Just my opinions…
There is little doubt that finalising the Sharks Craven Week 2026 squad will be one of the more difficult exercises selectors have faced in recent seasons.
The problem is not a lack of quality — quite the opposite.
There are genuine choices across multiple positions, with several players having forced themselves into contention after beginning the year largely under the radar. That is usually a sign of a healthy provincial season.
Jamie Wimble vs Zander Muller vs Nhlanhla Ndlovu
At the start of the season, one positional battle stood above all others: No. 8.
A proper selection committee migraine.
How do you fit three standout players into one squad, let alone one starting XV?
Jamie Wimble feels like the reincarnation of the classic schoolboy No. 8 — cut from the same cloth as Aaron Schramm of Kearsney or Nick Hatton of Hilton. He has the physique, pace and all-action style that makes him a poster-boy back-rower. Injury disrupted the start of his campaign, but players of this quality tend to make themselves impossible to ignore.
Zander Muller looks more like the modern interpretation of an eighthman — somewhere in the mould of a Jasper Wiese or Gregory Alldritt . Compact, abrasive and highly physical, with the added bonus of being well suited to blindside flank.
Then there is Nhlanhla Ndlovu, a player more in the mould of former schoolboy X-factor talents such as Marius Louw or Mark Snyman. Not oversized, but explosive and dangerous, particularly once he finds himself in space among backs. He has all the tools of a future Sevens player.
The obvious temptation is to squeeze all three in.
Wimble looks the natural first-choice No. 8, Muller offers flexibility at flank, and Ndlovu has all the makings of a destructive bench weapon.
Lwandile Mlaba and Siwesambe Ndamase
These are two players South Africa u18 selectors will be particularly keen to assess.
Both are mobile, athletic, tallish forwards capable of covering the second row — a position where genuinely quality schoolboy locks with size and ability in this demographic remain frustratingly scarce.
Lwandile Mlaba feels close to a CW certainty.
Siwesambe Ndamase, meanwhile, may still need to convince selectors that he offers more than the next wave of contenders.
Zion Smith vs Andrew Schnell
This could become one of the quieter but more fascinating selection battles.
Zion Smith deserves inclusion in the back row, but squad balance may work against him there.
With Wimble offering strong lineout value at No. 8, and unless there is a bold plan to use Muller as an openside, Smith could find himself squeezed.
That may force his route to Gqeberha through the second row, where he has served effectively.
The obstacle there is likely Andrew Schnell, a reliable tight forward and excellent lineout operator.
There is also a pathway where both are ultimately viewed as more valuable than Ndamase.
Rory Stanton solves a problem
As a No. 8, Rory Stanton probably falls short in this particular year.
At openside flank, however, he may be the cleanest answer available.
It remains one of the more concerning CW positions in the province, and Stanton offers what selectors typically crave there: directness, work rate and mobility around the park.
Sometimes selection is less about stars and more about solving problems.
Nicolas Salamousas and the tighthead question
Arguably the biggest surprise omission of 2025 was Nic Salamousas.
The tighthead offers genuine X-factor in a position not usually associated with flair. Beyond the set-piece, he provides exactly what wins Craven Week rugby: hard metres in ugly spaces.
One suspects selectors will be reluctant to repeat that omission.
The complication is injury.
Should Sala be unavailable, attention shifts to Janco Visagie and Mholi Khuzwayo.
Visagie is strong yet his efforts feel slightly underrated. Khuzwayo brings useful bulk and carrying ability.
This may prove one of those calls where one player’s joy becomes another’s heartbreak.
Theo Boshoff and the hooker picture
Boshoff is almost a highlights package in human form — contact-dominant and capable of producing eye-catching moments.
His greatest threat may not be competition, but the small details selectors obsess over.
Yellow-card tendencies or lineout inconsistencies become amplified at Craven Week, especially in Gqeberha where windy conditions can make lineout accuracy non-negotiable.
That said, his upside is obvious.
Among the broader hooker pool, Kyle-Reese Clements, Zak Vrey and Max Oliva cannot be ruled out of contention, while u17 prospects Rorke Stirk, Iglesias Bruiners and the Matthew Wilson/Mcebisi Zulu (depending on who starts) debate may influence future cycles.
