Schoolboy rugby: The unofficial 'official' Top 20 rankings
Any attempt at ranking South Africa's First XV rugby schools is guaranteed to upset as many readers as it will please.
The simple fact of the matter is that there is NO possible way of accurately determining a definitive list.
Many lists are to be found floating around the internet – none of which are in fact 'official'.
While it's true that thanks to an increase in the number of schoolboy rugby festivals around the country more schools are playing schools they previously wouldn't have faced, no school plays every other school both home and away during the season.
Hence, every list should be taken with a pinch of salt and is subjective at best.
Having said that, with the second term now finished and with provinces preparing for the upcoming U18 Craven Week, here is the unofficial 'official' First XV Top 20 rankings list.
NOTE: This year's U18 Craven Week will take place from 7 to 12 July at Middelburg Hoërskool in Mpumalanga. Ranking School Province 1 Paarl Gimnasium * Western Cape 2 Paarl Boys' High * Western Cape 3 Grey College Free State 4 Affies Gauteng 5 Paul Roos Western Cape 6 Oakdale Western Cape 7 Garsfontein Gauteng 8 Westville KwaZulu-Natal 9 DHS KwaZulu-Natal 10 Wynberg Western Cape 11 Rondebosch Western Cape 12 Helpmekaar Gauteng 13 Northwood KwaZulu-Natal 14 Noordheuwel Gauteng 15 Outeniqua Western Cape 16 Hilton College KwaZulu-Natal 17 Grey High School Eastern Cape 18 Jeppe Gauteng 19 Stellenberg Western Cape 20 KES Gauteng
*It's a pointless exercise debating whether Paarl Gimnasium should be No 1 or whether in fact Paarl Boys' High boast a stronger case for top spot.
Both sides have had stellar first-halves to the season, they haven't played the same opponents, and, most crucial of all, they haven't faced one another.
So, instead of wasting time debating the merits of who may be better, get out your calendar and circle Saturday, 2 August in your diary.
Because that's when the two sides will come face-to-face to determine South Africa's No 1-ranked First XV school.
And that's official …
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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