Kearsney to be tested by the free-flowing game of DHS
In 2023, the Durban High School (DHS) 1st XV was one of the most entertaining teams in South Africa. A very good pack provided quality ball, and they had an outstanding playmaker at flyhalf, in Deano Boesak.
Outside of the pivot, DHS displayed imagination and excellent ball skills and they produced numerous highlight reel tries.
One of their most entertaining performances came against Kearsney College, whom they outplayed 47-24 on their Founders Day in late May. Kearsney made a strong start before the quality of DHS took over the game.
That win was on Van Heerden Field, where DHS kept a clean record for the season. On Saturday, they have to make the short drive up to Botha’s Hill, where the challenge this year is likely to be a lot tougher. For one, it will be School‘s first match of the season.
Kearsney has three matches under the belt already, all wins, including a heart-stopping 16-14 defeat of Maritzburg College in their most recent outing. There is a sense of optimism in the Kearsney ranks, a feeling that this year they will make great strides. After a couple of tough seasons, they savoured that win over College on Stott Field.
DHS, though, will take some stopping. Their ranks include a number of regulars from 2023, among them Sibusiso Mahlangu, Khanyisa Stamper, Hlumelo Madikane, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Mahle Sithole, Aka Boqwana, Zingce Simka, and Ntando Mavuso. Meanwhile, Joseph Udo-idung, who represented the Sharks at the Grant Khomo Week, should also become a contributor.
DHS is led by a settled coaching team, with Head Coach Peter Engeldow calling the shots and former Sharks, Cheetahs and Griffons prop, Ronnie Uys, overseeing the forwards.
They play an entertaining 15-man game, which will challenge Kearsney’s committed defence. That was one of the areas in which the One-Stripe excelled against College and they’ll need to be equally effective in closing down space and making their first-time tackles against DHS. If they give the Durban side room in which to operate, it could be a difficult afternoon for the home team.
Last season, the DHS pack was rock solid behind the outstanding SA Schools’ tighthead Simphiwe Ngobese. Interestingly, this time around, it’s Kearsney College who will look to their tighthead to lead the way.
Anele Cele, their captain, performed superbly opposite Maritzburg College’s SA Schools’ loosehead Phiwayinkosi Kubheka on Saturday, and they’ll look for more of the same from him against DHS.
Teams
Durban High School
15 Allston Cedras, 14 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 13 Duncan Basson, 12 Zingce Simka, 11 Adriano Jackson, 10 Aka Boqwana, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Khanyisa Stamper, 7 Bradley le Grange, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Thando Luthuli, 4 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 3 Bongani Dlamini, 2 Mahle Sithole, 1 Unaye Mndau
Kearsney College
15 Daniel Eager, 14 Valentino Lenge, 13 Lindokuhle Mpungose, 12 Jarred van Staaden, 11 Bukho Hlwatika, 10 Cameron Veenstra (vc), 9 Roydan Madatt, 8 Qhamani Mlalandle, 7 Connor McIntyre, 6 Seth Brown, 5 Ryan Sim, 4 Simo Mnqokoyi, 3 Anele Cele (c), 2 Blake Kruger, 1 Kudak Kachambwa
