Preview: FNB Classic Clash – Eldoraigne vs Zwartkop

It is May, with rain about and that means one thing; another FNB Classic Clash in Centurion between two of the area’s fiercest rivals.

Expect a cold winters day with big hits and fast break aways. 

Hoërskool Eldoraigne plays host to this weekend’s much anticipated local derbies against old time foes Hoërskool Zwartkop with kick-off starting at 13:30 pm. 

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Eldo’s recent form has been slightly underwhelming over the past few weeks coming off of a 32-22 loss away against Merensky in Tzaneen and then drawing to Hoërskool Menlopark which some would suggest came as a bit of an upset in their favour. 

However the side had a very good Easter Festival at King Edward VII, winning two out of their three matches and losing narrowly to a strong Hoërskool Durbanville team  20-17. The highlight of their tournament was beating Parktown Boys’ 38-0, where their forwards dominated the match scoring five tries between them. 

The team will be looking to replicate some of that early season form to inspire the side to win another derby clash. Players to watch out for include flankers Anroux Du Plessis and Divan De Jager. 

Last year Hoërskool Eldoraigne walked away victorious winning a closely contested match 18-12 in very muddy conditions. The sides could be facing similar conditions this year as the lead up to the weekend has seen some rainfall. 

Zwartkop’s come into the match off the back of two consecutive wins beating HTS Middelburg last weekend 37-14 at home and beating Brakenfell recently 33-12. 

Zwartkops will be looking at fullback Kieraan Krotz to provide impetus in the backline and could look to play more of a kicking game which will bring in flyhalf Jonathan Wilson’s boot. Zwarries will also be relying on their forward pack to win possession during some hard-headed scrumming and chasing down any sort of aerial play. 

The sides should match up nicely with each school boasting a strong line-up of players. But who will come out on top this year? 

Both sides will want to gain the bragging rights but will need to overcome the wet muddy conditions which may result in a change of tactics from the coaching staff as they enter into this much anticipated Classic Clash.

The teams:

Eldoraigne: 15 JP Meyer, 14 Hendru Van Zyl, 13 Marchand Nel, 12 Rynahardt Gelderblom, 11 Juan Bothma, 10 Reynier Kidson , 9 Donnevin Naude, 8 Johan Coetsee, 7 Divan De Jager, 6 Anroux Du Plessis, 5 Myburgh Van Wyk, 4 Shane Henery, 3 Willie Diffenthal, 2 Wickus Diffenthal, 1Jaydon Niehaus. 

Zwartkop: 15 Kieraan Krotz, 14 Stiaan Bekker, 13 Milton Naude, 12 Wihan Van Der Berg, 11  Denilson Metcalfe, 10 Jonathan Wilson, 9 Waldo Smith, 8 Nathan Van Aswegen, 7 Ian Van Der Westhuizen, 6 Jeandre Hanse, 5 Johan Van Heerden, 4 Dehan Smit, 3 Xavier Boikanyo, 2 Reagan Smith, 1 Julian Lubbe. 

Fixtures:

u19A: 13:30
u19B – 11:00
u19C – 10:00
u16A – 12:05
u15A – 9:00
u14A – 8:00