This weekend sees the "official" kick-off of the NoordVaal Cup competition, despite one or two matches having been played earlier. 2025 and 2026 will be of great importance throughout the NoordVaal premium divisions, with the restructuring of the divisions, which was decided on to reduce the load on the players during a season.
In the 2025 and 2026 seasons, there will be a reduction of the teams from the current ten schools to eight after the 2026 season. Each year, two teams will be relegated, and only one will be promoted.
This week's fixtures will be of great importance and will deliver on action, tension and a good dose of physicality.
Garsfontein vs Waterkloof
Garsfontein, currently ranked 6th, should be the overwhelming favourite against Waterkloof, currently ranked 20th. However, schoolboy rugby is a brutal beast that can turn its back on your team within seconds. Garsfontein lost to Affies (24-41), drew against Oakdale (30-30) and lost to Grey during the past few weeks, and many will see that as enough to write them off for the rest of the season; however, despite having to bus in replacements to the Wildeklawer Garsfontein is still the favourite to claim the NoordVaal Cup for their third year in a row. Waterkloof, on the other hand, had a horrible season up to the Wildeklawer and then beat Diamantveld 52-26 and drew against Stellenberg 17-17. They really looked a lot better, but ..............
I do believe that Garsfontein has shown that not many, if any, schools will tame their pack of forwards, especially in the scrums, where Jaques van Rooyen has been instrumental as coach. Their lineouts are improving weekly, and their backline, given some space, is brilliant.
Unfortunately, the perfectly balanced Waterkloof 1stXV, which is coached brilliantly, will not be a match for Garsfontein.
Helpmekaar vs Noordheuwel
This could be the match of the weekend as both teams have nothing to lose but their pride. Both teams played the best 1stXV's in South Africa and were found not good enough, however, that does not make them bad teams at all, and they should be contenders to make the playoffs in the NoordVaal.
Both teams have a great pack of forwards and brilliance at the back. I can not help to feel that we have not seen the best of either of these two schools' 1stXV's.
The battle between Tjaart van der Walt (ex-Monnas) and Botter Lourens could just add some extra spice to what I believe will be an exciting and high-scoring match. The winner? Maybe Helpmekaar with two or three points, it is going to be close.
Menlopark vs Nelspruit
Menlopark is the surprise package of 2025 and should cruise in the second half to an easy win over Nelspruit.
Monnas vs EG Jansen
Schoolboy rugby is a lot poorer with these two teams struggling in 2025. However, the spectators will be treated to a brutal battle between these two hard-as-nails teams, as they struggle to find the form that made them the most feared teams in recent years.
Transvalia vs Rustenburg
This should be an interesting fixture between two closely matched teams, providing plenty of spectator excitement.