Groenewald’s last-gasp kick keeps Affies’ unbeaten run over Jeppe alive
A penalty only seconds from the final whistle, struck between the uprights by Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) flyhalf, Ruben Groenewald, broke the hearts of Jeppe supporters as the Wit Bulle, from Pretoria, snatched a nail-biting 38–36 victory on Collard Field, in Johannesburg, on Saturday.
Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)
It wasn’t the first time this season that Groenewald’s boot had caused heartbreak. Earlier in the year, the Affies’ flyhalf slotted a crucial conversion to secure a 16–16 draw against Paarl Gimnasium in a rain-soaked encounter in Paarl.
The 70 minutes in Johannesburg were a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, keeping the Collard Field crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the clash.
It was the second time in as many years that the black and white striped jerseys came within two points of a historic first-ever victory over the Wit Bulle, since the fixture’s inception in 1996. The previous near miss came in 2023, in another enthralling clash on Collard Field, won 33-31 won by the visitors.
Flyhalf Groenewald kicked three penalties and two conversions for a crucial personal tally of 14 points, while eighthman Stefan McDonald stood out for the Pretoria school.
Recently selected to represent the Blue Bulls at Craven Week in Middelburg later this year, McDonald was in fine form. The back rower was characteristically dominant with powerful carries and rock-solid tackling on defence. He was ably supported by his fellow back rower, Elwin Jansen van Vuuren, who also delivered a tireless performance.
Outside centre Lindelani Nkambule had the Jeppe faithful roaring when he twice crossed the Affies’ try line twice to show why he was selected to represent the Golden Lions Craven Week side later this year, even though he is still u17.
His attacking instincts, combined with the blistering pace of winger Ndimphiwe Mjiji, posed constant problems for the Affies’ defence.
However, it was Jeppe’s flyhalf, Nehemia Hollenbach, who, arguably, stole the show. Despite finishing on the losing side, he won the kicking duel. Hollenbach kept the scoreboard ticking with a flawless performance from the tee, slotting three conversions, four penalties, and a spectacular drop goal with just over a minute remaining for a personal haul of 21 points.
That drop goal edged Jeppe in front, but Groenewald struck with seconds to spare after Affies were awarded a penalty from the kick-off.
Scorers:
Affies 38 (24) – Tries: Stefan McDonald (2), Divan Fourie, Elwin Jansen van Vuuren, Joshua Gouws. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (2). Penalties: Groenewald (3). Jeppe High School for Boys 36 (17) – Tries: Lindelani Nkambule (2), Ndimphiwe Mjiji. Conversions: Nehemia Hollenbach (3). Penalties: Hollenbach (4). Drop Goal: Hollenbach.
u16: Affies 86, Jeppe 19.
u15: Affies 35, Jeppe 17.
u14: Affies 45, Jeppe 26.
