish so it’s a fair to everyone….no age checks, no drug checks, no professional payment checks, just let it run, that seems to be where we are now….not a healthy space for school kids….
@Skywalker (Comment #52)
True, Westville will be the same as they are close to the biggest spenders in KZN. I couldn’t believe 80x bursaries and scholarships are given out each year, granted all are not 100%. The horse bolted on where kids come from at grade 8. It’s more about if they’ve come in the grade 10 or 11, that would be more interesting. Bolstering squads to buy in for weakness areas….
@Skywalker (Comment #52)
It doesn’t realy matter where they came from ,they were given an opportunity that will proparbly change their lives in a positive way….
@Smallies (Comment #51)
No jealousy at all when it includes underhanded tactics like placing boys in primary schools with the requirement they must attend DHS. We don’t play DHS so what they do is up to them….
@Grasshopper (Comment #50)
Out of interest I would love to see the hometowns of the Westville 1st XV as well. To be fair to DHS and the list posted below in the thread, hometown doesn’t mean they did not attend a primary school in KZN, or start at DHS in Grade 8 as a boarder. But would be an interesting comparison. Not sure how many Ville stars are local either.
@Grasshopper (Comment #48)
I do detect a little bit of Jealousy 🤣🤣🤣
WESTVILLE TO PIP IT
@Grasshopper (Comment #48)
Doesn’t matter mate its a good thing ….
@Smallies (Comment #47)
They don’t but DHS spin it like it’s unique…….Globetrotter Spin Doctors!
@Grasshopper (Comment #46)
If it is a good thing then why not do it….surely Glenwood does not own copyright on the idea…
@Kaya 85 (Comment #45)
Yes Cambridge, something Glenwood offered before DHS which they then copied….the head just copies and pastes….
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #32)
Awesome to hear.
What are the other offerings besides NSC?
Are u saying e.g. Cambridge certification etc?
@Skywalker (Comment #39)
I’m completely aware, I lived in Palm lakes for 3 years. The North Coast is a mess too, no proper infrastructure for the huge influx. All gated estates escaping reality. Where the people are getting the money from only god knows. The service industry is nowhere, must be all accountants, doctors & engineers. My mates out there are struggling & they all earn over 2bar a year…….gated estates are not the reality when the country has 40% real unemployment…
@Skywalker (Comment #41)
Agree on a decent school in the North Coast, Glenwood should relocate. I’m not a fan of Ashton, Crawford & the other new age fluffy schools. Glenwood have nothing to lose. My wife is a Durban Girls College old girl, it’s a bubble in a crap area….very low fees for a private so get the cream…
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #40)
Dude, my dad attended DHS, so did my uncle in its heydays, 60s & 70s, I know exactly what is going on there. My dad chose Glenwood over DHS in 1991 when he was deciding on my school. We have equally as good men & old boys, issue is 80% have left SA, like me. I don’t bash the school I call out the issues, no sugar coating. I’m in touch with the OBs and already arranging the 30 year reunion for my 96 crew, 130 guys in a WhatsApp group. We love our Alma mater but most on not in SA to engage. You were bashing DHS when it was struggling. When Pinhead retires & the money disappears DHS will struggle again. Sadly I wouldn’t send my son to either Glenwood or DHS if I lived in KZN, I would definitely go private. The schools are not how we remember them. The DHS Globetrotters will do well for a bit but they won’t be like the Paarl & Stellies, Grey Bloem teams plus Affies for engrained rugby culture & depth. Passion for a sport builds the depth & KZN doesn’t have it. Basketball & Soccer will prevail. Glenwood once a swimming, waterpolo & surfing powerhouse now comes last in those sports due to changed demographics. DHS only maintains this due to getting most DPHS boys. Best of luck, hoping the Grasshoppers vs horseflies derby returns soon, win or lose….swat the fly! 2,3….Horse!
@Grasshopper (Comment #35)
Agree. Money but also belief and support. When people start to believe and support they will invest in any way to keep something strong. Durban Girls College also now not exactly in the best area but still a school of excellence because the parents and supporters keep it strong.
