WP final trials 2026

Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

Just my opinions on the WP u18A team selections to create some discussion:

WP recipe for success

Western Province’s typical 23-player A-team balance usually settles around a 5:8 POC-to-white split in the pack and 7:3 in the backline. Squad construction is aimed at selecting the strongest 23, but its also about finding the right balance across positions while still maintaining quality, especially in key SBR positions.

WP forward targets: slim pickings this year

This is shaping up as a particularly difficult year to source POC forwards.
Across the Winelands Big Four, the two Northern Suburbs Premier League schools, and Bishops Diocesan College, there are currently no POC players in the first-choice A-team packs.
Not that Durbies are included above due to the unfortunate injury to standout hooker Zay-Winn Januarie, who remains sidelined with a neck injury.
As a result, Western Province will likely need to identify forwards from:
- Rondebosch
- SACS
- Wynberg
- B-League schools
- Or potentially from powerhouse B-teams, much like Caleb Koeberg of Paul Roos last season.

Props available, but lack of locks creates selection squeeze

The three Southern Suburbs schools have produced a reasonable crop of POC front-row talent, but notably no second-row options.
If WP selects three front-rowers from this cluster, squad balance will almost certainly force selectors to source at least two loose forwards from the same group to complete the pack.
The shortage of genuine locks places additional pressure on the back-row selection and overall pack composition.

Basson’s return changes the backline equation

Tiaan Basson has returned from a shoulder injury and is now a strong favourite for selection.
The Paul Roos captain is expected to partner Ethan Barker of Paarl Gim in midfield, giving WP what looks to be a physically imposing and tactically balanced centre pairing.
While this strengthens the team considerably, it likely leaves room for only one additional white backline player, further intensifying selection pressure elsewhere.

Ethan vs Travis: the great debate

Basson’s return may have closed the door on both players making the A-team together.
Overall, Travis Pheiffer of Paul Roos may well be the country’s form flyhalf this season, but comparisons with Ethan van Biljon of Stellenbergl remain unavoidable.
Van Biljon is widely viewed as the superior long-term prospect and has already been secured by WP for 2027.
By contrast, Pheiffer is expected to join the Bulls pathway after school, which inevitably adds another layer to the selection conversation.
In a WPRU system increasingly focused on strengthening its internal player pathway to senior rugby, these dynamics are difficult to ignore even if people say CW selection is independent of WP/Stormers affairs.
Van Biljon’s versatility may also work in his favour.

Why this year matters beyond 2026

There is a growing perception that the WP u18A side could be more vulnerable than usual this season.
While much of the country would welcome a rare Western Province stumble at Craven Week, such an outcome may actually be counterproductive from a national development perspective.
Should WP fail to win and lose momentum in the process, there is a realistic risk they may not field a B-team at Craven Week in 2027.
That would be unfortunate, as early signs suggest next year’s group could once again have the depth to justify two squads.

Who looks pencilled in