The NoordVaal is preparing for the playoffs of several NoordVaal competitions today, and there are also two historical matches taking place.
Jeppe will host KES in their 100th clash. Jeppe had a Jeppe year, winning nine of their seventeen matches. However, their biggest win must be the 37-28 win against KES, with their second greatest performance in 2025 being their 36-38 loss to Affies. KES, on the other hand, had a horrible start to the season with the 102-00 loss to Paarl Gim; however, the fighting spirit of this team picked itself up and beat Rondebosch (20-17) two weeks later. Wins over Noordheuwel (23-22) and Helpmekaar (23-21) gave a bit of bling to their season. Many will say two average teams, so what? This is going to be seventy minutes of aggression, speed and passion. The place to be on Saturday.
Waterkloof will host Affies in what used to be THE event in Pretoria's schoolboy rugby calendar. Unfortunately, Waterkloof is having a below-average season, winning only six of their fifteen matches. They are currently on a three-match losing streak and will give their left @*# to beat Affies at home. Affies, on the other hand, struggled against Maritzburg College a week ago, and if one is honest, their two losses and one draw were matches they should have won. Can Affies forget all the sideshows and find form in their last match of the season before their U18 "Bokkies" leave for the Paarl?
In the NoordVaal Cup competition, there are some great matches on the menu.
Helpmekaar vs Rustenburg - Helpmekaar should cruise to a win.
Menlopark vs Monnas - Menlopark is on a four-week losing streak, and despite that, they see themselves as having a good chance to beat a struggling Wit Bulle. And with Monnas losing eleven of their sixteen matches, this could have been a credible expectation. Monnas did beat Transvalia (24-22) and Nelspruit (41-34) before the holidays, and then were bullied by Garsfontein (17-68). Once again, the boys will give it all, and the bounce of the ball will decide the winner. I expect it to be a white ball.
Noordheuwel vs Garsfontein - Noordheuwel had a "horrible" start to the season, but despite their loss to Helpmekaar (00-36), they found some form beating Monnas (43-27), EG Jansen (55-45), Nelspruit (27-14), Rustenburg (27-07) and Waterkloof (33-27). Garsfontein are on a six-match winning streak and must/should be the favourite to defend their NoordVaal Cup crown, however, with both Noordheuwel and Garsfontein losing players to the u18 International Series in the Paarl starting on Wednesday. Who will win? Garsfontein will win, I think.
Transvalia vs Nelspruit - Transvalia and Nelspruit are at the bottom of the promotion/relegation charts, and both schools will go full tilt at each other to earn a point or two. Transvalia should be the favourite; however, Nelspruit will be desperate for a win.