In 10 years, 20 years, will the schools on the Berea still be able to do so, time will tell. If someone was clever they would build a traditional all Boys and Girls private school in Salt Rock. Clifton should just move. That would shake things up in the next 30 years or so…
@Grasshopper (Comment #35)
First it was Saad bankrolling everything and now it’s a few wealth old boys including your uncle…which one is it? That DHS has very successful Old Boys willing to give back says alot about the School itself and the type of men it produces and can never be a bad thing in my opionin but if you think everything thats happening at the school is only down to money then you really have no clue on whats going on….I feel sorry for Glenwood though I mean who needs enemies or rivals when Glenwood has Old Boys like you, to continually bash your own school and list every single issue it has, calling them second tier and harping on and on about location instead of getting together with like minded old boys and finding solutions to many of those problems. I have the deepest respect for Glenwood and to me Glenwood is still one of the top schools in KZN, I have family members who went there and one who still is at the school. Just because rugby isn’t where it used to be doesn’t make the school less than as an institution.
@Grasshopper (Comment #25)
Just to say that yes KZN is changing in areas, but only because of serious development up the coast or in hilton. Driving through Central matrizburg or Durban is not a reflection of the whole city or province. Unfortunately yes Glenwood is not in the best area now,but drive from Durban North, past LA Lucia all the way up to Salt Rock and you can see where people are moving too. Many Joburgers now on the North Coast in fact. Schools, estates, businesses there growing and money flowing, no problem. The first Club Med in SA under construction there as we speak. It presents a challenge to some schools yes as people migrate up the coastline or inland where a hub like Hilton is also exploding. Some schools will benefit, like you see already with Umhlali at primary school level, while others will struggle.
@Grasshopper (Comment #25)
Yes soccer has many teams. Northwood does as well. But as far as being a sport of note it is still behind Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Waterpolo. As I said Basketball now getting great attention even compared to soccer. Boys like to play soccer but even with changing demographics, boys know that rugby offers way more opportunity,prestige, chances to study further through bursaries or even being selected for Varsity Cup teams or professional contracts vs soccer.
@TJ (Comment #27)
Considering Glenwood isn’t exactly a new kid on the block, 115 years old this year and been playing College for over 100 years with over 150 matches played, the school knows all about being sustainable. Issue is one bad egg stuffed the finances and reputation which is hard to recover from, then the surrounding area is a dump, OBs are not engaged, passionate coaches have been recruited elsewhere, mainly Northwood & DHS, then no big pocket old boys like Ivan Clarke left. The demographics have changed massively and rugby isn;t no 1 PLUS the biggest factor of them all, is boarder numbers. College maintain depth down to having 500+ boarders, Glenwood have 250 max. It’s a perfect storm scenario and still this year the teams have been competitive BUT I can’t see the school being able to compete with College, Northwood, Westville etc on the money and location front. DHS is just packing the BE and have treasure troves of cash….
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #33)
Just getting the DPHS, Glenwood Prep, Clifton, Westville Primary etc boys builds the B, C and D team strength, then the recruits from afar fill the A team, it’s not rocket science…..Glenwood did it for 20 years, became the blueprint, got abuse for it, now DHS do it, it’s all fine……hypocrisy…..
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #32)
DHS Foundation = a few very wealthy old boys. One is my uncle who contributes. All you talk about is only because of money. The area isn’t exactly an attraction. Glenwood is 115 years old this year and DHS’s oldest local opposition BUT your management decide to put egos ahead of the boys and avoid sports with Glenwood. DHS were in the doldrums for about 15 years….
@Grasshopper (Comment #4)
Saad a little poorer these days after the APN share price lost half its value over the last year…it may impact DHS ability to recruit future talent.
