Paul Roos hosts Boishaai in a top-notch King Price Derby Series showdown
Having won their last five games in succession, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) is in form and aiming to avenge last year’s 26-36 loss against Paarl Boys’ High in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
Kickoff in their King Price Derby Series clash is at 14:00.
Last weekend, Boishaai beat Stellenberg High 29-7 in one of their best performances of the season. Their defence, especially, was impeccable.
Paul Roos recorded a 41-17 win over Rondebosch Boys’ High on the same day, but scoring will be more difficult against the Paarl locals.
Boishaai’s teams are renowned for their forward power, but like all good outfits, they’re also blessed with talent among their backs. Fullback Dante Davids and utility back Jeneal Davids are confident runners and offer a cutting edge. They’re speedy and strong and run good lines.
Last weekend, Dante dotted down twice against Stellies, while Jeneal has been racking up tries all season long.
Boishaai head coach Sean Erasmus shared his comments on his side, the opposition, and the opportunity to earn another victory in this chapter of the two schools’ rivalry.
“I was really proud of the boys’ character shown last weekend [against Stellenberg],” he said. “Character is something we focus on, as we want the boys to improve from week to week.”
“Paul Roos is a really good team. I have a lot of respect for their head coach Corné Uys. I like that they are rigid in their approach. They have a strong kicking game and defensive mindset. It shows discipline, which I respect.
“This is a rivalry between two traditional schools, so it’s always nice to test ourselves against them. We know it’s going to be a packed Markötter.
“We’re looking forward to showing what we can do. We want to stick to our three pillars: Faith, Family and Team. We also want to continue growing our character as a team.”
The Maroon Machine has also been playing exciting attacking rugby. Lately, left wing Cadynn Samuels and fullback Kyle Snyers have been in the thick of the try-scoring action. With flyhalf Travis Pheiffer back in the mix, one can expect the hosts to have many tricks up their sleeves.
However, before their backs can get their hands on the ball, it’s their forwards who have to earn possession up front. Lock Stef de Villiers and hooker Chris Meyburgh have proved themselves to be a dependable lineout combination for PRG.
Boishaai lock AD Faul led his side brilliantly against the Jade Brigade, and his battle with De Villiers in the lineout will be an interesting battle within the greater war.
Openside flank Steven Muller crossed for a try from a lineout maul in that win over Stellies, but hooker JP Norton is also a dangerous option at the back of the rolling maul.
With both sides in good form, a classic traditional derby is in the offing. Making it all the better, there is no clear-cut favourite to win on Saturday.
The teams:
Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Kyle Snyers, 14 Tevez Cupido, 13 Jean Hamman, 12 Albert Nel, 11 Cadynn Sameuls, 10 Travis Pheiffer, 9 Jaedon Powell, 8 Werner de Bruin, 7 Gerard Bekker, 6 Christian le Roux, 5 Reuben Winter, 4 Stef de Villiers, 3 Zak Steyn, 2 Chris Meyburgh, 1 Thomas Meyer.
Paarl Boys’ High (likely): 15 Dante Davids, 14 Dirk Farmer, 13 Aleit Stander, 12 Jeneal Davids, 11 Cayden Snyman, 10 Daniel Meisenheimer, 9 Liam de Villiers, 8 Chris Nel, 7 Luhan Hattingh, 6 Steven Muller, 5 AD Faul (captain), 4 Trichard von Tonder, 3 TG du Preez, 2 JP Norton, 1 Max Malan.
