Klofies bounce back in style on first day of Absa Wildeklawer
Hoërskool Waterkloof shrugged off last week’s 24-31 defeat to Hoërskool Nelspruit to deliver a dominant performance on the opening day of the 2025 Absa Wildeklawer tournament in Kimberley.
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The Klofies came out firing and handed the hosts Hoërskool Diamantveld, a resounding 54–26 loss on their home turf in the City of Diamonds.
The Pretoria school dominated up front, setting the tone from the very first line-out with a powerful driving maul, which culminated in the first of a brace of tries for hooker Ruan Jacobs.
It was a return to the physical dominance traditionally associated with the Klofies’ pack. Their supremacy in the forward battle provided the perfect platform for captain and flyhalf Ronan Bastiaanse to deliver a Man of the Match performance. His slick distribution and creative flair ignited the Pretoria backline, while he masterfully controlled the tempo of the game.
Eighthman Marko Kok looks to be hitting peak form just in time for the Craven Week selection window.
For Diamantveld, star lock Zuan Rautenbach, once again, impressed with his relentless work rate and strong carries, and stood out in an otherwise disappointing showing from the local school.
However, the spotlight ultimately fell on the home team’s nippy and explosive fullback Clinton Brits. Lethal on the counter-attack, he capitalised on two defensive lapses by the visitors to dot down twice to boost Diamantveld’s tally.
Waterkloof’s emphatic victory, and scoring over 50 points, adds extra spice to Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown against the formidable Jade Brigade from Hoërskool Stellenberg.
SCORES
Waterkloof 52 (35) – Tries: Jaiden Badenhorst (2), Ruan Jacobs (2), Zack Jordaan, Alexander Elliot, Stiaan Theron, Divan Botha. Conversions: Ronan Bastiaanse (6). Diamantveld 26 (7) – Tries: Clinton Brits (2), Louis Fourie, Jonathan Harding. Conversions: Ezlin Swartz (2), JG van Heerden.
