Paarl Boys’ High retained their No 1 South African schools ranking after another unbeaten local season, writes BENEDICT CHANAKIRA.
THEY SAID IT
‘Touring New Zealand in the pre-season made the last term of rugby very challenging for us, as we played 19 times this season, and every game was like a Test match for us. The toughest challenge was managing the players and keeping them strong and match ready.’ – PAARL BOYS’ 1st XV COACH SEAN ERASMUS
‘This was a really blessed season for us as a team and familia. We can only praise the Almighty for bringing us this far as a team. We learned a lot this year as individuals and as a team, but the most important lesson is that we stand together as a familia at all times and back each other 100%.’ – PAARL BOYS’ 1st XV CAPTAIN THAAKIR ABRAHAMS
‘We are very hard on ourselves as a team and work extremely hard on and off the field to maintain the high standards we set. We enjoy our time together and look forward to each challenge we face. Our character and who we are is very important to us as a team. We are blessed and always give glory to God. ETFG [Every try for God].’ – ERASMUS
COACH SEAN ERASMUS ON THEIR PLAYERS TO WATCH
ADRIAAN ALBERTS (LOCK)
‘Adriaan is a great young man. He uses every chance to learn. He has top aerial skills and is a strong scrummager who gets through a huge workload. He fits into the mould of a modern-day lock and gets better every game.’
FRANCKE HORN (NO 8)
‘Francke is a great leader, player and man. He is a very good No 8 with great skills. He runs well with the ball and has a good defensive game. He anticipates the game very well.’
THAAKIR ABRAHAMS (WING)
‘Nothing beats pace and good evasive skills, and Thaakir has all of that. He is solid under the high ball and equally good with ball in hand. He loves to make his tackles too.’
JOSHUA DU PREEZ (TIGHTHEAD PROP)
‘Josh continues to learn as a tighthead prop – his position is a tough one, as any old, seasoned prop will tell you. Josh has worked hard on his primary functions and continues to do so. He always gives his best for the team.’
ABNER VAN REENEN (FLYHALF)
‘Abner moved effortlessly from fullback to flyhalf, which shows what a great player he is. He is big and strong and likes to take on the defence. He reads the game well and always gives his best.’
VIAN FOURIE (FLANK)
‘Vian epitomises an openside flank. He plays to the ball and if he doesn’t poach it, he slows it down. His selection for SA Schools is a testimony to his skill and shows size is not a factor when you do your job. He is a team player and our vice-captain.’
2017 RESULTS
Beat SACRED HEART (NZ) 24-8 (a)
Beat GISBORNE BOYS’ (NZ) 73-3 (a)
Beat NELSON COLLEGE (NZ) 75-12 (a)
Lost to CHRISTCHURCH BOYS’ (NZ) 36-38 (a)
Beat EYE OF THE TIGER XV 57-0 (n)
Beat NSW COMBINED SCHOOLS 65-0 (n)
Beat AFFIES 14-10 (n)
Beat OUTENIQUA 43-16 (h)
Beat SELBORNE 33-16 (n)
Beat GLENWOOD 30-12 (n)
Beat WYNBERG 67-25 (h)
Beat GREY COLLEGE 46-31 (a)
Beat RONDEBOSCH 73-7 (a)
Beat PAUL ROOS 21-9 (h)
Beat OAKDALE 36-31 (a)
Beat BISHOPS 25-0 (a)
Beat BOLAND LANDBOU 38-33 (h)
Beat SACS 37-17 (h)
Beat PAARL GYM 18-13 (n)
NUMBERS THAT MATTER
43 – Paarl Boys’ winning streak, which was ended by Christchurch Boys’ in pre-season
59 – The number of matches Paarl Boys’ have won in their last 60
125 – Tries scored in 19 games this season (average of 6.6 per game)
35 – Tries conceded in 19 games this season (average of 1.8 per game)
5 – Players in Western Province’s U18 Craven Week team
1 – Player in Western Province’s U18 Academy Week team
