When rugby meets tradition: 2023’s final exchanges

This weekend gear up for two must-watch encounters that promises to provide an unforgettable spectacle of skill, power, and sheer determination amongst some of the big names in South African School Rugby.

2023, has provided some epic matches with teams travelling away on exchanges, think back to when Grey College and Maritzburg College came up to Affies, or when Michaelhouse travelled to Pretoria Boys’ High School.

While up on the highveld, the excitement is palpable as two rugby powerhouses, Jeppe High School for Boys and Durban High School, are set to go head-to-head in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Collard Field.

The first XV gets underway at 13:00.

After what has been a 13-year hiatus of this fixture, both teams will be eager to face each other again, which now compromises a full set of fixtures between the schools, who first played each other back in 1938.

King Edward VII marches into Pietermaritzburg to face the challenge posed by the in-form Maritzburg College, for the showdown at Goldstones starting at 13:30 pm.

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

Jeppe, known for their fearless and relentless style of play, has been a growing force in the 2023 season. Since losing narrowly to Affies by one point, the side has clipped the wings of Pretoria Boys’ High School, Parktown Boys’ High School and King Edward VII.

The backline’s speed and agility will test Durban High School’s defense, Bokamoso Maphisa, was the star of the day last weekend, showcasing his attacking prowess by scoring an incredible hattrick of tries to put his side in a winning position.

DHS, hailing from the rugby-rich coastal city of Durban, brings a unique blend of natural athleticism and flair to the game and will be looking to build on what has been a successful season thus far. Fresh off a win against Northwood, DHS will be feeling confident leading up to this fixture.

Simphiwe Ngobese, the SA Schools prop will play a pivotal role in the scrums, providing power and ball-winning abilities. His fellow Sharks Craven Week teammate and winger Maurice Willemse will bring the blitz to an attacking backline.

On the other side of the country, King Edward VII, renowned for its proud rugby legacy, is leaving no stone unturned as they look for victory down in the midlands. They will be determined to make a resounding statement on the pitch after losing last weekend to Jeppe High School for Boys 43-31.

King Edward VII’s hooker, Siphosethu Mnebelele, also put on an impressive display last weekend scoring an outstanding hattrick of tries. His role in securing possession and creating attacking opportunities makes him a crucial component for this fixture.

However, they will face a formidable challenge in the shape of Maritzburg College, who have been on an impressive winning streak. With three consecutive victories under their belt against Northwood (36-12), Affies (50-31) and Pretoria Boys’ High School (43-12) this College team is brimming with confidence and eager to maintain their winning momentum.

College’s dynamic fly-half, Luc Du Toit whose impeccable decision-making and accurate kicking could be the key to unlocking KES defense.

These encounters are expected to be tightly contested, with all four of the schools being highly accomplished teams, predicting the outcome is a tough task. In the Maritzburg clash one would favour the hosts based on their current form. DHS has shown that they are able to compete with any side, but Jeppe have shown that they are not to be underestimated.

The players will wear their school colors with pride, with every tackle, pass, and try reflecting the passion and commitment they have for their school.

The Teams:

Maritzburg College: 15 Luyanda Kunene, 14 Langelihle Makhathini, 13 Ayerton van der Linde, 12 Nkululeko Sithole, 11 Colm Reardon, 10 Luc Du Toit, 9 Rhett Quinn, 8 Sasha Kadira, 7 Dalton Wright 6 Travis Walton, 5 Kevin Ayliffe, 4 Bohlale Maphisa, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka.

King Edward VII: 15 Tristan Maugeri, 14 Caleb Lombard, 13 Olunje Mehlomakulu, 12 Tirhani Masondo, 11 Timi Oluwole, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Ruan Van Rensburg, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Thandolwethu Biyela, 6 James Kabrowisky , 5 Andrew Engelbrecht, 4 Thomas Beling, 3 Joshua Aube, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Bradley Simango.

Jeppe High School for Boys: 15 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 14 Thulani Shabalala, 13 Exauce Kevani, 12 McMillen Mongwana, 11 Bokamoso Maphisa, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 9 Bryce Samuel, 8 Mosiki Ndlaba, 7 Sean Mills, 6 Ruben Van Rensburg, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Risima Khosa, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Kaleb Burger, 1 Ricardo Brandao.

Durban High School: 15 Bandile Zama, 14 Ntando Mavuso, 13 Amahle Mazibuko, 12 Hlumelo Madikane, 11 Maurice Willemse, 10 Deano Boesak, 9 Florensen Ockhuis , 8 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 7 Siseko Mani, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Weihrich Basson, 4 Sima Hlabisa, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Christian Everitt, 1 Siyanda Dlamini.

Fixtures:

Maritzburg College vs King Edward VII

u14A: 9:00 am (Snows), u16A: 9:45 am (Goldstones), u15A:10:00 am (Snows), u19B: 12:10 (Goldstones), u19A: 13:30 pm (Goldstones)

Jeppe High School for Boys vs Durban High School

u15A: 8:30 am (Collard Field), u14A: 9:30 am (Jake White Field) u16A: 10:30 am (Collard Field), u19B: 11:45 am (Collard Field), u19A: 13:00 pm (Collard Field).