We take a short preview of the matches for this week in the NoordVaal Region as all hell is expected to break lose as the five NWU Rugby competitions will continue on Saturday with several of the top schools competing.
Middelburg vs Nelspruit
With the "king of Mpumalanga" race wide open Middelburg will host Nelspruit in one of the top clashes this weekend. Middelburg started their season a week ago with a 26-20 win against Eldoraigne, while, Nelspruit comprehensively got rid of the challenge of Secunda.
Middelburg will have their hands full to keep a high-flying Nelspruit at bay, however, a surprise is maybe not that far-fetched.
Pretoria Boys High vs Garsfontein
Pretoria Boys High already faced Oos Moot in a "trial" match on Tuesday and will play in normal school jerseys, with the 1stXV jerseys on hold for their "first" match of the season against Jeppe next weekend.
However, asking Garsfontein to take it slow in this trial match will not happen. Garsfontein will be determined to show the schoolboy rugby fraternity that they are not only ready to defend their second place 1stXV ranking of 2023 but that they are extremely determined to make 2024 their first year at number 1.
Transvalia vs Middelburg HTS
Middelburg HTS made a dominant 30-07 start against Die Anker and will want to continue their good start to the season against Transvalia. We know that Middelburg HTS is one of the top rugby-playing schools in the NoordVaal, however, the performance of Transvalia will be watched carefully by their opponents and parents. Transvalia will want to stop their recent slide down the NoordVaal competitions and return to the once giant slaying performance in the NoordVaal Cup competition.
Eldoraigne vs Menlopark
Although Eldoraigne 20-26 lost to Middelburg two weeks ago Pretoria and the NoordVaal will watch their performances, looking for the "Naas Botha" effect. Ex Springbok Naas Botha was appointed in October 2023 as Director of Rugby in October 2023.
Menlopark, on the other hand, is busy putting a run of "bad luck" behind them and new head of senior rugby, Jaco Dames' influence should see Menlopark return to their once "feared" reputation.
Hugenote Springs vs Noordheuwel
Under normal circumstances this match would not have attracted any attention, however, with Noordheuwel 1stXV facing Outeniqua in George their 2nd/3rd team will face Hugenote Springs' 1stXV. This will be a good test for Noordheuwel's depth which will be extremely important if they want to be a serious contender in the NoordVaal Cup competition later in the year.
Other Fixtures
Alberton vs Wonderboom
Dr Malan vs Dinamika
Jeugland vs Zwartkop
Kempton Park vs Dr. EG Jansen
Klerksdorp vs Heidelberg Volkies
Lydenburg vs Ben Vorster
Merensky vs Frans du Toit
Oosterlig vs Rustenburg
Pietersburg vs Die Anker
Piet Retief vs Standerton
Potch Gim vs Lichtenburg
Potch Volkies vs Marais Viljoen
St Alban's vs Die Wilgers
Tuine vs Wagpos
Wesvalia vs Montana