Unbeaten Parel Vallei hosts DF Akademie, Brakkies face Worcester Gim
Hoërskool Parel Vallei (PV) has run up an impressive seven successive victories this season, and they’ll go for number eight when they host DF Akademie (DF) at 12:10 on Saturday.
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Last year, PV won 26-10 and, given their growing run of successes this season, they’ll be confident of winning again.
Fullback Shudley Rhoda is an electric and clinical finisher that the visitors will need to keep an eye on, while inside centre Brad Brown provides a more direct threat with his physical prowess.
The Somerset West outfit is also strong in the set-pieces, so the DF forwards will need to prepare accordingly.
They head into the clash on the back foot, having lost their last three fixtures – 10-26 vs Melkbosstrand, 24-27 vs Tygerberg, and 26-40 vs Strand – which will provide them with plenty of motivation for the weekend’s showdown in Somerset West.
Last year, Hoërskool Brackenfell defeated Worcester Gimnasium 29-22 at home. The challenge they face is repeating that success away on Saturday. The match kicks off at 13:00.
After losing their first six games of the season, Worcester claimed a 31-25 victory in their most recent outing against Hoërskool Punt. However, they last played three weeks ago. That means they’ve had plenty of rest, but rust could be a problem against Brakkies.
The visitors come off a 10-22 loss against Hoërskool Porterville. Eighthman Seth Braaf will be at the physical forefront of their efforts, while left wing Migile Carelse is a lethal finisher. Gim will need to keep a tight rein on him.
Worcester Gimnasium’s right wing Leagon Brooks will be an interesting counter to Carelse, and their battle within the war should be intriguing.
One of Brakkies’ issues this season has been their inability to capitalise on their opportunities. After eight matches, their highest tally thus far has been 22 points. They will aim to be more clinical in Worcester on Saturday.
Hoërskool Strand will be out for revenge after losing 12-29 to Hoërskool Tygerberg last August, and they hold home-ground advantage on Saturday. Their match kicks off at 12:10.
The Tigers recently drew 31-31 with Hoërskool Robertson, but they’ll be chasing a first win in four matches following their draw with Robbies and big losses to Pietersburg and Menlopark at the Fairtree Sportfees.
Flyhalf Muchiano Loggenberg is an instrumental figure in the visitors’ lineup. If the hosts allow him time, he could wreak havoc.
Strand won their most recent match, beating DF Akademie 40-26 on 24 April. Those 40 points were the most they’ve scored this season, and, with two weeks of rest behind them, they’ll feel ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
TEAMS
Parel Vallei (likely): 15 Shudley Rhoda, 14 Aydin February, 13 Owen Cockroft, 12 Brad Brown, 11 Rafael von Loeper, 10 Stephan Niemann, 9 Michael Kent, 8 Taariq Railon, 7 Ethan Ramos, 6 Marce Else, 5 Keaton Baird, 4 Herman Kriel, 3 Cayden Rautenbauch, 2 Jacques Swart, 1 Joshua Buchweltz.
DF Akademie: N/A.
Worcester Gimnasium: N/A.
Brackenfell (likely): 15 Ruan van Tonder, 14 Juandré Labuschagne, 13 Michael Buys, 12 Deonischo Afrika, 11 Migile Carelse, 10 Yusuf Hannibal, 9 Hayden Fortuin, 8 Seth Braaf, 7 Derose Manya, 6 Jason Joseph, 5 Hanré van Dijk, 4 Manya Prayer, 3 Joshua Wallace, 2 Joshua Defreitas, 1 Wian Bronkhorst.
Strand: N/A.
Tygerberg: N/A.
