Having sharpened their form with convincing victories in recent weeks, Brandwag and Nico Malan are on a major collision course when they meet in their annual derby in Kariega on Saturday at 15:00.
Brandwag will have fond memories of last year’s 19-10 victory in Humansdorp, but they know they will face a determined Nico Malan side eager to reclaim the local bragging rights on foreign soil.
The Humansdorp outfit has built impressive momentum during the third term. After dismantling DF Malherbe, they followed up with an authoritative 47-27 King Price Derby Series victory over Daniel Pienaar, underlining the balance between their powerful pack and dangerous backs.
Their forwards laid the foundation again, with props Regardt Conradie and Ruan Nel leading the charge. Locks Luciano Botha and Ruben van Dijk, together with hooker Janu Janse van Rensburg, have consistently dominated the tight exchanges and will present Brandwag with a formidable challenge.
Brandwag, however, has shown encouraging improvement since a disappointing defeat to Kingswood before the mid-year break. They responded with an impressive 36-24 victory over their local rivals Muir College, and they will believe they have the physicality and attacking ability to trouble one of the Eastern Cape’s most consistent teams.
With the school rugby season entering its final month, both sides will be eager to finish strongly, making this derby one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
On Friday afternoon, at 16:00, another intriguing encounter takes place when Grey High hosts Muir in Gqeberha.
Grey, who have compiled another strong campaign, will start as favourites after last year’s emphatic 60-7 victory over the Kariega side. However, Muir has proved in recent seasons that they are capable of unsettling more fancied opponents and will look to produce another spirited display.
The visitors have shown resilience throughout the season and will hope to slow Grey’s attacking rhythm while capitalising on any opportunities that come their way. Grey, meanwhile, will aim to continue building momentum as they prepare for the closing weeks of the season.
Elsewhere, Marlow Landbou travels to Bergsig, with their sights set on ending their season on a positive note. The Cradock side has produced some encouraging attacking rugby despite inconsistent results and will hope to convert that promise into victory against their hosts.
Teams:
Brandwag: 15 Carriston Jantjies, 14 Waymen Sinden, 13 Clevelon Deysel, 12 Dewandre Witbooi, 11 Darren Gardener, 10 Rezanio Petrus, 9 Egan George, 8 Erik Rudman, 7 Divan Kotze, 6 Josh Badenhorst, 5 Justin Swanepoel, 4 Luan Greeff, 3 Casper Steenkamp, 2 Austin de Wet, 1 Francu Fouche.
Grey High: 15 Michael Nyandoro, 14 Noah Mbizi, 13 Sibulele Ngebulana, 12 Ciaran Killian, 11 Michael Oosthuizen, 10 Nathan Trytsman, 9 Ryan Swarbrick, 8 Zola Yeye, 7 Cole Bennett, 6 Blake Parker, 5 Jean Nel, 4 Caleb Harvey, 3 Juan Potgieter, 2 Micah Wessels, 1 Daniel Naude.
