The 2023 Schoolboy Rugby season is slowly picking up steam and the past weekend there were several big surprises. Some top teams unexpectedly lost while some of the 2023 hopefuls' dreams were brought to an abrupt halt.
Affies 41-33 Helpmekaar
Affies threatened early on to humiliate Helpmekaar with a massive score, however, a gameplan that is played at top speed will result in several mistakes which Helpmekaar were quick to pound on. This gameplan is exciting when it worked, however, although Helpmekaar is definitely not a bad team this gameplan against the top contenders will lead to a lot of tears if not played with mistakes limited to the minimum.
Boland Landbou 22-17 Marlow
The highly rated Marlow has shown enough that their supporters will still believe that 2023 will be their big year, however, Boland Landbou's crop of 2023 is said to be intended to restore the pride in the black jersey.
EG Jansen 33-24 Menlopark
A very young EG Jansen 1stXV started the 2023 season like a house on fire winning their 3rd match in a row while Menlopark had to work hard against Transvalia a week ago. It is too early in the season to write Menlopark off and a lot of time for the youthful EG Jansen to crash several parties in 2023.
Grey High School 22-20 Stellenberg
Stellenberg played Grey High off their feet in the second half to lead 20-10 at the halftime break, however, Grey High steadily applied the pressure in the second half to welcome the Jade Brigade to the top tier of schoolboy rugby.
Oakdale 05-08 Waterkloof
In another brutal clash at the Outeniqua festival, Waterkloof surprised Oakdale and maybe the rest of South Africa when their physical forwards were instrumental in securing one of the early surprises of the 2023 season.
Outeniqua 18-14 Noordheuwel
Outeniqua had to work hard for the 18-14 win against their visitors from the North. Noordheuwel trailed 03-07 at the halftime break although Outeniqua dominated. A lot is expected from Outeniqua and their "dream" team, however, Noordheuwl has shown that the success of their juniors in previous years is bearing fruit and they might just be the surprise package in the NoordVall.
Paarl Boishaai 13-06 Drostdy HTS
Paarl Boishaai is the bookies' favourite, however, it is clear that the Donkies were not informed to play dead and it was clear that a lot has to change at Paarl Boishaai if they want to make that number 1 spot theirs in 2023.
Paul Roos 17-05 Secunda
After an even first half the teams changed sides with no points on the scoreboard. Secunda was as good as the pundits said and will surprise several more teams in 2023.
Pretoria Boys High 43-12 Parktown
Pretoria Boys High must be one of the best coaches teams this early in the season and although they will struggle against the bigger teams the gust of the "Souties" is one of the highlights of their game plan. A great flyhalf that direct play like a seasoned conductor of a symphony orchestra with ordinary players willing to fight until the last seconds of the match.
Welkom Gim 31-26 Monnas
The biggest upset of 2023 must be this result. Welkom Gim has shown against Helpmekaar that they are back to their best and followed that win up with their first-ever win against Monnas.