It’s Graeme vs St John’s in Saturday’s main game at Graeme Rugby Festival
Graeme College will be aiming to finish their annual rugby festival with a flourish when they face St John’s College in Saturday’s finale in Makhanda.
Under coach Jonty van der Meulen, the hosts have been putting in the hard yards for the annual spectacle of schoolboy rugby. A thrilling showdown awaits at 15:30 on the Somerset Field on Saturday.
Looking ahead to the match, Van der Meulen said the event has become much more than just a pre-season fine-tuning opportunity.
“Nowadays, most teams have already played one or two matches before the festival, so it’s become a real platform to set the tone for the second term of school rugby,” he explained.
“This year, we have six returning forwards, which is a big advantage. Last year, we struggled in that area because our pack was quite young.
“One of those players is currently injured, but overall, their experience from last season will be crucial in handling the physical demands of first-team rugby.”
The seasoned forward back is supported by a dynamic but relatively young backline, which includes three players who were part of the national u16 training camp in Stellenbosch last year.
“We don’t yet know how they’ll transition to first-team rugby, as they’re still young, but their talent is undeniable. It’s exciting to have them in the mix,” Van der Meulen noted.
Graeme knows that they must prepare for a serious challenge from St John’s, who are making their debut at the festival.
“They focus on smart, structured rugby, doing the basics exceptionally well,” Van der Meulen said of the Johannesburg school.
“It’s a style that contrasts with the schoolboy rugby we’re used to in the Eastern Cape, so we’ll need to handle the pressure they bring with their disciplined, error-free play.”
Graeme’s connection with St John’s stems from the Eastern Cape school’s participation in the Standard Bank St John’s Easter Rugby Festival, in Johannesburg.
“We’ve built a good relationship with them, and they were keen to join our festival. It’s great to bring in a different style of rugby to complement the strong Eastern Cape teams that traditionally take part,” Van der Meulen said.
St John’s, meanwhile, are eagerly anticipating the chance to test themselves against top-tier opposition at the festival.
After having been regular participants in the Standard Bank Grey High Festival in Gqeberha, St John’s head of rugby, Katleho Lynch, said the team was eager for a new challenge this year and has been preparing for two highly competitive matches.
“Each of the teams we play will present unique challenges, ” he reckoned. “I’m confident that both teams will stay true to their playing identity and look to apply pressure in key areas of the game.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to compete against them.”
Lynch highlighted that the St John’s squad features a blend of experienced players returning from last year and promising younger players stepping up to the senior ranks.
“Our team profile has evolved, allowing us to adopt a different playing style compared to 2024,” he said.
“We have eight returning players from last year’s first team, bringing valuable experience, while the energy and talent of the younger players will help us build on our vision.
“I’m especially excited about the potential of this group and what they can accomplish together.”
1ST XV FIXTURES, SOMERSET FIELD
Thursday, 20 March
09:15 – Port Alfred High vs Mary Waters, 10:30 – Muir vs Otto du Plessis, 11:45 – Cambridge vs St John’s, 13:00 – Hangklip vs Stirling, 14:15 – Pearson vs Queen’s, 15:30 – Graeme v Brandwag
Friday, March 21
09:15 – PJ Olivier vs Mzansi Academy, 10:30 – Woodridge vs Port Rex, 11:45 – Daniel Pienaar vs Union High, 13:00 – Grey High vs Hudson Park, 14:15 – Nico Malan vs Dale, 15:30 – Selborne vs Marlow
Saturday, March 22
09:15 – Cambridge vs Otto du Plessis, 10:30 – Stirling vs Pearson, 11:45 – Gill vs Muir, 13:00 – Queen’s vs Brandwag, 14:15 – St Andrew’s College vs Framesby, 15:30 – Graeme vs St John’s
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