Garsies chasing a Winelands career Grand Slam
Garsfontein are within touching distance of a rare Winelands career slam, but one final hurdle remains – Hoër Jongenskool Paarl.
The Bere clashes with Boland Landbou have traditionally been tight, with Garsies only breaking through for a first win in 2014. In 2016, the Garsies announced themselves with a gritty 15–13 win over Paarl Gimn, and in 2022 edged Paul Roos 19–18. That same year they drew 22-all with Paarl Boys’ High — the one result they still need to turn into a win.
To get it done, Garsies will need better lineout accuracy and more decisive attacking play from pivot. The opportunity is there to tick off one of school rugby’s toughest informal feats.
Paarl Boys’ High are not flashy, but they are relentless – slow poison.
They stay in your face, forcing constant defensive adjustment and asking tough questions around where and how to attack. Mentally and physically, they grind teams down — and the results reflect it.
Boland Landbou under the pump as Helpmekaar loom
Boland Landbou are going through a tough stretch, and their loss to Menlopark would have stung — not least with a familiar figure on the other side.
Menlo’s backline, coached by former Garsies guru Johan Duppie, had the edge. While Landbou’s forwards largely lived up to expectations, their backs were outplayed — an area that now clearly needs attention.
Next up is Helpmekaar Kollege, who will be eager to respond after letting Grey College off the hook in the second half of their recent clash. Expect physicality and intensity, but also a push for more variety on attack.
For BL, it’s a test of whether they can up the ante out wide — because Helpmekaar won’t let them off lightly.
That concern is amplified by their recent record against Helpmekaar Kollege:
- Boland Landbou 21–43 Helpmekaar
- Boland Landbou 17–64 Helpmekaar
Menlo face a different beast
Menlopark have started 2026 well, with a competitive pack and a dangerous backline.
But Paarl Gimnasium are a step up. Their high-percentage approach, combined with pace and clever attacking angles, puts any defence under pressure. They play as a unit, but their individuals consistently deliver telling moments.
Menlo will take some confidence from a 22–18 win back in 2014, but they haven’t faced Gim in the modern era.
EG vs Framesby – a festival fixture that delivers
EG Jansen vs Framesby has become a Kearsney classic.
The last two meetings were decided by the finest margins:
- EG Jansen 19–22 Framesby
- EG Jansen 22–20 Framesby
Framesby may need to find another level this year to match what the Jansies will bring to the game. If Framesby pitch it could be another humdinger.
Outeniqua in red-hot form
Outeniqua have been one of the standout teams this season.
Initially expected to sit behind Oakdale in the SWD pecking order, the Kwaggas have instead been firing on all cylinders. Their pack brings the edge, and their backs are in top form.
They now look to end a two-match losing run against Waterkloof, who have been surprisingly efficient this season.
- 2017: Outeniqua 15–34 Waterkloof
- 2024: Outeniqua 32–51 Waterkloof
Drostdy vs Monument: statement game
This has the feel of a defining clash.
HTS Drostdy and Monument both came into 2026 with high ambitions, and this meeting could shape their seasons.
Recent history leans Monument:
- Monument 28–20 Drostdy
- Monument 28–26 Drostdy
Expect a fierce forward battle. Monument’s pack is among the best around, while Drostdy offer power, mobility and real threat out wide.
Grey test Stellenberg resolve
Grey College present a major challenge for Stellenberg.
Stellenberg’s season start defined their “dreamteam” status – with a hugely valued win over Paarl Gim. Injuries have now turned this into a test of depth. They came within seconds of beating Garsies before conceding late.
Grey, meanwhile, are dangerous in open play — mobile and clinical.
Recent results:
- Grey College 43–27 Stellenberg
- Grey College 31–8 Stellenberg
For Stellenberg, this will be about resilience over 70 minutes — and staying in the contest.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.