RUGBY
Conan Lefleur on Saturday’s 1st XV Durban Derby: Glenwood vs DHS
GLENWOOD first XV head coach Derek Heiberg describes his 2017 SA Schools outside centre thus:
“Conan Lefleur? Strong work ethic, strong defensively, linebreak ability on attack, member of our leadership group who are an extension of our management team throughout the week and on game day.”
There’s not much more a coach could ask of his player.
Chatting to Conan, his coach’s assessment comes out in this powerfully built 13’s replies.
“Thank you for taking the time, sir, I really appreciate it.
“I feel very honoured to play on Dixons Saturday because it’s our first home game as a team and we want to make it very special in sharing this day with our proud Old Boys who are traveling from far, as well as the Old Boys closer to home.”
‘Playing in front of such a big crowd is just unbelievable…’
“It’s one of those games we will remember for the rest of our lives’
It’s a big one for Conan and the unbeaten Green Machine – Yes folks, it’s the age-old Durban Derby with the Blue and Gold of Durban High School… On Dixons. On Glenwood Old Boys Day. It’s a 1.55pm kick-off … It’s Saturday, 26 May 2018.
“I think it’s going to be one of those games that we will remember for the rest of our lives,” says the midfielder.
“It (last year’s Durban derby) was very special indeed. Unfortunately we couldn’t convert pressure into points and that cost us the game.”
Glenwood 17 DHS 20 it was.
Glenwood centre Conan Lefleur… strong on attack and defence…
Photo: TRACEY VAN AARDWEG
Like this year, the 2017 match was also played on Glenwood Old Boys Day – In honour of the DHS 150th anniversary celebrations 2 years ago. What would have been a Glenwood home game was appropriately transferred to School’s beloved Van Heerdens.
Last year’s match was an absolute cracker of a cracker.- as illustrated by DHS kicking coach Lyle Matthysen, an assistant to head coach Scott Mathie: “Anyone who watched the game will tell you it was one of the best, if not the best, game of schoolboy rugby they have ever seen.”
Back to Conan: “Dixons was packed last year… with a massive crowd full of passion for the game. Playing in front of such a big crowd is just unbelievable… It motivates me to keep on going till the last minute. I love it when I’m doing the best I can – and that’s playing inspirational rugby.
“But what happened last year is over and done with. For us as the Green Machine it’s not about getting revenge for last year, it’s about playing as a family, Stick to our game plan and the scoreboard will give the true reflection.”
The 2018 Glenwood first XV have 13 wins from 13 starts. Last week in Krugersdorp, the Green Machine beat Monnas 49-22.
“I think with the expansive gameplan that we play… it’s very difficult for a team to defend it.
“The build-up towards Saturday has not been easy because there is always room for improvement but, as I say, when the going gets tough the tough get going.”
Well said, Conan.
May Saturday’s muscle-up go down in the annals of KZN schoolboy rugby history as yet another Durban Derby to remember.
Skonk, the Crow’s Nest… the Class of ’81 … Toffa’s tales…
“THE Red Black and White stands for family, friendship, tradition, shared values and an undying loyalty. I will never forget those days and still attend Old Boys Reunions from time to time… and re-live that special feeling each time.”
The Toffa Hattingh story is remarkable for many reasons. Coming to Maritzburg College’s Nathan House as a wide-eyed boarder in 1977 – knowing absolutely no-one, must have been the biggest possible shock to the system of a 13 year old. Yet four short years later Toffa left Maritzburg College as a hugely popular and deeply respected head prefect, Natal Schools’ lock forward, shot putt champion and a mean guitar player.
As Toffa’s time in the head prefect’s Crow’s Nest digs perched atop Clark House – and the Class of 81’s year – was nearing its close, the one and only Dave Dell, who was the senior teacher in charge of prefects, said in a meeting with us 1982 prefects-in-waiting that “Hattingh was the best Maritzburg College head prefect in 25 years.”
‘The fact that Skonk remembered my dad was extra motivation’
Featured image the Maritzburg College Foundation logo: Much of what Toffa says in this feature’s opening paragraph speaks of a culture, a community, its aspirations… captured in the success story that is the Maritzburg College Foundation. If you would like to know more, contact the Foundation at 033 345 9660 admin@collegefoundation.co.za or go to http://collegefoundation.co.za/
Toffa and his dad, Boet Hattingh (1951 first XV flyhalf) donated these special pieces of memorabilia to the Maritzburg College Museum, situated in one of the 155-year-old school’s venerable red-brick buildings – a structure that the boys of decades back coined the ‘Crystal Palace’. Insets in the picture frame nearest Toffa feature his head prefect’s badge, a photo of Toffa’s dad, as well as one of his brother-in-law, head of Maritzburg College mathematics Piet Snyman, who coached the Maritzburg College first XV during a four-year period, from 2009 to 2012.
‘One Skonk story was about a lock forward with a bit of a boep called Vanderplank’
Christopher Willem Hattingh… the moniker “Toffa” stuck from toddler years when “Christopher” was a bit of a mouthful for young Hattingh, so in the manner so endearing of little kids young Christopher decided that Toffa was a better bet when introducing himself.
Brought up on his mom and dad’s trading store in deepest Zululand somewhere near-ish to Nongoma, Toffa’s primary school days were spent in an establishment where standards 1 (grade 1) to 5 (grade 7) consisted of a handful of rural children in a single classroom. Toffa’s gran was the teacher, most of the lessons were in Afrikaans. There was no team sport, obviously, so no rugby, no nothing apart from a bit of fun in the back yard with his mom, dad, and considerably older sisters Sally-Anne and Louise.
Toffa was in my standard 6 class. Knowing Toffa had no-one in the KZN capital to visit after the boarders’ compulsory morning church on Sundays, I invited this deeply sensitive, lost soul (okay, that’s a bit of writer’s licence) to come have Sunday lunches with the Cooks. Gradually, step by step, this country boy grew in confidence and blossomed into the esteemed young man who was chosen to lead the Maritzburg College pupil body in a quick-as-a-flash four years’ time.
