Pheiffer’s 25-point haul sinks Affies in King Price Derby thriller
Paul Roos Gimnasium’s flyhalf, Travis Pheiffer, produced a superb performance to help his side to a 45-28 victory over the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria in their King Price Derby Series clash at the Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch.
It would be easy to just state Pheiffer’s prolific point scoring during the match as he scored two tries, converted all six of his side’s tries, as well as slotted a penalty for a personal contribution of 25 points.
Pheiffer’s first try came after a perfectly timed interception, while he also displayed his distribution skills with fullback, Kyle Snyers’ try. Snyers sliced through Affies’ defence like a warm knife through butter after being put into possession by Pheiffer.
The flyhalf was not surprisingly named King of the Match for his performance on the day. The try by Snyers was also named the Suzuki Game Changer moment.
The home side led 24-11 at the break. The visitors from Pretoria fought back in the second half to bring the deficit to only 24-23 after their wingers Joshua Gouws and Dandré Brink dotted down.
Brink’s try could have easily swung the momentum in his side’s favour as he rounded off after receiving the ball just inside his own half. His father Helgard Brink represented the Blitzbokke in his career.
Dandré has also made a name for himself on the athletics track as he boasts a best time of 52.58 seconds in the 400m-hurdles. This is also the quickest time in South Africa this year for Boys u17 so far.
Gous completed a brace of tries as he also scored his side’s only try in the first half.
The last time these two sides met in Stellenbosch was back in 2015 when Damian Willemse was Paul Roos’ flyhalf, while Ruan de Swardt was his direct opposition. Paul Roos came out on top by 29-12 on the day.
Since then, Willemse helped the Springboks to be crowned World Champions twice, while De Swardt has represented the Proteas in test cricket.
Affies’ captain and lock, Martin van Niekerk, could also feel more than happy with his performance on the day.
For Paul Roos, their loose forwards Werner de Bruin and Gerard Bekker, together with hooker Lehan Barnard, laid the foundation for the victory in the front.
Scorers:
Paul Roos Gimnasium 45 (24) – Tries: Travis Pheiffer (2), Werner de Bruin, Kyle Snyers, Albert Nel, Tristan Armitage. Conversions: Pheiffer (6). Penalty: Pheiffer. Affies 28 (11) – Tries: Joshua Gouws (2), Dandré Brink, Martin van Niekerk. Conversion: Reuben Smith. Penalties: Smith (2).
