Oakdale have been one of the strongest sides in the country this season and few teams maximise home-ground advantage quite like they do in Riversdale, but even they will be tested by one of the most relentless schoolboy rugby machines in South Africa.
Paarl Gim arrive as a side that is exceptionally well drilled and capable of sustaining a frenetic tempo that few defensive systems at schoolboy level can live with for 70 minutes. Their ability to manipulate the advantage line through sharp running lines and intelligent support play is what so often separates them from the opposition. Once momentum is established, their ruck speed becomes ruthless, allowing them to pile phase upon phase onto retreating defences.
Oakdale do, however, possess the type of forward pack capable of troubling any side in the country. Their physicality and ability to dominate collisions could prove crucial, but the hosts will know that this is not a game in which they can afford to become loose or reactive. Territory, possession and patience will be vital if they are to slow Gim’s rhythm and prevent the visitors from playing the match on the front foot.
History also underlines the scale of the challenge facing the home side. Oakdale’s best result against Paarl Gim in recent memory remains a 17-all draw in 2013, while their last victory in the fixture dates back roughly two decades.
That reality alone speaks volumes about the task awaiting them on Saturday.
| TEAM | OAKDALE | TEAM | PAARL GIM | ||
| 1 | Kyle Burger | u18 | 1 | Jayden Steyl | u18 |
| 2 | Adrian Smith | u18 | 2 | Charles Whitehead | u18 |
| 3 | Francois le Roux | u18 | 3 | Sebastiaan Bekker | u18 |
| 4 | Ruan Groenewald | 4 | Bernhardt Schulze | u18 | |
| 5 | Rico Ferreira | u19 | 5 | Jean Dreyer | u18 |
| 6 | Kane du Plessis | u18 | 6 | Corne Niemand | u18 |
| 7 | Bernard Badenhorst | u18 | 7 | Dirk Hugo | u18 |
| 8 | Jacobus de Villiers | u18 | 8 | Hendre van Zyl | u18 |
| 9 | Michael van Eeden | 9 | Mickyle Booise | u18 | |
| 10 | Caleb Williams | u18 | 10 | Louis Koen | u18 |
| 11 | Luan Mortlock | u17 | 11 | De Waal Vivier | u17 |
| 12 | Andre vd Merwe | u18 | 12 | Ethan Barker | u18 |
| 13 | Myburgh Eksteen | 13 | Derik Cloete | u18 | |
| 14 | Luan van Tonder | 14 | Corne de Beer | u18 | |
| 15 | Nathan-Lee Gordon | 15 | Thomas Saunders | u18 | |
| Coach | JB NAUDE | Coach | PIETER ROSSOUW |
MAGICAL GIM
Gim to me, have been the best attacking side in the country for the last 2 years and it’s not even close. I just love watching how they attack. Pace, power, incredible running lines and angles, rugby IQ, etc etc. it’s like watching total rugby.
Pieter Rossouws coaching and attacking philosophy sees Gim dismantle top 15 teams like it’s nothing. One wonders how long Gim can keep him before other unions come calling in the professional set up.
Gim really are a joy to watch. I wonder why my boys aren’t playing them as a full school fixture this year?
The next 2 games are difficult games for Gim (Oakdale and Paul Roos). Apart from the false start in our first game against Stellenberg, Gim has won all their other games relatively easily. They have not been under pressure, so I am looking forward to seeing how we cope with the big pack of Oakdale and superb all-round game of Paul Ross. My sense is that it is a very special Gim team that has incredible attacking ability. Our pack is also playing exceptionally well under the guidance of new coach Ockie van Zyl.
I predict a bit of a blow-out. 54-17 to Gim