‘… the ball hit the crossbar and bounded back onto his big belly…’
Now a senior member of the SA Air Force, who started his military career as a Parabat, here’s the (primarily rugby) story I invited Toffa to tell:
“The 1981 Maritzburg College first XV played DHS home and away. We won both. The atmosphere was unbelievable… The game was over in what felt like seconds. The away game was extra special as it was my last game for College, my last game in the Red Black and White. I remember crying my eyes out as I ran onto Van Heerdens…
“I cannot recall any major parts of the games or the people… just know we were always about team effort. Individual performance was secondary. The fact that we did not wear numbers also struck a chord with me. Team first, we are one.”
‘Skonk was the greatest… Best scrum coach ever’
When asked to jog my fog-enshrouded memory as to who were regular members of the unbeaten 1981 Maritzburg College first team, Toffa didn’t hesitate for a second:
”Fullback Clive Cole, right wing Keven Stander, centres Kevin Torlage, Ross Cooper (Mike White), left wing Mike Wessels, flyhalf Henry Coxwell (captain), scrumhalf Brett Walker (vice-captain), front-row Cliffy Torlage, Buster Mackenzie (hooker) and Lance ‘Skove’ Gold, locks (Mike) “Rab” Bode, (Dave “Toti” Waters) and myself, flanks Wayne Glover and Dave Slater-Kinghorn, Boetie Potgieter eighthman.”
Four members of that unbeaten side went on to play Craven Week – the devastating halfbacks Coxwell (vice-capt) and Walker, centre Kevin Torlage, and Toffa at lock. The talk amongst a number of knowledgeable KZN schoolboy rugby observers was that centre Ross Cooper might well have made that 1981 Nat Schools side had it not been for the injury that sadly cut short his season.
Let’s get back to Toffa and what it meant to him to represent the Red Black and White: “To play for a school that many generations of College boys had played for, was particularly special. I was coached by the same guy that coached my dad 30 years before, Skonk. The fact that Skonk remembered my dad was extra motivation.
“Skonk was the greatest. Would talk a lot and use examples from previous teams and players to make a point. Best scrum coach ever. I believe the current Boks could still benefit from his techniques.
“One Skonk story I always remember was about a lock forward with a bit of a boep called Vanderplank…
“Skonk wanted us to remember to follow up on kicks at posts. He said that Vanderplank religiously followed up on every kick and never had any luck … Until one day when the ball hit the crossbar and bounded back onto his big belly. He managed to hold on and fell over under the posts for a try. So Skonk’s lesson: “Always chase after a place-kick.”
Toffa says Skonk always spoke isiZulu and had a knack for spotting talent: “I remember one year (1980) he just disappeared from firsts and seconds practice on Goldstones… went walking down to the 5ths and 6ths practice. He returned with a small player from the 5ths (Louis Oosthuizen) who ended up playing first team flank.
“The Red Black and White stands for family, friendship, tradition, shared values and an undying loyalty. I will never forget those days and still attend Old Boys Reunions from time to time… and re-live that special feeling each time.”
Thanks Toffs – for me personally you brought back memories that were quite emotional in parts.
*Prop forward Bertram Eustace Vanderplank was born in Melmoth (in Zululand terms not too-oooo far from Toffa’s childhood place lol) on 29 April 1894.
Mr Vanderplank of Eshowe Rugby Football Club and Natal (1924) was the fourth member of the 15 young men of the Red Black and White to represent the Springboks…
At the age of 30, Bertram propped the Bok scrum in a pair of Test matches – against the 1924 British Isles (now British &Irish Lions).
Bertram Eustace’s’s Bok debut was on South Africa’s own House of Pain… the Boet Erasmus Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 13 September 1924. His second – and last – Test match in the Green and Gold colours of South Africa was on the gentler turf of Newlands.
Clearly the Vanderplank determination that Skonk spoke of bore its just reward post-school…
In the beginning… Jono’s painful memories of the DHS U13A rugby side
IT was the year circa 1977.
Michael Osz on the left wing – beyond blistering pace – Leighton Higgo on the right – unbelievable strength and explosive power – loose forwards like starving, rabid Rottweilers with an insatiable appetitefor scrumhalves and flyhalves… an absolute stormer of a DHS U13A pack…
DHS Old Boy Andrew ‘Shedders’ Shedlock – Springbok water polo and Shedders Cricket Academy just a couple of his many achievements.
As a 13-year-old second former (grade 8) this is what I saw. And, painfully, felt in the return match on Van Heerdens, lol .
When you’re playing against a side that’s so much better, this is what you can feel – so very, very real to an impressionable young mind.
Thankfully I was injured for that first Maritzburg College vs DHS U13A match in 1977. The venue was Snows, the rugby and cricket field just below Goldstones…
In my Merchiston Prep School standard 5 (grade 7) year I’d never, ever, encountered such beasts. Well, on that welcome-to-the-big-wide-world-of-high-school day on Snows, with tries still 4 points, School U13’s ran riot, especially Mike Osz and Leighton Higgo, all the way to the 40-plus to zilch endgame score and then some.
The return match on Van Heerdens… I was unfortunately fit.
The late Ken Elliott (who went on to become a much-loved and respected Maritzburg College headmaster) was our coach. The MC U13A captain – quickest off the mark and our best tackler by a country mile – was one Henry Gordon Coxwell. With much good sense, Mr Elliott decided that H should move to fullback, primarily – I surmise – to contain the Osz/Higgo threat. Yours truly, right wing that year, though more accustomed to playing flyhalf in Merchiston Prep days, was moved to 10…
Well, it was absolute mayhem… The monstrous DHS U13A pack got plentiful front-foot ball – primarily thanks to (the late) Andrew “Waka” Carl and his front-row cohorts along with fellow tight five cronies Chris Edwards and Steve Meyer… and this time their loosies, Messrs Farrant and Cross, didn’t bother to give their backs a run – numbers 6, 7 and 8 skipped going to the tryline through A (Jimmy Cook), B, C & D on to Osz/Higgo… They wisely decided much better to go from A to Z in one move. The result? The sum of 40-odd points to zero, nada, again.
