19 May 2023
The Sharks under-18 rugby team to contest the Craven Week at Outeniqua High School in George, from 3-8 July, has been announced. Eight schools are represented, with Maritzburg College’s six selections leading the way.
Both Durban High School and Hilton College have four players in the line-up. There are three from Glenwood, two each from Michaelhouse and Kearsney College, and one each from Saint Charles College and Westville Boys’ High.
Some of the top players of the season, such as DHS flyhalf Deano Boesak and Westville centre Likhona Finca, were not up for selection as they don’t meet the age requirements.
The College selections reflect their powerful pack, with five players, including the entire front row – Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, Elbie Mouton and Aiden Botha – cracking the nod. They’re joined by the red, black and white’s inspirational captain and 8th-man, Sasha Kadira, and industrious lock Kuhle Mthimkulu.
Most exciting
The sole backline representative from College is, arguably, the most exciting player in the province, fullback Luyanda Kunene. He’s a counter-attacking nightmare for any opposition.
DHS also supplies two front-rankers: their captain and hooker, Christian Everitt, who made the South African Schools A team in 2022, and the outstanding tighthead Simphiwe Ngobese. Previously a loosehead prop, he offers the team fantastic versatility, and that’s before one begins to talk about his superb ball-carrying.
In College’s Kubheka and Ngobese of DHS, the Sharks’ line-up has two of the most exciting ball-playing props in the country. The chances are more than good, when they carry, that they will take the ball up over the advantage line, and, at times, those carries are for big chunks of yardage. The also inflict a heavy physical toll on tacklers.
In the backline, the Horseflies have provided the fleet-footed Hopewell Ntshangse and Zingce Simka who, besides possessing good feet, is also an excellent exponent of the “Samoan sidestep”. In other words, he’s a load and a serious physical presence.
Control
Hilton College has provided the athletic and exciting 8th-man Akhona Kunene and big lock Hanu Pieterse to the Sharks’ pack, while their half-backs, Luke Watt and Chris Horak, are two players able to dictate play from the base of, and from behind, the scrum. Their ability to control the flow of a game has had a lot to do with another strong season from Hilton.
Glenwood loosehead prop Lithemba Mfupi is one of a number of players in the Sharks’ squad who captains his school. Leadership throughout the ranks should not be under-estimated. This is a big plus for the side.
Joining him from the Green Machine are physical lock Liam Terblanche and fullback, Jaco Williams, whose deft reading of the game has impressed this season.
Add Kearsney’s all-out flank Devahn van der Walt to the list of leaders. He’s joined by his vice-captain for the One-stripes, centre Siso France, in the black and white.
No surprise
Michaelhouse supplies big 8th-man Wandile Mlaba – no surprise there, he made the South African Schools A side last year – and Campbell Ridl, a sizeable but skilful presence in the midfield.
Fast Siyabonga Ndlozi, a prolific try-scorer, (see main photo) flies the flag for Westville’s Griffins, while halfback Matthew Fick, who played in the Grant Khomo Week last year, has made the step up to the Craven Week side. He’s from Saint Charles.
In 2022, the Sharks team gave the overall winners of the Craven Week, Western Province, a torrid time when they met, going down 33-34 in a classic clash. This year’s team might be even better equipped for a shot at the main game. The squad is filled with dynamic, high-motor players. If they click, they should produce some dynamite rugby.
Coaching and Management
The Head Coach is Westville Boys’ High Director of Rugby Dusty Noble. He’s assisted by Westville 1st XV coach Njabulo Zulu and Maritzburg College 1st XV coach Tim Orchard.
The team is managed by Siya Dubazane of DHS. Strength and conditioning is in the hands of Westville’s Zander Erasmus, while Marc Colia of DHS is the Physiotherapist.
Long-time Sharks’ winger Lwazi Mvovo serves at the team’s mentor, and Kearsney College’s Dean Moodley is the side’s permanent representative.
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