Eastern Cape heavyweights face stern East London tests
Dale College and Queen’s College have underlined their credentials with impressive recent performances this season, but both know they will need to be at their best when they head into East London for challenging encounters on Saturday.
Waiting for them are Hudson Park, who host Dale at 14:15, and Port Rex, who welcome the Komani outfit in a clash kicking off at 13.30.
The Dalians, in particular, have enjoyed a remarkable run of form, remaining unbeaten in eight matches since suffering a disappointing defeat to Grey High in Qonce in April.
With halfbacks Lukho Mzingaye and Sonwabisi Dyani often pulling the strings, Dale’s attacking prowess was on full display last weekend when they exploded in the second half to defeat Marlow Agricultural 69-31.
This week, however, they move away from the familiar surroundings of the Graveyard and into the Hudson Park stronghold, where the hosts will be determined to disrupt Dale’s expansive style of play.
Hudson will also be motivated by memories of their 15-3 defeat to Dale during the Border Schools Rugby Day in March and will be eager to reverse that result on home soil.
Even so, overcoming the men from Qonce will require a major effort. Dale’s pride in performance and rich rugby tradition continue to drive a side that has grown steadily in confidence throughout the season.
Queen’s, meanwhile, produced a defensive masterclass to edge St Andrew’s College 15-14 last weekend, and that resilience will provide a stern examination for Port Rex.
Should the visitors establish the same defensive intensity, they possess plenty of attacking threats in wings Ncutu Kepe and Sinqobile Xhentsa, as well as flyhalf Bongo Nyakaza, to place the hosts under sustained pressure.
Port Rex, who have recently suffered defeats to Ooskus Gimnasium, Kingswood College and Selborne College, will need to find their rhythm early if they are to build confidence against one of Border rugby’s most dangerous combinations.
The teams:
Queen’s College: 15 Mtholozisi Mbambo, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Zinzolwethu Lali, 12 Asive Mzamo, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Bongo Nyakaza, 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 6, Ayabulela Mbulawa, 5 Carlo Davids, 4 Ethan Oosthuizen, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Nande Thiwani, 1 Mile Njokweni
Hudson Park: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Likho Gidi, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 De’Angelo Snayers, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 6 Sisonke Majola, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Lithemba Mpini, 2 Mesuli Ntama, 1 Manyano Mpendu.
