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  • WP U18s down hosts while Border CD and Bulls U16s share spoils at FNB Girls Weeks

    WP U18s down hosts while Border CD and Bulls U16s share spoils at FNB Girls Weeks

    Photo: SA Rugby

    Western Province edged the Golden Lions in the final match of the FNB U18 Girls Week while Border Country Districts snatched a late draw against the Blue Bulls in the last round of the FNB U16 Girls Week at Queens High School in Johannesburg on Friday.

    WP and the Bulls claimed wins on Friday to finish the U18 Girls Week unbeaten, while Eastern Province, the Limpopo Blue Bulls, South Western Districts, the Pumas, Border and KwaZulu-Natal secured third-round victories to end their campaigns on a high.

    WP got off to a slow start in the final match against the Lions, but cracked into gear after half-time. The girls from the Cape scored five unanswered tries and 31 points in the second stanza, with flyhalf Nuha Levy contributing a try as well as three conversions.

    Earlier in the day, No 8 Amanda Seokotsa scored a hat-trick in the Limpopo Blue Bulls’ 31-15 win over the Griffons, while loosehead prop Jessica Ejeleonu touched down three times for the Valke in the East Rand outfit’s 27-25 loss to the Pumas.

    In the final round of the U16 Girls Week, the Lions beat WP 17-7 to finish their campaign with three consecutive wins.

    Border Country Districts drew 12-12 with the Bulls in the last game of the tournament, with the Eastern Cape side ending their campaign unbeaten.

    The girls from Border CD led 7-0 at the break, before the Bulls hit back with two tries after half-time. Just as the game was slipping away, loosehead prop Endinako Fetumane crossed the line for Border, ensuring that her side came away with a draw.

    FNB U18 Girls Week day three results (Friday, 4 July 2025):

    EP 12 (5) Zimbabwe 0 (0)
    Griffons 15 (0) Limpopo Blue Bulls 31 (12)
    Leopards 12 (12) SWD 22 (0)
    Valke 25 (15) Pumas 27 (0)
    Griquas 0 (0) Border 41 (12)
    Blue Bulls 19 (12) Boland 12 (0)
    Free State 0 (0) KwaZulu-Natal 38 (17)
    WP 31 (0) Golden Lions 5 (5)

     FNB U16 Girls Week day three results (Friday, 4 July 2025):

    Free State 0 (0) Zimbabwe 5 (0)
    Griquas 0 (0) Griffons 17 (5)
    Border 17 (12) Pumas 7 (0)
    SWD 20 (10) Limpopo Blue Bulls 27 (0)Valke 0 (0)
    Golden Lions Invitational XV 20 (10)
    Leopards 0 (0) KwaZulu-Natal 38 (24)
    Golden Lions 17 (12) WP 7 (0)
    Boland 7 (0) EP 13 (13)
    Border Country Districts 12 (7) Blue Bulls 12 (0)

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Junior Bok and England classic on cards in Rovigo

    Junior Bok and England classic on cards in Rovigo

    (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

    The clash between the Junior Springboks and England promises to deliver another epic battle between the two rugby rivals when they meet in a crucial Pool A match at the World Rugby U20 Rugby Championship in Rovigo on Friday. The match will kick off at 18h00.

    The Junior Boks come into the clash on the back of a resounding 73-17 victory over Australia in Calvisano last Sunday, while England defeated Scotland 56-19 in their opening-round meeting on the same day in Verona.

    England downed the SA U20’s 17-12 in a hard-fought battle in the pool stage on their way to lifting the world title last year in Cape Town.

    South Africa’s impressive win over the Aussies was the result of a perfect blend of forward power and potent back play, with wing Siya Ndlozi and scrumhalf Haashim Pead each scoring a brace of tries as the Junior Boks bagged 11 tries overall against a quality Australian side.

    Immediately afterwards, a satisfied captain Riley Norton spoke mainly of things the Junior Springboks could have done better and what aspects of their game they will need to improve to beat reigning champions England in their next match.

    It was a common thread of the Junior Bok message this week in the build-up to their clash with the defending champions.