@Pamos (Comment #1)
DHS had 8 players in Grant Khomo last year and 7 players made a KZN u15 team and the U14s last year were ranked in the top 10 nationally…we have won the majority of rugby games against Maritzburg College, Northwood and Kearney(lost only the u16A game and drew one other game) and not just at A team level which shows the rugby program is built on a strong foundation and not just recruiting at A team
DHS is the oldest school in Durban, so their recent resurrection is nothing more than a sleeping giant waking up from its slumber..there is a history and tradition that very few schools in KZN can match which when coupled with a well run institution is still an appealing prospect to parents…. Obviously everyone here focuses on the rugby but the school has invested heavily in every facet both sporting and academic to get back to where it truly belongs as an institution after a decade or so when poor leadership had the school in a dark place. What you seeing now are the fruits of years of hard work behind the scenes, from old boys to leadership, staff and the boys themselves. Recently saw a post that 30 boys in the various age groups made KZN hockey (18 of which are KZN A), swimming is now 2nd only to westville and we pushing them hard to get back to 1st place (which most people won’t remember that DHS used to hold for years before Westville started its dominance). Cricket is also back to top 10 nationally and as many might know, is actually DHS strongest sport in terms of its history. DhS recently added a new whole new floor to its old science block building to accommodate the increasing numbers of students taking up the various academic offering at school (DHS has five academic offering beyond the normal NSC). These academic offering has increased the number of fee paying parents who are paying a premium over and above the normal school fees which has benefited the finances of the school from an operational perspective. So to everyone who thinks what’s happening at DHS is not based off sound financial planning and off a sustainable basis clearly doesn’t know what’s happening at the school on the ground with the DHS Foundation.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #26)
I’m not saying rugby’s going to disappear from KZN schools next week, but I do think that over time it’s going to struggle to maintain its current status. The reality is that it’s an expensive sport, and with economic pressures increasing, that’s only going to get worse. I can see a situation where D-teams fall away first, then C-teams, and eventually maybe even B-teams. We’ve seen a pattern of rugby in decline in smaller KZN schools. Some were big once upon a time in KZN.
I also think a lot of the fans who support professional teams like the Sharks actually don’t have much interest in schoolboy rugby. The pro teams have their own financial issues to deal with. And to be honest, it’s hard to say whether all four of the big SA franchises will survive in the long run. We’ve seen how tough things have been in places like Australia, England, Ireland, and Wales. Plus its difficult to say if senior rugby is more popular now than in the past. The live crowd attendances are definitely way down.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #28)
Kearsney, the Ville and then all the schools involved in the great scrumdown that is the rivalry within the greater Durban City bowl.
@TJ (Comment #27)
Top comment sir
@TJ (Comment #27)
East?…of Inchanga?
@Grasshopper (Comment #25)
Sustainability is key Grassy, something most schools east of Inchanga don’t quite get. The next issue is again don’t be negative about a situation that you have left, rather be supportive of how we who have stayed, are continuing to produce a product that you continually comment and support.
@beet (Comment #20)
I hear you,
But I think rugby itself is attracting a much wider demographic then ever before…and it doesn’t really have to compete directly with e.g. soccer…there’s enough sporting talent for both codes. Also in Durban’s favour is a good senior Pro team in the Sharks…and now that Varsity College has established another elite pathway with their entrance unto Varsity Cup, I’m not gloomy about Durban and KZN at all.
In comparison to talent in Western Cape…OK, they’re not there…but that is one of the ultimate hotbeds of rugby on the planet…only rivaled by places like Fiji, Samoa NZ and the Southwest of France. And even the Cape has fantastic footballing talent (and teams).
@Skywalker (Comment #24)
It’s in a good place now, with talent spread across the schools BUT how long can these schools maintain the money injections needed. Beets point about Old Boys is massive, boys who’s parents live far away will end up moving away and not support the school in future with their own kids. Soccer is massive boet, Westville, Glenwood etc put out multiple teams, even more than rugby I believe. Hilton, House, Kearsney and Clifton as the key private schools will always cream the best, what parent wants their kid to really attend a gov school, not many. In terms of other sports KZN does well waterpolo, cricket, athletics and swimming are all up there. Westville are still unbeaten in the pool for about 15 years. KZN demographics are changing though, the wealth is draining to the Cape, so let’s see. I see KZN like Gauteng and EC/Border going backwards. From what I saw in Durban and Maritzburg it’s only one way :-(
I dont think KZN rugby is in a bad way. Overall its stronger then ever. We used to have only Maritzburg College or Glenwood really representing nationally, whereas in the last 5 years alone we have had Hilton, DHS, Michaelhouse, Northwood, Westville all up there.
