The Jade Brigade aims to conquer Boishaai, Durbies tackle Tygerberg
Stellenberg High will have an opportunity to slay a fourth giant in 2026 when they hit the road to take on Paarl Boys’ High at 12:40 on Saturday.
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The visitors have produced a phenomenal season so far, which has included victories over Grey College, Paul Roos Gimnasium and Paarl Gimnasium. Their only flaw in 12 games was a last-minute 20-21 loss to Hoërskool Garsfontein in March.
In their most recent match, they defeated Oakdale Landbou 15-13 in Riversdal. Oakdale drew 13-13 with Boishaai in April.
Boys’ High has tasted defeat in their past two outings, going down 37-40 to Affies at the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament in Kimberley, and 21-31 to Grey College in Bloemfontein. They’ll welcome the chance to take on a big gun at home.
Last May, Saturday’s hosts, who finished the season ranked number one in the country after edging out Paarl Gimnasium in a game for the ages, won 27-0 in Bellville. This time out, things are expected to be far tighter. The Jade Brigade is in its best shape ever, while Boishaai faces the rare prospect of a third loss in a row.
With Stellenberg High centre JC Swart out injured, wing Ralton Rhode will take over the no. 13 jersey. Morné Pretorius will be responsible for covering Rhode’s usual spot on the right wing.
Boishaai loosehead prop Max Malan is a key player in the scrums. His ability to win possession may shake up Stellies, who have been strong in the set pieces all season long, especially in the lineouts.
Saturday’s showdown should be a thriller, and it could constitute the next chapter in a history-making season for Stellies in 2026.
After a tough 19-64 loss to Paul Roos Gimnasium last weekend, Hoërskool Durbanville will be intent on getting back to winning ways when they host Hoërskool Tygerberg at 12:30 on Saturday.
The Tigers themselves come off a narrow 22-24 loss to Hoërskool Strand. They haven’t won in their last four matches, which will make their hunger for a victory that much greater.
Durbies‘ outside centre Farrel-Leigh Dido is one to watch. He has agility, speed and power, which he used to score off the bench as an outside centre in the Paul Roos encounter. If given time and space, he is dangerous.
Durbanville will be favoured, but Tygerberg could catch them off guard on the counterattack if the hosts become overly confident.
It’s been a tough last four weeks for DF Akademie, who have lost every time. Their last outing ended in a 14-31 defeat to unbeaten Hoërskool Parel Vallei. They have an opportunity to turn things around when they host Fairmont High at 11:50 on Saturday.
Fullback Pieter Delport has a handy boot that will help DF in the battle for territory at the back.
Fairmont takes on one of their fiercest competitors this season. Last season, they went down 5-27. Taking into account that they do not often play opposition as strong as DF, they are underdogs in this one.
The clash presents DF Akademie not only with an opportunity to win, but also to build confidence lost in their last four matches.
TEAMS
Paarl Boys’ High: N/A.
Stellenberg High (likely): 15 Liam Jacobs, 14 Morné Pretorius, 13 Ralton Rhode, 12 Daniel Mongie, 11 Emile Cilliers, 10 Ethan van Biljon, 9 Daniel Steffen, 8 Yanos Molnar, 7 Carlo Brink, 6 Seth Coetzé, 5 Juvan Burden, 4 Jayden Young, 3 Janu Van Deventer, 2 Liam Joubert, 1 Uzair Blackenberg.
Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Wihan Roux, 14 Kyle Doyle, 13 Farrel-Leigh Dido, 12 Louwrens Rademeyer, 11 Cole Carls, 10 Hadley Erasmus, 9 Lorenzo Brogneri, 8 Muller Jansen van Vuuren, 7 Jono Hearn, 6 Jean de Vries, 5 Jano Stone, 4 Jeandré Janse van Rensburg, 3 Hanno Rhode, 2 Tristen Muller, 1 Hannes Vermeulen.
Hoërskool Tygerberg: N/A.
DF Akademie: N/A.
Fairmont High: 15 Keagan Nieuwoudt, 14 Achumile Koyana, 13 Connor Southey, 12 Muneo Mbizvo, 11 Max Kruger, 10 Giovanni Adamo, 9 Yaqeen Isamail, 8 Adam Oliver, 7 Aphiwe Ntunja, 6 Boikano Monyaki, 5 Carlaux Landman, 4 Jayden Nieuwenhuis, 3 Connor Casson, 2 Connor Stander, 1 Liyah Mtulu.