Chamane, Konza and Makalele
Aphelele Chamane has simply had an excellent season.
Full stop.
Likho Konza has long felt like a player who would be considered.
Clement Makalele, at 114kg, offers the sort of mass and power that remains hard to ignore even though his rise to a starting 1st XV berth is relatively recent, having overtaken reliable Luke Faure.
Luxolo Sonkononkono and Nathan Aneke
If these two are not already close to automatic selections, something has gone badly wrong.
Both are attack-minded supremos.
Nathan Aneke has a rare ability to make beating the outside line look routine, while Luxolo Sonkononkono combines flair, skill and the added value of covering flyhalf.
These are the sort of players who can change tournament games.
Ludi van der Walt vs Dom du Toit
This feels increasingly like a straight shootout.
Ludi van der Walt has emerged impressively after operating in the considerable shadow of predecessor Jed Mun Gavin in 2025. He looks more assured this season, with a sharper eye for exploiting space behind defensive lines.
Dom du Toit, meanwhile, was something of a revelation in 2025. He asks questions of defences and offers useful goal-kicking value.
Both have arguments.
A quick word in for Richaard Kriel, a hybrid player who covers wing as well, so don’t rule him out plus his ball-in-hand speed at 9 could be a useful weapon.
Daniel Miskey vs John Grubb
There was a strong sense, even before a ball had been kicked this season, that this was Daniel Miskey’s jersey to lose.
He arrived with a significant reputation and the kind of long-term upside that naturally excites selectors. There is a polish to his game and an obvious class about him that suggests a bright future lies ahead.
Yet, for all that promise, Miskey has perhaps not quite produced the definitive statement performance many expected — the sort of commanding display that emphatically announces a player’s arrival on the big stage and removes all doubt.
That is not to say he has disappointed. Far from it. He remains a high-quality operator.
In Gqeberha, conditions can be heavily influenced by wind, meaning teams often find themselves either playing with it or directly into it. In both scenarios, a composed game manager with an educated tactical boot becomes enormously valuable.
That is where Miskey strengthens his case considerably.
But selection years are often decided by timing as much as talent.
Enter John Grubb.
Grubb feels a little like a phoenix in this conversation — a player whose stock has risen through substance rather than hype. He is more direct by nature and, in schoolboy rugby especially, a flyhalf willing to genuinely challenge the gainline can transform an entire attacking shape by asking harder questions of defensive lines.
Alex Jankowitz vs Keanu Williamson
Alex Jankowitz increasingly feels difficult to leave out.
He ticks nearly every box: consistency, sound decision-making and a few bonus attributes besides.
Not necessarily the early frontrunner due to switching from 15 to 12 for this season, but his body of work now demands serious consideration.
Keanu Williamson, however, continues to intrigue.
For two seasons he has operated outside intelligent flyhalves and quality outside centres, but there is a sense that he may actually be the key connector in that backline ecosystem.
Conveniently, the two go head-to-head at Sharks Day.
Centre depth and flexibility
Olwethu Kosani was excellent in 2025 when fully fit, though injuries have complicated his 2026 campaign.
His ability to cover both 12 and 13 remains valuable.
Guy Fender offers similar versatility and one suspects he may shine even brighter in a different tactical school environment.
Then there is Sifiso Meyiwa — perhaps not the name dominating public discussion, but quietly instrumental in elevating his school’s performances in recent weeks.
If selectors view someone like Jankowitz as capable of covering 13, Meyiwa’s utility could become highly valuable.
Fullback or wing?
A few seasons back the Sharks went to Craven Week with three very talented fullbacks including Luyanda Kunene (remember his header), Hopewell Ntshangase and one bright talent in Jaco Williams. Obviously two were meant to double as wings. The selectors probably don’t want to go that route again but if they do…
The Lungelo Hadebe vs Lwazi Mbebe conversation is an intriguing one.
Hadebe looks highly adaptable and could easily function as a wing. He has enough pace and dangerous footwork to trouble defenders in wider channels.
Mbebe, on peak form, is pure game-breaking theatre.
But like in his more unpredictable moments, he can sometimes appear to be operating on an entirely different wavelength to everyone else around him.
