The semi-final weekend of the Noordvaal Cup competition is guaranteed to provide excitement with the favourites not guaranteed a win.
If asked at the beginning of the 2022 schoolboy rugby season who is the favourites only Garsfontein and Monnas would be named. However, both schools have some players in the Paarl where they will represent South Africa in the u/18 International series against France and England.
Garsfontein 1stXV vs Noordheuwel 1stXV
Garsfontein will be withouth Steven Nel (Scrumhalve) and Michael Damons (Fullback) when they face Noorheuwel at Garsfontein. Garsfontein's last match was two weeks ago when they played EG Jansen and won 31-05. The depth of Garsfontein should ensure that they will not miss the two players too much, however, what would be more worrying will be the form of Noordheuwel.
Noordheuwel lost to Garsfontein (42-32) three weeks ago and also lost to Monnas (33-29) a week ago. However, in both matches, their second-half performances were the highlight and in the match against Monnas, they showed that they will continue fighting even after the fat lady stopped singing.
Unfortunately for the brave boys from Noordheuwel Garsfontein should have enough in the tank to qualify for the final next weekend. However, it will be close and exciting with both teams who will spread the ball wide at every opportunity.
Monnas 1stXV vs EG Jansen 1stXV
Monnas ended the league games undefeated and although they did not convince against Noordheuwel they will have too much in the tank against EG Jansen.
This is not to say that EG Jansen will travel to Krugersdorp just to lose and will leave everything on the Ras. Expect a physical match with tempers to flare every now and then. Exciting stuff.
Monnas will be without Ulrich van der Westhuizen and Sifiso Magwaza.
Other semi-final fixtures:
u/16
Helpmekaar vs Monnas
EG Jansen vs Noordheuwel
u/15
Helpmekaar vs Waterkloof
Noordheuwel vs Menlopark
u/14
Helpmekaar vs Waterkloof
Monnas vs Noordheuwel
