The Springboks won’t be in action for another couple of weeks, but if anyone needs any reminding of how much talent and passion run through all levels of the game, they would do well to observe how Paarl will become the centre of attention for the iconic Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys’ High schoolboy derby on Saturday.
This remains a major attraction on the rugby calendar every year, and kick off has been confirmed for 16:00.
For those who can’t be there in person, the match will be screened live on SuperSport channel 216.
This year’s match will be played in front of a packed stadium, with about 20,000 fans expected, and Paarl Gimnasium director of rugby Pieter Rossouw has likened preparations for Saturday’s interschools clash against Paarl Boys’ to that of a World Cup.
“For many of the boys, this is the biggest game of their rugby career. It’s something they’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” Rossouw said at a pre-match press conference.
“I think you can compare it to the journey of a World Cup tournament, where guys prepare for four years to play in that final. Similarly, boys come into school in Grade 8 and dream of playing for the 1st XV in that particular [interschools] game.”
All eyes on Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High
Meanwhile, Paarl Boys’ coach Sean Erasmus believes Saturday’s showdown will shine a light on the incredible pool of talent at schoolboy level.
“Among the 30 boys who will play, I believe there could very well be three or four future Springboks,” he said.
Erasmus added that Boishaai had learned from last year’s disappointing 30-8 defeat to Gimmies.
“We conceded 30 points in the interschools last year and afterwards we talked to each other about how it was an important lesson and what we could take from it.
“It’s nice to see how the boys who are now in matric have grown as people.”
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