Does my Maritzburg College age-group tale of woe continue?? “No!” he cried! The next year, on Lamonds, just below College Road, one Arthur Wormington (the multi-talented sportsman who, remarkably, went on to vice-captain the SA Schools’ hockey team just 3 years later, just 2 years after taking up hockey) slotted a drop-goal for College U14A to win by one slender point.
Arthur ‘Worms’ Wormington (right) with Michaelhouse Old Pumpy Lambert at the Boks vs Japan 2015 Rugby World Cup match in Brighton.
And it gets even better… The U13A Maritzburg College vs DHS annus horribilis of 1977 evolved into back-to-back Red Black and White first XV victories for the MC Class of 81.
If my cobweb-covered memory serves me correctly, in that MC U13A side of 77 so ruthlessly vanquished by that DHS mean machine, were a few Red Black & White who went on to play in the Goldstones- and Van Heerdens-victorious Maritzburg College first XV of 1981.
The salad days of matric 1982… the years haven’t been kind to Jono…
There may have been more but definitely among them were Henry Coxwell, Ross Cooper (I think Ross played in at least one of them before injury cut his 81 season), Mike “Rab” Bode and Mike White… and a lock by the name of Toffa Hattingh…
‘It will always be an immense honour to wear the Blue and Gold’
In the aftermath of home side DHS first XV retaining the Skonk Nicholson Cup with a 45-30 win over Maritzburg College on Saturday, 19 May 2018 in an exciting match spiced with high-tempo adventurous running rugby, at-times astonishing combination play, intelligent tactical and clearance kicking plus superb shots at posts with the boot, it’s always a treat to hear the stories of Old Boys who represented the Blue and Gold or Red Black & White in those epic traditional KZN derbies from many (and not so many!) years ago.
Here’s Lyle Matthysen – a School man through and through who is an integral part of the DHS coaching staff – current (2018) captain and number 8 Mpilo Gumede, last year’s dynamic loose forward and captain Pepsi Buthulezi and fellow 2017 playmaker (at 9 or 10) supreme Sanele Nohamba (all 3 SA Schools in 2017) just three of the many Durban High School boys that have benefited in one way or another from the intelligent “Skylo’s” input.
Pepsi’s DHS Team of 2017 played some of the most exhilarating KZN schoolboy rugby you are ever likely to see.
A player who made a deep impression on Lyle: Pepsi Buthulezi, the 2017 DHS captain, loose forward and SA Schools cap.
Photo Neville Bailey
“Thanks Jono, I coached Sanele and Pepsi as U15’s and have been involved with them from the start of there 7’s careers, so it was extra special to be part of them with the 1st team last year.
Another School first XV player who Lyle has a lot of time for is School’s 2017 wizard scrumhalf Sanele Nohambe, who delivered some of the most complete performances seen at KZN & SA schoolboy level last year.
Photo Neville Bailey
“I played DHS 1st team in my matric year. Unfortunately I suffered concussions, therefore I only managed to gain 9 caps; however it was still enough to keep the number 15 fullback jersey.
“I played against College on Van Heerdens and we lost 31-13. We were simply physically out-muscled by a very strong College team. A standout for College was (front-ranker) Nick Schonert who has now played for the English Saxons.”
This special rivalry also creates strong bonds across the school divide
“In my Grade 11 year I played for the 2nd XV and played against College twice. The first game on Van Heerdens was extremely special as it was the first time that our floodlights were turned on. We lost the game, but it was an absolute humdinger with the score ending 8-7. The atmosphere was something I had never experienced before. However the second fixture at Goldstones wasn’t that great for us and we caught a proper smack! I definitely felt the effect of Goldstones that day!”
“A standout player for my first XV in 2009 would be been our captain and inside centre Justin Christoforus. A real no-nonsense, hard-running centre known for his defence!”
Of course, this special rivalry also creates strong bonds across the school divide –
Here’s Lyle to tell it: “Very good College friends of mine would be Ant Pissara and Dean Pengelly. Myself and Dean were both at Durban Prep so our bond continued as we went to high school. Ant was equally passionate about College as I am for DHS, so the banter and camaraderie made us really good friends.”
Ahead of the match today, these were Lyle’s last words: “DHS is the oldest school in Durban. No matter what happens, win or lose, it will always be an immense honour to wear the Blue and Gold. To this day, it is still one of the proudest moments of my life – playing for the 1st XV.”
Mpilo Gumede, the 2018 DHS captain & No.8 who played for SA Schools last year, leads his team out at this year’s Grey High Rugby Festival.
I love Lyle’s last paragraph – it says so much about Lyle the person and so much about the heritage of DHS rugby.
‘This derby is certainly a highlight for the Durban North community’
“WE’VE certainly won the week with regards to our preparation,” says Northwood first XV head coach Torsten Sorensen. “The boys have really been exceptional. The fact that we never got to play Michaelhouse last weekend (a lightning warning forced the match to be abandoned before kick-off) has given the boys renewed energy and focus.”
The preparations Torsten refers to were towards getting on the front foot from the kick-off in the once-a-year Durban North derby against Clifton, which kicks off at 1.10pm on Riverside Sports Club’s premier rugby paddock.
‘There’s a healthy rivalry due to our proximity… the boys know each other well’
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith (left) with Northwood 1st XV head coach Torsten Sorensen.
“Our team medical officer Richard Tyler and strength and conditioning head Simon Vickers have been outstanding in this regard and those injured players have followed a strict and rigorous process in order to return quickly but, more important, safely.
“We have our 8th man Ranger Mfakadolo (featured image) back from a 2-week injury layoff as well as our winger Lina Majola. Both add tremendous value. We have sadly lost our loosehead prop Aston Sparks to a concussion two weeks ago.”
This is Torsten’s first derby as head coach. The rugby man through and through that is Torsten-Erik Sorensen (of Danish heritage) was assistant to Grant Bashford in 2016 and Dick Muir in 2017.
Intensity & focus will be among the watchwords for Clifton College first XV captain Josh Brown and team today.
Clifton College first XV inside centre & headboy Jack Koch will be looking to create space in the derby at Riverside today.
For a man so passionate about the sport, coaching was clearly the next avenue, the journey taking him to Westville Boys’ High in 2006 – where he stayed until 2015. The Great Dane coached the Westville 1st XV in the years 2012 to 2014. The move to Northwood came in 2016, as an assistant to Bashy (Grant Bashford) then Dick Muir.
