Support the first team rugby 17 August. Read the AWSUM Interview with Nick Maurer first team coach.

What can the school and parents expect from your team this weekend? They can expect an extremely committed performance from a team that is eager to leave a mark in their final match of the 2024 season.

How does your team prepare in the week leading up to a big game such as this weekend against Wynberg? In the week leading up to the final game, the focus is more on mental preparation and making sure each player is in the best shape possible to perform at his absolute best. All the hard, physical work has been done, so it’s a fairly low-key week from a training point of view.

Where would you say your strength lies this year? The strength definitely lies in the collective. We have a very close-knit team that plays for each other as well as for their school and families.

Who has had the biggest influence on you as a coach in your life? Is there someone you look up to? I try and learn from as many different coaches in as many different sports as possible. Jacques Nienaber is someone I look up to from a rugby coaching point of view.

What message do you convey to your team just before they run onto the field? The hard work is done. Now it’s your opportunity to shine. Go out there, give 100% effort,and enjoy the occasion.

Rugby First XV Team:

Ethan Combrink

Sango Zangqa

Ikhona Maxegwana

Callum Hirst

Seth Bradford (c)

Pierre van Selm

Tashriq Bailey

Qawe Sawuka

Daniel Grant

Rayaan Solomons

Endi Sidinile

Michael Skeels

Nic Reynolds

Quewinn Lackay

Jack Benade

Zac Wilson

Read the special edition newspaper for the SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ derby here.