    Attack coach Melusi Mthethwa said during the team announcement media conference on Wednesday, they have focused heavily on the things the Junior Boks want to improve.

    “England are not world champions for nothing; they have earned that right, and we will be facing a formidable team,” said Mthethwa.

    “We have a huge amount of respect for them and are excited about facing them.

    “There are always things to improve on, such as our execution and the things we want to achieve from certain plays. The players continue to work and grow together in units and as a team.”

    Pead is a vice-captain of the team and one of several leaders in the Junior Bok side, with the bonus of playing in last year’s championship in South Africa.

    “We have done our homework and prepared well for them. We respect England and they we do expect them to play an exciting brand of rugby, as well being solid with their kicking game,” said Pead, adding that the Junior Boks will not deviate from their approach.

    “We are just going to stick to our DNA, which is our physicality, set-piece and kicking game. Myself and (flyhalf) Vusi Moyo have been training well for the past few months – I actually feel our connection is good and the way we connect with the rest of our teammates have been excellent so far.”

    However, the livewire scrumhalf was quick to praise the effort of the hard-working South African forward pack: “Against Australia, the forwards provided us with an excellent platform, which we are grateful for, because at the end of the day rugby is a team sport and you can’t do anything without other people helping you.

    “A massive challenge and opportunity for us as a team against England, and we are excited to be involved in such a game,” said Pead.

    The match will be televised from 18h00 on SuperSport Rugby.

    Stats and facts provided by Opta:

     

    • South Africa (908) and England (579) gained more metres from their carries than any other sides in the opening round of this year’s World Rugby U20 Championship and were also the only two teams to make over 10 line breaks (South Africa –13, England – 11).
    • England retained possession from 41% of their kicks in play against Scotland in Round 1 (7/17), the highest rate of any team last Sunday.
    • South Africa made the most dominant tackles of any team in the opening round, while England made the joint-fewest (4, also Wales, Australia and Spain); however, England maintained the second-best tackle success rate of any nation (87.9%), behind France (89.7%).
    • England were one of two teams, alongside South Africa (Ndlozi and Pead), to see two of their players score a brace of tries in the opening round of this year’s Championship in the form of Jack Bracken and Kane James –Bracken also ranked first for line breaks (10) and turnover-winning tackles (5) in the 2025 U20 Six Nations.

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Minor tweaks to Junior Bok side for England in Rovigo

    Minor tweaks to Junior Bok side for England in Rovigo

    STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 19: Junior Boks Head Coach, Kevin Foote during the South African national U20 men’s team training session at SARU Fields in Stellenbosch on June 19, 2025 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

    The Junior Springbok starting fifteen to face England in their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match in Rovigo on Friday shows just one change from the side that defeated Australia last Sunday in Italy, with Gino Cupido replacing Demitre Erasmus, who is suffering from illness, at centre.

    SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote has also made two tactical tweaks on the bench, with Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Dominic Malgas (utility) now amongst the replacements, in place of Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe.

    The rest of the players who gave such a commanding performance in Calvisano are retained for what promises to be another classic battle between the U20 teams of South Africa and England, who won the tournament last year after beating France in the final in Cape Town.

    With lock Riley Norton again leading the side, Foote said there is a lot of excitement building for Friday’s important clash.

    “There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday and the magnitude of this match,” said Foote.

    “We know how important this is, playing against the defending champions. It’s an honour to be involved in such a game and a real challenge for us this week. We can’t wait for it.

    “With Demitre suffering from a bit of heat stroke, we brought in Gino at outside centre, while Ceano and Dominic cover scrumhalf, centre and flyhalf on the bench.

    “Demitre, Erich and Ian all played well against Australia, but we are going with a combination that we feel is well suited for us against England.”

    In the aftermath of the Junior Boks’ resounding win over the young Wallabies, the South Africans emphasised the need to keep their feet firmly on the ground, especially with a huge challenge such as England looming next.

    “We are very proud of the guys in terms of how focused and humble they’re staying after the victory over Australia, and just how hungry they are for the next challenge against England,” said Foote.

