There have been some notable shifts at the top of the unofficial SA Schools First XV rankings following the recent long weekend..
Stellenberg continues to set the pace ahead of traditional powerhouses such as Paarl Gimnasium, Paul Roos, Grey College, Paarl Boys’ High and Affies.
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However, there has also been movement throughout the Top 20, making for an increasingly competitive national picture.
Here’s how the latest rankings stand:
SA SCHOOLS FIRST XV RANKINGS – TOP 20
| Rank | Team | P | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stellenberg | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 21.800 |
| 2 | Paarl Gimnasium | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 21.550 |
| 3 | Paul Roos | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 19.775 |
| 4 | Grey College | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 19.360 |
| 5 | Garsfontein | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 19.314 |
| 6 | Paarl Boys’ High | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 18.629 |
| 7 | Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 18.230 |
| 8 | Hilton College | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18.017 |
| 9 | Oakdale | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 17.413 |
| 10 | Northwood | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 17.400 |
| 11 | Maritzburg College | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 17.343 |
| 12 | Outeniqua | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 17.278 |
| 13 | Michaelhouse | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 17.271 |
| 14 | Monument | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 16.750 |
| 15 | Rondebosch | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 16.743 |
| 16 | Westville | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 16.478 |
| 17 | Durban High School | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 16.433 |
| 18 | Waterkloof | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 16.178 |
| 19 | Helpmekaar | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 15.750 |
| 20 | Jeppe | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 15.630 |
NOTE: These rankings are in no way, shape or form ‘official’ and are just one of several to be found on the internet.
STELLENBERG CONTINUE TO LEAD THE WAY
Few would have predicted Stellenberg High School leading the national rankings at this stage of the season.
However, their performances have backed up their position at the summit with seven wins from their opening eight fixtures, they sit on 21.8 points and remain the team to beat.
Hot on their heels are Paarl Gimnasium in second place on 21.55 points. The Paarl outfit are applying real pressure at the top, with an identical record of seven wins from eight matches.
Paul Roos Gymnasium (third) and Grey College (fourth) remain firmly in contention. Paul Roos also boast seven wins from eight outings, while Grey have secured seven victories from 10 matches in a slightly longer campaign.
TIGHT RACE THROUGH THE TOP 10
Just behind the leading pack, Hoërskool Garsfontein (fifth), Paarl Boys’ High (sixth), and Affies (seventh) remain within striking distance.
Hilton College, in eighth, are one of the standout sides statistically. Hilton are still unbeaten with six wins from six matches, underlining their efficiency despite playing fewer games.
Oakdale and Northwood round out the Top 10, both continuing to deliver competitive performances in a tightly contested middle bracket.
ROUNDING OFF THE TOP 20 FIRST XV’S
The remainder of the Top 20 features a strong mix of traditional rugby schools and consistent performers.
Maritzburg College, Outeniqua, Michaelhouse, Monument, Rondebosch, Westville, Durban High School, Waterkloof, Helpmekaar and Jeppe all remain in the conversation as the season progresses.
With plenty of rugby still to be played, further movement across the rankings is inevitable – and if recent rounds are anything to go by, no position is guaranteed.
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