Preview: Blouskool v Rooiskool
If you find yourself in Kroonstad this time of the year, there is only one rule – you are either red or blue.
The rivalry between Hoërskool Kroonstad (Blouskool) and AHS Kroonstad (Rooiskool) is best encapsulated by the parents of the young men taking to the field. It is not uncommon to find grown men still clinging to grudges of years gone by while their offspring, despite attending opposing schools, are good friends off the field – regardless of what happens on it.
The match itself, literally splits the town in town down the middle for the biggest sporting day of the year in the generally somber town. Spectators flock to the hosting school in their thousands to witness the rivalry relived through the passion of the new generation.
Looking back at the history books, Rooiskool definitely holds the psychological edge, characterised by a completely dominant 2014 performance. Another aspect which tips the scales the way of the Red Army is the fact that they have four players: Ettienne O’Donovan, Michiel Bosman, Dylan Stiemmie and Johan Steyn who represented Griffons at the 2015 Craven Week.
However, Blouskool has representative players of their own, with Henro de Vos running out in the Academy Week side while Jan-Louis du Plessis, Jaco van Oudshoorn and Joe Jardim draping the purple and yellow jersey over their shoulders in the Under-19 side.
The Blouskool last won in 2007 and coach Tjaart du Plessis believes the scars of 2014 will serve as motivation for his experienced side who would want to rewrite the history books in their final year.
"We are mainly Grade 12 pupils and the boys told me they want to end their schooling career off with a bang and are determined to make it their year. This is probably the most experienced team we have had in years and they are up to standard to compete.
"We know they have a good forward pack, so we have our plans in place to counter their strengths and capitalise on their weaknesses," du Plessis said.
Across the road (literally) at Rooiskool, coach Jerry Erasmus has the more skillful team but feels this weekend could be a lot closer.
"There are reports of rain this weekend in Free State, so that could play a major role in the outcome and level the playing fields somewhat. We might have the better side, according to paper and history, but they [Blouskool] will definitely not be pushovers this year.
"They have an energetic, experienced side who will be up for the challenge and we need to make sure we keep the tradition of winning alive. What I do know is that it is going to be a great game for the near 6000 spectators who are expected to show up at the field," Erasmus stated.
Teams:
Blouskool: 15 Stian Wessels, 14 TP Kleynhans, 13 Marnus Odendaal, 12 Mervin Touzel, 11 Lenku Oosthuizen, 10 Henro de Vos, 9 Theo Roux, 8 Jan-Louis du Plessis (captain), 7 Gertjie Dippenaar, 6 Hendre Bolten, 5 Jeandre Swart, 4 Johan le Grange, 3 Joe Jardim, 2 Mias Venter, 1 SJ Kruger.
Replacements: 16 Lesego Maelangwe, 17 Chris van der Merwe, 18 Riaan van Niekerk, 19 Pieter Heckroodt, 20 Jaco van Oudshoorn, 21 Quinton Visagie, 22 Daniel Marais.
Rooiskool: 15 Louis Steyn, 14 Rico Viljoen, 13 Charl du Plessis, 12 Gerald Ekron, 11 Armin Louw, 10 Franco Froneman, 9 Marinus Aucamp, 8 Johan Steyn, 7 Erik de Jager, 6 Stephan du Plessis, 5 Ettiene O'Donovan, 4 Michiel Bosman, 3 Jan Heyns, 2 Harold Hills, 1 Corne Cooper.
Replacements: 16 EJ Geldenhuys, 17 Erian Badenhorst, 18 Christo van der Berg, 19 Rowland Mollentze, 20 Juandre le Roux, 21 Zak van Niekerk, 22 Dylan Stiemmie.
Referee: Paul Mente
Assistant referees: Local
