Wynberg Boys’ High could be a giant slayer

The Wynberg Boys’ High 1st XV has proven to be a formidable force in recent years.

In 2025, they suffered two narrow losses against prominent rugby schools. Playing at home in both matches, they lost 26-32 to Paarl Boys’ High and 17-21 to Paul Roos Gimnasium.

Wynberg Head Coach, Justin van Winkel, told SuperSport Schools Plus that every side they face needs to be treated with respect.

“Every opponent poses new challenges and always receives our full focus. We don’t have the privilege of only fixating on certain matches in the competitive Western Province (WP) league.

“Every team we face is a challenge, and we strive to reciprocate the favour.”

Casting an eye over his team, Van Winkel said many players who turned out for the 1st XV last year are back.

“We have the following players from last year available for selection: Naeem Mohammed, James Orwin, CJ Kotze, Alvin Machinja, Alex Barret, Esa van der Schyff, Achmat Behardien (Western Province Craven Week flyhalf in 2025), Chad Campbell, Luke Gertze, Ithandile Nkohla, Zachary De Kock, and Laeeq Davids.”

The same coaching team that steered Wynberg to an impressive season holds the reins again. “Our same coaching and management team, mainly consisting of school masters, returns for the 2026 season, led by our Director of Rugby, Nic Groom. Other members of the team include Mr. Van Winkel, Mr. Posthumus, Mr. Bassett, Mr. Potgieter, Mr. Frylinck, Mr. Wells, and Mr. Baker,” Van Winkel shared.

Turning his attention to how he wants his team to play the game, he said: “We want our boys to reach their full individual potential while consistently making our team a priority. If we get this right, the results will come.”

With a large number of talented players returning, and with the same coaching staff in place, Wynberg is nicely positioned to put together a cohesive and strong 1st XV. That makes it likely that they’ll exhibit many of the qualities that made the 2025 season a success.

Some of the key characteristics of their philosophy include a desire to play the game at speed; a quick tap is always on when they are awarded a penalty.

Wynberg also believes in their backline’s attacking prowess. They’ll often opt for scrums near midfield rather than kicking for touch when given the option. They want to create space for their backs to attack.

Expect a ball-in-hand approach from Wynberg and a focus on keeping the ball in play. They’re especially dangerous on the counterattack.

Having come so close to upsetting some of 2025’s best sides, could Wynberg slay some giants in 2026? They’ll head into the season optimistic that they have the firepower to do that.

Wynberg Boys’ High Fixtures 2026

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Marlowe Bloem

Marlowe is a sports & creative writer from Durban, Kwazulu-Natal. Writing mainly for rugby & cricket, Marlowe enjoys watching and taking part in a multitude of sports, from soccer to athletics. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music of all genres, reading literary fiction, and playing sports with friends and family.

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