Saturday will see the semi-finals of the NoorVaal being played at several schools. However, the majority of the schoolboy rugby supporters will be on Pretoria and Boksburg where the finalists of the Noordvaal Cup will be decided.
Although Garsfontein is unbeaten in the competition and EG Jansen only lost to Garsfontein it is clear that there are no favourites on Saturday as the other semi-finalists, Waterkloof and Helpmekaar have shown that they are ready and capable for an "upset" on Saturday.
Helpmekaar will travel to Garsfontein, well knowing that they have not played a match for in five weeks, however, Helpmekaar lost to Garsfontein during the league matches 48-49 after missing a conversion attempt during the final minutes of the match.
Being inactive for five could will ask questions regarding Helpmekaar's match fitness, however, it will be a Helpmekaar that have no injuries or bruised bodies that will travel to Garsfontein. Garsfontein on the other hand will welcome several injured players back, which will bring serious bulk up front and speed to the backline. Unfortunately, the lack of match fitness should be the decider and Garsfontein should host the 1stXV final next weekend.
Waterkloof will travel to Boksburg full of confidence following their come-from-behind win against Monnas a week ago. Their 36-42 loss to EG Jansen during the league rounds should also boost their confidence that the difficult EG Jansen is beatable.
Waterkloof is going into the semi-finals knowing that their performance during the final stretch of the season was not that convincing with a loss, a draw and two close wins. EG Jansen, on the other hand, has shown during the 2023 season that they know how to win close games and they were unbeaten for seven matches before they lost to Garsfontein a week ago. Although EG Jansen was outplayed by Garsfontei one or two adjustments regarding decision making and defence are needed which should see EG Jansen travelling to Garsfontein for the final.
NoordVaal Plate Semi-finals
Transvalia vs Kempton Park
Rustenburg vs Middelburg
NoordVaal Shield Semi-finals
Secunda vs Ligbron Akademie
Oos Moot vs Heidelberg Volkies
NoordVaal Bowl Semi-finals
Die Anker vs Merensky
Wesvalia vs Eldoraigne