    The Friday evening pool match, which kicks off at 18h00, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.

    Junior Springbok team to face England in Rovigo:

    15 Gilermo Mentoe
    14 Cheswill Jooste
    13 Gino Cupido
    12 Albie Bester
    11 Siyabonga Ndlozi
    10 Vusi Moyo
    9 Haashim Pead
    8 Wandile Mlaba
    7 Bathobele Hlekani
    6 Xola Nyali
    5 JJ Theron
    4 Riley Norton (captain
    3 Herman Lubbe
    2 Siphosethu Mnebelele
    1 Simphiwe Ngobese

    Replacements:

    16 Jaundré Schoeman
    17 Oliver Reid
    18 Jean Erasmus
    19 Jaco Grobbelaar
    20 Matt Romao
    21 Ceano Everson
    22 Dominic Malgas
    23 Jaco Williams

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • WP march on, Bulls and Sharks share spoils at FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week

    WP march on, Bulls and Sharks share spoils at FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 02: Luhan Hattingh of Blue Bulls is challenge by Lisa Sijadu of The Sharks High School during the match between The Sharks High School and Blue Bulls on day 2 of the SA Rugby U16 FNB Grant Khomo Week at St Albans College on July 02, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

    Western Province extended their winning run while the Blue Bulls and Sharks battled to a thrilling draw in the second round of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week in Pretoria on Wednesday.

    The second day of the tournament delivered its fair share of drama, with the Limpopo Bulls, Golden Lions, Namibia, Griffons, Leopards, WP XV, Griquas, Eastern Province and WP claiming victories at St Alban’s College.

    The Griffons, Griquas and both WP teams extended their winning runs, while the hosts and the Sharks drew 29-29.

    The WP XV fired late against Free State to secure an emphatic 37-18 win, with fullback Dante Davids scoring two tries and flyhalf Divan Meyer – the tournament’s leading point-scorer (32) – kicking four conversions and three penalty goals.

    The clash between the Bulls and Sharks lived up to the hype, with Sharks wing Lisa Sijadu scoring two late tries to ensure that his side came away with a draw. If not for a couple of missed conversions, the KwaZulu-Natalians would have recorded their second win of the tournament.

    After scoring 55 points against Free State in their opening fixture, WP were made to fight for a 29-21 win over SWD on day two.

    Meanwhile, the Lions bounced back from a first-round loss to claim an impressive 43-0 win over Boland, with flyhalf Ndzalama Mbhalati kicking four conversions to extend his tournament tally to 23 points.

    The Griffons recorded their second win when they beat Border 38-17, while Griquas rallied to beat Zimbabwe 40-25.

    The final round of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week will be staged at St Alban’s College in Pretoria on Friday, 4 July.

     FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week day two results (Wednesday 2 July):
    Limpopo Blue Bulls 60 (36) Border Country Districts 0 (0)
    Golden Lions 43 (17) Boland 0 (0)
    Namibia 43 (29) Iqhawe XV 26 (7)
    Border 17 (5) Griffons 38 (30)
    Leopards 39 (25) Valke 15 (15)
    WP XV 37 (10) Free State 18 (15)
    Zimbabwe 25 (15) Griquas 40 (14)
    Sharks 29 (12) Blue Bulls 29 (15)
    Pumas 15 (10) EP 27 (24)
    WP 29 (14) SWD 21 (7)

     Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Northern and Cape teams continue to impress at FNB Girls Weeks

    Northern and Cape teams continue to impress at FNB Girls Weeks

    The Blue Bulls and Western Province were among the big winners in the second round of the FNB U18 Girls Week in Johannesburg, while the Golden Lions made another statement in the FNB U16 Girls Week.

     The Lions, Boland, Bulls and WP remain unbeaten after two rounds of the U18 tournament, while Griquas, Free State and the Valke have opened their respective accounts after securing important wins on day two.

    Griquas rebounded from a 52-0 loss to Zimbabwe to beat the Limpopo Blue Bulls 17-7, while Free State showed similar determination, after they fought back from a 12-point deficit to down the Leopards 20-12.

