Schools Rankings - August 16
SPOTLIGHT: The road led to Markotter in Stellenbosch this weekend for one of the most prestigious derbies in South African schoolboy rugby — a heavyweight clash between the two top Springbok rugby player factories: Paul Roos Gymnasium and Grey College.
In front of a capacity crowd of around 16,000 spectators, Paul Roos and Grey College produced an absolute thriller, with supporters on the edge of their seats from the opening whistle to the final hooter.
Grey College held a slender 14–13 lead at half-time, but the complexion of the match changed dramatically after the break. Paul Roos turned up the intensity, scoring three unanswered tries in the third quarter to surge into a 32–17 lead with just 20 minutes remaining.
Grey College, as expected, refused to surrender and launched a determined fightback. However, the Maroon Machine held its nerve when it mattered most, securing a memorable 37–29 victory after scoring six tries to Grey’s four.
It is a statement win for Paul Roos and one that sees the Stellenbosch powerhouse rise to second position in this week’s rankings.
Elsewhere, the Southern Suburbs derby lived up to its billing as Rondebosch edged Wynberg 32–29 in another closely fought encounter.
There was also a surprise result as HTS Drostdy upset Outeniqua, while Grey High produced an impressive victory over Selborne.
With several significant results across the country, there are changes inside the Top 10, along with a number of noteworthy movements throughout the Top 40.
As always, these rankings remain an informed opinion rather than an exact science. They consider the strength of opposition, consistency of performances, current form and head-to-head results.
Healthy debate is one of the reasons South African schoolboy rugby remains so special, and we welcome your thoughts, opinions and arguments in the comments.
Next week brings finals week in the Noordvaal, with the remaining teams preparing for one final push for glory. To all the teams still in contention: recover well, stay fit and focused, and best of luck for the week ahead.
We look forward to another thrilling weekend of South African schoolboy rugby.
As the late Zanberg Jansen so famously said:
“Nag, ou Grote.”
— In memory of Paul Dobson —
Continues below…
Other results:
* Queen’s College 22–12 Dale College
* Parel Vallei 43–17 Pearson
* Grey High School 61–47 Selborne College
* HTS Daniel Pienaar 25–12 Die Brandwag (Uitenhage)
* Graeme College 54–27 Muir College
* Hudson Park 97–17 Ooskus Gimnasium
* Welkom Gimnasium 37–34 Hoërskool Trio
* Jim Fouche 35–25 Sentraal (FS)
* Hoërskool Bloemfontein – Louis Botha
* Solomon Senekal 26–13 Hoopstad
* Paul Roos Gimnasium 37–29 Grey College
* SACS 55–22 Diocesan College
* Rondebosch Boys’ High 33–29 Wynberg Boys’ High
* HTS Drostdy 37–26 Outeniqua
* Hoërskool Bellville 21–18 DF Akademie
* Milnerton 10–5 Melkbosstrand
* Swartland 31–28 Hugenote (Wellington)
* Worcester Gimnasium 54–15 Hermanus
* HS Overberg 43–19 HS Bredasdorp
* Porterville 56–7 Piketberg
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