The Western Cape will experience "nasty" weather, raining with very windy conditions, which will test the teams to their limits before even running onto the field. Will the weather cut the winning margins, or will it favour the teams with the more conservative game plans?
In another fight for the South African 1stXV crown, Paarl Gim will host Grey College. Paarl Gim's only hiccup this season is their loss against Stellenberg (19-20) in their first match of the season. Thereafter, wins against SACS (30-05), Durbanville (45-12), Noordheuwel (61-10), Menlopark (73-17) and Affies (51-24) followed. Grey College had a brilliant start to the season beating Trio (48-12), Welkom Gim (109-03), Oakdale (38-07), Monnas (31-15), Helpmekaar (51-19), but then lost to Stellenberg (21-26) and Australia’s Nudgee College (26-29).
Paarl Gim will face a rested Grey College on Saturday; however, will Paarl Gim be able to overpower Grey College’s pack of forwards, and even more importantly, in the wet conditions, who will win the kicking game? This will be an exciting match between two very similar teams, and the bounce of the ball should determine the outcome of this match; however, in the mud, there will not be a lot of bouncing happening. Personally, I think Paarl Gim will have the edge, but then ……..
Boland Landbou is still looking for its first win, while Rondebosch's only loss was against Paarl Boishaai at the WP Schools Day and Wynberg (17-27) last weekend. Rondebosch must be the favourite; however, the Regte Boere might just click on the day and cause an upset.
Paarl Boishaai hosts Wyberg. We have not seen the best of Paarl Boishaai, and being an early-season favourite of the schoolboy rugby punters. Wynberg, on the other hand, had to work hard to convince people that they are a force to be reckoned with, especially in the Western Cape. Despite being on a three-match winning streak, Paarl Boishaai should “cruise” to a good win.
Stellenberg will host Melkbosstrand without several stars, resting in preparation for the Wildeklawer Sport Festival in Kimberley next weekend. They should still cruise to a comfortable win.
Durbanville will host Oakdale and will have to face those big farmers in conditions that will favour the team with the dominant pack. A long day for Durbanville at home.
Western and Southern Cape
Bishops vs SACS
Boland Landbou vs Rondebosch
Brackenfell vs Milnerton
Charlie Hofmeyr vs Hopefield
DF Akademie vs Tygerberg
Durbanville vs Oakdale
Hugenote vs Bellville
Paarl Boishaai vs Wynberg
Paarl Gim vs Grey College
Stellenberg vs Melkbosstrand
Strand vs Parel Vallei
Swartland vs Hermanus
