While most eyes are usually on professional rugby fixtures, this week it’s the schoolboys stealing the show.
South Africa’s most talented young rugby players are set to light up Cape Town as the eagerly anticipated Under-18 international series kicks off.
Fans can expect top-tier action as both the SA U18 and SA U18 ‘A’ squads prepare to face off against tough opponents from France, England, Ireland, and Georgia.
A Derby to Remember Before the Main Event
Before the international series even got started, there was already drama on the field.
Paarl Boys’ High clinched a thrilling 35-33 victory over long-time rivals Paarl Gimnasium in front of a packed crowd at Faure Street Stadium this past Saturday.
Markus Muller, Paarl Gim’s superstar and widely considered one of the most promising schoolboy players in years, gave a standout performance. He not only scored a try but also slotted three conversions and four penalties.
Still, it wasn’t enough to edge past Boishaai’s five-try effort, capped off by the cool-headed kicking of Tristan Joubert.
Spotlight on Markus Muller and the SA U18 Squad
With the local derby in the rearview mirror, all attention now turns to the international showdown.
Markus Muller will captain the SA U18 side as they take on France U18 at Hoërskool Durbanville this Friday.
He’s expected to be joined in the midfield by Ethan Adams — the explosive Grey College centre who’s also been a standout this season.
Interestingly, both players usually thrive at outside centre (No. 13), which gives coach Lwazi Zangqa some serious decisions to make.
Muller, however, has been slotting in at inside centre (No. 12) for both Western Province and the national side — and he’ll keep the captaincy armband heading into this series.
Future Stars Already Signed to Pro Clubs
Muller’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed — he recently inked his first professional deal with the Stormers, keeping him within the Western Province fold. He won’t be alone, though.
His Paarl Gim teammate Quintin Potgieter (a dynamic loose forward) and centre partner Randall-John Davids from Rondebosch have also signed with the Stormers.
Ethan Adams, meanwhile, has opted to move north, joining the Lions in Johannesburg after shining for Free State at Craven Week.
Then there’s Kai Pratt — a formidable loosehead prop from Oakdale — who’s heading to the Sharks.
He’s one of only three players from South Western Districts to crack the SA U18 squad this year.
Some Talent Already Looking Overseas
Interestingly, not every rising star is staying put in South Africa.
Gershom Peters, a powerful flanker from Boishaai, is heading to Italy to join Benetton, even though he wasn’t selected for the SA age-group teams.
Another name drawing international attention is Josh Neill — captain of Rondebosch Boys and a standout flanker/No. 8. Neill has reportedly caught the eye of Irish giants Leinster.
Holding an Irish passport, he could be a candidate for an international switch in the future.
He’ll still suit up for South Africa in the U18 series — and might even come face to face with his potential future teammates when South Africa plays Ireland this Saturday at Boland Landbou.
Match Fixtures – What to Watch This Week
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming U18 international clashes — all taking place in the Western Cape:
Friday, 8 August at Boland Landbou
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SA U18 ‘A’ vs Ireland – 11:30
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Georgia vs England – 13:30
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SA U18 vs France – 15:30
Tuesday, 12 August at Boland Landbou
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SA U18 ‘A’ vs Georgia – 11:30
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SA U18 vs Ireland – 13:30
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England vs France – 13:30
Saturday, 16 August at Paarl Gimnasium
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France vs SA U18 ‘A’ – 11:30
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Ireland vs Georgia – 13:30
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SA U18 vs England – 15:30