As always, the Western Cape will provide excitement galore on Saturday when some of the top schools in South Africa play each other.
Oakdale has not had the best of start to their rugby season losing three matches of the six they played, however, a draw against Grey College (17-17) and a close loss against Boishaai (15-22) combined with a "good" effort against Affies (07-25) maybe explain the quality of this team. Stellenberg, on the other hand, only lost three matches of the ten they played. Stellenberg is the county's "second team" and a crowd favourite wherever they play, has shown that they do not "respect" their opponents. Oakdale should be the favourite, however, the result will be determined by the way with which Oakdale "handle" the "in your face" gameplan of Stellenberg. This should be a close match, a very close match.
Strangely enough, all eyes will be on the Rondebosch vs Paarl Gim match with most of the pundits "hoping" for another "shock loss" by Gimmies. Paarl Gim has several injured stars not available, while, Rondebosch's season is picking up steam with wins against Boishaai St Andrew's and Stellenberg and a "close" loos against Grey High School. Unfortunately for Rondebosch, I do not see Paarl Gim losing their second match in a row and should show against Rondebosch that they are getting ready for a demanding rest of the season.
Paul Roos should have an easy weekend against SACS.
The match I will make sure to watch will be between Outeniqua and Brandwag. Outeniqua should be the overwhelming favourites, especially after their performance at Wildeklawer. Brandwag has won eleven from the thirteen matches they played and will arrive in George with a massive pack of forwards that dominated their team to several unlikely wins. Outeniqua must win this one, however, that pack of forwards from the visitors will test them until the last minutes of the match.
Fixtures
Bishops (97,579) vs Strand (72,583)
Brackenfell (73,496) vs Durbanville (80,378)
Oakdale (95,475) vs Stellenberg (92,519)
Rondebosch (94,573) vs Paarl Gim (102,655)
SACS (85,205) vs Paul Roos (99,440)
Wynberg (92,160) vs Boland Landbou (91,432)
Outeniqua (96,713) vs Brandwag Uitenhage (87,422)