Support the first team rugby 3August. Read the AWSUM Interview with Allan Miles first team coach.

What can the school and parents expect from your team this weekend? Our two schools first faced each other in 1926, and like all traditional derbies, this match will be filled with passion and determination. The last time Selborne won in Gqeberha was in 2015, with a score of 22-18. This weekend’s game will mark the 53rd meeting between the two schools. We are determined to achieve the key performance indicators (KPIs) we have set for the match. While we won’t reveal too
much, our focus will be on gainline success, tackle completion, dominant tackles, and RTP statistics.

How does your team prepare in the week leading up to a big game such as this weekend against (opponent)? (physically and mentally) We are nearing the end of a physically demanding season, and we will maintain our weekly routine as much as possible. At this stage, less is often more. Our goal is to ensure the boys are in the best
possible mental and physical shape for the match.

Where would you say your strength lies this year? I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest young men I’ve ever met. They have learned to unite as brothers, play for each other, and fi ght for every inch on the field. Their character shines through in our defense and off-the-ball efforts.

Who has had the biggest influence on you as a coach in your life? Is there someone you look up to?  Over the past 25 years of my coaching journey, I have had the privilege of working alongside many wonderful coaches. In no particular order, these include Tim Fraser, Balie Swart, Gerry Posthumus, Jarryd Buys, Beän van Eeden, Brent Janse Van Rensburg, Marius Hurter, Phiwe Nomlomo, Chase Morison, Russell Winter, Adam Robertson, Byron Schmidt, Roy Godfrey, Harley Searle, Hans Coetzee, and Jake White. Each of them has positively influenced my perspective on the game. The truth is, you can never stop learning.

Rugby First XV Team

Robert John-Osunkwo

Luke McGregor

Luke Stegmann

Thabo Sonamzi

Gcina Puzi (c)

Andrew de Schmidt

Adam Schwedhelm

Joshua Cloete

Page Fennell (v/c)

Chad de Beyer

Anjolaoluwa Sogbanmu

Siyamthanda Sakhela

Cole Schonknecht

Daniel Breetzke

Oliver Schmidt

Read the special edition newspaper for the Grey High School vs Selborne College derby here.