Soccer is not big at all in these schools. Basketball is much bigger if any sport may rise up.
KZN is also one of the best in hockey. Top 10 rankings each year have Nortwood, DHS, Hilton, Westville etc. Even Clifton features strongly here and all KZN schools are normally within the top 15-20. We are a powerhouse in the hockey front as far as other sports outside of rugby go.
I hear your point about KZn rugby boys often being from out of town and hence the local support from those parents and old boys may be less. However they help to raise thr profile and success of each school and draw bigger crowds for reunion weekends etc which in turn enhances the brand and gets other old boys involved and brings ni more sponsorships etc. It may not be form those parents (which i am not sure is a fact), but the benefits come. Also many schools do still have local boys playing. eg Chelsea Prep boys in the NW team, Westville prep boys in the Westvilel team, Merchiston boys in the College team, DPHS boys in the Kearsney, Hilon, Michelhouse teams etc.
KZN RUGBY. THE SCHOOLS RELY ON EACH OTHER. DO THEY KNOW?
Not playing each other or having a sneaky laugh when a Clifton is having a dreaded season is damaging for everyone not just now but most certainly long term.
@beet (Comment #20)
Spot on analysis Beet, soccer in KZN and Glenwood will win in the end, mainly on demographics and lack of funds. The Glenwood 1st soccer is actually pretty strong. In the end, it’s a money game and Glenwood unfortunately don’t have it….
@KatzRugga (Comment #18)
One of my personal observations is that some of the most committed and active old boys tend to be those who were heavily involved in sport at school — especially those who played in the first teams. Their past achievements and deep love for their school often drive them to get involved again when they reach the stage of being teenage parents. They’re able to contribute enormously, often without expecting anything in return. In most cases, they come from middle- to upper-class local families or have built their own success after school, giving them the time and resources to give back.
Now, if schools replace that strong foundation with sponsored pupils from underprivileged backgrounds and distant hometowns, how can they realistically expect to build a lasting old boys’ network of people who are both willing and able to carry that torch forward?
@KatzRugga (Comment #18)
I still believe that soccer will ultimately have the final say when it comes to winter sports in KwaZulu-Natal. The province simply doesn’t have a strong enough rugby culture to sustain a consistently high level of the game.
The Glenwood story from the late 2000s to the mid-2010s is quite telling. The school invested heavily in rugby (and other sports), with a clear ambition and a long-term vision. For a time, it paid off — Glenwood firmly established itself as one of the top 15 rugby schools in the country. But that success didn’t have any lasting impact. Less than a decade later, people are asking what has become of Glenwood rugby. The answer is simple: there was no goodwill or sustainable legacy built on those earlier achievements.
The model wasn’t self-sustaining from the outset. It relied heavily on external support. Internally, various factors have since made it more difficult for the school to operate economically. Past rugby success didn’t attract significantly more fee-paying families, nor did it secure more consistent or long-term external backing.
Today, Glenwood needs more financial resources than ever before to maintain its rugby programme. Competing at a national level is particularly challenging when you’re based in a province with a relatively small player pool, limited depth, and only pockets of genuine rugby passion. As a result, most KZN schools are forced to recruit from outside the province and spend heavily on player sponsorships. But what happens when the school staff who have the drive to source those funds eventually move on — or when the donors lose interest? When that day comes, it may become clear that soccer, with its widespread popularity, grassroots support, and local talent base, is a far more cost-effective and sustainable option for schools to invest in.
