News Archive

Join us for another festive occasion as we support the 1stXV Rugby Tour efforts with a Day at the Races. This promises to be a great party, as we experience the thrill of the thoroughbreads, and the good vibes from Live Band, “Me and Mr Brown.” Book early, as there are limited tables.

DATE: 17 April, 13h30-23h30

VENUE: Kenilworth Race Track

COST: R200 pp, includes a buffet meal and entertainment.

Email: vanselmb@sacollege.org.za

You can book a table for 10, for larger groups of friends, but hurry as we only have 27 tables…

The South African College High and Junior Schools had the privilege this week of playing host to the second edition of the Jake White Winning Way Coaching courses.

Having begun his career as a schoolboy coach at Jeppe Boys’, Jake is acutely aware that most of the best coaches in the world cut their teeth at schoolboy level. Through these courses Jake White is trying to pass on some of his immense rugby knowledge to other coaches, not just schoolmasters but club coaches as well.

Jake has working with him his entire 2007 Rugby World Cup back-up team including his doctor, physio and mental coach. Also there to pass on expert opinions are the likes of Eddie Jones, Balie Swart, Percy Montgomery, Paul Treu and Sheryl Calder. A special guest this year is Marcello Loffreda, the former Argentinean coach, who is passing on his expert knowledge on scrumming and mauling.

Also benefiting hugely from the experience are the SACS boys. The 1^st and 2^nd XV from the high school and later in the week the U13A and U12A teams from the junior school and they are being used by Jake and his team of coaches to demonstrate various aspects of the game. The tactical tips and technical expertise the boys gain is sure to stand them in good stead for the season ahead.

The course,  run over five days started Monday and ends Friday. Level One on Monday and Tuesday, Level Two (for coaches who attended Level One in 2009) on Wednesday and Thursday and a special session for junior school coaches on the Friday.

And don’t forget we have the SACS Percy Montgomery Rugby Foundation launch on Friday too.

The much anticipated 2010 season is nearly upon us, and now you can plan your days a bit more with the release of this year’s fixtures. These fixtures were updated and correct as of 16 February. If any changes occur they will be posted on this site.

 Please also take note that the 1stXV will be off to the GREY High School Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth on the 26th March. As well as embarking on an overseas rugby tour to South America on the 9th June. More details will follow.

Taking a mid morning coffee break on a beautiful Spring day in Greenpoint, a stones throw away from our impressive new Stadium, is a colourful experience in it’s own right. Add Jonathan Kaplan to the scene, and things just get so much more colourful.

I was luck enough to grab JK for an interview for SACSRUGBY between his hectic schedule of Tri-nations, Currie Cup and Test match duties. As the most capped Test Referee of all time (with 53 Tests), I was in seriously good company. I was later to discover, this was actually “GREAT” company.

I had prepared a number of questions for JK, but realised a minute or so into the interview, that he was in a talking mood, and questions to some extent became less relevant than simply listening to the perspectives, experiences, and general wisdom of this man. For the record, JK started refereeing at the age of 17 in the Northern Transvaal. He has represented Transvaal, KZN and of course WP in the years since, but is now officially a professional referee contracted to SA Rugby. While studying at UCT, he served on the executive of the UCTRFC, where I met him for the first time some 20 years ago.

In those days, JK also applied his talents to coaching and in fact led the UCT 19B’s to a league title. He is qualified in Level 1 and 2 coaching, and still holds some aspirations for coaching perhaps after retirement from refereeing. In a career spanning 26 years, he has been in charge of 894 matches!!! And believe me, he is keeping score. JK is not a man who leaves much to chance. He is well organised and approaches life with purpose. There are still some very challenging goals ahead of him, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he were aiming serioulsy at the magical 1000 games before retirement.

The part I really liked was how quickly he recalled the times he had reffed SACS firstXV. 9 times in total, with SACS winning on 4 occasions, with a best result being the 2004 win against Bishops 32-31. In truth, JK is not compelled to ref schoolboy games. He does it for the love of the sport. And to give back to the schools that helped propel him to almost 900 games so far.

