Boland Top 12 Preview: Hawston Target Momentum as Rebounding Delicious NW Await in Clanwilliam

Hawston RFC travel to the West Coast this Saturday with momentum on their side, but they know better than to take a wounded Delicious NW lightly when the two sides clash in Round 2 of the Sanlam Boland Top 12.

Kick-off is set for 17:00 on Saturday, 24 October, at the Clanwilliam Sports Ground.

Hawston enter the fixture riding high after a clinical 36–3 opening-round victory over Abbotsdale. However, the coastal side is treating that convincing win as merely the starting block rather than a finished job. On the other side of the pitch, hosts Delicious NW will be desperate to respond in front of their faithful home crowd following a tough 54–10 defeat against Robertson Town in their tournament opener.

With both teams carrying distinct motivations, Saturday's clash promises 80 minutes of high-stakes Boland club rugby.

Hawston Demands Discipline Despite Strong Start

Hawston RFC players high-five during training ahead of their weekend match in Clanwilliam.

Image source: Hawston RFC Facebook page

Despite scoring 36 points last weekend, Hawston’s management kept a grounded view during their post-match assessment. While praising the squad's commitment, intent, and collective effort, the coaching staff flagged key areas that must be ironed out ahead of the trip to Clanwilliam.

Top of the priority list is squad discipline. A high penalty count against Abbotsdale raised concerns, alongside the need for smoother breakdown management, quicker ball delivery, and sharper communication under pressure.

"Discipline, composure, and consistency over the full 80 minutes are non-negotiable for us this weekend," the team's internal feedback emphasized, reiterating that starting spots remain strictly dependent on fitness, training performance, and matchday readiness.

Home Ground Advantage for Delicious NW

Delicious R.V.K NW team members stand together on the field in a team formation.

Image source: Delicious R.V.K NW Facebook page

For Delicious NW, Saturday represents a crucial opportunity for redemption. Playing their first home match of the Top 12 competition, the Clanwilliam outfit has called on local supporters to pack the stands and get behind the team.

Reflecting on their heavy loss to Robertson Town, Delicious NW acknowledged the work ahead, focusing their weekly preparation on fixing defensive lapses and sharpening their execution. With home pride on the line, the West Coast side will look to turn Clanwilliam into a fortress and disrupt Hawston’s rhythm early on.

Whether Hawston can maintain their composure on the road or Delicious NW can launch a successful fightback will be answered when the whistle blows at 17:00.

Team Sheet: Hawston RFC

Hawston have named a strong lineup to take on the challenge in Clanwilliam, led by skipper Branden Hunter:

Hawston RFC Starting XV:

1. Iviwe Martins

2. Branden Hunter (C)

3. Carl Swarts

4. Arno Fisher

5. Naqeeb Davids

6. Jason Martiens

7. Lyle Gillion

8. Jevan August

9. Cameron Plaatjies

10. Warwick Philander

11. Jaydin Kennedy

12. Dennian Du Toit

13. Dylan May

14. Jayden Fisher

15. Brenton-Lee Dickson