“I was appointed head coach by Dick when he left to join the Sharks last year.”
“Our brand is high tempo and skillful. We are very fortunate to have Grant Bashford as our director of coaching. His vast experience at Super Rugby level as well as his great relationships with many of rugby’s top current coaches around the globe have allowed us to be at the cutting edge of the modern game.
“From our training regime, to our conditioning and patterns of play we are very up to date with what many of the top New Zealand franchises are doing. Just this week we were rubbing shoulders with the Chiefs coaches and conditioning staff and this reinforced our belief that what we are doing is right.”
When it comes to today’s opponents, is it clear that the Northwood head coach has much respect for the school.
“I admire the Clifton ethos and the culture of individual excellence that they drive. Their boys are always extremely well mannered and proud of their school. They have a very experienced coaching staff, many of whom I’ve worked with in the past. “(Clifton head coach) Ross (Saayman) has lots of experience and has been with Clifton for many years now.”
Clifton College director of rugby Grant Bell (left) and first XV head coach Ross Saayman are held in high respect.
“I’ve worked under their current director of rugby Grant Bell whilst at Westville Boys… Grant is an astute, experienced coach with a tremendous rugby brain. We certainly will not go into this game complacent. We can expect a well-coached team.”Thanks for your time, Torsten – the much-appreciated insight into Northwood’s prep for today’s derby as well as the respect you have for Clifton.
KZN10.com wishes Northwood and Clifton all the best for today’s Durban North derby.
DHS vs Maritzburg College 1st XV epics… 1987-1989… Ivy’s memories
‘The atmosphere is electric… bashers flying every time College score is a sight to behold’
It’s SUPER SATURDAY 19 May 2018… 255 St Thomas Rd, Musgrave, Durban… the age-old Derby…
Durban High School’s (1866) Old Gold and Maritzburg College’s (1863) Red Black & White…
DHS first XV versus Maritzburg College first XV… kick-off at 2.10pm… on Van Heerdens.
Deo Fretus (In God We Trust) hosting Pro Aris et focis (For Hearth & Home).
Ivan Pistorius played for DHS first XV in 1987, 1988 and 1989… Ivy remembers those epics…
Ivy Pistorius… DHS first XV flyhalf/centre 1987 to 1989.
“In 1987 our first fixture was against College at Goldstones and I remember the match very well. Their side was captained by Brenton Catterall who at lock was a beast of a man. They also had the likes of Grant Reid, Udo Goedeke, Andrew Godfrey, Ian Vynne and Warren Wilson. We lost 19-4 … I still remember how hard the field was… Never before had I tackled so much .
“Our ’87 side was captained by prop Hague Thomson and had John Slade as our only Natal Schools player. We had 4 grade 11s in that team – Deon Von Beneke, Nigel Strachan, myself and Grant Sheppard on the wing. The return at DHS was a close game with us losing 7-6.
‘…1987 I remember how hard Goldstones was. I’d never tackled so much before…’
“In 1988 our team was captained by flanker Deon von Beneke with me being vice-captain. Leading into the College game both of us were unbeaten and we played this match over a long weekend. I remember the crowd was huge and College totally outplaying us to win 28-10. Maritzburg College were captained by Andrew Ralfe and had the likes of Wayne Sharpley, Wayne Huinink, Andrew Godfrey, Brett Emberton, Rick De Villiers and Ian Vynne. I remember the return game well at College where we lost 8-13 in a top game on Goldstones. We had 3 Natal Schools players Bruce Layzell, Costa Mamaliades and Deon Von Beneke.
Van Heerdens 1988… Red Black White 1st XV by 5 tries to 1…
“In 1989 we played College on our DHS Founders Day. Our team was captained by number 8 Thomas Jankovich and we had the likes of Lionel Andreou, Richard Allen at flyhalf, me and Doug Wayt at centre and the talented Andrew Purnell at fullback. College were captained by Bruce Lesur and they had Clinton Rhodes, Ross Veenstra, Duncan Macdonald. We were motivated!!! And on 3rd June 1989 we beat College 13-7 with a try from Lionel Andreou and 3 penalties from Andrew Purnell.
The 1988 DHS first XV… In 1989, on Van Heerdens, the 13-7 win over the Red Black & White – on School’s Founders Day – snapped a 9-year 17-match drought.
‘The whole school doing the war cry on the field… beating College for the 1st time in 9 years’
Inspiration for School’s young men of future generations…
“It was the only game College lost that year and we had 2 Natal Schools players Lionel Andreou and captain Tom Jankovich. In the return game I did not play as I was injured against Hilton two weeks before.”
‘There is something very special about playing against the Red, Black and white of College.’
“The atmosphere is always electric and the sight of the bashers flying up in the air every time College scores is a sight to behold. We use to have approximately 30 teams playing College and as our oldest rivals there was always mutual respect for each other.
DHS first XV players (l-r) Robert Chrystal, Ivan Pistorius, Robin Buchanan and (14 ) Andrew Crawford .
“I was fortunate to play 46 matches for the DHS first rugby team with 35 being consecutive. I missed the St Stithians Festival and the last 2 matches against Northlands and College. If it had not been for the knee surgery I had after cricket season and the injuries in the last 2 games I would have played 50 matches for the DHS first team, which would have been a big milestone for me.
“I hope I have given you some insight into how special it is to have played against College – and to only beat them once in the 5 derby games I played shows what a great rugby school they were and still are.
“Thank you for letting me share my fond memories with you. DHS vs Maritzburg College – as the 2 oldest schools in KwaZulu-Natal – will always be a very special occasion. GO SCHOOL!”
The boys of Durban High School will be giving it all for the Old Gold.
Regards
Ivan Pistorius
DHS (Class of 1989)
Thanks Ivy – You have conjured up special memories… Bring on Super Saturday!
Glenwood first XV – The process that leads to the performance
PLAYED 11 won 11. Total points earned on the scoreboard 451. Total points against 140. Average points scored per match 41. Average points against per match 13 (rounded up).