    Fresh off a 79-7 win against the Valke, WP turned in another emphatic performance against Zimbabwe, with No 12 Endinalo Fihla scoring four tries in the 36-5 victory.

    Meanwhile, Border Country Districts, the Pumas, Border, the Lions and WP extended their winning runs in the U16 tournament.

    The Leopards bounced back from their 88-0 loss to WP in the opening round to beat the Valke 15-0, while outside centre Sarrendar Chauke scored four tries in the Limpopo Blue Bulls’ 22-0 win against Griquas.

    After putting 62 points past the Valke on day one, the Lions turned in another dominant display in their 57-0 hammering of SWD. Fullback Khanya Makhudu scored a hat-trick while flyhalf Alice Ncube kicked six conversions.

    The third and final round of both tournaments will be staged at Queens High School in Johannesburg on Friday, 4 July.

    FNB U18 Girls Week day two results (Wednesday 2 July):

    Griquas 17 (0) Limpopo Blue Bulls 7 (7)
    Pumas 5 (5) Boland 20 (5)
    SWD 5 (5) Blue Bulls 27 (22)
    EP 5 (0) Golden Lions 12 (12)
    Leopards 12 (12) Free State 20 (0)
    WP 36 (17) Zimbabwe 5 (0)
    Valke 22 (7) Griffons 12 (0)
    Border 6 (0) Sharks 0 (0)

     FNB U16 Girls Week day two results (Wednesday 2 July):

    Border Country Districts 17 (12) Zimbabwe 14 (14)
    Leopards 15 (10) Valke 0 (0)
    KwaZulu-Natal 12 (0) Pumas 15 (10)
    Boland 5 (0) Border 22 (17)
    Griffons 0 (0) Blue Bulls 22 (0)
    Limpopo Blue Bulls 22 (15) Griquas 0 (0)
    Golden Lions 57 (43) SWD 0 (0)
    WP 14 (14) EP 7 (0)

     

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Junior Boks will keep feet firmly on the ground

    Junior Boks will keep feet firmly on the ground

    CALVISANO, ITALY – JUNE 29: Cooper Watters of Australia scores a try during the U20 World Championship match between Australia and South Africa at Stadio San Michele on June 29, 2025 in Calvisano, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

    The Junior Springboks will savour their opening round victory over Australia World Rugby u20 Championship, but the team will keep their feet firmly on the ground and prepare for the next big challenge, their second pool match against England on Friday.

    SA u20 coach Kevin Foote was a happy man after his team scored 11 tries to beat the Australians by 73-17 in their Pool A opener in Calvisano on Sunday.

    Foote praised the team’s conditioning as they outplayed Australia for large parts of the game, which was staged in extremely hot and humid conditions:

    “The conditions were tough, but we managed our nutrition and hydration well,” said Foote.

    “Our preparation was key, both physically and mentally, and I think our conditioning was outstanding, and for that the team’s conditioning staff deserve praise for their hard work.”

    Foote was also full of praise for the way in which the SA u20s managed to execute their game plan successfully against the tactically astute Australians.

    “We executed our plans perfectly and adapted well under pressure,” he said.

    “We balanced our kicking and running game well, and our leadership on the field was calm and composed. The boys made mature decisions under pressure, which was crucial.”

    The Junior Bok coach also highlighted the seamless integration of new players, with Jaco Grobbelaar and Jaco Williams both joining the team just before they left for Italy.

    SA U20 captain Riley Norton, who had a good game at lock, was also pleased with their effort.

    “It was a great win against a quality Australian side, but we can improve on certain areas,” said Norton, adding that there will be no room for complacency, especially with the defending champions their next opponent.

    “It is just one game under our belts, and we want to learn and continuously improve as the tournament progresses,” Norton stressed.

    “I’m glad for the win and very excited for the forthcoming challenges, which will require thorough preparation and review.”

    England opened their campaign by beating Scotland 56-19. Friday’s game between the Junior Boks and the English is scheduled to start at 18h00 in Rovigo.