It was clear in this interview, that JK is a scholar of personal leadership. He operates with a vision and believes life doesn’t just unfold in front of you. It is a series of events that can provide clues and signals to what we need to do and learn. Applying his leadership to rugby and refereeing, JK believes you will move from being “good to great” if you can nurture and demonstrate the following qualities:

• Flair
• Judgement
• Nerve

Next time you watch him in action, look out for how he applies these in the game. From a future aspiration point of view, JK would love to do more Currie Cup games as he believes this is one of the best competitions in the world. He would relish the opportunity to do some European Cup games, and of course there is the matter of doing a RWC Final. But of course we know that for him to fulfill that dream, it means the Boks would have to be knocked out!!

His message to youngsters is simple. Be patient, hardworking and believe in yourself. And have no fear! For a guy whose greatest sporting achievement at school was making the Chess team, these are very, very valuable words. I left the inteview understanding more about JK the man and how he has developed into a great referee. He has always believed in himself and I am sure we’re still going to see great things from him.

ACHIEVEMENTS :

·         MOST CAPPED INTERNATIONAL TEST REFEREE OF ALL TIME ( 53 CAPS )

·         ATTENDED 3 WORLD CUPS 1999/2003/2007 ( REFEREED A TOTAL OF 9 MATCHES – SA RECORD )

·         REFEREED QUARTER FINAL IN 2003 AND SEMI FINAL IN 2007

·         324 FIRST CLASS MATCHES ( RECORD )

·         66 SUPER 14 CAPS ( SA RECORD ) INCLUDING 3 FINALS AND 4 SEMIFINALS

·         131 CURRIE CUP MATCHES ( RECORD ) INCLUDING 4 FINALS AND 4 SEMIFINALS

·         MOST CAPPED 6 NATIONS REFEREE OF ALL TIME ( 14 TESTS )

·         MOST CAPPED TRINATIONS REFEREE OF ALL TIME ( 7 TESTS )

·         MOST CAPPED BLEDISLOE CUP REFEREE OF ALL TIME ( 7 TESTS )

·         ONLY REFEREE TO HAVE REFEREED BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS IN SA, AUS , NZ and SA AGAIN ( FREE STATE 30 LIONS 52 / AUSTRALIA 35 LIONS 14 / NZ 38 LIONS 19 / SHARKS 3 LIONS 39)

·         SOUTH AFRICAN REFEREE OF THE YEAR 4 YEARS RUNNING 2003-2007

The year in general started with lots of enthusiasm, but lack of matches hampered prepartion at the beginning of the season. The general standard of performance was lower, in my opinion, than previous years, but towarsds the end of the seson, teamwork overcame lack of individual ability, and results and moral improved. The usual huge turnover of players led to many inevitable disruptions. Thanks to Richard Found of the 4ths, these were dealt with as best we could.

The SACS 5ths played 9 games this eason, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 5. 56 players represented the 5ths in the 9 games, with only one player (Moses) playing all 9 games. Rizzo was the top points scorer (18), and Gosain and Hassen were joint top try scorers (2 each).

I have attached a spreadshhet showing all results, players and points scorers.Of the 56 players who played for the 5ths, 18 played 4 or more of the matches. Here are my thoughts on some of them:

        1. Moses (flank)- was a hard worker through the year, and despite being in Grade 11, captained the team towards the end of the season.Played flank, lock and 8th man, best position blindside flank. My choice   for   team’s most valuable player.Will make a good captain for whatever team he plays for next year.

    2. Heynes (no 8) - despite having some disciplinary issues, a superb 8th man, who will do better once he starts believing in his ability, and palys more rugby rather than playing the man!. Solid in defence and sparked many an attack from the base of the scrum.

    3. Abdullah (scrumhalf)-  a tidy scrumhalf with a good boot, often relieved the pressure behind a beaten pack. Excelled when asked to fill in from time to time at flyhalf. Would have also played all 9 matches but for missing the last game due to rleligious beliefs.

    4. Gosian (prop) - don’t be fooled by his lack of size,  this uncomplaining tight head prop scrummed well and very mobile in open play, scoring 2 tries from close range. In grade 11, will do well with some individual coaching, and I expect him to play good rugby next year.