The Glenwood first XV are on a roll. I asked Glenwood head coach Derek Heiberg what makes the school’s flagship team tick.
“We did not commit to any outcomes-based goals, but rather set ourselves 10 team performance goals, as well as as individual goals that we try and achieve each match. We believe that working towards these goals, in addition to constantly reinforcing our team ethos and culture, will lead to us being successful. For us, success is not just defined by how many games we win.”
Glenwood first XV head coach Derek Heiberg.
So as far as player-specific aims and challenges are concerned, I asked Derek by what criteria is each player measured.
“We have a system through Mark Steele that enables us to measure each boy’s high intensity intervals, specific to his position, as well as the distance covered in training and on match days. From a technical perspective we have a technical system that measures the boys’ work off the ball – and that gives us his performance rating.”
‘ We have initiated fun activities that lighten the mood – and keep a fun aspect to training’
A first XV head coach has many responsibilities – they cannot be adequately covered by one man whose primary function is to coach: “My assistant coach Jose Dos Santos has been a huge help from a coaching perspective while our manager Jason Job has taken on a huge amount of the administration work.”
Glenwood first XV assistant coach Jose Dos Santos.
At the time of writing (15 May 2018) it’s certainly been a busy season – 11 matches in 6 weeks – for the Glenwood first XV. As head coach, one of Derek’s primary responsibilities, one surmises, is to manage the players: You need to be in a good space both mentally and physically to successfully negotiate the inevitable uncertainties and curve balls that each match presents (isn’t it precisely ‘that‘ uncertainty which compels us to love this game!).
If individual players, the team as a collective, lose their spark – their rugby hunger – due to fatigue, the match outcome is unlikely to be favourable.
Derek: “Yes, it has been a very busy season so far, so the key for us has been to ensure that on match day, all the boys are ready from a physical and mental perspective. We have utilised many different recovery strategies as well as performance trackers to monitor the players’ workloads during the week, as well as on match days.
“It has been important, however, to also be able to ensure that they remain fresh mentally, so team building has been a major focus for us. We place a huge emphasis on our team culture, and have initiated many fun activities that lighten the mood throughout the week – and keep a fun aspect to training.”
‘The most encouraging aspect has been that the players as a team are constantly trying to improve’
For every successful sports team, a strong, well-balanced squad is non-negotiable; injuries and illness are a given during winter. At a moment’s notice, each and every squad player must be ready to go into high gear when called upon.
Derek: “As you correctly said, having depth in your squad is vital to a team’s overall success. Injuries are not only part of the game but being able to rotate your players on tours is vital to ensure that they are able to perform at their best – while not overloading them. From this perspective, having the performance tracking system is a huge benefit for us as it enables us to taper a player’s training load and manage him effectively.”
The Glenwood first XV have caught the eye of many a knowledgeable schoolboy rugby fan for their brand of entertaining, effective rugby, which includes earning the floating trophy for having played the most attractive rugby at the prestigious Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival.
Playmaker: Glenwood scrumhalf and 2017 SA Schools cap Jaden Hendrikse has been in outstanding form this season.
Facilitating attractive, entertaining and effective rugby is probably the ultimate dream for a rugby coach, yet (as mentioned above) there are times when these lofty ideals are properly put to the test – those cold (yes, even in Durban!) windy, rainy days, tired teenage rugby players… and there are still plenty more hard yards to be put in at that particular practice… And through all this, the coach still has to keep the boys fully engaged, focused.
*****
Featured image: Glenwood outside centre and 2017 SA Schools player Conan Le Fleur in action at this year’s Standard Bank Kearsney College Easter Rugby Festival.
Photo: TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
*****
How does Derek and his coaching/management team keep things together? “While this team is incredibly skilled, the most pleasing aspect has been how they adapted to the team culture that we have put in place,” says their coach.
“We have not had any issues as far as keeping them engaged is concerned, as they have fully bought into our team- as well as individual-performance targets, so they are constantly trying to improve. That has been the most encouraging aspect for us. We do have an attacking system that we work into wherein the players are free to make their own decisions. For us, it has been about trying to make the correct decisions at the correct time, while playing at an intensity that we are happy with as a team.”
‘We are incredibly strict in terms of maintaining team performance standards and team ethos’
In recent seasons a number of concerned schoolboy rugby observers have remarked that too many KZN first XV and upper age-group teams find it difficult to modify the game plan during a match without their coach’s extensive input from the sideline
It also appears at times that these talented players, as individuals and as a team, struggle to successfully counteract the rapid changes that can unfold in the face of the opposition changing a tactical gear or mixing it up. It goes without saying, then, that this inability to find an effective counter-measure can spell doom for a quality but tactically naive team’s chances of emerging victorious.
So how do Derek and Jose get the balance right? There is the starting point – the Glenwood pre-match game plan. Then there is the challenge of educating the boys to read a match as it plays out in front of them, the confidence to come up with a solution as fast as possible so as to ensure a successful outcome?
“The key for us is to try encourage the boys to make their own decisions within an overall team system. The important aspect for us as management has been to get the players to buy into the system we run – and have input into it.
“The coaching philosophy that we have adopted has been collaborative from that perspective – but we are incredibly strict in terms of maintaining our team performance standards and team ethos. To their credit, the boys have responded incredibly well.”
‘We always want to play at a high intensity, so there is a huge focus on our conditioning’
Of course, no matter how thoroughly a coach prepares his boys pre- and during- season, he can’t actually don the first XV match jersey on game day and get into the thick of the action. Bearing this in mind, how important is the player-leadership group to Glenwood’s success?
“The important aspect in this regard has been to encourage the players to take responsibility from a leadership perspective, both on and off the field. With that in mind we have developed a strong leadership group, consisting of senior and junior players, who are an extension of our management throughout the week and on game day.”
The next question I put to Derek was obvious: So who are these players … and what qualities does each bring to the team cause?