  • Bulls and coastal teams draw first blood in Pretoria

    Bulls and coastal teams draw first blood in Pretoria

    PHOTO: Marius nortjé

    The Bulls, Sharks and both Western Province teams claimed valuable wins on day one of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week staged at St Alban’s College in Pretoria on Monday.

    The opening day of the U16 tournament witnessed a number of tight contests, with Border, the Valke, South Western Districts, Griffons and Griquas among the teams that went on to secure victories.

    The Bulls began their home campaign with a clinical performance, scoring four tries in a 32-13 win over Boland. Outside centre Dandre Brink crossed the line twice for the hosts.

    The battle between the Sharks and Golden Lions yielded 79 points and 11 tries, with the KwaZulu-Natalians going on to secure a 44-35 victory. Fullback Rosco Williams scored a hat-trick for the Sharks, while inside centre Blessing Manoreng did the same for the Lions.

    A far tighter contest between the Western Province XV and the Pumas was decided by inside centre Divan Meyer, who kicked three conversions and three penalty goals to steer the WP XV to a 30-27 win.

    Zimbabwe put on a show in the first fixture of the day, scoring 11 tries in a resounding 71-3 win over Border Country Districts. Inside centre Denzel Nyambo scored a hat-trick for the Zimbabweans, while scrumhalf Gray van der Merwe slotted eight conversions.

    The Valke fought back from a first-half deficit to beat the Limpopo Blue Bulls 24-15, while the Griffons also managed to edge Namibia 32-24, after trailing by two at the break.

    In the final two matches of the day, Western Province claimed an emphatic 55-22 win over Free State – with Luca Orgill (centre) scoring a brace for the men in blue and white hoops – while Griquas cracked on to beat the Iqhawe XV 50-14, after the scores were level at the half-time.

     

    FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week day one results (Monday 30 June):

    Zimbabwe 71 (36) Border Country Districts 3 (3)
    Border 26 (19) Leopards 22 (5)
    Valke 24 (5) Limpopo Blue Bulls 15 (12)
    South Western Districts 27 (15) Eastern Province 10 (5)
    Griffons 32 (15) Namibia 24 (17)
    Sharks 44 (27) Golden Lions 35 (21)
    Western Province XV 30 (17) Pumas 27 (15)
    Bulls 32 (15) Boland 13 (3)
    Western Province 55 (24) Free State 22 (10)
    Iqhawe XV 14 (14) Griquas 50 (14)

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Hosts and southern teams light up FNB Girls Weeks

    Hosts and southern teams light up FNB Girls Weeks

    JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 30: Keisha Eiman of Griquas with the ball during day 1 of the SA Rugby U16 and U18 FNB Girls Weeks match between Griquas and Zimbabwe at Queens High School on June 30, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

    Motivated by the presence of the Springbok Women’s team, Eastern Province and Western Province recorded the biggest wins on day one of the FNB U18 Girls Week in Johannesburg, while Border, the Golden Lions and WP were among the top performers in the first round of the U16 tournament.

    South Africa’s most promising female rugby players converged on Queens High School on Monday to participate in the first round of the annual FNB U18 and U16 Girls Weeks tournaments.

    The Springbok Women – who will play the first of two Tests against Canada at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday – made an appearance at the age-group showpiece, and took the time to motivate and support their younger provincial counterparts over the course of a memorable opening ceremony.

    EP laid down an early marker in the U18 tournament when they put 11 tries and 69 points past the Leopards, with winger Lukhanye Lolo scoring a hat-trick.

    In the second fixture, WP scored 13 tries in a 79-7 win over the Valke, with Endinalo Fihla, Theonay Adams, Jessie Schoeman and Inga Jim all crossing for braces, while Niha Levy slotted seven conversions.

    Hlamalani Mofokeng scored a hat-trick of tries as the Lions smashed Free State by 67-0 in their afternoon clash.

    The Sharks, Pumas, Blue Bulls, and Boland were also among the U18 winners on day one, while Zimbabwe impressed with a 52-0 victory over Griquas.

