Wynberg Boys’ appear to be the team to beat in the Southern Suburbs in 2026. They have already collected one Triple Crown and are looking good to complete an SS4 clean sweep in August, which would mark their first Grand Slam season since 2014.
Their recent win against Grey High School on Hawthornden was hugely impressive. Grey, known for their forward bulk, had some strong moments against the hosts, but even in those exchanges it felt as though Berg fronted up physically and ultimately emerged as the superior side in that department.
In truth, it became a very one-dimensional afternoon for Grey after a bright start that produced a spectacular opening try by flyhalf Likhona Nakani. Even getting the ball beyond flyhalf often seemed a challenge. Wing Noah Mbizi showed glimpses of why he is regarded as one of the more dangerous backs in South African school rugby, but once again lived largely off scraps. Defensively, whenever space opened up, Berg were clinical, while Grey battled to plug the gaps.
Wynberg’s first try, scored by useful No. 8 Esa van der Schyff, came from a kick-return attack that asked serious questions of the Grey defence and received no answers.
Flyhalf Achmat Behardien returned to action and, as impressive as Luke Gertze has been in the role, it was immediately evident that Behardien is a five-star general and a genuine class act. It goes without saying that he delivered an outstanding performance.
Centre Ithandile Nkohla crossed from close range for Wynberg’s second try. Grey responded before the break with a trademark rolling maul effort to remain in the contest at 17-10 down.
After halftime, Wynberg displayed superior cohesion, variation and accuracy as they created opportunities and steadily stretched the scoreline. Fullback Laeeq Davids enjoyed a simple run-in courtesy of efficient build-up play and slick handling.
Scrumhalf Rauf Ahmed was as sharp as ever. He identified the smallest defensive lapse close to the line to score his first try. His second was a thing of beauty. A training-ground move saw him receive the ball at pace at the front of the lineout. Although naturally nippy, Ahmed still had plenty to do. He cut back infield and beat every defender in sight on his way to a superb long-range try.
Sandwiched between those moments, the Grey forwards showed what they are capable of when they recycle quickly and build pressure through pick-and-drive phases and got the maximum reward of seven points.
In the end, though, it was comprehensive at 41-17. An excellent victory against a quality opponent.
Next up is a massive challenge. The nation’s number-one ranked team, Paarl Gim, travel to Hawthornden. The post-Covid scorelines there favour Gim, who have not lost to Wynberg in years, but the margins do not fully reflect the bravery and competitiveness Wynberg showed in both encounters.
Although they head into the clash as underdogs, Wynberg will be determined to make their supporters proud against a Winelands powerhouse blessed with extraordinary firepower this season.
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