School rankings – August 3
OPINION: The famous saying, ‘It’s not over until the fat lady sings‘, perfectly describes the drama and passion witnessed in the iconic derby in Paarl at the weekend.
Neither of the two great teams, Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gim, could be faulted for their effort.
They showcased exceptional skill and intelligent play.
With just eight minutes remaining and Gimnasium leading 33–21, it seemed certain that the day belonged to the Bloedworse.
But the Boishaaiers had other plans.
With sheer determination and belief, Paarl Boys High pulled off a stunning comeback, scoring the winning tries to claim not only the derby bragging rights but also, without a doubt, the No.1 spot in in @rugby365com’s famous rankings.
This clash was more than just a game. It was a contest steeped in tradition, pride, and history, a brilliant showcase of what makes the South African schoolboy game so special.
A proud product of SA.
Congratulations to both teams, their coaches, and supporters, you can all be incredibly proud.
This is what dreams are made of.
Without question, every Grade Seven learner in the country watching that match will now dream of wearing one of those two jerseys one day.
It also highlights the massive marketing power the schoolboy game holds.
Like it or not, the oval ball game dominates the headlines, the blogs, and the television screens all year round.
Academics and other sports matter, of course, but rugby sells the school.
While matric results are celebrated once in January, the schoolboy game is celebrated every single week.
If your school’s team is strong, the school is thriving. Schools that fail to invest in their rugby will feel the effects in two years, while those that do, will reap the rewards.
In another major result, the boys from Riversdale caused a stir by defeating the maroon machine from Stellenbosch “op die Plaas.”
While some may argue it wasn’t a true upset, given it was a clash between the teams ranked fifth and sixth, the psychological challenge of facing Paul Roos always weighs heavily.
Oakdale’s narrow 21–17 victory not only secures them a place in the top five for the first time this year, but also adds to their impressive season, having already beaten Boishaai earlier in the year.
North of the Vaal River, Noordheuwel earned a notable win over Garsfontein, while Affies delivered a dominant performance against Klofies.
Jeppe claimed bragging rights over KES, and Pretoria Boys High continued their quiet climb with a solid victory over Maritzburg College.
Down in KZN, the clash between DHS and Northwood did not disappoint, with DHS reaffirming their place in the top 10.
We’ll release a full Top 50 ranking at the end of the season, but for now, here’s our updated Top 30.
Schools knocking on the door of the Top 30 include: SACS, Pretoria Boys High, Zwartkop, Rustenburg, Glenwood, Diamantveld, Kearsney, Michaelhouse, and Graeme College.
Let us know in the comments what you think of the rankings!
Our next rankings update will be released on Sunday, August 10.
Selected results follow below …
Paarl Boys High 35 Paarl Gim 33
Oakdale 21 Paul Roos 17
Grey College 48 Grey High 15
Noordheuwel 28 Garsfontein 22
Affies 64 Waterkloof 19
Stellenberg 18 Boland Landbou 10
Helpmekaar 38 Rustenburg 22
DHS 36 Northwood 5
PTA Boys High 31 Maritzburg College 27
Jeppe 39 KES 31
Transvalia 20 Nelspruit 19
Glenwood 53 Parktown 10
Queens College 31 Selborne College 28
Graeme College 17 Dale College 10
Brandwag EP 109 DF Malerbe 0
Diamantveld 39 Trio 10
Klerksdorp 37 Oosmoot 19
Middelburg 24 Wesvalia 9
HTS Middelburg 41 Ligbron 32
Menlopark 39 Monnas 35
Merensky 57 Ermelo 8
Zwartkop 61 Mare Viljoen 7
Bishops 42 Milnerton 36
Outeniqua 45 Worcester 13
SACS 53 Brackenvelle 25
Rondebosch 34 HTS Drostdy 19
Montana 41 Ben Vorster 34
Pearson 26 Marlow 24
Nico Malan 38 Daniel Pienaar 6
Wagpos 38 Hans Strijdom 36
Potch Volkskool 36 Randburg 26
Potch Gim 27 Dinamika 24
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