Captain's profile: Gladwin Nieuwenhuizen
Noord-Kaap's last Classic Clash win occurred in 2013 when they marched to a 27-19 victory. Hoping to emulate 2013's result and avoid a third consecutive loss, the skipper faces an uphill battle as they travel to their Kimberley counterparts.
"The recent history of the Classic Clash clearly shows that they have had an upper-hand in the last two encounters. They won in 2014 and 2015 and I still remember [the 2015 match] like it was yesterday. Before that, our school really dominated much of the matches with a six-year winning streak and I am hopeful that we can restore it again.
"On Saturday, we will be fielding a really young group of guys. We are missing some first-choice players and it does put pressure on the team. I expect a tough match but have faith that we will produce a win," Nieuwenhuizen said.
The two schools always deliver some highly contested match-ups as both schools boast with a rich rugby culture and talented individuals. This year alone there was a total of 10 Diamantveld players and nine Noord-Kaap players in the Griquas Under-18 Craven Week team.
Nieuwenhuizen was one of those nine Noord-Kaap players and the young man also represented the Union in 2015 at the U16 Grant Khomo Week.
With all his experience at Provincial level and his two years first XV experience, the captaincy armband was bound to be bestowed onto Nieuwenhuizen.
"Craven Week was highly competitive, it is high-quality rugby played at a high pace – I really enjoyed it. I think it has given me the suitable tools to lead the side.
"To be named captain is a huge honour and privilege. Along with Craven Week, I would definitely consider it a highlight of my rugby career. As a captain I believe that hard work beats talent,” the skipper added.
Despite Noord-Kaap's average season with a really bad start, the team managed to pull it together and deliver some noteworthy performances leading up to the Classic Clash. The 18-year-old has encouraged his side to stay focused and not be stressed before and during the match.
The matriculant's future plans are to study and continue building on his rugby career.
