29 July 2023
Northwood’s Reece-Edwards Field was pumping on Friday night for the Knights’ last match of 2023, a challenging showdown with a very impressive DHS 1st XV. When the teams had met earlier in the season, it was DHS who scored a 26-7 win at home, so they entered the contest as the favourites.
Unfortunately for the home side, there was no turning back the Blue Typhoon again, but they asked questions of the visitors, enjoying long periods of territorial dominance, especially in the second half, but DHS, up against a side with dangerous backs, did an excellent job of keeping them in check.
Christian Everitt and his team built up a 15-0 lead at the break, through two tries, one of which was converted, and a penalty. In the second stanza, they extended their advantage to 20-0, against the run of play, but Northwood then managed to reap a reward for all of their pressure by going over in the corner.
Kingpin at 10
It was left to DHS flyhalf Deano Boesak to put the final exclamation point on the contest with a magnificent solo effort, which put him in under the uprights. With the conversion, which he had to drop kick quickly after the ball toppled over, he made the final score 27-5.
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Boesak was ineligible for the Craven Week this year, but whether or not there is a better flyhalf in South African schoolboy rugby this season is an interesting question. The Stormers gave their answer by giving him a contract and, interestingly, if there is a professional comparison to be made, their Manie Libbok most reminds one of Boesak. If the Stormers have a type they like at 10, who reflects their skilful 15-man approach to the game, they have signed one in the exciting Boesak.
The Knights in 2023
For the Knights, well led by their industrious captain, Enzo van Niekerk, it was the end of an up-and-down campaign, which was highlighted by an upset victory over Glenwood away from home. They played an entertaining brand of rugby, running in some fantastic tries, but showed, too, that they had a forward pack to be reckoned with.
This season, KZN boasts three South African Schools props – Phiwayinkosi Khubeka (Maritzburg College), Simphiwe Ngobese (DHS) and Lithemba Mfupi (Glenwood) – and some of the better packs to be found anywhere, and Northwood matched up well against them.
With yet another good under-16 team, there is reason for optimism about the quality coming through the ranks in Durban North.
Playing under lights
After the match, Pinnacle Schools caught up with DHS Director of Rugby, Peter Engeldow, who was a satisfied man. He said his side had adjusted their preparation for the evening game: “We trained a few evenings under the lights, but this evening was a lot wetter than we had all week, so we had to change our gameplan. The boys responded very well.
“The ball was slippery, and we knew we couldn’t play much, so we had to use kicking more than anything, and a good defensive line.”
He also complimented the home side: “I thought Northwood played very well under the conditions. They spread the ball nice and wide. But you’re prone to make mistakes in the wet, and we tried to minimize those.”
“I was very impressed with our defensive performance. We tried to play in the right areas. It was a little difficult, but we want to play expansive and good running rugby at this stage of the season. There was no wind, which was great, but it’s wet underfoot, and the ball is slippery, so it is difficult.”
“I think it’s great”
Despite the challenges posed by a 19:30 kickoff, Engeldow gave his approval of the Friday Night Lights concept: “I think it’s great. You get your weekends free, besides the analysis, which is lovely, and you can spend it with the family. I think the crowd is nice, the vibe is good. It was Northwood’s last game, and it has been a great evening.”
DHS is left with one game on their schedule, in Johannesburg against Jeppe, and it promises to be an eye-catching showdown between two excellent teams, who both play an exciting, expansive brand of rugby.
“Jeppe have had an unbelievable season. Their results are incredible. Carl Spilhaus has done a great job there. It is going to be a really great contest for our whole school. We’re excited.”
SA Schools selections
Finally, he commented on the selections of tighthead prop Simphiwe Ngobese for the SA Schools side, and hooker Christian Everitt for the SA Schools A team: “We’re delighted for them. Obviously, last year Simphiwe came close. Christian played for the SA A side last year, but making it again should never be taken for granted.
“As a school, we’re delighted, and we’re really happy for our boys who have done well this year.
“We hope to keep building and keep enjoying rugby, and making sure we stick to our values and enjoy it.”
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