An exciting schoolboy rugby Saturday awaits KwaZulu-Natal when some of the top schools clash to “claim” the crown of KwaZulu-Natal’s 1stXV’s
The Hilton College vs. Michaelhouse derby is one of South Africa's most storied schoolboy rivalries and takes place today at Hilton College. This match serves as the first of their two scheduled Midlands derbies for the 2026 season.
Hilton College enters the clash as the form team with a six-game winning streak. Their recent run includes impressive victories over Westville, Bishops, and Nudgee College from Australia.
Michaelhouse has shown significant potential this season with wins against powerhouse sides like Affies, Jeppe, and Northwood. However, they are looking to bounce back from recent losses to DHS and St Andrews.
Due to an injury to first-choice Dan Aissing, Nick Baker steps in for Michaelhouse. He faces a physical challenge against Hilton’s Zander Vorster, a highly-rated prospect for u18 Craven Week selection.
Michaelhouse will rely on their forward pack, which famously dominated in their 29–27 win over Affies earlier this year, to disrupt Hilton's strategic kicking game.
Teams:
Hilton College: 1 Aiden du Plooy, 2 Kyle-Reece Clements, 3 Mholi Khuzwayo, 4 Hartman Fourie, 5 Andrew Schnell, 6 Callan Kenmuir, 7 Ross Steyn, 8 Zander Muller, 9 Benoit Rey, 10 John Grubb, 11 Liyema Gazi, 12 Ruan Milder, 13 Guy Fender, 14 Tomupeishe Gurupirai, 15James Peattie.
Michaelhouse: 1 Aphalele Chamane, 2 Max Oliva, 3 Sphelo Mfazwe, 4 Reeze Hill, 5 Oliver Vickery, 6 Oliver Guy, 7 Jed Reilly, 8 Trezequet Hawkins, 9 Ben Hughes, 10 Jack Carmody, 11 Barend de Bruyn, 12 Alex Jankowitz, 13 Fabiona Fierro, 14 Laird Hamilton-Brown, 15 Reece Cole.
Westville vs Kearsney
Westville Boys’ High School hosts Kearsney College today in a high-stakes KZN schoolboy rugby derby. Westville enters the match with significant momentum after an unbeaten run at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) and a battle-hardened squad following their recent Wildeklawer campaign.
A key factor will be whether Westville has recovered from the physical toll of their first-ever Wildeklawer campaign, or if Kearsney's tactical adjustments and ball-in-hand creativity can expose lingering fatigue.
Kearsney will be looking to shore up its defensive vulnerabilities that were evident earlier in the season, while Westville will aim to maintain its status as one of KZN's most prolific scoring teams.
Fixtures For The Weekend 03 May 2026 - KwaZulu-Natal
Hilton vs Michaelshouse
Kuswag 22-39 Kingsway
Maritzburg vs St Charles
Westville vs Kearsney
