Noordvaal Cup reaches do-or-die stage

PREVIEW: Play-off spots will be up for grabs in the final round of the Noordvaal Cup while Outeniqua travel to Bloemfontein in search of the big scalp of Grey College.

Paarl Gim beat Paarl Boys last week to finish their season with a record of 15 wins and one loss.

No matter what happens over the next few weeks, Gimmies will not be caught at the top of the national rankings.

That said, there is still plenty to play for in the latter stages of the season, with other top dogs jousting for places in the rankings, and the leading teams of Gauteng competing for the Noordvaal Cup title.

Rugby365 looks ahead to some of the big match-ups scheduled for Saturday.

NOORDVAAL CUP

The Noordvaal Cup play-off race has been particularly tight this season, and with one round remaining, five teams are still in the hunt for semifinal places.

Garsfontein and Monument have already qualified for the play-offs, and the coming results will determine which of these teams finishes at the top of the standings.

Garsfontein (34 log points) could clinch top spot this week via a win against EG Jansen in Pretoria.

Monument (31) could edge ahead, though, if they down Waterkloof in Krugersdorp and Garsies stumble against Jansies.

Waterkloof (23) and Noordheuwel (21) currently occupy third and fourth position, followed by Helpmekaar (21) and Menlopark (18).

Helpies are no longer in the running for the play-offs, having completed their eight-game campaign.

Menlopark could edge ahead of Waterkloof and Noordheuwel, though, if they win at Rustenburg and those other teams lose to Monument and Middelburg respectively.

At a glance, it would appear that Klofies are in danger of missing the cut – but bonus points may yet determine the final standings.

GREY COLLEGE V OUTENIQUA

The good news is that the highly anticipated fixture will proceed as scheduled.

A couple of weeks ago, the match was in danger of being cancelled due to budget constraints.

Fortunately, Outeniqua will have the means to travel to Bloem this weekend and tackle one of the best teams in the country.

Grey College have had a disappointing season by their own standards, losing four matches.

There is still time to finish the season on a high, and they will be targeting wins against Outeniqua and another leading team in Paul Roos over the next few weeks.

The Kwaggas have enjoyed a fine season to date, and are rated by many as one of the top 10 sides in the country.

They’ve won seven, drawn one and lost four in 2026 – a run that includes victories against Boland Landbou, Maritzburg College and Framesby.

Last week, the Kwaggas pushed Stellenberg close in Bellville, but went down 21-26.

They will be underdogs in Bloem this Saturday, but may take heart from the fact that teams like Stellenberg beat Grey College earlier this season.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH

After downing Dale in a key Eastern Cape clash, Graeme will look to secure another local scalp when they travel to Queens College this weekend.

Maritzburg College should conclude their season with a win against Glenwood, who have struggled in 2026.

Another KwaZulu-Natal side in DHS should be too strong for KES when the sides meet in Johannesburg.

In Cape Town, Stellenberg should bolster their record with a victory over Milnerton, while Boland Landbou will target a statement win over Oakdale, who have not been at their best this year.

SELECTED FIXTURES – AUGUST 8

NOORDVAAL
Garsfontein v EG Jansen
Rustenburg v Menlopark
Noordheuwel v Middelburg
Monument v Waterkloof
Pretoria Boys v Affies
Jeppe v Parktown
KES v DHS

CENTRAL
Grey College v Outeniqua
Sentraal v Framesby

KWAZULU-NATAL
Maritzburg College v Glenwood

EASTERN CAPE
Queens v Graeme
Selborne v Dale
Cambridge v Hudson Park
Grey High v Muir

WESTERN CAPE
Boland Landbou v Oakdale
Stellenberg v Milnerton