Perhaps framing him as a utility fullback/wing improves his chances.
Wings: depth, but no obvious banker
The wings are competitive, though without one player screaming “automatic selection”.
Amogelang Mataboge arrives with a strong CV, while Lwandle Mkhize, Avu Lisa, Lisa Sijadu and Richard Gyamfi all have legitimate claims.
A special mention must go to Laird Hamilton-Brown and Luke Grobbelaar, both of whom have been excellent.
The difficulty is that Craven Week squads are brutally unforgiving. Outstanding players can still become unaffordable luxuries once balance and versatility are factored in.
And that, perhaps, is what makes Sharks Craven Week 2026 selections so compelling: there may be more quality than there are seats available.
| TEAM | KEARSNEY | TEAM | MICHAELHOUSE | ||
| 1 | Clement Makalele | u17 | 1 | Aphelele Chamane | u18 |
| 2 | Mcebisi Zulu | u17 | 2 | Max Oliva | u18 |
| 3 | Tunga Griffiths | u17 | 3 | Sphelo Mfazwe | |
| 4 | Robert Gelderman | u17 | 4 | Trezeguet Hawkins | u17 |
| 5 | Thomas Francke | u18 | 5 | Oliver Vickery | u18 |
| 6 | James Whatmore | u17 | 6 | Kumkani Dwenga | u17 |
| 7 | Oliver Ludwig | u18 | 7 | Jed Reilly | u17 |
| 8 | Nhlanhla Ndlovu | u18 | 8 | Oliver Guy | u18 |
| 9 | Fynn Verbaan | u18 | 9 | Ben Hughes | |
| 10 | Daniel Miskey | u17 | 10 | Jack Carmody | u18 |
| 11 | Lwandle Mkhize | u18 | 11 | Barend de Bruyn | u17 |
| 12 | Keanu Williamson | u18 | 12 | Alex Jankowitz | u18 |
| 13 | Thomas Aylward | u18 | 13 | Fabiano Fierro | u17 |
| 14 | Luke Grobbelaar | u18 | 14 | Laird Hamilton-Brown | u18 |
| 15 | Lwazi Mbebe | u18 | 15 | Reece Cole | u18 |
| 16 | Matthew Wilson | u17 | 16 | Nicholas Purdy | |
| 17 | Luke Faure | u18 | 17 | Mitchell Muirhead | |
| 18 | Caleb Jackson | 18 | Jayeon Connoway-Chang | ||
| 19 | Mark vd Merwe | 19 | Reece Malga | ||
| 20 | Reece York | 20 | Calum van Zyl | ||
| 21 | Levi Edwards | 21 | James Mallett | u18 | |
| 22 | Sibu Khuzwayo | u18 | 22 | Tom Smith | |
| 23 | 23 | Richard Knott | u17 | ||
| Coach | GRANT BASHFORD | Coach | MARCO ENGELBRECHT | ||
| TEAM | WESTVILLE | TEAM | NORTHWOOD | ||
| 1 | Sibusiso Hlongwa | 1 | Omila Marambana | u18 | |
| 2 | Lwandle Bulose | 2 | Zak Vrey | u18 | |
| 3 | Bandile Mncwango | u19 | 3 | Janco Visagie | u18 |
| 4 | Warren Murray | u18 | 4 | Ruddy Makoni | u18 |
| 5 | Lwandile Mlaba | u18 | 5 | Nala Shabangu | u17 |
| 6 | Levin Allen | u17 | 6 | Kevin van Vollenstee | u17 |
| 7 | Omphiwe Dladla | u18 | 7 | Tristan Parkinson | u18 |
| 8 | Lwandle Makhanya | u19 | 8 | Jamie Wimble | u18 |
| 9 | Banele Mdletshe | u17 | 9 | Ludi van der Walt | u18 |
| 10 | Jade-Will Koopman | u19 | 10 | Sondelani Sheleni | u17 |
| 11 | Lisa Sijadu | 11 | Jadon Smith | u18 | |
| 12 | Curtis Fenton | u17 | 12 | Sifiso Meyiwa | u18 |
| 13 | Jadrian Afrikaner | u19 | 13 | Phinda Nkosi | u17 |
| 14 | Avumila Lisa | u18 | 14 | Anesu Kuzonyei | u18 |
| 15 | Luxolo Sonkononkono | u18 | 15 | Trevor van Vollenstee | u18 |
| 16 | Amukele Nkosi | 16 | Keagan Nyembe | ||
| 17 | Seluleku Nzuza | 17 | Awande Mthethwa | u17 | |
| 18 | Drew Hollingsworth | 18 | Sphe Mhlongo | u19 | |
