SACS set to make debut at rugby day

SACS, one of the oldest schools in South Africa, are gearing themselves up for an exciting trip to the Eastern Cape when they compete in the Pam Golding Properties Graeme Rugby Day in Makhanda for the first time on Saturday.

Officially called South African College Schools, but far better known as SACS, the Cape Town outfit will take on St Andrew’s in the day’s thirdlast game and it should be a thriller between two schools with long and proud traditions in the sport.

Founded in 1829, SACS have produced numerous international stars, perhaps the most famous being Springbok fullback and 2007 World Cup winner Percy Montgomery and Proteas batsman Peter Kirsten.

The class of 2019, however, will have their sights firmly fixed on the challenge posed by the Makhanda outfit, whose emphasis on running rugby should capture the visitors’ attention from the outset.

SACS coach Nick Maurer was in no doubt about the test which awaited them.

“St Andrew’s are a highly respected rugby school, renowned for their fight, fitness and skill levels,” he said.

“We are expecting a very tough battle.”

He said touring was a big priority for SACS players and they were looking forward to making their debut in fresh surroundings.

“We have heard great things about the Graeme Rugby Day and we are excited to have been invited.

“We are also looking for- ward to enjoying the legendary Eastern Cape hospitality.”

The team will have the benefit of their headmaster’s knowledge of rugby in the region, with former Queen’s College principal Brendan Grant having coached the Grey High first team, as well as being deputy headmaster at Graeme for several years.

Maurer said they would be bringing a relatively inexperienced squad to Makhanda.

“We have some players with first-team experience from last year, but none who played more than 66% of the games,” he said.

“So we are quite an inexperienced squad, but we have many grade 12s who are keen to prove a point and also some exciting youngsters coming in from last year’s U16 division.”