Wit Bulle score 34 points in the second half to defeat Red Army
After a fairly slow start, Affies stepped up a gear in the second half of their game against King Edward VII (KES) on Saturday, producing a clinical display, to claim a 52-26 victory in Johannesburg.
KES scored the first try of the day, within the first five minutes of play, when their big 8th-man and captain Kebotile Maake excellently charging down an attempted clearance kick from the boot of Reuben Pienaar. He gathered the ball to score with ease and gave the hosts an early advantage.
Affies, though, have shown themselves to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2024 season, and while KES held their own in the first 20 minutes, they were hard pressed to keep with a barrage of attacking plays from the Wit Bulle.
The side from Pretoria struck back late in the opening stanza, scoring two tries in quick succession, through scrumhalf Zirk Meyer and wing Eagan Roux, which helped the visitors edge ahead at the break. At halftime only four points separated the sides, with Affies 18-14 to the good.
In the second half, however, they came out all guns’ blazing, pushing deep into KES territory, while dominating the battle for possession. By increasing the pace of the game, Affies were able to showcase their attacking abilities, which led to a 34-point boost on the scoreboard.
The Wit Bulle impressed with their ball handling. There was no better example than when Eagan Roux scored his second, following a brilliant offload from fullback Ruben Groenewald, after the ball had been moved gracefully down the backline.
Affies favored the left-hand side of the field, probing away there until it brought them a try from Nico Grobler, which echoed Roux’s earlier effort.
KES added a further 12 points in the second half, with their prolific wing Haniel Monkoti finishing the day with another hat-trick. He’s been a regular on the score sheet, week in and week out, and will surely be in the running for a Craven Week place.
Fly half Vusi Moyo converted one out of his two opportunities in the second half but was a little out of his groove. However, a fine penalty in the first half, from a difficult angle, from in front of the Affies’ supporters, highlighted his ability.
His opposite number, Reuben Pienaar has shown up well against KES in the past and he was on song once more against the Red Army, tallying 22 points, which included four conversions, three penalties and a try. He also orchestrated the Affies’ backline with precision and directed play well with crisp passes and strategic kicks.
The mid-year exams are approaching, but Affies faces Die Hoërskool Menlopark next weekend and they will be eager to build on the momentum they’ve accrued in an impressive season. They’ve lost only three times, to the top three teams in the country – Paul Roos Gimnasium, Grey College and Paarl Gimnasium – by a combined total of just 10 points.
KES will put their rugby campaign on hold until 13 July, when they face Pretoria Boys High for a second time this season. They won the first meeting, in Pretoria, 24-14.
Scorers: King Edward VII 26 (14) – Tries: Kebotile Maake, Haniel Monkoti (3). Conversions: Vusi Moyo (3). Affies 52 (18) – Tries: Eagan Roux (2), Zirk Meyer (2), Nicolaas Grobler, Ruben Groenewald, Ruben Pienaar. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (4), Penalties: Ruben Pienaar (3).
Results
u19A: KES 26 Affies 52
u19B: KES 10 Affies 17
u16A: KES 17 Affies 39
u15A: KES 10 Affies 62
u14A: KES 22 Affies 14
