Intriguing Westville awaits Michaelhouse on Bowden’s
Westville Boys’ High welcomes Michaelhouse to Bowden’s on Saturday. The Griffin, under the leadership of coach Njabulo “Jabz” Zulu, are one of the more intriguing teams in KZN heading into the 2024 rugby season.
Last year, Westville scored some of the prettiest tries seen anywhere, with wonderful flowing moves, but they also went through a bit of a mid-season dip. They were almost always in games, but they lost one or two they would feel they should have won.
This year, they return 10 members of the 2023 side and those players will be bolstered by a strong infusion of talent from the u16 ranks.
Last season, the Westville u16 team was unbeaten in KZN. Outside of the province, their results at the Tony Munnik Festival at Jeppe included a 22-22 draw with Monument and a 17-17 draw with Grey High.
Six Westville boys ran out for the Sharks at the Grant Khomo Week. Questioned whether they might be knocking on the 1st XV door, coach Zulu replied emphatically: “Definitely.” He highlighted them: “Liam Simpkins at 9; Zekhethelo Siyaya, at 15; David Humphries, at 8; Lwandile Simelane, at lock; Jadrian Afrikaner, at wing; and Jadewill Koopman at 10.”
Sure, they are unproven at 1st XV level, but those u16 players proved themselves to be among the best in KZN last season and that makes Westville a dark horse to make some noise in 2024.
Coach Zulu, though, is not all about the results, although he would, obviously like to win as many games as possible. “I’d love for our brand of rugby to win the hearts of people who come to watch us,” he said, when discussing his goals for the season.
Westville have played one practice match against Glenwood, but Saturday’s match will be their first game proper. Michaelhouse, meanwhile, opened their season against Helpmekaar this past weekend and they will pose a stiff challenge.
In a very tight contest, ‘House went down 7-10 to a bigger Helpmekaar team, but they had their chances to win. They have experienced players who were part of 2023’s outstanding 1st XV, and they carry with them the winning mentality that means so much when a game is on the line.
Their lineup includes a solid core of players who represented the Sharks u17 team at the Academy Week in 2023, including captain and head boy, Caryle Hawkins, who runs out at number eight, Tom Baguley (centre), Luke Davidson (flyhalf), Aya Mkhokeli (wing) and Aphiwe Shelembe (prop), who is a powerhouse in the scrums and a powerful ball carrier away from them.
In their game against Helpmekaar, Michaelhouse showed off a tenacious defence and they will need more of that against Westville. Michaelhouse Director of Rugby, James Fleming, was in no doubt that a “tough” contest awaits the visitors.
After their three-point loss against Helpmekaar, he said there were some uncharacteristic handling errors in the Michaelhouse backline, but a first outing against a very physical side would have surely helped prepare ‘House to perform better under pressure this Saturday.
Looking back on the Helpmekaar game, Fleming said some work was needed in the scrums and lineouts. It may be only a week later when they face Westville but expect a noticeable improvement from Michaelhouse.
They’re a well-coached team, usually very solid at the basics. The challenge awaiting them away from home on Saturday makes an 0-2 start to the season a very real possibility, but it’s a challenge they’ll be eager to accept.
Teams
Michaelhouse
15 Stefan Moolman, 14 Aya Mkokheli, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 Rourke Murray, 10 Luke Davidson, 9 Jack Hughes, 8 Carlyle Hawkins (c), 7 Riley Gehren 6 Anesu Nduru 5 Dominic Sesink-Clee 4 Robert Combrinck 3 Thomas Peach 2 Jordan Rootman 1 Aphiwe Shelembe
Westville Boys’ High
15 Zekethelo Siyaya 14 Unathi Mlotshwa 13 Michael Satade 12 Blake Albon 11 Jadrian Afrikaner 10 Jadewill Koopman, 9 Ryan Pistor, 8 David Humphreys 7 Brandon Eke 6 Chris Cloete 5 Lwandile Simelane 4 Oliver Gcina 3 Athi Dengane 2 Ross Calvert 1 Akhona Maseko
