The Premier Interschools 2021 season gets underway with a cracker of a match on Saturday 8 May. Paarl Boys’ welcome one of their most fierce rivals, Grey College from Bloemfontein. The last decade has seen these two sides challenge each other for the number one spot in South Africa.
Paarl Boys’ High (1868) and Grey College (1855) are among the oldest schools in South Africa with both having a rich rugby history, heritage, and tradition. They first played each other in 1950 and did not have a regular fixture every year due to the distance between the schools. Grey and Paarl Boys’, also known as Boishaai, played each other 21 times between 1950 and 1995, and since then it became an annual fixture. In total they have played 46 matches with Grey having won 35, Boishaai 9 and 2 draws.
It is however over the last ten years that the hosts have been much more competitive with their Bloemfontein counterparts, than in previous years, having recorded 4 of their 9 overall wins since 1950 during this time. There has also been one draw during this period.
Recent Results
2019 Grey College 43-24 HJS
2018 Grey College 34-20 HJS
2017 Grey College 31-46 HJS
2016 Grey College 18-28 HJS
2015 Grey College 19-21 HJS
What to expect from Grey College
Grey will be hoping to set the record straight following an early-season loss to Boishaai’s neighbours, Paarl Gim. The teams did not have much game time before the season kicked off due to the restrictions around the Covid pandemic, but the Bloemfontein outfit looked better with each match they played.
Grey lost to Paarl Gim (16-18) and then followed the loss up with wins against Menlopark (51-19) and EG Jansen (43-15).
This is a typical Grey side that will run you to pieces if you allow them to. Their backline count amongst the best in the country. Their pack might not be the biggest but they handle the ball like their backs do, at pace.
What to expect from Boishaai
Boishaai is a bit rusty following no game time during the 2020 season and are still finding their form in the 2021 season. They have yet to select the same starting 15 as injuries have hampered their backline but come Saturday the boys should be ready for the visitors from Bloemfontein. Just like Grey, they have only played 3 games so far in the holiday festivals and have recorded wins in all three encounters.
Boishaai had three wins this far. The won against Welkom Gim (59-21), Noordheuwel (79-07) and Monnas (34-18).
Boishaai's pack of forwards must be their best in several years. Their backs are a skilful bunch of players that can run opposing teams' defence to tatters.
My prediction
Boishaai and Grey College will be part of the Top 5 in the country in 2021, with this match most probably determining the 2nd and 4th spot. I think the easiest is to just state that I do not see any team running away with it. I prefer the bigger pack of Boishaai with their great backline. However, Grey College are masters in their gameplan.
I must go with the home team but only with a very small margin. Very small.
Source - https://premierinterschools.co.za