Classic Horseflies meet Grasshoppers
The ancient match between Durban High School and Glenwood used to be one of the great rugby rivalry in South Africa's schools rugby, not always as sportingly as one would have liked.
This may have faded somewhat in recent times with the dominance of Glenwood. The occasions are not as tense, the arguments mutters rather than shouts. But there is still a strong feeling when the neighbours meet.
This time it will be DHS's turn to march along Peter Mokaba Road, over King Dinizulu Road and on to Glenwood.
Results this Year
DHS have won played eight matches, Glenwood nine, but the calibre of Glenwood's opposition has been much higher. DHS have not played a single side in the FNB Top 20 while five of Glenwood's opponents have been in this year's FNB Top 20.
Of their eight matches DHS have won and lost four; of their nine matches Glenwood have lost two.
DHS beat Port Natal, George Campbell, Clifton and Parktown while they lost to SACS, Pretoria Boys High, KES and Westville.
Glenwood beat Bishops, Jeppe, Michaelhouse, Westville, Dale, Dr EG Jansen, and Framesby while they lost to Waterkloof and Outeniqua.
Results against Common Opponents
Westville are the only opponents they have in common. Glenwood beat Westville 32-15 while Westville beat DHS 33-9.
Experience
Last year Glenwood's Green Machine beat DHS 46-14.
DHS have eight back from that beaten squad – Le Roux van Zyl, fullback last year but flyhalf this year, centres Mabhutana Peter and Blessing Buthelezi, scrumhalf Kwandokuhle Ngidi, loose forwards Pablo Rees, Daniel Kriedemann and Dean Roberts, who was a hooker last year, and wing Sandile Biyela.
Glenwood have again their start fullback Morné Joubert back plus Sphamandla Ngcobo, Curtis Jonas, Jaco Coetzee, Koos Tredoux and Percy Mngadi who was a prop last year and is a hooker this year.
Glenwood had nine players at Craven Week last year of whom Morné Joubert, Sphamandla Ngcobo, Jaco Coetzee and Koos Tredoux are in the side again.
In addition, at the end of the Kearsney Easter Festival the Sharks offered five players bursaries to their academy. Two are from Glenwood – prop Kenny van Niekerk and flyhalf Curtis Jonas.
Glenwood are a good side, ranked eighth on the FNB Top 20.
Teams
Glenwood: 15. M Joubert, 14. I Mukendi, 13. S Ngcobo, 12. D du Randt, 11. P Ngcobo, 10. C Jonas, 9. K Khanyile, 8. J Coetzee, 7. M Muller, 6. J. Venter, 5. R Desmore, 4. K du Randt (captain), 3. K Tredoux, 2. P Mngadi, 1. K van Niekerk
Coaches: R Dames, M Vowles
DHS: 15. Dillon Bryan, 14. Ndabezinhle Mabaso, 13. Mabhutana Peter, 12. Blessing Buthelezi, 11. Sandile Khumalo, 10. Le Roux van Zyl, 9. Kwandokuhle Ngidi, 8. Mthokozisa Ntuli, 7. Pablo Rees, 6. Dean Roberts, 5. Nkhululeko Ndlovu, 4. Liam Whitfield, 3. Lukhanyo Dlungwana, 2. Aphiwe Febana, 1. Abongile Xoshombe
Replacements: 16. Sisanda Ndebele, 17. Mangaliso Mvambo, 18. Luyanda Nadbadaba, 19. Daniel Kriedemann, 20. Gareth Simpson, 21. Michael-John du Plessis, 22. Sandile Biyela
Date: Saturday, 10 May 2014
Kick-off: Under-14.15
Venue: Dixons at Glenwood High School
Expected weather conditions: Overcast with a chance of rain later and a high of 24°C, dropping to 17°C.
Rugby Programme
Dixons
08.30: Under-16C (vs B)
09.30: 4th XV
10.30: 3rd XV
11.45: Under-16A
13.00: 2nd XV
14.15: Under-1st XV
Bassons
08.30: Under-15C (vs B)
09.30: Under-14A
10.30: Under-15A
11.45: Under-16D (vs C)
Madsens
08.30: Under-14C (vs B)
09.30: Under-15D (vs C)
10.30: Under-14D (vs C)