| 19 | Ezra Karolisin | u17 | 19 | Caeleb Mackenzie | u17 |
| 20 | Banyanda Ndlovu | 20 | Tinayeishe Ruwona | u19 | |
| 21 | Sandiswa Mbokazi | u18 | 21 | Ivan Vermaak | u18 |
| 22 | Aidan Baudach | 22 | Josh Mills | u17 | |
| 23 | Seth van Staden | 23 | Andile Thwala | u18 | |
| Coach | ZANDER ERASMUS | Coach | JACQUES DEEN | ||
| TEAM | HILTON | TEAM | GLENWOOD | ||
| 1 | Aidan du Plooy | u17 | 1 | Zazi Msimango | u17 |
| 2 | Kyle-Reese Clements | u18 | 2 | Tyler Leon | u17 |
| 3 | Mholi Khuzwayo | u18 | 3 | Thabiso Nkuhlu | u17 |
| 4 | Hartman Fourie | u18 | 4 | Siwesambe Ndamase | u18 |
| 5 | Andrew Schnell | u18 | 5 | James Swift | u19 |
| 6 | Callan Kenmuir | u18 | 6 | Andile Mbokazi | u17 |
| 7 | Ross Steyn | u18 | 7 | Rosisang Ngwenya | u18 |
| 8 | Zander Muller | u18 | 8 | Inganathi Pepu | u17 |
| 9 | Benoit Rey | u18 | 9 | Vincenzo Loutz | u17 |
| 10 | Nico Davel | u17 | 10 | Joshua Kopp | u18 |
| 11 | Liyema Gazi | u18 | 11 | Jakub Bednar | u18 |
| 12 | Ruan Mulder | u17 | 12 | Elgenio Oersen | u17 |
| 13 | Guy Fender | u18 | 13 | Cade Isaacs | u17 |
| 14 | Tomupeishe Gurupira | u18 | 14 | Lebohang Skosana | u18 |
| 15 | James Peattie | u18 | 15 | Jonah Chaita | u17 |
| 16 | Sean Burman | u17 | 16 | Joshua Edwards | u18 |
| 17 | Garrick Phillips | u18 | 17 | Bonga Cibane | u18 |
| 18 | Dimo Zigiriadis | u17 | 18 | Ethan Swindon | u18 |
| 19 | Lwango Ntantala | u17 | 19 | Nathan Lupke | u18 |
| 20 | Rob Jervis | u18 | 20 | Makhaya Mbaile | u18 |
| 21 | Ryan Jellis | 21 | Lohan Carolus | u18 | |
| 22 | Sigcobe Magwentshu | 22 | Zubenathi Molulo | u17 | |
| 23 | JD van Wyk | u17 | 23 | Siya Kheswa | u17 |
| Coach | BRAD MACLEOD-HENDERSON | Coach | JUSTIN HOLLIS | ||
| TEAM | DURBAN HS | TEAM | MARITZBURG COLL | ||
| 1 | Likho Konza | u18 | 1 | Linamandla Mabanga | u18 |
| 2 | Iglesias Bruiners | u17 | 2 | Theo Boshoff | u18 |
| 3 | Priden Sibiya | u18 | 3 | Alande Ngubane | u19 |
| 4 | Ambesiwe Sipanga | u18 | 4 | Sean Jansen | u17 |
| 5 | Bulelani Cebani | u17 | 5 | Raymond Chikukwa | u18 |
| 6 | D Swart | 6 | David Colenbrander | u18 | |
| 7 | Daniel Kazambo | u19 | 7 | Caleb Sweetnam | u18 |
| 8 | Aobakwe Moeng | u17 | 8 | Rory Stanton | u18 |
| 9 | Richaard Kriel | u17 | 9 | Dominic du Toit | u18 |
| 10 | Cilermo Carolus | u18 | 10 | Luthando Dladla | u17 |
| 11 | Richard Gyamfi | u18 | 11 | Matthew Harris | u18 |
| 12 | Amo Mataboge | u18 | 12 | Brent Smith | u17 |
| 13 | Sterling Padi | 13 | Olwethu Kosani | u18 | |
| 14 | Nathan Aneke | u18 | 14 | Sakhokukle Xaba | |
| 15 | Tanwill Onkers | u17 | 15 | Sandiswa Hadebe | u18 |
| 16 | Jayden Botha | u18 | 16 | Danie Matthee | |
| 17 | Triumso Mokoena | u17 | 17 | Mzwamandla Manana | u18 |
| 18 | Omphile Kola | u18 | 18 | Brandon Botha | u18 |
| 19 | Daniel Fwita | 19 | Josh Thompson | u18 | |
| 20 | Okhule Mbanjwa | u19 | 20 | Brad Jean-Louis | |
| 21 | Hlomela Mbane | u17 | 21 | Karl Lubbe | u17 |
| 22 | Kyle Lessels | 22 | Likhona Kosani | u18 | |
| 23 | Byron Klaasen | u18 | 23 | Mahlubandile Hadebe | u17 |
| Coach | PETER ENGLEDOW | Coach | HENDRE MARNITZ |
