Defending champs brace for Klofies attack

SPOTLIGHT: Garsfontein’s chances of defending their Noordvaal Cup title will hinge on their defensive display against Waterkloof in the Final on Saturday.

The schoolboy rugby season will come to a thrilling conclusion this weekend, when Waterkloof host Garsfontein in the first all-Pretoria Noordvaal Cup Final since 2006.

@Rugby365com takes a closer look at the two finalists.

Garsfontein have had to fight for their place in this year’s decider.

They lost six of their first seven matches, a run that included a 36-47 defeat in the Noordvaal Cup clash against Waterkloof.

Since then, Garsies have turned things around, winning eight of their next nine matches.

The defending champs appear to be peaking at the right time.

A 39-15 win against EG Jansen earned Garsies a home semi-final against the same team.

The playoff was more closely contested, with SA U18 A centre Brooklyn Newman scoring a late try to secure a 27-25 win.

Waterkloof have been among the best teams in Gauteng this season, winning 16 from 20 overall.

They lost to Paul Roos, the top side in the country, as well as Affies, the strongest team in the north.

They also slipped up in a draw with EG Jansen and a loss to Noordheuwel.

On their day, however, Klofies have proved unstoppable.

Their attack had racked up 40 or more points on 11 occasions this season.

Few teams have been able to live with them, although they were made to fight for a 35-34 semifinal win over Monument.

Ronan Bastiaanse contributed 20 points to the cause last week.

Garsies will need to watch the fullback, as well as halfbacks Migael Prinsloo and Dennis Obi – very closely this Saturday.

Meanwhile, HTS Middelburg will host Transvalia in the Noordvaal Plate Final.

Lichtenburg will battle Wesvalia for the Shield, and Potch Gym and Eldoraigne will fight for the Bowl.

In the Free State – Voortrekker from Bethlehem will face Welkom Gym in the Kovsies Final.