Schools Rankings – May 31
SPOTLIGHT: This week, it was the giants of KwaZulu-Natal who took centre stage as the province’s traditional powerhouses battled to determine who truly reigns supreme.
The headline fixtures saw Durban High School host Westville Boys’ High School, Maritzburg College welcome Hilton College to Goldstones, and Northwood take on Kearsney College.
DHS hosted Westville at home and for much of the first half, it appeared as though the visitors were firmly in control.
Westville capitalised on their opportunities brilliantly, with their dangerous backline looking threatening every time they moved the ball. DHS struggled defensively, allowing Westville to breach the line far too easily as the visitors crossed for three tries and took a commanding 19-6 lead into the half-time break.
Whatever was said in the DHS changeroom during half-time certainly had the desired effect. Whether it was a challenge to improve their line-outs, tighten their defence, or simply believe in themselves, the Horseflies emerged as a completely different team after the interval.
Few would have predicted the final outcome based on the first-half performance, but DHS produced a remarkable turnaround and were deserved winners after an outstanding second-half display.
College Crowned Kings of KZN
The match carrying the greatest significance in KwaZulu-Natal took place at Goldstones, the historic home of Maritzburg College, where Hilton College arrived with a potential Top 10 ranking at the end of the season and provincial bragging rights on the line.
One of South Africa’s most celebrated schoolboy rugby rivalries, dating back to 1875, once again delivered a memorable occasion.
In front of a passionate crowd of approximately 12,000 spectators, Maritzburg College produced a disciplined and clinical performance to secure a well-deserved victory. Scoring two tries to none, College claimed the title of Kings of KZN and significantly strengthened their claim for a place among the nation’s elite.
Kearsney College fought courageously against a powerful Northwood side, but the Knights ultimately proved too strong.
Despite Kearsney’s willingness to attack and remain competitive throughout the contest, Northwood’s quality and physicality shone through as they secured a convincing 45-34 victory.
Paarl Gim Continue Their Ruthless March
In the Western Cape, Paarl Gimnasium once again demonstrated why they are currently the number one-ranked school rugby team in South Africa.
Oakdale hosted Gim at Die Plaas, the boys from Riversdale started brightly and even held a 13-7 advantage during the opening stages. Unfortunately for Oakdale, those would prove to be their final points of the afternoon.
Once Paarl Gim found their rhythm, the result was never in doubt. The “Paarl Machine” shifted through the gears and powered their way to an emphatic 49-13 victory, extending their winning streak to eleven consecutive matches.
The Maroon Machine also sent a strong message to the rest of the country that they remain serious contenders for the coveted number one ranking. They delivered a masterclass performance against Bishops, completely dominating proceedings on their way to a comprehensive 68-3 victory.
Monnas Continue Their Remarkable Rise
North of the Vaal River, the Wit Bulle continued their impressive resurgence.
Monument produced yet another statement performance, dismantling Menlopark 82-22 in a display that underlined just how much this team has improved since the early stages of the season.
This is not the same Monnas side that started the year. Their current form suggests they can beat any team at any given time.
This week’s results bring some notable movement within the rankings, and we warmly welcome Hoërskool Waterkloof into the Top 10.
Although Waterkloof enjoyed a bye this weekend, Hilton’s defeat to Maritzburg College sees them drop out of the Top 10, creating an opportunity for the Klofies to move into the elite group.
Their recent performances have certainly caught our attention, and should they maintain this level of rugby, they could very well emerge as genuine contenders for the Virseker Noordvaal Cup. Monnas and Garsfontein would be wise to take notice.
As always, these rankings remain an informed opinion rather than an exact science. They are based on careful analysis of the strength of opposition, consistency of performances, recent form, and head-to-head results.
From next week, we will expand our rankings to a Top 40, which will run through to mid-August. At the end of the season, we will publish our final Top 50 rankings.
We welcome debate and discussion, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Best of luck for the week ahead. Recover well, stay fit, and we look forward to another thrilling round of schoolboy rugby.
As the late Zanberg Jansen so famously said:
“Nag, ou Grote.”
— In memory of Paul Dobson —
Photo credit: Ziyaad Solomon