Rugby will no doubt continue, but perhaps not at the same level we’re seeing today. The three major private schools in the province will likely remain the strongest rugby institutions, thanks to their ability to charge higher fees, maintain healthy financials, and access external funding. However, their recent drive to excel in rugby has largely been fueled by strong state school opposition within the provincial league. Going forward, these schools may choose to channel their resources into whatever best enhances their appeal as top educational offerings. That may still be rugby — but it could just as easily be soccer.
@KatzRugga (Comment #18)
DHS are just doing what Glenwood did, but even more so now as these practices are now accepted as part of schoolboy rugby. The Head at DHS is ex Glenwood Deputy and just being stubborn. The fact that DHS would in most cases beat Glenwood now isn’t even a consideration considering his bitterness towards Glenwood. It’s super unfortunate as I believe no individual is bigger than the school. Let the DHS buses keep rolling around the country enticing kids over. Saad’s pockets are very deep…..
DRIVE AT DHS
It seems great right now but my question would be.
Is it sustainable?
Will these boys really feel like DHS OBs boys after school and contribute?
Its noted on the sideline how DHS no longer bring many spectator and parents to KZN games and as such add less value to a good day out.
Further for some schools it has become a hard pill to swallow playing, on average, a DHS side annual with a handfull of none official post matrics.
I salute that DHS seemingly are not shy about their ways.
But always remember that Local is Lekker… Even at Hoerskool DHS!
@Grizzly (Comment #16)
So the Ville do have homeground advantage, which I think will be a big factor. Westville have focused a lot on physical conditioning (with posts all over socials of the training and results etc.) So that said, I think they are the one side that can match the DHS physicality. So that leaves the backs.
Westville have the x factor man in Siyaya who can turn the game on its head but I don’t think the rest of the Ville backline can compete with DHS. Ville have some solid players in the backs but no-one to take control of a game. Koopman (last year’s wunderkind) is not in form…at all.
DHS have 2 playmakers (van Wyk and Carolus) that can control the game and a blunt object at 12 to bash holes all day long and good gas out wide. They also have that ability to hang in there and win games they seemed to be out of (e.g. the Northwood game.) I expect DHS to win but it will be close…
As for the DHS/Glenwood question. It seems to be a lingering “personal disagreement” between the two leadership teams that keeps getting in the way of common sense.
@Grasshopper (Comment #13)
DHS will smash Westville this weekend .If they now doing what Glenwood use to do, why aren’t they playing? Is the problem now from Glenwood side?The not playing?
PAARL SCHOOLS & GREY COLLEGE RECRUITMENT
When listening to the SuperSports Schools commentators – it seems that most of the boys playing for the “big 4” are from far-flung towns all around the country.
Is the issue with DHS (and Glenwood in the past) that they are pushing further into the hinterland, and/or they are recruiting heavily from Grant Khomo?
@Pamos (Comment #10)
Hey man. You have to be careful when posting negative rumours like that. It’s way over the top. No school has that sort of money to flush down the toilet.
@Grasshopper (Comment #4)
Not my list. Someone else created it. Would have to had been someone involved in gr.8 recruitment I suspect, to obtain those sorts of details.
@Pamos (Comment #10)
Mate, I would put nothing past the DHS Head, he will do anything to remain at the top.
@Pamos (Comment #11)
Yep, they are trying to get OBs engaged, it’s sort of working BUT requires more work. Yes, unfortunately Glenwood stuck in an area of severe decline and the feeder parents and schools are battling too. I can’t see how they can get out of the hole without a huge injection of cash. Until then they can just keep grinding away BUT expect to drop out of the top tier. Sad times for a once great school….money is everything these days….
@Grasshopper (Comment #9)
Post April, they don’t speak or think about pre-2017. Total opposite to Glenwood, unfortunately. Glenwood will never be as good as they were because of the drama with regards to money. Glenwood are in so much debt that they are trying to reduce scholarships and focusing on rebuiling the Glenwood name I guess.