But can he play in the wind?
@Grasshopper (Comment #10)
He will play Academy week. And agree with you any of the top 5 schools he would of walked Cw even as a 17 year old his development has stalled at Gw however he will definitely be able to catch up after school. He is way too Talented.
I quietly giggle as Rosco Williams is completely excluded from any team & discussion. Probably the most talented back in the province lost in a mediocre/poor Glenwood team. If he played in any on the top 5 KZN team would be first choice. He will probably the one in kZN that actually makes it one day.
I also hope the fact that CW is in PE this year, the conditions should be taken into account when selecting your team.
Rain, wind direction and the fact that scientists are yet to discover signs of life in PE need serious consideration during selections.
Wow
You Natak okes are serious about analyzing players and positions. I hope the selectors all have masters degrees in sports science.
POINT OF INTEREST IN SELECTION
I had Colenbrander in the team for this year’s Craven week when he got MoTM against KC last year’s King Derby Price game. He has yet to show that type of form but it’s coming along nicely for him. Steyn is the most abrasive up until now. (not a very yster-like 26′ class)
Carolus is probably the most gifted player but when he is under pressure and doesn’t try to redeem it with safer gameplay. At times when things (phases of play) can be executed at a basic level he as the leader (2nd yr player at pivot) of the backline at DHS will opt for something a bit expensive.
If he comes to form he might push Miskey out of the Squad into the AW. Miskey is better than John Grubb for me. Better technique (passing and kicking) and he has proven to be reliable on multiple occasions defensively. Miskey might lack the structural play nuances as Kearsney attack is super dynamic which is why they are tired in the last ten of every game. (I.e the Easter games and against Westville). Miskey would also have the advantage of playing in these type of tournaments before with short prep and on the go nature would make 10’s decision making less of a system based thing.
For me Zion Smith edges it over Andrew Snell considering they are both leader. What does it for me is Zion’s Strength of Schedule compared to his Hilton counterpart.
Jankowitz is a lot like William Ridl (25′) he does not put a foot wrong if you use him correctly. However He is not the conductor of the attack makes for great impact player. Muller being on the the bench is to give the bench firepower to compete with deep teams. Being versatile means he can adapt to the pace of the game quicker and be effective. As opposed putting Ndlovu or the Steyn on the bench who are compromised of the game is being played in a way that doesn’t really suit specific strengths.
Keanu is a great player. He often setting off those backline plays KC do he beats his man regularly and wins turnovers at the breakdown quite a bit. Plays bigger than his size but I think Jankowitz is slightly faster and noticeably bigger.
