A Classic Clash in Durban
The Glenwood and DHS meeting in an FNB Classic Clash is a rivalry filled with tradition and passion. The match will be televised live.
This is about two schools in neighbouring suburbs, calling each other Grasshoppers and Horseflies, trying desperately to succeed in an act, started in the 1970s, of 'the Ringing of the School Bell' on the Friday evening before the game, singing specially created war-cries about each other and then going all out to win the big game.
There is a rich past filled with emotion and involving many fine gentlemen from both sides connected to this wonderful occasion. It is therefore little wonder that this great Durban derby is an FNB Classic Clash.
In the past few weeks, reshuffling versatile players has been the theme for both schools in their attempts to extract maximum benefit from talent at their disposal. With the increased uncertainty surrounding how these players will perform in the newish roles assigned to them, how they will match up to opposite numbers and how this will impact on the overall team performances, it is building up to be an exciting duel on many different levels.
In Glenwood, established No.8 Carel Swart has shifted to openside flank, while former lock Michael van Aardt assumes Swart's role at the back of the scrum. It is believed that Swart's extra pace will give his side a faster response at the breakdown, which is a huge positive when trying to secure quality ball or steal it. Along the same lines, athletic Van Aardt will relish the opportunity to play a looser game and also giving his team a genuine third option in the line-out.
Sihle Ngxabi finds himself in Van Aardt's old place in the second row and will be playing out of his skin to finally cement the berth that has eluded him for the past two seasons.
Akona Nela will also be looking to seal his place at inside centre, having only lately returned to first team action. Apart from his good defensive skills, hopes are that he will also provide Glenwood with some much needed strength on the feet in contact and better running lines, two things that have been missed in their midfield attacking game.
Underrated wing Corné Vermaak is not the kind of player a defence wants to give any room at all. The young player has shown good power and determination during his limited first team opportunities this season.
There are two major surprise packages in the DHS team.
Firstly Werner Kotze, who has worked his way up from the third team is in at lock alongside big Carlos Lausberg, to form part of a fairly hefty looking tight five.
The versatile Kurt Webster is the other enigma. The Under-16 player easily stands out as the most naturally gifted rugby player on the park, having played in a host of positions including hooker and now flyhalf, where he has been selected for this all-important game.
Other Horsefly rearrangements sees the likes of scrumhalf Andrew Kelner out on the wing, former flyhalf Le Roux van Zyl at inside centre and Mitchell Hayes moving from lock to blindside flank.
In past seasons, Glenwood have been known for their ability to bash it up the middle before unleashing their backs. Certainly with Marne Coetzee and Matthew Worral-Clare, they have two players capable of getting over the advantage line in this exact fashion, but with the make-up of the team the way it is, there is a need-for-speed feel about this current Glenwood side. A fast-paced open game with lots of phases from broken play and opportunities to run at a disorganised defence will suit them to the tee.
DHS on the other hand might feel more comfortable with a more structured approach. Their basic rugby game-plan has been very mature and error free at times this season. Playing a high percentage safety first game with the territorial domination and a lot of set-piece restarts that slow things down a little, might just be more to their liking.
The term "what goes around comes around" has certainly proven worth in this head to head battle. History suggests that DHS with 80 wins and 49 defeats from 140 games since 1922 should statistically be the top dogs when the teams run onto Dixons Field tomorrow.
However, Glenwood Rugby has undergone a metamorphosis since 2000, while DHS has seen its rugby fortunes decline in the last decade. The result is that Glenwood has won 10 of the last 16 meetings and have confirmed their right to be called the Green Machine.
The Grasshoppers are the firm favourites to "swat the Flies" and record their fiftieth derby victory in 2012 but not respecting School's hunger to break the home team's winning streak would be fatal.
For the schoolboys it will be an experience to savour. For Old Boys, it is bound to be a day that brings back many good memories.
Enjoy the Classic Clash.
The teams:
DHS: 15 Kevin Tlale, 14 Andrew Kelner, 13 Ntlantla Ngubane, 12 Le Roux van Zyl, 11 Notha Sibisi, 10 Kurt Webster, 9 Ryan Killian, 8 Gilmore Munro, 7 Mitchell Hayes, 6 Jarred Ryder, 5 Carlos Lausberg, 4 Werner Kotze, 3 JP Pieterse, 2 Zuko Nqawe (captain), 1 Lindani Dlamini.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Drew, 17 Pedro Miguel, 18 Dane Mare, 19 Ruhan Venter, 20 Siphesihle Khanyile, 21 Nicholas Vels, 22 Blessing Buthelezi.
Coaches: Deon Gericke, Bryan Adam
Glenwood: 15 Untahi Makasi, 14 Dylan Coulson, 13 Nkululeko Marwana, 12 Akhona Nela, 11 Corné Vermaak, 10 Warren Potgieter, 9 Mtokosizi Mkhabela, 8 Michael van Aardt, 7 Rupert Kay, 6 Carel Swart, 5 Sihle Ngxabi, 4 Wandile Mazibuko, 3 Marne Coetzee (captain), 2 Sanele Pina,1 Matthew Worral-Clare.
Replacements: 16 Kyle Westman, 17 Wayne Vermeulen, 18 Jaques Meintjies, 19 Sebastiano Bracco, 20 Nkululeko Mcuma, 21 Sphamandla Ngcobo, 22 Heino Beneke, 23 Vusi Mthembu, 24 Thayne Flanagan.
Coaches: Sean Erasmus, Rudi Dames
Date: Saturday, 26 May, 2012
Kick-off: 15.30
Television times: SS5 / SS5A / SS5N with repeats on 27 May, 28 May and 29 May
Venue: Glenwood High School
Expected weather conditions: Overcast with a high of 25°C, dropping to 17°C
Referee: Zane Watson (KZN Referees' Society
By Beet