    5. Rizzo (outside centre) - asked to play out of position at outside centre instead of wing for most of the season, his natural skills made him a pleasure to coach. He took over the place kicking duties with great success. He will improve with more one-on-one coaching, and once he gets to grips with playing centre, will be an asset for next year’s 2nd/3rds.

    6.Fenessey  (flank)- a classic open side flank, tackled like a demon, and never gave up trying.

    7. Hassen (wing) - very quick and nippy wing, but went AWOL  in 2nd half of season, which was a pity.

    8. Billet (wing) - experienced a frustrating season, but a hugely talented footballer, playing scrumhalf, fullback, wing and centre at different times of each game! best position probably wing, and attittude improved when given responsibility.

    9. Sturrock (lock) - lack of size and obvious skills more tan compensated by determination and workrate, one of the unsung heroes of the team effort late in the year. Ended up even throwing in at lineouts, with great success.

    10. Nortier (wing) - started well on the wing, but faded badly, probably hampered by injuries,

    11. Garet (fullback) – solid and dependable, although loath to kick when he could show of his footwork on attack!

    12.McGowan (flyhalf) – too talented for the 5ths, should probably played for a higher team if he had wanted to. Gave his all in the matches, and lead the backline well. Hampered by a shoulder injury towards the end of the season, and was sorley missed in the last game.

    13. Schuin(hooker) – despite his small stature, full of running and determination, and good skill levels.

    14. Amod (prop)- added bulk to the forwards when needed, and improved through the season. Would have benefitted by being fitter.

    15. Daynes (flank) – played much of the season for the 4ths, but contributed hugely on defence and attack when playing for the 5ths. Hard as nails, and never stopped trying. 

   16. v d Walt (lock)- started slowly, but grew into becoming a fine lock once he started believing in himself. After starting in the 6ths, ended the season in the 4ths.

    17 Strydom (inside centre) – once he got his head around tackling, was very good.

Thanks for the season, looking forward to next year already.

Stewart Alcock

SACS  3^RD  XV  Rugby  Report  2009

Coach:  Simon  Perkin

Assistants:  Adam  Normann  and  Paul  Delport

Manager and Linesman:  Chad  Thompson

Captain:  Garron  Adlard

Vice-Captain:  Jonas  Viljoen

Results:

P11    W3   L8    Points  for  -  157    Points  against  -  265

“Not a great season,” I hear you say, dear reader.  WRONG!

While results were poor, as expected from a weak Matric year group, there were many positives!

Garron Adlard led the side with distinction and was ably supported by Jonas Viljoen.  That those involved enjoyed themselves was evident and Springbok 7s star, Old Boy, Paul Delport ‘loved’ working with the team because … “they always listened and obviously wanted to learn …”

Old Boy, Adam Normann  was a wonderful assistant and he added ‘steel’ to the forwards, who enjoyed his contact sessions.

Chad Thompson proved to be a loyal, reliable and highly competent Linesman and Manager – thanks to him and to Paul and Adam for all they meant to the side.

Working with 4^th XV Coach, Richard Found was a real pleasure –  we both had to rely on humour  to cope with the frequent changes!

When one works regularly with people like Chulu Ratsibe, Simon Ackermann, Garron Adlard, Jonas Viljoen and Stewart Ferguson-Brown as well as a host of delightful Grade 11s, then coaching is a joy and results become insignificant!

Sure we went out to win  -  but  frequent team changes, often on a Friday or even Saturday morning precluded performances we would really have liked. No fewer than 45 players represented the team in the 11 matches played!!

 In the third term injuries and ‘flu severly depleted resources and the games against RBHS, Bishops and WBHS were played with  more Fourth Team than 3^rd XV players!   No fewer than 4 regular 3^rd XV backs played for the 2^nd XV in the last game against Wynberg  -  that, dear reader,  is the reason for the poor stats but they, as I hope you have now realized, do not tell the true story about a terrific bunch of guys who represented their School with pride and gave of their best on most occasions!

Oh, by the way – they also scored some amazing tries!

