Stage Set for Monumental Semi-Final: Robertson Town RFC vs Roses United RFC

Robertson Town RFC will undoubtedly be the favorites going into their Boland Top-12 semi-final clash against Roses United RFC.

Robertson Town and Roses United will face off in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2025 Boland Top-12 Competition this Saturday in Wellington.

Robertson Town enters the semi-finals as the only unbeaten team in this year’s Boland Top-12 competition. As both the defending champions and an undefeated side, they will undoubtedly be the team to beat, with the other semi-finalists eager to take their title.

Roses United are also in excellent form, having lost only one out of five games. They recently defeated Wesbank RFC convincingly, with a score of 41-27, and are looking to secure their spot in this year's Boland Top-12 final.

Roses United captain Elshaun Davids is a player who can turn the game in his side’s favor at any given moment.

Source: Roses United RFC Facebook Page.

The focus will remain on both teams' strengths and weaknesses to ensure that game plans are executed effectively. Robertson Town poses a significant threat when they have the ball, skillfully integrating forwards and backline players into their attacking plays. One key aspect to highlight is their intensity; their pressure right from the kickoff has been instrumental this season, leading to turnover balls, solid rucks, and quick hands that set up tries.

Roses United should not be underestimated either. They excel at driving mauls and are always prepared at scrum time. Additionally, they showcase flair with their outside backs, running set plays that can disrupt any defense on match day.

Roses United RFC fullback Xavier-Lee Solomons also gave his commentary ahead of the big fixture. “I think the main thing is to play rugby that can give us an advantage, we must believe in the systems and to express ourselves correctly.”

Xavier-Lee Solomons in action for Roses United RFC.

Source: Xavier Lee Solomons, Instagram.

Key figures like Elshaun Davids, the captain of Roses, will play a crucial role for his team. The veteran hooker has exceptional leadership skills, powerful ball-carrying ability, and outstanding decision-making skills that are vital during critical moments of a game.

On the other hand, Robertson RFC boasts several star players, but one has recently emerged as particularly notable: flanker Freginald Africa. Last weekend, Africa scored two tries against Saldanha RFC, another semi-finalist team, and will be brimming with confidence ahead of Saturday’s match against Roses United. 

Africa is a formidable presence on the field, known for shaking off defenders, organizing his forwards effectively, and creating turnover opportunities.

Africa also had words before the game. “It is going to be a big game, one of the biggest of the year. I think everyone wanted to see Robertson Town and Roses United RFC play against each other. So we expect it to be a hard one.”

Freginald Africa carrying the ball vs Saldanha RFC last weekend.

Source: Robertson Town RFC Facebook Page.

The upcoming match-up possesses every quality needed to become a memorable classic, one that will be prominently featured in the history of Boland's top 12 competitions for years to come. With its intense competition, skilled players, and high stakes, this event promises to captivate fans and generate discussions long after the final whistle. The anticipation surrounding the match is palpable, as it could very well define the legacies of the teams involved and leave a lasting mark on the sport in the region.

Ticket prices are as follows: 

Adults: R60

Children 12 and younger: R10. 

There will be limited seats available for pensioners, with those who provide their identification details as early as possible securing the seats.

Possible Robertson Town RFC team to face Roses United at Boland Stadium on Saturday:

15. Jaundre Joseph, 14. Leighton Swarts, 13. Jennewil April, 12. Michaine Fick, 11. Navan Padiachy, 10. Colin Willemse, 9. Isaiah Davids, 8. Dihan van der Walt, 7. Jayden Siljeur, 6. Freginald Africa, 5. Curtly, 4. Jumainuine Arendse, 3. Eugene Arendorff, 2. Regarht Valla, 1. Jasherie Karriem

Substitutions:

16. Johrin Booysen, 17. Shakeel America, 18. Oliver Regue, 19. Hughgan Meyers, 20. Marco Jones, 21. Brendon Erasmus, 22. Adriano Conradie, 23. Lindsay Eksteen

Possible Roses United RFC team to face Robertson Town RFC at Boland Stadium on Saturday:

15. Xavier-Lee Solomons, 14. Burton Booysen, 13. Jo Nathan August, 12. Marc Andries, 11. Noor Marinus, 10. Garth April, 9. Lyle Lategan, 8. Denvor Cloete, 7. Jason Fortuin, 6. Corneil Solomons, 5. Oswin Mentoor, 4. Caswell Johnson, 3. Chandtler Davids, 2. Elshaun Davids, 1. Lance Korabie

Substitutions: 

16. Mian van Rooyen, 17. Byran Mathews, 18. Luyolo Nolamafa, 19. Lee Hano Appollis, 20. Angus Appollis, 21. Percival Willemse, 22. Jo Velian de Koker, 23. Keagan September