George Luzolo – number 8 – amazing work ethic, leadership skills as well as a great sense of humour
Lunga Ncube – lock – commands respect through his quiet demeanour and exceptionally good at lineout time
Runako Brynard – flank – the Glenwood headboy and first XV captain leads through his own performance and strong calming personality
Jaden Hendrikse – scrumhalf – exceptional kicking game and ability to read a game
Conan Le Fleur – outside centre – strong work ethic, strong defensively, with line-break ability on attack
One common trait that troubles virtually every schoolboy side is the difficulty in maximising the benefits of territory and possession, and turning those advantages into points. A mix of great linebreaks; solid platforms established at the set-pieces; quick, quality ball at the breakdown; a varied group of gamebreakers (i.e an 8, 9, 10 or 12 for example) present a score of opportunities to add value on the scoreboard – yet all-too-often they are not capitalised on.
Derek, in my observation at one game, your team versus Maritzburg College on Goldstones, it appeared to me that Glenwood got it right. Are these facets among your focus points at training?
“That has been the challenge for us as a team. We feel that we always want to play at a high intensity, so there is a huge focus on our conditioning. But the challenge has come in that while you are playing at a high intensity the players’ skill level has not been able to match the intensity that we want to play at.
“So for us, we have tried to narrow the gap – and as a result we have looked at training methods to ensure that we train at the required intensity to put the players in situations where their skills are under pressure … and then look at how they adapt to the situation and what are the decisions they make. This has aided us in converting more of the chances we create in a game.”
Thanks Derek, you’ve summed it up nicely.
KZN10.com extends its best wishes for the rest of the season.
GLENWOOD FIRST XV
15 Reinard Jonker (Craven Week. Grade 12)
14 Jean Roux (Grade 12)
13 Conan Le Fleur (Craven Week & SA Schools. Grade 12)
12 JC Conradie (Grade 12)
11 Joe Jonas (Grade 11)
10 Dylan Pretorius (Craven Week. Grade 12)
9 Jaden Hendrikse (Craven Week & SA Schools. Grade 12)
8 George Luzolo (Academy Week. Grade 12)
7 Lindo Luthuli (Grade 12)
6 Runako Brynard (Captain. Grade 12)
5 Werner Coetzee (Grade 12)
4 Lunga Ncube (Academy Week. Grade 12)
3 Thabiso Mdletshe (Craven Week. Grade 12)
2 Ruan Olivier (Grant Khomo Week. Grade 11)
1 Jordan Clarke (Craven Week & SA Schools. Grade 12)
* 2017 representation & current school grade
RESULTS *
24 March vs Maritzburg College (away) 37-12
*****
Kearsney College Festival
29 March vs HTS Drostdy 29-26
31 March vs Dale College 39-0
2 April vs Welkom Gym 24-10
*****
World Schools Festival (Paarl)
4 April vs Italian All Stars 48-10
6 April vs Namibia XV 53-7
*****
14 April vs Westville (away) 47-7
21 April vs Kearsney College (King’s Park Stadium) 58-8
*****
Wildeklawer Festival (Kimberley)
28 April vs Stellenberg 52-13
30 April vs Outeniqua 27-13
*****
5 May vs Affies (away) 37-34
12 May vs Menlo Park (home – cancelled – bus strike
* As of 15 May 2018
REMAINING FIXTURES*
19 May vs Monument (away)
26 May vs DHS (home)
16 June vs Maritzburg College (home)
21 July vs HTS Middelburg (away)
4 August vs Grey College (home)
11 August vs Waterkloof (home)
* As of 15 May 2018
Coach quotes: Michaelhouse vs Hilton College match & more
IT was an absolute humdinger that did justice to the age-old Hilton/Michaelhouse first XV rugby rivalry. Home side House, who began the season slowly, went into the match on Meadows Saturday 5 May 2018 as marked underdogs against a Hilton who’d won 8 from 8. And yes, Hilton led start to finish, from 10-0 half-time to 23-5 , 2 tries to 1. You had to be there, though, to appreciate that the HC win wasn’t as straightforward as the statistics might suggest.
Featured image: Michaelhouse flyhalf Liam England makes his move against Hilton loosehead Dylan Davies (1) and opposite number Ruan Wilmans.
Photo Thomas van der Hoven
Hilton College first XV head coach Brad Macleod-Henderson offers his thoughts:
“In the first half we didn’t play too badly but our handling let us down, opportunities we didn’t take.
Brad’s impressions of the Michaelhouse performance?
Looking ahead to Saturday, Brad says: “We haven’t played PBHS before, it’s a new fixture, so it’s great for the school to be going up. Every week you need to put in the work before the Saturday match… we’re looking forward to it.”
Best wishes from KZN10.com to Hilton captain & 7 flanker Patrick McVeigh and the boys come 1.15pm Pretoria Boys’ High School Saturday, 12 May 2018.
Michaelhouse first XV head coach James Fleming on the Hilton match:
“I had mixed feelings, partially so proud of the effort the boys put in and their willingness to play to the final whistle. We focused hard on building their confidence after a tough start to the season and they played with some fantastic flare considering. And partially frustrated as we felt we had done our homework on what Hilton would do… and they managed to do just that. They are well drilled, squeezed us into making mistakes and scored from there.
Meadows magic: Livewire left winger Thamsanqa Zakwe takes on the Hilton College lock pairing of Andrew James (5) & Niaan Taljaard (4), Michaelhouse’s schoolboys the backdrop.
Photo: Thomas van der Hoven
“I’ll leave the rest for 16 June!”
Yes indeed, the return muscle-up on Gilfillan Field is set to be an absolute cracker, but right now it’s the challenge offered by visitors the Northwood first XV at 3.15pm Saturday 12 May 2018 on Meadows that is no doubt occupying coach Fleming’s mind, as well as that of skipper and number 8 Christian Oppies Opperman and his boys.
KZN10.com wishes both House and the Knights of Northwood everything of the best.
Michaelhouse (0) 5
Try: No.8 Christian Opperman
Hilton (10) 23
Tries: No.4 Niaan Taljaard & No.7 Patrick McVeigh
Michaelhouse & Saints in rugby thriller on Meadows
A REMARKABLE 19-point turnaround in a matter of minutes saw the Michaelhouse first XV outlast St Charles College 29-17 on Meadows Saturday 28 April 2018 after the scores were locked 10-10 at half-time.
Well-managed by experienced referee Danie Joubert, the fixture made for a highly entertaining spectacle that did justice to the Michaelhouse Old Boys who had travelled from far and wide to celebrate Reunion Day 2018, particularly the Class of 1988 who were celebrating their 30th .
Among the Class of 88 it was great to finally meet Vik Ramnath in person and to chat with Warwick Rebeck.
Let’s get back to the rugby…
As much as the first half was exciting, the essential drama unfolded after the changeover.
Resuming at 10-10 after the break, the Saints started the second half with a bang, but were held up over the tryline. The subsequent 5-metre scrum saw lock forward and captain Luke Adam’s lads mount a wave of assaults that brought their pack’s ball-carrying weapons – number 8 Maziko Theu among them – within what appeared to be mere centimetres of the whitewash.
The Michaelhouse defence, led from the front by inspirational captain and number 8 Christian Oppies Opperman were courage personified. Himself a Michaelhouse Old Boy, Saints coach Nick Jacko Jackson’s charges – no matter how hard they tried – couldn’t unlock the Michaelhouse defence during this tension-filled passage of play.
However, the relentless pressure had to tell – and the Saints schoolboys packed into the stands facing the school – erupted when their unflagging support was rewarded, flyhalf Braden Muir skilfully evading the defensive screen a little wider of the sets of 8 upfront to score under the posts. Fullback Luyanda Prince Mazeka converted for Saints to take a 17-10 lead with 23 minutes left.
Saints 10 Braden Muir at full stretch in dotting down alongside the upright, much to the delight of his team-mates (from left) flanker Brent Louwrens, number 8 Maziko Theu and halfback partner JJ Foord as Michaelhouse scrumhalf Lance Reynolds (9) and inside centre Chris Hardie (12) look on.
Photo Martin Ashworth
But from that point on, the Michaelhouse first XV conjured up the match-winning shift.
The home side launched an attack shortly after the re-start that was stopped by the Saints defenders in the right-hand corner. However, House refused to be denied, inside centre Chris Hardie exploiting a gap in the stretched Saints defence to crash over. Flyhalf Liam England slotted the conversion and MHS were all-square at 17-17 with 14 minutes left.
Soon after the Saints’ re-start, a dazzling run from inside the Michaelhouse half (by winger Michael Gomes, I think?) was rounded off in style when outside centre and vice-captain Dane Fischer flew over the tryline wide-left… and at 22-17 in this fast-paced muscle-up, House took the lead for the third time.
Try time! Michaelhouse outside centre & vice-captain Dane Fischer rounds St Charles flyhalf Braden Muir.
Photo Martin Ashworth
The astonishing turnaround was completed by coach James Fleming’s Michaelhouse line-up when irrepressible winger Gomes again broke free – this time out on the right. MHS pivot Liam England duly converted.
House had turned a 10-17 deficit into a 29-17 inside 10 minutes.
And with 10 or so minutes left to full-time, Saints knew it was now or never.
Saints’ lock and captain Luke Adam’s re-energised pack launched a ferocious assault on the MHS tryline and the spectators’ stand in the left-hand corner was a great vantage point from which to witness the physicality of both sets of forwards. Despite the immense pressure, the hugely spirited home-side defence led by skipper Oppies Opperman were not interested in relinquishing their hard-earned 12-point winning margin, stopping charge after charge mere metres from their goalline.
# It was an ebb-and-flow match-up between two willing sides who attacked at every opportunity but were also prepared to do the hard yards in defence.
The Michaelhouse and St Charles schoolboys’ non-stop support with drums, war-cries and school songs added wonderful colour to the spectacle.
Saints euphoria: The St Charles College boys celebrate touchdown time.
Photo Martin Ashworth … the first half…
* The highlights of an entertaining first half kicked off when MHS took advantage of a couple of unforced SCC errors that were eventually punished via a Liam England penalty goal (3-0). Saints’ fullback Prince Mazeka cancelled it out with another relatively straightforward penalty for 3-3 after 6 minutes. Just 4 minutes later it was touchdown time for MHS when outside centre Dane Fischer – slicing open the Saints defence – scored the first of his two tries in this pulsating match. Liam England added the 2 points (10-3).
Midway through the first half concerted pressure was rewarded when Saints transferred the oval ball left before flyhalf Braden Muir slipped the perfect inside pass to flanker Brent Louwrens for try-time. Prince Mazeka converted for the electronic scoreboard to read 10-10.
The next couple of plays were to deny Saints a possible first-half lead. A gilt-edged Saints opportunity went a-begging via a handling error just one pass away from try-time. Hardly a minute later what seemed to be yet another lock-stock-and-barrel SCC try went awry following an unforced error.
The frenetic pace continued unabated when Michaelhouse fullback Mike Brownlee produced a jinking 40-metre run but his chip into space towards the right-hand corner found the touchline a split-second ahead of his flying right-winger Michael Gomes. And 5 minutes to half-time Michaelhouse took full advantage of a breakdown in mid-field for skipper Oppies Opperman to break free but his rampaging 30-metre run was halted 20-odd metres ahead of touchdown following an excellent back-tackle by SCC 10 Braden Muir.
The home side finished the half strongly, discarding a kickable penalty option for an attacking lineout but the SCC pack of 8 doused the Michaelhouse flame as the clock ticked down.
Exciting as the first half was, little did we know where the second half would take us…
Both sides’ defensive efforts within the 5-metre range ahead of try-time was a feature of this high-tempo muscle-up.