    Border set the tone in the U16 tournament, with a 22-7 win over the Golden Lions Invitational XV in the opening fixture.

    The Sharks, Boland, EP, Border Country Districts, SWD and the Pumas also came through the first round with victories.

    In the biggest victory of the day, WP thrashed the Leopards 88-0, with inside centre Azraa Landor scoring a hat-trick and flyhalf Danrica Jehoma contributing 19 points.

    The Golden Lions made a similar statement of intent, with flyhalf Alice Ncube scoring three tries and kicking six conversions in the hosts’ 62-0 rout of the Valke.

     

    FNB U18 Girls Week day one results (Monday 30 June):

    Eastern Province 69 (45) v Leopards 0 (0)
    Western Province 79 (43) Valke 7 (7)
    Sharks 24 (12) Griffons 12 (0)
    South Western Districts 12 (0) Pumas 24 (14)
    Zimbabwe 52 (20) Griquas 0 (0)
    Border 0 (0) Blue Bulls 17 (5)
    Golden Lions 67 (29) Free State 0 (0)
    Limpopo Blue Bulls 12 (7) Boland 24 (0)

    FNB U16 Girls Week day one results (Monday 30 June):

    Border 22 (15) Golden Lions Invitational XV 7 (7)
    Sharks 20 (5) Limpopo Blue Bulls 10 (10)
    Western Province 88 (59) Leopards 0 (0)
    Boland 29 (24) Griquas 5 (0)
    Eastern Province 34 (0) v Zimbabwe 12 (7)
    Border Country Districts 45 (33) Free State 0 (0)
    Golden Lions 62 (29) Valke 0 (0)
    South Western Districts 41 (31) Griffons 5 (0)
    Pumas 22 (12) Blue Bulls 0 (0)

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Red-hot Junior Boks smash Aussies in Calvisano

    Red-hot Junior Boks smash Aussies in Calvisano

    Unusually, clad in white, the Junior Springboks made a spectacular start to their challenge at the u20 Rugby World Championships. Photo: SA Rugby.
    Unusually, clad in white, the Junior Springboks made a spectacular start to their challenge at the World Rugby u20 Championship. Photo: SA Rugby.

    The Junior Springboks started their World Rugby u20 Championship campaign like a house on fire, scoring 11 tries in a convincing 73-17 victory over Australia on a hot and windy Sunday afternoon at the Stadio San Michele, in Calvisano, Italy.

    The Junior Boks played a controlled game with a clear plan, with their pack delivering a physical masterclass and providing their dangerous backs with a brilliant attacking platform.

    Although they were sometimes undone by unnecessary errors, the SA u20s could not be faulted for their effort, attacking with intent and often ripping the Aussie defence to shreds and controlling the pace of the game by dominating possession.

    Despite a few strong early carries, there were mistakes on the Junior Bok side, but they showed their intent in the sixth minute when scrumhalf Haashim Pead raced away for the opening try from a counterattack that started deep inside their own half, with hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele putting in a good run.

    Flyhalf Vusi Moyo‘s conversion made it 7-0, but the Aussies pulled one back a few minutes later when their fullback, Sid Harvey, exposed a defensive lapse on the wing. The conversion missed, and the South Africans remained in the lead as they started to step up the pace.

    The Junior Boks then delivered one body blow after the other in last 15 minutes of the half, scoring four tries to seize firm control of the match.

    Prop Herman Lubbe bulldozed his way over after sustained pressure on attack before wing Siya Ndlozi went over for a brace of tries in six minutes, both from attacking breaks from the scrum, with Moyo converting all three to make it 28-5 three minutes before the break.

    The South Africans were not done yet and their other wing, Cheswill Jooste, dotted down on the stroke of half-time after some great hands. Moyo missed his kick for the first time in the game, but at 33-5, it didn’t hurt the South African side.

    After the break, the Junior Boks made a scorching start to the second stanza, running in four more tries in the first 12 minutes of the half, to ruthlessly seal the deal with a superb display of attacking rugby.

