Schools Rankings - April 19: Paarl Gim chasing top spot
OPINION: An eagerly anticipated derby in Paarl lived up to expectations as Paarl Gimnasium hosted Grey College under wet and testing conditions.
The visitors from Bloemfontein started with intent, showing early dominance, but they were unable to shake off a relentless Paarl Gim side.
The slippery conditions did not suit Grey’s style of play, and ill-discipline compounded their struggles, with three yellow cards proving costly.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, Louis Koen and his Paarl Gim Army capitalised brilliantly, turning pressure into points.
The home side ran in five tries to two, sealing a convincing and well-deserved victory.
For Grey, three consecutive losses is unfamiliar territory, and discipline will need urgent attention if they are to turn their season around.
In Gauteng, the clash between Hoërskool Garsfontein and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool delivered drama of the highest order.
The famed “Affie-Guts” nearly produced a match-winning moment in the dying seconds, but it was not to be. Garsfontein ultimately deserved the win, having dominated both territory and possession.
Elsewhere, Hoërskool Waterkloof edged Hoërskool Menlopark 33–28 in a gripping NWU series Final, underlining their strength in tight encounters.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Northwood continued to impress with a hard-fought 17–14 victory over a powerful Durban High School outfit, confirming their status as serious contenders this season.
Back in the Eastern Cape, Grey High School showed great heart at home against Paul Roos Gymnasium. Despite their spirited performance, the “Maroon Machine” proved too strong, securing a 28–15 win.
Meanwhile, Selborne College appears to have turned a corner. With the Jake White saga now behind them and after a difficult start to the season, Selborne produced a statement performance, defeating Graeme College 36–24 at home.
Unsurprisingly, the results this weekend have sparked some movement in the rankings. With a long season still ahead, further shifts are inevitable as teams continue to test themselves against top opposition.
These rankings remain, by nature, an informed opinion — a “thumb suck,” as many would say — but they are built on careful consideration. Key factors include the strength of opposition and head-to-head results.
Importantly, the full body of work across the season is taken into account. A single upset result does not dramatically alter standings, just as an unbeaten record against weaker opposition does not necessarily outweigh narrow losses against top-tier teams. Context remains everything.
A rigid points system, such as that used by World Rugby, simply does not translate effectively to schoolboy rugby, where squads can change dramatically from one season to the next.
Attention now turns to the Wildeklaver Tournament, where the country’s finest schoolboy teams will collide in the Northern Cape. It promises to be a showcase of elite talent and fierce competition — a true celebration and proud product of South African Rugby.
To the coaches and players: best of luck for the battles ahead.
As the legendary Oom Zanberg Jansen used to say, “Nag ou Grote.”
— In memory of Oom Paul Dobson —
*See the latest Rugby365 schools rankings below!
Compiled by: @JohanOrton
