Flying Fullbacks set to fire up Stellenbosch - Paul Roos vs SACS Preview

Stars of the future lock horns this Saturday, as tricksters face off in what promises to be an exhilarating encounter between Paul Roos and SACS

The arena set to house the pairing on Saturday. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/PaulRoosGymnasium

‘Twinkel Toes’ vs ‘Happy Feet’. Stoffels vs Lackay. Paul Roos vs SACS. What has become a traditional winter derby between the two schools over the years, with multiple sporting codes on offer during the week and subsequent weekend, the main event is once again starting to draw attention. Without a doubt, massively due to the sparkling stars of Quewinn Lackay and Keenan Stoffels. Both fullbacks for their respective teams, and both with a host of highlight reels to boast for, even before the midpoint of the season. Stellenbosch is set to stage this awesome fixture this Saturday. 

Beginning in the Boland region, where the magnificent Markotter has found a new hero gracing its arena. This time, in the form of Keenan Stoffels. Dazzling the masses as he dances his way around foes, Stoffels and the rest of the maroon machine are the heavy favourites going into the fixture. After a historic year in 2024 with Roos, Stoffels helped 

craft an unbeaten campaign. Setting the scene ablaze for the 2025 season. Despite these hopes, the campaign has been a rocky one for Roos standards. For any other side it would be one of their better years, but for Stoffels and the side, it’s been a tricky first term of action. Losses have been sustained to massive rivals Paarl Gim and Paarl Boys’ more recently, and these have dampened the mood slightly in Stellenbosch. Speaking to Stoffels about the most recent loss vs Boishaai and the upcoming week, the star had this to say: “Yeah it was a hard one but [we] just need to stay together and make the small stuff right this coming week.” Although a tricky last month or so, Stoffels emphasis on staying together as a team has already been seen after a classic comeback weeks prior against Boland Lanbou. I’m sure we’ll see his side redeem their high standards this coming week and put what coggs were slightly amiss against Boishaai, turning once more.This time as they play hosts to SACS, and no doubt it’ll be in part, orchestrated by their superstar Stoffels. 

Around a hundred and thirty kilometers away from the maroon machine, lies their challengers. The blue and white of the S.A.C. begin their countdown for the match-up, with hopes heavily resting upon the fantastic feet of Quewinn Lackay. It seems without fail, Lackay notches a highlight every game. Adding a spark every time he sets foot to a

rugby field. Coming off of a disappointing 20-17 loss at home to Durbanville, Lackay and the team will want to get back to normality on Saturday. In actual fact, prior to Durbanville, College had suffered disappointing derby results in addition to an inconsistent term two so far. Something Lackay wasn’t scared to point out, while also assuring the SACS support things would change: “The season is going average so far, we haven't won a home game yet, but we will definitely pull one through further in the season.” A poor performance at home vs Bosch and a devastating draw at the death to Bishops prior, means Lackay and SACS are no doubt more fired up than ever to put things right. Quewinn was also quick to give props to this spirit amongst his cohort: “My team has good brotherhood. We understand each other”. He also pointed out the SACS spirit that usually pops out against the giants of the game. “Always against Paarl schools SACS 1st team gives them a tough run. As a team going into the week we will prepare well for Paul Roos and hopefully we'll get the result we want.” Despite yet to notch a derby dub, the SACS side is by no means a write off for Saturday’s action. “There's a lot of talent in our team. If we use it right, we will get good results at the end”, Lackay ended. Enforcing a strong message of brotherhood and hope as both schools start to look towards the weekend. 

So, will it be Stoffels or Lackay who will rise to roar on the big stage? One thing is for sure, both defenses will dread the fast and dazzling feet of both speedsters as things get underway on the Markotter field. Be sure to catch the game, and all the other action across our country this coming Saturday on Superpost School channels.