Roses United and Saldanha set for Epic Boland Top-12 Showdown

The Boland Top-12 final is upon us, with Roses United facing off against Saldanha to determine who will take home the title of "Boland's best" in 2025. 

At the beginning of the season, few rugby pundits and supporters would have predicted this final matchup, but here we are. Saldanha entered the Top-12 with a squad full of inexperienced players, which showed in their early struggles to gel during the first few matches. However, they proved why they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Roses United also faced challenges at the start of the campaign but recovered impressively, winning four out of their five group matches and delivering a spirited performance against the defending champions, Robertson Town RFC, to advance to the final.

History favors Roses United, as they have won the competition six times, while Saldanha's most recent championship came in 2022. "I am very glad that after seven years we are in a final again. It is very emotional for us, and we are hungry to taste success once more," says Roses United Head Coach Brendan April.

The two teams met in 2023, with Saldanha emerging as 28-25 winners. 

Notable standout performances from both teams throughout the Top-12 include Roses United’s emphatic 54-28 victory over Vanrhynsdorp RFC and Saldanha’s comfortable 54-36 win over Hillcrest United RFC. 

Both teams have key players who have contributed to their success thus far. They also possess unique play styles that can give their opponents nightmares on their best days. Roses United tends to play through their forwards, excelling in driving mauls, boasting an excellent lineout success rate, and likely having the most well-organized and powerful scrum in the competition.

Saldanha takes a slightly different approach to controlling games. Quick clean-out balls leading to dangerous set plays involving their backs throughout the season showcase their flair and athleticism. "I want us to go out there and create memories because the game is over in the blink of an eye. We need to give everything we have. We have a plan in place, and we must stick to our strategy," noted Saldanha Forward Coach Divan Joshua.

With all this in mind regarding the top two rugby clubs in Boland, it is essential to highlight the two fullbacks, as they will play a significant role in the final.

Firstly, there’s Craig van Rensburg, the standout player of Saldanha. The young fullback was flawless with his kicking last weekend and scored a stunning try, demonstrating his individual brilliance. Reflecting on the final, van Rensburg said, “It’s going to be a huge match, especially since we’ve faced them (Roses) on the big stage before. The vibes in the camp are positive, and we will give everything to lift the cup.” Additionally, van Rensburg ranks 5th on the leaderboard for most conversions, with 12 successful kicks in this year’s Boland Top-12 competition.

Roses United also has a formidable player in Xavier-Lee Solomons. The dynamic 23-year-old delivered an impressive performance against Robertson Town, showcasing his remarkable abilities.

Xavier-Lee Solomons can be the difference maker for his team in Saturday’s Boland top 12 final against Saldanha RFC.

Solomons scored a try and converted two late long-range penalties, securing the win for his team. 

We also heard from players on both teams before what is arguably the biggest match of their Boland rugby careers. 

Roses United captain El-Shaun Davids is fired up for the final and has rallied his teammates. “Preparation has been good after last weekend. We are excited to be in our first Boland Top-12 final since 2018.”

Saldanha captain Sampie Greyling expressed his enthusiasm for the final, indicating that his team is calculated and ready to take up this challenge. “First and foremost, it is an honor to play in the biggest club rugby competition in South Africa. Reaching the final has made our achievement even more significant. All of our hard work and sacrifices have led to this final match. We want to make the people of Saldanha proud, as well as all our West Coast residents. That being said, it’s going to be tough because Roses are a great team, backed by the entire Wellington community. We also know the atmosphere will be at an all-time high, but we, as Saldanha RFC, are made for occasions like these.”

The chairperson of Roses United, Mr. Herman Bailey, commented on the match as well. 

“There is a great relationship between the two teams, not only on the field but off it as well. We admire what they have achieved in club rugby, and we know Saturday's match will be a tough contest. That being said, we are prepared for anything they might throw at us. Our team and supporters are all excited about the final.”

Mr. Bailey also noted that although his team won a pre-season friendly, that result does not necessarily predict the outcome of Saturday's game.

Saldanha RFC’s Craig van Rensburg will hope to make a huge impact on Saturday’s Boland top 12 final, when his team meets Roses United RFC at Boland Stadium.

Saldanha has two players nominated for the Boland Top 12 tournament. Monray Jacobs is nominated for Player of the Tournament, while Weslie Adams is in the running for Forward Player of the Season.

Another exciting Boland Top 12 final is approaching, with both sets of supporters rallying behind their respective teams. Both Roses United RFC and Saldanha RFC are deserving contenders, but only one team can emerge victorious on Saturday.

The match will take place at Boland Stadium in Wellington. Ticket prices are R60 for adults and R10 for children.

Source: Saldanha RFC Facebook Page.