It may be exam time for many schoolboys, but Dale College faces arguably their toughest test of the season on the rugby field when they return to Makhanda for a King Price Derby Series showdown against Kingswood College at City Lords on Tuesday at 15:30.
Fresh from ending a 23-year wait for victory over St Andrew’s College on Lower Field, the Dalians now have little time to savour that achievement as they prepare for another stern examination against one of the Eastern Cape’s form teams.
Saturday’s dramatic 42-36 triumph over St Andrew’s required an immense physical and emotional effort from Dale, particularly in the closing stages when they defended desperately to preserve a rare victory at the Makhanda venue.
The question now is whether they can reproduce that intensity just three days later against opponents who have consistently shown their ability to punish any drop in standards.
Kingswood arrives with plenty of confidence after producing a dominant display to defeat St Andrew’s 29-10 in their annual derby. Since losing by a point to Hudson Park, Kingswood has strung together a list of high-scoring victories.
The Makhanda side has built a reputation this season for their attacking ambition, using quick ball and intelligent support play to create opportunities across the field, with forwards like Josh Mackenzie and Luniko Marivate showing how dangerous they can be when they have momentum.
Their backline, with No. 10 Chris Zimmerman dictating matters, contains several genuine game-breakers capable of turning defence into attack in an instant.
For Dale, much will depend on how quickly they can recover from last weekend’s exertions, but the coaching staff will take confidence from the character they showed against St Andrew’s.
The Dalians have developed into one of the most exciting attacking units in the region, combining a powerful forward presence with dangerous runners out wide. Their ability to score from turnover ball and broken play has troubled opponents throughout the season.
Players such as Sonwabise Dyani, Caleb Smith, and Kungawo Jaca have repeatedly demonstrated their attacking quality, while Dale’s forwards have become increasingly effective at providing front-foot ball.
Dyani is also a threat off the kicking tee, as he showed at the weekend by slotting six straight conversions against St Andrew’s.
Yet Kingswood presents a different challenge. Playing at home and buoyed by recent results, they will be determined to impose themselves physically and maintain the high tempo that has served them so well this season.
The contest promises to be a fascinating clash of styles between two teams who are prepared to attack whenever opportunities arise.
If Dale can summon the same resilience they displayed on Lower Field, they will fancy their chances of another memorable result.
But Kingswood has shown throughout the year that they possess the quality to test even the best teams, setting the stage for what could be one of the standout schoolboy matches of the second term.
Teams:
Kingswood College: 15 Kungawo Badli, 14 Charlo Connon,13 Luke de Villiers, 12 James Mackenzie, 11 Chad Roodt, 10 Christopher Zimmerman, 9 Matt de Villiers, 8 Luniko Marivate, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Sizo Klaas, 5 Hayden Holt, 4 Sandi Peter, 3 Junior Ndlazi, 2 Charl du Toit, 1 Sithenkosi Qabaka.
Dale College: 15 Caleb Smith, 14 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 13 Achumile George, 12 Sophakama Zamile, 11 Yamkela Molose, 10 Sonwabise Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Ulikhaya Stuurman, 6 Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Azole Sodlaka.
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