Schoolboy Rugby – Noord/Suid Preview – Affies Doing Boring Brilliantly

 

Affies' early-season performances made them one of the early favourites of the 2024 season.

Affies had a brilliant start to the season against Diamantveld and led 26-03 at the halftime break, however, took their foot off the petrol to win 33-10. Against Helpmekaar Affies once again led 21-00 at the halftime break and then again kept the backdoor open for Helpmekaar to "lose" the second half 24-21.

Being one of the best-coached teams early in the season Affies are using their big and capable pack of forwards to dominate their opponents and mauled their way to most of their tries scored against Diamantveld and Helpmekaar.

Add to that a more than capable half-back pairing and two monsters at centre, one can understand that they will dominate with a simple gameplan bullying their opponents into submission.

Affies' attack out wide is still a work in progress which did show early signs of brilliance, however, I have the feeling that anyone expecting some bling out wide will be treated with brutal physical running more intent on taking the ball back to the pack of forwards than scoring in the corner.

However, Affies must be early season favourites to collect several early season scalps, however, one can not feel as the other teams' "risky" gameplans become more effective with fewer mistakes it will result in Affies hanging on for dear life in the final 15 minutes, to defend a well earned first half lead.