Garsfontein face Monument(al) hurdle
PREVIEW: Garsfontein will host Monument in the Noordvaal Cup this Saturday, while Paarl Gymnasium and Wynberg meet in an intriguing regional clash of north against south.
The second phase of the South African schools season kicks off this weekend, as a number of local derbies and interprovincial clashes are staged around the country.
Log points will be on the line as the Noordvaal Cup tournament reaches the business end, while a few leading teams down south will attempt to build momentum ahead of more challenging fixtures to come.
@Rugby365com takes a closer look at some of the match-ups scheduled for this weekend.
JEPPE V DHS
If not for a series of narrow losses, Jeppe would have a better record than seven wins in 15 matches.
Jeppe have lost 18-26 to Garsfontein, 20-21 to Noordheuwel, and 36-38 to Affies over the course of the season.
They will need to be at their best when they host DHS this Saturday, as the Durban outfit will also have a point to prove after losing the KwaZulu-Natal crown to Westville in recent months.
DHS have racked up 12 wins in 14 matches, a run that includes victories against Rustenburg, Monument, Durbanville and Stellenberg.
Their only losses came against Westville – who finished their season undefeated – and Paarl Gym – the leading team in the country.
The last time these teams met in 2024, DHS edged Jeppe 24-20 in Durban.
GARSFONTEIN V MONUMENT
Garsfontein appear to be on track for a third-consecutive Noordvaal Cup title, with a perfect record after six rounds.
Garsies (30 log points) and Helpmekaar (27) are first and second in the standings, while there isn’t much separating third-placed Noordheuwel (20) and eighth-placed Waterkloof (12).
Monument (12) are currently in seventh, but could climb the ladder and strengthen their playoff prospects if they shock Garsies in Pretoria this Saturday.
Monnas have had a relatively poor season, losing nine of their 15 games.
Recent victories against Transvalia and Nelspruit, however, may given the confidence and momentum ahead of a showdown with Garsies.
The 2024 Noordvaal Cup meeting ended in a narrow 31-28 win for Garsies.
PAARL GYM V WYNBERG
Gimmies are on course to finish at the top of the South African schoolboy pile, with only two regular season fixtures remaining. The Paarl derby against Boishaai on 2 August may well double as a national final.
That said, perceptions and rankings may change if Gimmies lose the preceding match against Wynberg, which will be staged in Paarl this weekend.
While Gimmies start the game as favourites, it’s worth noting that Wynberg have been the best performing side in Cape Town’s southern suburbs this season.
Last month, Wynberg managed to push Paul Roos close, with the Stellenbosch side winning 21-17.
Gimmies have won 12 and drawn two over the course of the season.
Pieter Rossouw’s charges have scored 40 or more points on nine occasions, and put 80 past SACS and Boland Landbou in their most recent fixtures.
The Wynberg defence will have its hands full this Saturday, and if the visitors do manage to secure an unlikely win in Paarl, it may well be the upset of the season.
SELECTED FIXTURES (26 JULY)
Jeppe v DHS
Pretoria Boys v KES
Affies v Maritzburg College
Rustenburg v EG Jansen
Garsfontein v Monument
Noordheuwel v Waterkloof
Transvalia v Helpmekaar
Northwood v Glenwood
Grey High v Framesby
Pearson v Graeme College
Marlow v Queen’s College
Boland Landbou v Bishops
Oakdale v Drostdy
Paarl Boys v SACS
Outeniqua v Stellenberg
Paarl Gym v Wynberg
Paul Roos v Rondebosch
@rugby365com
* Picture credit: Garsfontein
