Affies’ dominance against cross town rivals Waterkloof continues with a 43-28 Victory in a Thrilling Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools Derby on Saturday, 20th July 2024. A perfect winter’s day set the stage for an exhilarating battle in the capital as Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) clashed with their cross-town rivals, Hoërskool Waterkloof, in a Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools derby. The anticipation was palpable, and the action on the field did not disappoint, with Affies securing a convincing 43-28 victory away from home.

The match kicked off with Affies asserting their dominance early on. Left-wing Eagan Roux opened the scoring inside two minutes, finding space out wide and setting the tone for the visitors. The conversion was wayward from flyhalf, Ruben Pienaar, Affies took an early 5-0 lead. Waterkloof responded swiftly through their resilient hooker, Ruan Jacobs, who powered through multiple tackles to touch down soon after. Fullback Ronan Bastiaanse added the extra two points, putting Waterkloof ahead, 7-5.

The momentum shifted once more in the 15th minute when Affies executed a rolling maul to perfection, allowing Luan Potgieter to score. Despite the missed conversion, Affies reclaimed the lead at 10-7. Affies continued to flex their muscle, with their forwards breaking down the Klofies’ defense. Albert Smit capitalized on the pressure, scoring a try that Pienaar successfully converted, extending the visitors lead, 17-7. As the first half progressed, Affies’ dominance remained unchallenged. Right-wing Nicolaas Grobler added to the scoreboard with another try, though the conversion was missed. The halftime whistle blew with Affies firmly in control at 22 points to 7.

The second half began much like the first, with Affies on the front foot. Grobler completed his brace, and Pienaar’s successful conversion pushed the score to 29-7, leaving Waterkloof with a mountain to climb. The home side rallied with the support of their passionate fans. Loosehead prop Juan Gouws drove over the line following a period of sustained pressure, and Bastiaanse’s conversion brought Waterkloof back to within 15 points, 29-14. Waterkloof’s fightback continued, as Bastiaanse showcased his individual brilliance, scoring a try in the corner and converting it himself. With less than ten minutes remaining, Waterkloof were now within touching distance, 29-21, and the match seemed far from over. However, Affies were not to be outdone. So often is the case for this side, they found a second wind that blew their opposition away. Super sub Tinus Maritz made an impact shortly after coming on and scored the first of two tries that put the game beyond doubt. Pienaar’s conversion made it 36-21.  A penalty try that resulted from a powerful rolling maul was the second try in quick succession by Affies that all but sealed the victory for the away team. With the scoreboard at 43 points to 21 many teams would’ve lay down and accepted defeat.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 20: Players battle it out during the Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools match between Waterkloof and Affies at Waterkloof High School on July 20, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Despite the result being settled, Waterkloof showed commendable spirit. Ruan Jacobs secured his brace, and Bastiaanse’s conversion rounded off the scoring. The final whistle confirmed Affies’ 43-28 triumph in a match that showcased skillful and exciting schoolboy rugby all round. The battle in the capital ended with Affies’ dominance reaffirmed, but Waterkloof’s performance highlighted their resilience and talent that has been prominent throughout the season, promising many thrilling encounters between the two schools in the future. Sportsmans Warehouse Man of the Match: Affies Flank, Luan Potgieter.

Scorers: For Waterkloof:

• Tries: Ruan Jacobs x2, Juan Gouws, Ronan Bastiaanse
• Cons: Ronan Bastiaanse 3/3
• For Affies:
• Tries: Eagan Roux, Luan Potgieter, Albert Smit, Nicolaas Grobler x2, Tinus Maritz, Penalty Try
• Cons: Ruben Pienaar 3/6

Teams:

Waterkloof: 1 Juan Gouws, 2 Ruan Jacobs, 3 Jedri Swart, 4 Stephan De Beer, 5 Alrich Uys, 6 Divan Botha, 7 Lendrey Janse van Vuuren, 8 Dawid Prinsloo, 9 Migael Prinsloo, 10 Dennis Obi, 11 Jaiden Badenhorst, 12 Happy Makate, 13 Riwan van Aswegen, 14 Malcolm George, 15 Ronan Bastiaanse

Affies: 1 Werner Vrey, 2 Ethan van Dyk, 3 Deon Botes, 4 Muntingh Hamman, 5 Christiaan de Wet, 6 Luan Potgieter, 7 Albert Smit, 8 Ruan Lippold, 9 Zirk Meyer, 10 Ruben Pienaar, 11 Eagan Roux, 12 Janco Purchase, 13 Hendre Schoeman, 14 Nicolaas Grobler, 15 Ruben Groenewald

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 20: Players battle it out during the Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools match between Waterkloof and Affies at Waterkloof High School on July 20, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Photo Credit: Sydney Seshibedi/ Gallo Images