SIMON  PERKIN 

The U15C’s were voted team of the year at SACS for 2009 due to their impressive win rate. The team was coached successfully by Hugo De Villiers and assisted by Aaron and Adon. The statistics for the season are as follows:

U15C RUGBY RESULTS 2009

RESULTS

Stats excluding friendly:

Won:              5

Drew:              2

Lost:              2

Points for:                87

Points against:        101

 From Hugo De Villiers.

SACS managed a credible semi-final spot in the annual Villager 7’s tournament, where they eventually bowed out to the eventual winners, Bishops 17-0. In fact, the SACS B team, also managed a quarter-final spot. Our 7’s teams included some young players, including some U16’s, who gained valuable experience for next year. Well done men!

SACS had another good year in terms of participation and spirit. There is a real love for the game amongst the boys at SACS but the challenge for everyone, players, coaches, old boys and parents, is to turn this into results on the field.

Overall the statistics do not look good:

    P       W       L           D        PF         PA         Diff     % Wins

165     52      113     16      1861   3806   -1945     32%

This compares with: 2006 – 39%, 2007 – 34%, 2008 – 33%,

We expected the 1stXV to struggle this year given that they were a young team. We took some heat early on against Rondebosch and Paarl Gim especially, but once the younger players found their feet in the open division the results were admirable. Better SACS 1stXV’s have lost by more to Paarl Boishaai (23-16), Paul Roos (12-8) and Boland Landbou (6-0). The team showed great determination in defence this year and in the final game against Wynberg, when at times we had eleven Grade 11’s on the field, they showed enough skills on attack to believe that they can have a good season next year.

In the open division we continued to put out a record number of teams, eight when at full strength, but we lacked the quality in depth of the last two years. That is to be expected though as all schools go in cycles.

In the Under-16 division the A-team struggled but the B and C-teams scored some pleasing results. Numbers were tight down in the D-team but the spirit was good and when the boys got a chance to play they really relished it. The A-team, who really need to be at full strength to compete with top schools, were ravaged by injury and never put the same team on the field two weeks in a row. The pack worked hard under the guidance of Paul Gilomee, Dugald Robertson and Mr. Rico Lupini and they took the game to their opponents. Out wide though they struggled as long-term injuries to flyhalf Dylan Riviere and top centre Storm Winter meant they lacked incisiveness.

The Under-15 division had a good year with the C-team producing the best results in the school, only two defeats the entire season. The A-team lost only three of their sixteen games played, with notable wins against Paarl Gim and all our local Southern Suburb rivals (Rondebosch 26-15, Bishops 27-13 and Wynberg 7-5). The B-team trained hard and played good rugby but came up one or two points short on at least five occasions over the course of the season. The D-team also put their hand up and took the game to all their opponents. Even more pleasing though is the great depth we have in this age-group where we could field an E-team if required.

The Under-14 division took time to adapt to the rigours of high school rugby. The boys are keen as ever but the step up, especially against the big boys schools, proved tough. The A-team pack has size and there are skills in the backs. The coaches have worked hard on developing all aspects of the boys play and we are hopeful that as they continue to grow and mature these skills will come through and they will develop into a formidable outfit.

The A-team struggled but produced some promising results in the last two games especially where they were level going into the last ten minutes against both Bishops and Wynberg, only to see the opponents steal a last gasp win. The B-team produced some great performances. They almost snuck a win away against Paarl Gim and hammered Wynberg by 30-points in both the home and away fixtures. The C and D-team enjoyed their rugby but again need to shake off the “puppy fat” in the off-season and come back determined to do some damage in 2010!

The undoubted highlight of the year was our hosting of the Cape Schools Week. This proved to be a massive success and a great marketing exercise for the school. To cap a great week our 1stXV won two of their three games played. This included putting fifty points on Muir College and securing an exciting last minute win against Dale College.

Credit for the tournament and for the smooth running of rugby at SACS must go to the Master-in-Charge Mr. Barry van Selm, who works tirelessly for the cause. Mr. Ball is always a great support and he, along with Mr Finlayson, will plot the course for SACS Rugby to improve and perform better in the years to come.

 Graeme Wepener.

