Bishops to host Rondebosch in 206th southern suburbs’ derby
When Bishops and Rondebosch first met 117 years ago, it was a one-sided thrashing, with Bishops triumphing 112-0 behind a mammoth 86 points scored by Painton Cowen. Thankfully, since then, the rivalry has become far more tightly contested.
Historically, Rondebosch has won 85 of the 205 encounters, 19 have been drawn, and Bishops has 101 wins.
Earlier this season, Rondebosch scored a 28-7 win over their southern suburbs’ rivals.
When asked how his team is feeling about the last game of their season, a King Price Derby Series clash, Bishops head coach Sam Mofokeng answered: “The team is excited and looking forward to another titanic battle (if our last two games are anything to go by).”
In 2025, Bishops has played their best rugby in the latter stages of matches. Their conditioning is one of their weapons and it combines well with their dangerous rolling mauls in the dying minutes.
Their hooker, Daniel van den Heever, directs those strength-sapping forward drives. If there is one word to describe the Bishops’ captain, it is grit. In contact, he wrestles like a bear, and he often forces turnovers at breakdowns. He’s also a bullocking force on the ball.
Rondebosch head coach Jaco Zeeman identified a number of areas of growth that his side has undergone during the season. He told SuperSport Schools Plus: “The team has grown closer as a unit, which has impacted the cohesion on the field.
“Furthermore, they have shown the ability to self-reflect, to learn from previous games and, by trying to get better, the group has improved as the season has gone on.”
Rondebosch is indeed a very enjoyable side to watch. Their constant introspection is the key to their attacking flair. If a move doesn’t work, they make adjustments and attack with a new innovation.
Flank and captain, Josh Neill, is an absolute workhorse on the field, armed with superb skills. He scores tries by joining out on the wing and by sniping from the ruck. On defence, he’s a dominant tackler and a threat at the breakdowns.
He’s their talisman, the straw that stirs the Rondebosch drink, and he’ll be supremely motivated to sign off with a bang.
Both teams are creative, blessed with exciting runners, and play with an attractive offloading game, which strives to make the ball do the work. Those ingredients suggest it’s going to be another thrilling clash between the long-standing rivals.
The teams:
Diocesan College vs Rondebosch at 12:30 on the Piley Rees this Saturday:
Diocesan College: 15 Miyolo Ngculu, 14 Singa Mayoyo, 13 Rynard Gordon, 12 Cole Robyntjies, 11 Noah Edmunds, 10 Christian Toweel, 9 Max Marr, 8 Jack Venter, 7 Josh Macdonald, 6 Ethan Venter, 5 Fouke Wagener, 4 Rieko Kidha, 3 Chris du Toit, 2 Daniel van den Heever (captain), 1 Will Reid.
Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 Eathon Williams, 14 Matthew Galpin, 13 Alutha Wesi, 12 Harry Soboil, 11 David Kadima, 10 Sebastian Boshoff, 9 James Kirsten, 8 Connor Arbuthnot, 7 Josh Neill (captain), 6 Linakho Mehlomakulu, 5 Bertus Versfeld, 4 Finn Watermeyer, 3 Matthew van der Merwe, 2 Ismaeel Conrad, 1 Bulela Mbala.
Referee: Dyllan Francke.
