Captain's profile: Greg van Noordwyk
These traditional rivals have going at it for a number of years, with Kearsney dominating the fixture over the past two decades. Upholding this strong tradition will be tough for van Noordwyk and his charges, however the prop is looking forward to leading a highly experienced team onto the field.
"Our team is an experienced group, compromising of 12 players currently in matric and three currently in Grade 11. Despite this amount of experience in the team, we will be missing a first choice prop and fullback, who will both miss the encounter due to injury," van Noordwyk said.
While they may have dominated the result recently, Kearsney have not had things go smoothly as the 2015 Classic Clash saw Kearsney claim a narrow 13-11 victory.
"The 2015 Classic Clash victory over Northwood has been the highlight of my career thus far," he added.
While leading your school's first XV is a huge honour in itself, the captaincy holds special meaning to van Noordwyk.
"I am obviously really proud to be captaining the first XV, not only because of what it means to the school but also because I am continuing my family's tradition of being appointed the first XV captain," he stated.
With so much on the young man's shoulders, he has still been able to lead his team with honour and have already guided them to seven victories this season. This success has come down to his work rate on the park, as well as his leadership skills.
"We are enjoying a good season thus far, having won seven matches and losing just three. I feel that as a player, my work rate around the park is a huge strength – despite being a prop. In terms of my captaincy, I feel that I really come into my own when times are tough and the team needs an extra boost to lift their spirits.
"Looking forward to the Classic Clash, we know Northwood has a big pack of forwards and look to dominate up front but I know that if we can secure the ball, we will be able to release our backline and run the ball at them.
"It is going to be a tough challenge for us and if we manage to achieve a positive result, we will remain humble in victory. However, should the result go against us, we will ensure that we lose with courage," he said.
Academics plays a massive role in van Noordwyk's life and he plans to expand his knowledge when he leaves school. In terms of rugby, he aims to represent Collegians – a team his father has coached for 20 years.