Lwazi Mbebe at 14 is basically cheating, interplay between him and Sonkononkono will be fine to watch. Mbebe in the potential absence of Carolus is the best games breaker (or least the most consistent). If he’s at Wing he has less positional responsibility (he gets told where to be) so that could mean less mistakes.(He’s also played there during the Grant Khomo.)
Also I do fancy Anesu at 11 for Gyamfi particularly because he has grown as the season went on and I also heard the are both sprinters.
Trevor Van Vollenstee is so good and I haven’t been able to notice until the Wildeklawer. Wow he is deserving of a jersey he’s creative in attack for himself and teammates. Has improved his physique from his grade 11 year. Kicks well out of hand and is rarely caught out of position.
6. Nhlanhla Ndlovu is compact and well built shouldn’t have issues getting around the park and is a decent breakdown asset. Rory knows more about the 6. position despite wearing the 8. for college but I worry about metres after contact defensively and offensively when I see his frame especially in Craven Week.
@sbw_offload_99 (Comment #5)
I like seeing Trevor van Vollenstee there. The bts i have seen, he has been really good and very influential at Fullback for Northwood. Good touches, solid at the back, joins the line well. Scored that blinder against Paarl Boys High.
MY CW'26 TEAM
@Couchcoach (Comment #3)
Yeah I must say Jansen and Ngubane are easily my two favourite College players. I don’t think any lock is as valuable to his team as SJ. Maybe an easy pick for AW but will need a few things to go his way to convince selectors of CW this year.
Ngubane perhaps takes the polish off some of what Mbanga achieves.
I’m sure Cebani is right up there for SARU as a big lad they would love to see progress. I think he has a better chance at CW than Jansen.
Steyn is another player I really like but I feel he’ll maybe need someone to get injured a long the way to get a call up.
@Beet You’re spot on about the selectors’ challenge, and I’ll add a few names that I think make decisions even harder. At loosehead Mbanga from Maritzburg is surely in the mix. MC have been dominant at scrum time, he has chemistry with Boshoff and contributes well in the loose. Sibiya at TH prop may be worth considering too. Steyn has been excellent at flank all season, and Sean Jansen (if back from injury) has arguably been the most effective 4 lock option. Cebani from DHS will come into the mix there too. In the backs I think you’ve nailed most of the discussion points. I’d add Anesu Kuzoneyi as a frontrunner on the wing. My definites (and spots up for discussion) would be as follows: 1. 2. Boshoff 3. Salamousas 4. 5. Mlaba 6. 7. Smith 8. Wimble (Ndlovu makes the squad as a weapon in the second half, and covers 8/6) 9. 10. Miskey 11. 12. Jankowitz 13. Aneke 14. 15. Mbebe If pressed to make a call, I think Mabanga and Chamane are the two loose heads selected. I probably go with Ndamase and Cebani at lock. They feel like 50/50 calls with Schnell and Jansen, and realistically the poc parameters give them the edge there. Physically they both possibly have more upside long term. I think someone likely gets picked out of their usual position to play openside flank, simply to accommodate as many of the best loosies as possible – Ndlovu makes the squad, and one of Muller or Steyn is the 4th loosie. In the remaining back line positions, I think Kriel is one of the two 9s. On the wing, I would go with Gyamfi and Kuzoneyi if forced to choose today. I think Kosani is the third centre in the squad, which leaves one spot for another 9 and one utility player. Du Toit’s ability to cover 9 and 10 may be a factor, and guys like Sonkonkono, Grubb and Hadebe would be my other considerations.
@TJ (Comment #1)
Thanks. I guess one has to see Nhlanhla in that role to believe it. His style of play feels so different for Kearsney.
Kevin Foote tried Maake at 6 and that did not seem to work too well
6. Ndlovu (played there last year when selected for the SA Academy side), works very well to ball.
7. Muller, with Smith as cover. Have to have a strong 23 to be able to get over the line at Craven Week.
8. Wimble, stands to reason.
4 and 5 will be Mlaba and Ndamase
19. Should be Schnell, great lineout option, runs the lineout extremely well and as an added bonus, one of the best receiving a kickoff.
Tough on Stanton, but his height may be an issue going forward. Lineouts will be key especially in a windy Gqeberha and his lack of punching power may also count against him at selection.