Kingswood, Graeme ready to roar in Makhanda fortress
As Graeme College prepare to host East London rivals Stirling, Kingswood College will be aiming to continue their prolific scoring form when they welcome Gqeberha outfit Westering to City Lords in Makhanda on Saturday (13:30).
Kingswood have hit its stride since suffering a one-point defeat to Hudson Park, piling on 66 points against both Port Rex and Brandwag in its last two outings.
Led by captain Ross Thompson and with twins Josh and James Mackenzie regularly at the forefront of their attacking efforts, the Makhanda side is building impressive momentum. It will take a significant effort from Westering to halt them on home soil.
The Gqeberha visitors showed plenty of character despite a 31-10 defeat to Brandwag recently, but they will need to elevate their performance considerably if they are to contain Kingswood’s rampant attack.
Meanwhile, Erin Nelson’s Graeme College side will be eager to return to winning ways after being held to a dramatic 27-27 draw by Nico Malan in Humansdorp.
While the Graemians once again displayed their attacking quality, they also revealed some vulnerability under pressure from Nico Malan’s hard-running forwards – something Stirling’s coaching staff will undoubtedly have noted.
If the East London side can generate similar pressure and create uncertainty up front, they may give themselves an opportunity to upset the hosts.
However, they will also be well aware of Graeme’s proud rugby tradition. Under coach Jonty van der Meulen, the home side will be determined to get back on the winning trail, and if Nelson, centre partner Torres Fourie and fullback Lucritia Magau are afforded any space, they have the ability to punish opposition mistakes.
With several schools taking a break due to examinations, the remaining action this weekend takes place at Pearson in Gqeberha on Saturday, where Daniel Pienaar make the short trip across the Chatty River for a 12.50 kickoff.
The fixture was originally scheduled to be played in Kariega, but heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday has forced a venue change to Pearson’s fields, which drain better.
Daniel Pienaar were comprehensively beaten by Grey High last week and, while their encounters with Pearson have generally been closely contested, they will need to show considerable character and resilience to overcome the effects of that 94-5 defeat.
The teams:
Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Asakhe Ranuga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Selunathi Mfundisi, 10 Ibenathi Kondile, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Lidwala Maliti, 7 Akho Ntonjeni, 6 Iviwe Mshubeki, 5 Andrew Muir, 4 Ben-Francois du Toit, 3 Olo Jaca, 2 Athi Manyati, 1 Luyolo Mpalala.
Pearson: 15 Henrico Ferreira, 14 Sebastian Playdon, 13 Ian Ecaad, 12 Hanro Botes, 11 Arno van Tonder, 10 Keano Beling, 9 Kadin Kretzmann, 8 Henrico Bodenstein, 7 Gustav Pegram, 6 Siphe Myataza, 5 Stefan Kapp, 4 Alexander Serfontein, 3 Dewald Niemand, 2 Nathan Heyns, 1 Joshua Pienaar.
Daniel Pienaar: 15 Tarquin Andrews, 14 Mzingisi Douw, 13 Zinzile Mtotywa, 12 Cariston Mapoe, 11 Raqiel Jaftha, 10 Quade-Cooper Hutchinson, 9 Marco Lamont, 8 Stiaan Coertze, 7 Etto Mapapu, 6 Akhlomzi Sizani, 5 Thobani Mose, 4 Simamkele Yamile, 3 Warwick Fredericks, 2 Morne Kritzinger, 1 Liqhayiua Bam
Westering: 15 Endinako Sitonga, 14 Kungawo Petshana, 13, Alive Bukani, 12, Reece Couldridge, 11, Licebo Sululu, 10 Liyabonga Aja, 9 Onika Phaphum, 8 Masaneliswe Cakwebe, 7 Liyabona Ponase, 6 Xabiso Nkampini, 5 Simthandile Mati, 4 Otha Gora, 3 Oyama Bosman, 2 Milande Saba, 1 Elijah Koenin
