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Walvis Bay awaits 2022 champs Gymnasium

The 2023 first rugby team of Schoemans Windhoek Gymnasium looks well placed for a strong defence of the Standard Bank NSSR Under 19 Super League title they narrowly won with a last-second penalty in the final last year.

The Windhoek Gymnasium Lions opens their campaign tomorrow with a trip to the coast to play against PSG Walvis Bay Private School – an opponent which on paper could shape up to present a real challenge (kick-off at 12:00).

The visitors in red and black had to replace the captain of last year’s champion team, following the unfortunate ankle fracture suffered by the lanky number 8 Janneman Brand junior during the Khomas U18 regional trials – an injury that is likely to rule him out for most, if not all, of the current season.

The new captain, centre Stefan Gildenhuys, is one of seven Gymnasium players included in the recently selected Namibian team to the Under 18 team to the SA Academy Week during July.

Centre Waldre Kotze will not be taking on Walvis Bay due to a knock to the knee, but loose forwards Zack von Wielligh and Ruan Agenbach, hooker Hendré Schrader, props Herman Gouws and Daniel du Toit are in their match-23, along with prop Otja Auala as another influential member of last year’s team.

Three weekends ago, the Lions won their Interhigh match against Samsung Windhoek High School 15-6 at Vegkop Stadium, although in the process they lost lock Zander de Bruyn with a broken arm.

Earlier, Windhoek Gymnasium also undertook a tour to Cape Town, winning all three matches against the second teams of Paul Roos Gymnasium, Rondebosch and Wynberg.

Gymnasium coach Janneman Brand says: “We learnt a lot on the tour and it was great measuring ourselves against some of the big rugby schools in South Africa. The trip also had value in developing the group to move in the same direction.”

Brand says the Standard Bank schools leagues present opportunities for rugby players the absorb the big occasions and to make use of their opportunities.

“I am excited on behalf of every boy getting a playing opportunity. We will take each match as it comes and will not be looking too far ahead.”

Gymnasium principal Abrie Myburgh, who is also on the coaching team along with Mauritz Thirion and Jannie de Beer, says: “Every season is a new experience and the first away match against Walvis Bay will give us an indication of where we are at.

“It is worth pointing out that the schools rugby season contains ten different leagues, in which 33 schools are involved, with about 1 587 players that will be exposed to competition – which would not be possible without Standard Bank’s sponsorship.”

The Walvis Bay Naartjies team captain is fly-half Michael Koopman, who resumes his partnership with number nine J.D. Rossouw. Both of them, as well as full-back Antua Klein and wing Xavier Mouton are the school’s representatives in the U18 Academy Week selection, while prop Phillip du Plessis and wing Miquel Carballo were named among the non-travelling reserves.

Walvis Bay head coach Henry Kemp says he has great confidence in the ability of the backline talent to his disposal, although it will be a challenge taking on the heavy Gymnasium pack.

“We don’t have the same depth as last year and we know it will be tough, but our boys have been working hard to raise their level.”

Kemp is joined by Herman Grobler, Morné Rust, Willie van Zyl, Peet boonzaaier and Jaunne-Louis Grobler (S&C) in his coaching team.

• Due to Napso sevens trials this weekend, the opening round’s other Standard Bank U19 Super League matches have been rescheduled.