The high-flying Stellenberg Jade Brigade return to their fortress on Mountain View Road today for what promises to be a stern examination against a well-rested Wynberg outfit.
While Stellenberg were forced to dig deep through successive outings at the ABSA Wildeklawer festival, Wynberg were among the few leading schools to enjoy a rare bye over the long weekend — a factor that could prove significant.
Stellenberg first edged an in-form Maritzburg College side 24–19 in a physical contest they largely controlled, before being pushed well beyond their comfort zone by hosts Diamantveld. The determined Kimberley outfit forced the Northern Suburbers to find another gear, with Stellenberg eventually sealing a hard-fought 31–20 victory.
Today presents a different kind of challenge: a third demanding fixture in the space of a week.
Wynberg have emerged as arguably the leading U19A side in the Southern Suburbs in 2026 and will undoubtedly sense an opportunity to capitalise on any fatigue or battered bodies in the Stellenberg camp.
For the visitors, however, the task is straightforward in theory but demanding in execution. They must find a way to withstand the relentless pressure Stellenberg exert through their pack — an area in which the hosts have been suffocatingly effective this season.
Equally important will be Wynberg’s ability to shake off any rust quickly. After a weekend off, there can be no slow start against a Stellenberg side that has made a habit of dictating terms early and forcing opponents onto the back foot.
If Wynberg can match the physical intensity and survive the opening exchanges, they may yet turn Stellenberg’s packed schedule into a genuine factor. But on current form, the Jade Brigade remain a formidable proposition at home.
| TEAM | STELLENBERG | TEAM | WYNBERG | ||
| 1 | Uzair Blanckenberg | u17 | 1 | James Welsh | |
| 2 | Liam Joubert | u18 | 2 | Naeem Mohammed | u18 |
| 3 | Janu van Deventer | u18 | 3 | Solam Gegana | u18 |
| 4 | Jayden Young | u17 | 4 | James Orwin | u18 |
| 5 | Juvan Burden | u18 | 5 | Jack De Beer | |
| 6 | Seth Coetze | u18 | 6 | Alvin Machinja | u18 |
| 7 | Carlo Brink | u18 | 7 | Alex Barrett | u18 |
| 8 | Robert Hewitt | u18 | 8 | Esa van der Schyff | u18 |
| 9 | Daniel Steffen | u18 | 9 | Rauf Ahmed | u17 |
| 10 | Ethan van Biljon | u18 | 10 | Luke Gertze | u19 |
| 11 | Emile Cilliers | u17 | 11 | Chad Campbell | u18 |
| 12 | Daniel Mongie | u18 | 12 | Cayleb Buys | |
| 13 | JC Swart | u17 | 13 | Ithandile Nkohla | u18 |
| 14 | Ralton Roode | u19 | 14 | Matthew Farah | |
| 15 | Liam Jacobs | u17 | 15 | Laeeq Davids | u18 |
| Coach | DIVAN BATT | Coach | JUSTIN VAN WINKEL |
First of this game was tops. Wynberg started so so well. Brilliant continuity and just rewards for their efforts. So many phases put together for the opening try. After that the Berg defence seemed to get caught a lot out wide. First two Stellies tries were about great execution – decision making and handling too good. Roode has been so good in this department and Brink’s offload game is tops. Mongie has been fantastic all season and his hands to hold that pass and make a good distribution were great for try two. Try three felt a little more basic. Strike play off a setpiece using van Bijon in the outside channel and tackle letting Berg down as Cilliers powered past one to score. 19-10 at halftime. Great half of SBR.
Second half characterised by Berg having at least 4 visits to the Stellies redzone. Three of them were through good positive play but came away with zero. Defence is such a big part of the Stellies game and their temperament when under immense pressure is unbelievable. It was a pity for Berg though because they deserved something for those efforts. On the other end Stellies came up with a try via the PSDT of SBR – Burden. Build up to the try was too good. Next two tries were via mistakes by Berg. Burden powering over for another one and Wessels finishing well. Upperbody strength in contact proved to be a big deal in this matchup. 38-10 comfortable in the end for Stellies. Berg might feel bad that they could have made a closer contest of it. The 38 points is also Stellies most against a proper tier one rugby school this season
This is a very special stellenberg team. They also play the conditions (wind) on their home field brilliantly.
Fully deserved First XV win and this team may finish #1 ranked in SA.
Wynberg won the u16, 15 and 14A team games so there are better days ahead.
Here’s to a great rivalry over the years to come.
Stunning by Stellenberg. Wynberg scored first and were basically equal for the best part of the first half. The Jade Brigade ran from inside their own 22 and those points were fully deserved toward the end of the first half, and fair reward for calculated risk taking, exciting running and high skill. Both SB wings played effectively…then in the Second half Juvan Burden dominated, 2, 3 defenders needed at a time to keep him in check. Eventually he just carried them all over to score a few tries. What a great lock forward. In the classical lock mould. Well done Jade Brigade. (it also puts Maritzburg College’s close game in perspective).