@Skywalker (Comment #5)
I think DHS have taken over Border, Western Cape and now the Kimberly area. I think there are about 4 or 5 players in their U14 A team who played Griquas U13. DHS promises the world to the KZN kids as they are the fee payers and then when they want to leave, DHS have an agreement that they can not leave, It’s very weird how DHS does things, but it is working. These things happen at all top schools and I am sure everyone in KZN is jealous of how well and easily it is for DHS, but I guess money talks. Paying for parents’ flights to watch their sons play sports is unreal. xxx
@Pamos (Comment #8)
DHS standards post April 2017 or DHS standards pre April 2017?
@Henkies (Comment #2)
It depends what you call weak? Do you measure it on results compared to their other teams? Well, then that U16 was the worst age group in the school. Do you measure it on how many of them made Grant Khomo? The answer there would be none. They are probably the best team in KZN (we will see after this weekend), and I can tell you now that at least 6 or 7 will make U18 Craven Week. We could then ask what provincial week they played in U16. Yes, the Kearsney side is very good this year, but for DHS standards, I am sure that they expected to beat them.
DHS PLAYERS HOMETOWN
2) Mbanjwa – Alberton – Gauteng
3) Udo-Idung – Middelburg, Mpumalanga
4) Kasvosve – Zimbabwe
5) Smith – Durban, KZN
6) Ikotela – Ladysmith, KZN
7) Lottering – East London, EC
8) Mkhencele – East London, EC
9) Nero – Kathu, Northern Cape
10) Van Wyk – Brackenfell, WC
11) Aneke – Langebaan, WC
12) Simka – East London, EC
13) Mthiyane – Matubatuba, KZN
14) Mataboge – Limpopo
15) Carolus – Vredenburg, WC
Super homegrown talent there ;-)…..The Engledow Effect…..
@Henkies (Comment #2)
Kearsney U16s are strong. They were unlucky to lose to Paarl Boys High earlier this year at the Jean de Villiers festival. They can very well go unbeaten in KZN this year. Coached very well by Kwanele Ngema and former DOR Barend Steyn.
@Pamos (Comment #1)
Yes that u16A team of kearsney clearly have some talent. Will be intersting to see what Basford can do with them joining the returing 1st team players next year. Should make for a more formidable unit and maybe a chance to knock over one of the big KZN teams again.
In terms of DHS, we all know they have gone hard on recruitment over the last few years, (even securing boys before Grade 8 and bringing them to Durban, so they are locked in for that u14 year). They have great depth and with the right talent and coaching you see the results. I dont know how many of the current starting 1st 15 were there from Grade 8, but when you want to be a top 10 team nationally, you manage the team professionally, and if you need to add stocks as you go or boys change positions or get injured, you get the reinforcements you need. I think with the depth they have now the pipeline will be stronger and stronger, so the need to top up probably becomes less, or simply to add a real x factor player.
@Pamos (Comment #1)
Beet has the list of where the DHS boys are from, basically all over the country. EC/Border/WC/FS/Gauteng etc etc, a handful from KZN. The Saad money is creaming the best from around the country. DHS has taken over the Glenwood baton in KZN….
I wrote a few weeks back that Westville had not really been tested this season, to the level they are capable of. The Jeppe game being rained out was a big disappointment. I had said the next 4 weeks would show where they stood and MBCollege came within a whisker of turning them over. Like with the NW game, Siyaya proved the difference in them getting the narrow win. Can he do it again though? Will he need to? This will be a big clash and i suspect some luck or the bounce of the ball could be the difference on the day.
@Pamos (Comment #1)
The DHS u16s aren’t a weak side needing upgrades Pamos. They beat Outeniqua and lost to Paul Roos 21-22. They are ranked 10th in SA on the saschools website and Kearsney u16s are ranked at 13th. The 13th side beating the 10th ranked side is not an upset. I don’t recall the u16s from 2 years ago been a weak side either.
I would love to know how many of the DHS boys have been brought in to boost their first team this year. Their under-16s two years ago were not great at all. Their u16s this year lost to Kearsney so we can expect a few players from Grant Khomo week to join DHS next term.