Monument vs Garsfontein – Noordvaal Cup’s must watch game

The biggest rugby match of this year’s grand Noordvaal Cup Premier League is now just days away. The clash between the Monument Witbulle and the Garsfontein Bere has all the ingredients of a classic and could go a long way towards shaping the final log standings.

Garsfontein have emerged as the dominant force in the age-old Beker competition, and with another talented group this season, they have a genuine opportunity to extend their remarkable run to four consecutive titles in 2026. Before the Bere’s rise to prominence, it was Monnas who sat atop the mountain, claiming their 10th title in 2022.

The Krugersdorpers have worked hard to lift themselves out of a difficult period, and in 2026 they have re-established themselves among the competition’s leading contenders. This weekend presents a golden opportunity to lay down a statement of intent on a national scale, as Garsies have performed well against the country’s top-ranked schools and are regarded as one of the best teams in South Africa.

With both schools widely expected to secure playoff places, alongside an underrated but highly capable Waterkloof outfit, the battle between these two giants of schoolboy rugby is perhaps less significant in terms of log points and more significant as a potential preview of what could be a showpiece final in August.

Elsewhere, Noordheuwel have endured a season that has fallen short of expectations, but their victory over Helpmekaar in the previous round could yet prove highly significant. With Helpies still viewed as Nories’ biggest obstacle in the race for the fourth and final playoff berth, that result has created valuable breathing room.

Nories have the chance to strengthen their position even further this weekend when they host Rustenburg. A victory would not only widen the gap to their closest challengers but also place them firmly in control of their own playoff destiny.

1st XV Table

#	1st XV	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	TTL
1	Garsfontein	5	5	0	0	226	107	119	4	24
2	Monument	4	4	0	0	242	84	158	4	20
3	Waterkloof	4	3	0	1	137	72	65	4	16
4	Middelburg	3	2	0	1	100	118	-18	3	11
5	Noordheuwel	4	2	0	2	96	109	-13	2	10
6	Helpmekaar	5	1	0	4	131	174	-43	5	9
7	Menlopark	5	1	0	4	119	227	-108	4	8
8	Rustenburg	4	0	0	4	107	168	-61	5	5
9	EG Jansen	4	1	0	3	85	184	-99	1	5

In a match with major implications for 2027, EG Jansen host Middelburg in Boksburg this weekend. The Jansies need to maximise the valuable ProReg points on offer, with every point potentially proving crucial in the battle to retain their place among the Hoëveld elite.

The outlook is far from rosy for the Oos-Randers, who have successfully maintained their status in the Premier League ever since the Cup competition adopted its current format. However, the pressure has intensified significantly this season.

Not one but two schools will be relegated at the end of the campaign as the competition moves towards an eight-school Premier League in 2027. That reality has added extra weight to every fixture, and EG Jansen know that a strong performance against Middelburg could prove pivotal in determining their long-term future at the top level in the competition.

PROREG TABLES

#	NV CUP	P	PTS	AVG
1	Garsfontein	5	173.0	34.6
2	Helpmekaar	5	148.5	29.7
3	Menlopark	5	130.0	26.0
4	Monument	4	129.0	32.3
5	Noordheuwel	4	116.5	29.1
6	Rustenburg	4	109.5	27.4
7	Waterkloof	4	103.0	25.8
8	EG Jansen	4	97.0	24.3
9	Middelburg	3	95.0	31.7
#	NV PLATE	P	PTS	AVG
1	Transvalia	5	132.5	26.5
2	Kempton Park	5	121.5	24.3
3	Nelspuit	4	106.0	26.5
4	Montana	5	102.0	20.4
5	Oos-Moot	5	102.0	20.4
6	Wesvalia	4	93.0	23.3
7	HTS Middelburg	4	93.0	23.3
8	Zwartkop	3	67.0	22.3
9	Klerksdorp	3	57.0	19.0