Photo: Martin Ashworth
TEAMS
Michaelhouse 1st XV
15 Mike Brownlee
14 Michael Gomes
13 Dane Fischer (vice-capt)
12 Chris Hardie
11 Thamsanqa Zakwe
10 Liam England
9 Lance Reynolds
8 Christian Opperman (capt)
7 Torin Mecklenborg
6 James Moodie
5 Nick Crampton
4 Dan Dillon
3 Liam Friend
2 Mpho Mthethwa
1 Andrew Holt
Subs
16 Matthew Holt
17 Brandon Jewell
18 James Kiln
19 James Armstrong
20 Andrew Daly
21 Luc Pousson
22 Philip Thomas
Coach: James Fleming
St Charles College 1st XV
15 Luyanda Mazeka
14 Nathaniel Sisia
13 Scott Anderson
12 Sbusiso Zakwe
11 Garrett Frier
10 Braden Muir
9 JJ Foord
8 Maziko Theu
7 Ronan Diedricks
6 Brent Louwrens
5 Luke Adam (capt)
4 Sean McCord
3 Erich Ortmann
2 Armin Jooste
1 Mphumelelo Sithole
Subs
16 Siyabonga Mzolo
17 Jason Robert
18 Mphemba Mbhele
19 Aaron Wood
20 Luke Jones
21 Ruben Jacobs
22 Zukile Mbuli
23 Jeremy de Beer
Coaches: Nick Jackson & Petrus du Plessis
Physio: Garth Oliver
# I managed to properly watch a couple of other matches:
* The second XV clash saw a remarkable change of fortunes. An 8-0 St Charles lead in the first quarter turned into an 8-22 deficit as Michaelhouse seconds enjoyed a purple patch down the left. Another try on half-time saw House change over with a healthy 27-8 lead.
* The match-winning factor in this game was Michaelhouse’s ability to punch holes in the St Charles defence both in midfield and out wide – be it on the left or right – and 34-8 with 23 minutes left turned into a 66-20 scoreline at the final whistle.
* The U14A “dawn patrol” contest at 8am on Willows was an action-packed affair, with the scoreline reading 12-12 at match-end. This was also the half-time score. The early-morning dew made for a slippery ball, which unfortunately undid a number of try-scoring opportunities.
* Saints probably deserved to win this one as they had an advantage in the forwards and produced some exciting running – particularly by the fullback when counter-attacking from deep. There were a couple of disputed decisions at key moments in this match, which also cost the visitors points. That said, House also had their opportunities with ball in hand.
*All the players can be commended for their commitment and spirit, as well as the number of technically excellent tackles that were effected.
RESULTS
(MHS scores first)
1st XV 29-17
2nds 66-20
3rds 57-0
16A 33-12
16B 31-0
15A 7-22
15B 19-7
15C 29-26
14A 12-12
14B 7-27
14C 7-38
Overall (like vs like i.e A vs A, B vs B, C vs C etc)
Michaelhouse won 7 & St Charles 3 with 1 drawn.
71-pointer: Kearsney edge Westville
THERE were just 5 points to separate the Kearsney and Westville 1st XV rugby sides in a real crowd-pleaser at Botha’s Hill on Saturday 5 May 2018.
A total of 10 tries were scored in the match – each team bagging 5.
A backline move from out left that did the justice to time spent in training sessions resulted in Kearsney fullback Robbie Koenig getting the first touchdown, which scrumhalf Taine Muirhead duly converted (7-0).
Westville flyhalf Kyle Forsyth eliminated the challenge of two tacklers to get the visitors on the board and the conversion made it all-square at 7-7. Then a Kearsney error when in possession saw Habana Mkwanazi take full advantage for Westville to go in front 12-7.
It was a neat piece of footballing skill by the winger in steering the ball down the line before diving on it a split second ahead of the try-zone running out of real estate.
Kearsney worked their way back into the lead shortly after when hooker Taine Polzi breached the whitewash, Muirhead adding 2 for the 14-12 margin that reflected the half-time score.
Muirhead knocked over a penalty goal to get the scoreboard ticking in the second half before the Botha’s Hill-based side’s favourable field position paid off with interest. Kearsney needed 15 metres’ progress in search of a 5-pointer. Derick Marshall received a switch pass from flyhalf Jacques Odendaal – acceleration and power enabling the inside centre to cross the tryline. At 24-12, Muirhead’s conversion opened up a 12-point gap for Kearsney over their Highway rivals.
Westville cut it down to an encouraging 5 points for their supporters when winger Mkwanazi was again on hand to profit from Kearsney mishaps. Yet once again Kearsney had the facility to respond to a setback in positive fashion – pivot Odendaal making the most from a left-hand scrum to carve a niche through the Westville defence. The consistent Muirhead added the extras and Kearsney were the beneficiaries of a 12-point winning margin for the second time in this pulsating muscle-up.
An effective Westville catch-and-drive lineout culminated in a penalty try being awarded following a Kearsney infringement and the 12-point gap had again been whittled down to 5.
With Kearsney now just an edgy 31-26 ahead, Stott’s Field again bore witness to the home side’s quick response to a setback and it was number 8 and captain Sibu Sangweni who benefited from pressure and physicality to collect a loose-ruck ball that heralded trytime. Muirhead made no mistake with the conversion and at 38-26 Kearsney were 12 points better off for the third time.
Photo @ top of story: The energy engine – Kearsney College number 8 and captain Sibu Sangweni led from the front in the 10-try thriller against Westville.
Photo credit: TRACEY VAN DEN AARDWEG
This entertaining affair came to a close when Westville were awarded another penalty try after a player chasing a chip kick was tackled in the air 10 metres out, leaving the final score in this entertaining match reading Kearsney College 38 and Westville 33.
Kearsney team
15 Robbie Koenig
14 Christo Scheepers
13 Cameron Dudley
12 Derick Marshall
11 Gcina Gumede
10 Jacques Odendaal
9 Taine Muirhead
8 Sibu Sangweni (capt)
7 Dylan Bissett
6 Aidan Bossert
5 Nic Baines
4 Jordan Morum
3 Oliver Carmody
2 Taine Polzi
1 Mpendulo Dlamini
Subs
16 Pernel Ngubo
17 Connor Griffiths
18 Bradley Taylor
19 Dean Burrell
20 Marco Mattioda
21 Mark Pretorius
22 Robert Pringle
23 Rory Bloy
Coach: Barend Steyn
* I hope to get the Westville team soon.
RESULTS
(Kearsney scores first)
1st XV 38-33
2nds 10-11
3rds 27-14
4ths 20-19
5ths 39-7
6ths 39-12
7ths 15-10
16A 17-21
16B 3-22
16C 0-46
16D 18-12
15A 3-3
15B 0-31
15C 5-21
15D 10-26
14A 24-19
14B 12-26
14C 0-52
Overall: Kearsney won 8 and Westville won 9 with 1 drawn.