    Pead scored his second from an attack after a Wallaby kick in the 45th minute before fullback Gilermo Mentoe intercepted a pass and raced 80m downfield to add another five points to South Africa;s rapidly growing tally.

    Two minutes later, lock JJ Theron smashed his way over after a great run by flank Xola Nyali, which brought up 50 points for South Africa. A few moments later, Jaco Grobbelaar crashed over in the corner shortly after replacing Theron.

    Moyo converted three of those four tries and, with 25-odd minutes to go, the Junior Boks led 59-5. They soon made it 66-5, just before the hour-mark, when Nyali broke away from a maul and ran 30m to score. Replacement flyhalf Ian van der Merwe made no mistake from the tee.

    Australia was able to get their hands on more possession, but the Junior Bok defence held firm as coach Kevin Foote emptied the South African bench.

    With 10 minutes to go, the Junior Wallabies finally scored a second try when wing Cooper Watters dived over in the corner. A few minutes later, he added a second as the heat started to take its toll.

    Replacement wing, Jaco Williams, had the final say, though, as he intercepted and scored from the halfway line to seal a superb victory for the Junior Boks.

    Scorers

    Junior Springboks 66 (33) – Tries: Haashim Pead (2), Herman Lubbe, Siya Ndlozi (2), Cheswill Jooste, Gilermo Mentoe, JJ Theron, Jaco Grobbelaar, Xola Nyali, Jaco Williams. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (7), Ian van der Merwe (2).

    Australia 17 (5) – Tries: Sid Harvey, Cooper Watters (2). Conversion: Sid Harvey.

  • Top schoolgirls gear up for FNB Youth Weeks

    Top schoolgirls gear up for FNB Youth Weeks

    South Africa’s best junior female players will be in action at the FNB U16 and U18 Girls Weeks staged at Queens High School in Johannesburg from Monday, two important tournaments on the local rugby landscape.

    The two tournaments form part of SA Rugby’s 2025 FNB Youth Weeks programme and will run from 30 June until 4 July.

    Mr Mark Alexander, SA Rugby’s president, described the two girls’ weeks as “nothing short of nation-shifting”.

    “They are instruments of progress, opening rugby’s gates wider than ever before,” said Mr Alexander.

    “Girls now have structured, high-profile avenues to express and elevate their talent – platforms that were unimaginable not long ago. This isn’t just about athletic development; it’s about transforming perceptions and normalising girls’ rugby as a proud, powerful part of our national sporting fabric.

    “By investing in these tournaments, SA Rugby is not just growing a sport – it’s rewriting a narrative. One that says rugby excellence knows no gender and that the next icon of the game could just as easily emerge from a girls’ scrum on a windswept pitch in Gqeberha as from any traditional stronghold.

    “It’s a cultural shift that will echo into classrooms, homes, communities—and eventually, into packed stadiums both here and abroad.”

    The first round of the U18 competition kicks off on Monday morning, with Eastern Province meeting the Leopards on the A Field at Queens High School.

    Meanwhile, Border will face a Golden Lions Invitational team in the opening match of the U16 tournament.

     U18 fixtures (Monday, 30 June):

    09h00: Eastern Province v Leopards, A Field
    09h00: Western Province v Valke, B Field
    10h30: Sharks v Griffons, A Field
    10h30: South Western Districts v Pumas, B Field
    12h00: Zimbabwe v Griquas, A Field
    12h00: Border v Blue Bulls, B Field
    13h30: Opening Ceremony
    14h00: Golden Lions v Free State, A Field
    14h00: Limpopo Blue Bulls v Boland, B Field

     

    U16 fixtures (Monday, 30 June):

    08h45: Border v Golden Lions Invitational XV, C Field
    10h00: Sharks v Limpopo Blue Bulls, C Field
    10h00: Western Province v Leopards, D Field
    11h15: Boland v Griquas, C Field
    11h15: Eastern Province v Zimbabwe, D Field
    12h30: Border Country Districts v Free State, C Field
    12h30: Golden Lions v Valke, D Field
    14h00: South Western Districts v Griffons, C Field
    14h00: Pumas v Blue Bulls, D Field

     

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications