Border rugby fans are in for another feast of schoolboy action on Saturday when two of the region’s fiercest rivalries take centre stage.
Selborne College travels to Komani, aiming to complete a season’s double over Queen’s College, while Hudson Park High hopes to mark their reunion weekend with a memorable performance when they host Stirling High in East London.
As is always the case with derby fixtures, recent form is likely to count for little once the opening whistle sounds.
Selborne edged out Queen’s 19-17 in their first meeting of the season in KuGompo City, but know a far sterner examination awaits on the famous Rec Ground, where the home side has built a formidable reputation over the years.
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The visitors have pieced together an impressive campaign, combining a well-organised forward pack with an increasingly dangerous backline, orchestrated by scrumhalf Connor Fowles and flyhalf Riley Hansel.
Their ability to remain composed in tight contests has been one of their strengths this season, and they will need those qualities again against a Queen’s side desperate to avenge their narrow defeat earlier in the year.
Queen’s, with the dangerous SA Schools’ speedster Ncutu Kepe lurking in the backline, have shown throughout the season that they relish the big occasion, and they will be determined to make home advantage count.
With local pride at stake, they can be expected to throw everything at their traditional rivals in another bruising encounter.
The East London derby should be equally compelling as Hudson Park, fresh off a thrilling 28-26 win over Selborne last Saturday, welcomes Stirling to a packed Bunkers Hill ground during the school’s reunion celebrations.
Hudson claimed a convincing 22-5 victory when the teams met earlier this year, but Stirling has repeatedly demonstrated their resilience and will be determined to produce a much-improved display in the return fixture.
The home side has been involved in several dramatic contests this season, including close victories over Selborne and Dale College, which underlined both their attacking quality and their ability to hold their nerve in pressure situations.
Wing Cwenga Bityo has played a crucial role with his kicking prowess, and he will again be pivotal for Hudson this weekend.
Playing in front of a large reunion crowd should provide additional motivation for the home side, who will be eager to reward their supporters with another derby success.
Stirling, meanwhile, knows they must find a way to contain Hudson’s dangerous runners while improving their execution in key areas if they are to reverse the earlier result.
With fierce local rivalries, passionate support, and plenty of pride on the line, both Border derbies have all the ingredients to produce another memorable chapter in two of the Eastern Cape’s most enduring school rugby traditions.
Teams:
Queen’s College: 15 Ncutu Kepe, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Mthokozisi Mbambo, 12 Zinzolwethu Lali, 11 Charlton van Heerden, 10 Bongo Nyakaza, 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Ethan Oosthuizen, 6 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 5 Carlo Davids, 4 Mile Njokweni, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Nande Thiwani, 1 Zeacke Mata.
Selborne College: 15 Edward Malinzi, 14 Zweletu Njoholo, 13 Iviwe Kabale, 12 Aaron James, 11 Sabelo Vuso, 10 Riley Hansel, 9 Connor Fowles, 8 Travis Enslin, 7 Daniel Rushmere, 6 Lwandle Bacela, 5 Mozesh van der Byl, 4 Ayden Freitag, 3 Daniel Naude, 2 Reece Rassmussen, 1 Luthango Ngese.
Hudson Park High: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Likho Gidi, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 De’Angelo Snayers, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 6 Sisonke Majola, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Lithemba Mpini, 2 Mesuli Ntama, 1 Khanya Mazula.
