Captain's profile: Ryan Dafel
The recent history between the schools indicates that DHS will be in for yet another tough time – this time on their home ground – as Glenwood have enjoyed a number of years of success over the old enemy.
"If we look back to years gone by, we [Durban High School] have a proud history of beating Glenwood – the stats are in our favour – but, they certainly have had the rub of the green in the past few years.
"This Classic Clash is going to be very competitive and there are always niggles in competitive games, so we know we can expect that. Mentally, our squad is experienced despite their physical age being young on paper.
"With the young squad that we have, it has been a good season for us thus far. We set ourselves high targets because we know what we are capable of achieving, so when reviewing it with that in mind, the season has not gone the way we would have liked.
"They [Glenwood] are a very physical team but their lack of resourcefulness can cause them to play like robots at times," Dafel said.
Being named captain of his school's first XV was one of Dafel's dreams and added to that is his achievement of representing KwaZulu-Natal in the Academy Week.
"It was an honour to be selected as captain [of my school's first XV team] as it has always been my dream. I am the type of captain who does not believe in whining, complaining or excuses.
"I am a good listener and always put my team mates first. I believe it is also my duty to ensure that they are in the right space mentally, so that it may match their physical condition," he added.
Sport plays a massive role in the 17-year-old lock's life and it is his plan to pursue a professional rugby career while also studying something in the sports industry.
