A cracker in the Eastern Cape

St Andrew’s College and Nico Malan are set to ignite the rugby season with an exciting match filled with many questions their supporters would like to see answered.

Both schools boast a rich rugby history, and spectators can look forward to an exhilarating clash.

The highly anticipated 1st XV game starts at 14:30 on Lower Field at St Andrew’s.  Expect some big hits, close calls, and plenty of action.

For the visitors, Nico Malan, several standout players will lead their charge. Hannes Kleinhans, a seasoned veteran, with three years of first-team experience under his belt, brings a wealth of skill and leadership to the pitch.

At the heart of Nico Malan’s game plan is the dynamic scrum-half Jean Joubert. As a Craven Week prospect and team captain, Joubert’s leadership and playmaking abilities will be instrumental in orchestrating his team’s attacks and maintaining control of the tempo of the match.

Backing up Joubert’s leadership is Pietman Kleinhans, a former Eastern Province Grant Khomo captain, whose experience and tenacity make him a formidable force at number eight.

Alongside him, Crisjan de Lange, who, according to coach Jaco Negpen,  narrowly missed out on Grant Khomo selection last year, will be eager to showcase his skills and prove his worth on the field.

The hosts, St Andrew’s College, will also turn to some of their own experienced players to lead the way in the early-season clash, with Joe Wostenholm taking the captaincy reins.

Last year, St Andrew’s had no players in either the Eastern Province Craven Week or Academy Week teams, but there will be a number of players who will be eager to change that state of affairs this season.

Nico Malan might be slightly favoured in the contest, but playing St Andrew’s College in Makhanda is going to be a tough challenge. In last year’s encounter, Nico Malan claimed an 18-17 win in an absolute cliffhanger.

Teams

Hoerskool Nico Malan: 15 Brenda Owen, 14 Reegan Stone, 13 Enzo Mchaba 12 Gelden Van Niekerk, 11 Tequine Koopman, 10 Ruan Du Preez, 9 Jean Joubert, 8 Pietman Kleinhans, 7 Crisjan De Lange, 6 Hannes Kleinhans 5 JP Hendricks, 4 Edrich Kleu 3 Victor De Villiers 2 MC Ferreira 1 Francois Smit.

St Andrews College: 15 Karabo Van Heerden, 14 Julian Mapoore, 13 Nicholas Hall, 12 Aphindile Ngcuka 11 Aza Nonxuba (Vice-capt) 10 Scott Miles, 9 William Stern, 8 Ucwambu Mgudlwa, 7 Matthew Harvey, 6 Philipp Maske, 5 Robert Faber ,4 Roman Van Zyl, 3 Thato Machaba, 2 Joe Wostenholm (Capt), 1 Mark Were.

Fixtures

u19A 14:30 (Lower Field)
u19B 13:20 (Lower Field)
u19C 12:10 (Lower Field)
u16A 11:00 (Lower Field)
u15A 10:00 (Lower Field)
u14A 09:00 (Lower Field)