Attack will be the keyword when the more traditional part of the school rugby season in Nelson Mandela Bay gets underway on Saturday.
Spectators were treated to spectacular tries in the early part of the season in which the Bay sides featured.
It seems there is an emphasis on playing an expansive brand of rugby. The players in decision-making positions were keen to involve the outside backs.
Now that we get down to the more traditional derbies it will be interesting to see whether some sides adopt a more conservative approach.
What is certain is that the fans are in for some exciting battles, whatever the game plans will be.
Grey High has a tough away match. Paul Roos Gymnasium is a classy outfit and always a tough nut to crack, especially at home in Stellenbosch.
The Gqeberha boys built up good momentum by beating Hudson Park, followed by a draw against Michaelhouse, and then a 20-7 victory over Hilton College.
Framesby will be at home in Gqeberha against Daniel Pienaar which makes the trip from Kariega.
After destroying Duineveld 60-7 at the North versus South Tournament in Stellenbosch, Framesby found it tough going in their next outing against Diamantveld.
Diamantveld won 59-29 in an entertaining encounter in which Framesby struggled to match the physical power of the Kimberley side.
The Gqeberha teams of Westering and Otto du Plessis had solid preparation for their upcoming clash.
Westering was in action at the Oakdale Week in Riverdale where they beat Augsberg 21-15 but lost to Overberg (by a single point) and Montagu.
Masanelisiwe Cakwebe was named the Player of the Match for his strong performance against Augsburg. The flanker will be a key player against Otto.
Otto, which will have home-ground advantage on Saturday, lost to the Bloemfontein visitors, Fichardt Park, last week.
Fichardt Park beat Otto 14-9 and also played against Pearson. Pearson won 29-22 but the Gqeberha team will be up against a much stronger side when they take on Selborne College in East London.
Marlow always makes life difficult for the Bay sides, especially in Cradock. They will host Die Brandwag of Kariega.
Die Brandwag had a busy time at the Oakdale Week when they started with a loss against Middelburg but recovered with victories over Kempton Park (12-8) and Die Anker (32-22).
Keep an eye on the Brandwag lock pairing of Damian le Roux and Nicolis Thysse. They are ready to make it a big season!
Both were included in the combined Team of the Tournament after the Oakdale Week.
Le Roux represented Eastern Province at last year’s Craven Week and is also a South African u18 baseball player. He was named as the best forward of the week.
Selected Saturday fixtures:
Marlow v Brandwag; Framesby v Daniel Pienaar; Otto du Plessis v Westering; Paul Roos Gymnasium v Grey High; Despatch v Humansdorp; Selborne College v Pearson High.