More SACS Team Reports to Follow.

The local schoolboy season drew to a close on a sunny but chilly morning. The traditional end-of-season derby between Wynberg Boy’s High and the South African College High School (SACS) was a close fought encounter, which saw Wynberg pushed all the way by a determined SACS side before finally running out 32 -20 winners.

The second oldest school in the country after their archrivals SACS, Wynberg have had their best season in their long history. They have only lost two games locally to Boland Landbou and Diocesan College (Bishops) and three to Eastern Cape rivals, Grey (PE) twice and Dale College at the Cape Schools Week. Playing at home and having won the first round fixture 20-nil they went into the game overwhelming favourites.

They seemed a little nervous though and struggled to get any rhythm going for most of the first half. SACS played well, dominated possession and territory and should have been ahead at halftime.

The kickers Kieran Goss and Matthew Mohle traded penalties early on but SACS had two good scoring opportunities that went a begging. First centre Godfrey Tundube made an outside break but held on when should have passed and later lock Douglas Mylrea broke clear around the side of a ruck. He raced clear but made the wrong option as he entered the Wynberg 22-metre area and the opportunity was lost.

Wynberg scored on their first foray into SACS territory. Mohle having a clearance kick charged down by flank Josh Katzen, who gathered and scored. Goss made no mistake with the conversion and Mohle replied with another penalty. Crucially though Mohle then missed two penalties, which would have seen SACS take the lead.

Instead Wynberg extended their lead when SACS kicked a high ball out of their half. Mohle chased the kick but took his eyes off the ball and tried to play the man. The ball bounced back into the SACS half and was gathered by the Wynberg forwards who broke up field and set up a ruck in the SACS 22-metre area. Wynberg threw the ball wide via Goss and centre Ezra Williams to fullback Craig Munro scored in the corner. Goss was unable to convert from out wide.

SACS made a vital score just before the interval after scrumhalf Chris Roberts broke blind and played inside to his captain and No. 8 Matthew Mellville. Mellville was inches away from scoring but when the ball went wide the Wynberg defence was caught napping. Flyhalf Kyran Hawkins jinked his way through for an important try, which Mohle converted to leave SACS trailing 13-15 at the halftime break.

The early stages of the second half didn’t deliver much excitement as the teams slugged it out between the two 22-metre lines. Roberts did have one nice break but his linking pass went forward. The game caught alight though in the last fifteen minutes.

Wynberg extended their lead when Goss hit the blindside from a ruck on the halfway line. He put leftwing Rameesh Mentor into space. Mentor beat his man and broke upfield. When scragged by the cover defence Mentor made a good pass inside to his fellow wing Zingisa Ndiki who finished in trademark bullocking style in the corner. 

SACS scored immediately from the kick-off as Wynberg botched a clearance kick. The kick skewed infield and was gathered by SACS left-wing Nicholas van der Westhuizen who cut back inside and managed to run the ball back into the Wynberg 22-metre area. Roberts broke blind and fed Tundube who timed his pass to Mellville perfectly. Mellville straightened nicely and found himself in space. He crashed over to score right in front of the SACS crowd and Mohle converted to tie the game up at 20-points a piece.

The SACS fan sensed an upset but their players let them down by making a hash of the kick-off and again gifting Wynberg the lead. Three SACS players converged on the ball but no one called. The ball bounced and Wynberg gathered and charged up field. Scrumhalf Dylan Frylinck broke blind and scored to break the hearts of the SACS faithful. Goss converted to take the game away from SACS.   

Wynberg weren’t finished though and scored again on the final whistle. Skipping the ball wide Mentor again beat his man before feeding fullback Craig Munro who sealed the win with his second try of the day. It was an exciting climax to a quality game in which both teams played their part in providing the large crowd with good entertainment.

Scorers:

Wynberg Boy’s High School

Tries: Craig Munro (2), Josh Katzen, Dylan Frylinck, Zingisa Ndiki

Conversions: Kieran Goss (2)

Penalty: Goss

South African College High School

Tries: Kyran Hawkins, Matthew Mellville

Conversions: Matthew Mohle (2)

Penalties: Mohle (2)