The current format of the 2026 NoordVaal Cup competition does take the edge a bit off in some matches, as you only need to end in the top four to qualify for the semi-finals, where injuries, or the lack thereof, and the “freshness” of players could secure a “surprise” over the early favourites in the playoffs.
On current form, the “Top Four” is a simple formality; however, the race for the wooden spoon could become more exciting than the race for the “Top Four”.
Fixtures for the week ending 10 May 2026
EG Jansen vs Rustenburg
EG Jansen is not having a great season, losing their 9th match this season, going down 19-85 to Monnas at home. Although Rustenburg lost to Waterkloof (10-33), they were on a 5-match winning streak before hosting Waterkloof in Round 1 of the NoordVaal Cup.
Rustenburg should cruise to a 30-point win, while EG Jansen will be rebuilding a special rugby programme focusing on 2027.
Menlopark vs Helpmekaar
A fuming Menlopark, following their 25-26 loss to Middelburg, will host Helpmekaar, who were outplayed by Garsfontein (24-29) a week ago.
Menlopark could be brilliant and push the Top Rugby Schools for 70 minutes. On the other hand, the young Helpmekaar team have lost 4 of their last 5 matches despite showing brilliance against Boland Landbou (50-22) and Maritzburg College (31-19) in their early season matches.
Menlopark had the “better” season until last weekend against Middelburg, while Helpmekaar was brilliant against Garsfontein in the first half against Garsfontein and showed a lot of “fight” in the second half.
Therefore, I am going with Helpmekaar to win in a close match despite a late comeback from Menlopark.
Monnas vs Noordheuwel
Monnas will be determined to avenge their 27-43 loss to Noordheuwel in 2025 on Saturday and will go into this match as the favourites.
A lot was expected from Noordheuwel in 2026; however, losing 6 of their 9 matches played this season is a reason to panic for their leaders (coaches). However, they did show glimpses of brilliance against Grey College (12-34) at the ABSA Wildeklawer, and the emotion of this massive derby could just surprise Monnas for a while.
Monnas lost 3 from 4 opening matches of the 2026 season; however, thereafter, they won six matches in a row with an 85-19 win over EG Jansen in the opening round of the NoordVaal Cup a week ago.
Expect a big battle in the first half, but Monnas’ brutal pack of forwards will start to dominate in the second half, supplying Mannas’ dangerous backs space and quality ball to run amok. Monnas will regain their crown as the kings of the west.
Waterkloof vs Garsfontein
Admittedly, the urge to write Waterkloof off against Garsfontein is big; however, they only lost to Affies (20-34) and drew against Outeniqua (24-24) in their 10-match season, cruising to their 5 wins in a row, which does make them more than a credible opponent for the high-flying Garsfontein.
Garsfontein’s opponents thus far this season read as the who’s who of the top 1stXV’s of 2026. Beating Stellenberg (21-20), Paarl Boishaai (31-28), Affies (38-34) and Northwood (33-28) while their only losses were against Jeppe (26-29) and Paul Roos (18-21).
Waterkloof’s pack of forwards needs to “bully” Garsfontein from the start to keep the ball away from the dangerous backs of Garsfontein; however, Garsfontein should cruise to a 10-15 points win over their neighbours.