Author: froberholzer

They’ve done it again!

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The Golden Lions are the unofficial champions of the 2024 Academy Week after the host union comfortably beat high-flying Eastern Province 46-22 in the final showdown of the week.

For a second year in succession, the Lions’ roar was the loudest at Jeppe High School for Boys. In 2023, they downed the Blue Bulls to claim top honours.

The host’s success came from an excellent team effort, but their flyhalf, Marais Viljoen’s Recce Gerber, deserves special mention. The general of the Lions’ backline enjoyed an outstanding week and, just like his predecessor in the no. 10 jumper, Vusi Moyo, helped his side cruise to the title.

Having already claimed a man of the match award earlier in the week, Gerber again showed his class when it mattered most. His brilliant game management, feel for the game, and quick decision-making saw him deliver his best performance of the tournament against Eastern Province. It earned him another Player of the Match award.

His superb showing, however, wouldn’t have been possible without three immensely impressive performances by the Lions’ pack. One of their unsung heroes, lock Luke Cannon, also rose to the occasion. His high work rate, especially on defence, played an integral role in the home team’s success.

The dominance up front of the Gautengers meant that their backline was gifted plenty of opportunities to attack as Gerber and Noordheuwel scrumhalf, Ignatius Jantjies, spread the ball quicker than the flu virus.

The side from the Eastern Cape showed why they were in the big game. During the first 20 minutes, with adrenaline still coursing through their veins, it seemed as if they might take it down to the wire. Their standout lock, Tyrese Brouers, was in the thick of things once again, contributing some storming runs to continue the good work he had done earlier in the week.

Unfortunately, a hard-fought 38-38 draw with the Sharks and a come-from-behind 25-24 victory over Western Province had taken too much out of the Capetonians, who didn’t have enough left in the tank to overcome the Lions.

The Blue Bulls, also, remained unbeaten by handing Western Province a second defeat of their campaign, but it was extremely tight. The Light Blues scraped home by a single point, winning 29-28 in the north-south derby.

“We played in the right areas, starved them of possession, and played physical rugby up front. The boys stuck to the plan, one we knew would be enough to secure a victory, which I am proud of,” Braam Pretorius, the coach of the Bulls, said after the game.

The Pretoria-based union placed their nemesis from the south under heavy pressure through good old-fashioned Blue Bulls’ rugby. Young Waterkloof star, Marko Kok, finally hit his straps and produced a difference-making performance. He ran clever lines on attack and was difficult to bring down, which served to light a fire in the Bulls’ team.

Province’s replacement utility forward, Nicholas Nel, who played almost every minute for the striped jerseys throughout the week, left his mark on Collard Field. His high work rate and willingness to get involved in the physical clashes at close quarters stood out. Towards the end of the game, he was rewarded with a crucial try.

Another wonderful kicking performance by the tournament’s leading point scorer, Border’s Page Fennel, saw his side to a three-point victory over the Pumas.

Fennel converted all three of his side’s tries and slotted an astonishing six penalties for a personal contribution of 24 points. In the end, it was one of his penalties that was the difference between the sides.

The Sharks returned to winning ways, running in six tries in a convincing 42-17 victory over the Griffons.

The KZN side’s backs enjoyed themselves as their forwards provided them with quality ball. Right-wing, Jade-Will Koopman capped off a superb week with another stellar performance and an emphatic dive to claim another five-pointer.

Scorers

Golden Lions 46 (22) – Tries: Mbuso Methula (2), Gustav Grotius, Zaiden Krige, Motlatsi Moloi, Chinedu Amadi, Clinton Agu. Conversions: Recce Gerber (4). Penalty: Gerber. Eastern Province 22 (8) – Tries: Aidan Els (2), Denilo Jordaan. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (2). Penalty: Doyle.

Blue Bulls 29 (22) – Tries: Stephan Pretorius (3), Zirk Meyer. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (3). Penalty: Groenewald. Western Province 28 (14) – Tries: Ely Williams, Nicolas Nel, Keagan Wood, Henry Rudder. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (4).

Border 39 (29) – Tries: Liam Hansen, Sbabablwe Magwebu, D’Angelo Snayer. Conversions; Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Fennel (6). Pumas 37 (6) – Tries: Roux Grobler (2), Janco Aucamp, CW Hanekom, Beast Nkgadima. Conversions: Alonzo Blackenberg (3). Penalty: Blackenberg (2).

Sharks 42 (20) – Tries: Josh Grant, Inathi Mkhencele, Jadewill Koopman, William Ridl, Indi Mlotshwa, Lizwe Mtetwa. Conversions: Jordan van Wyk (2). Penalty: Van Wyk (2). Griffons 17 (5) – Tries: Bokang Lesenyeho, Xander Wiltshire, Arnold Ras. Conversion: Adriaan Bothuis.

Scorers:

Boland 38 (24) – Tries: De Villiers Kotze, Pieter du Toit, Stefan van der Merwe, Lungi Mothibe, Irlo Liebenberg, Morne Wessels. Conversions: Van der Merwe (2), Liebenberg (2). Leopards 12 (8) – Tries: Ulrigh du Preez, Jondre Jefthas. Conversion: Eduard Dreyer.

South Western Districts 106 (43) – Tries: Christian Vorster (5), Ashton Abels (3), Ruan van Rensburg (2), Ruan van Zyl, Liam Lightley, Jadrian Goosen, Rayline Alberts, Jade Peterson, Sirr Lourens. Conversions: Charles Vosloo (7), Sidey Lourence (6). Border Country Districts 10 (3) – Try: Tebogo Mhlana. Conversion: Avuyily Funani. Penalties: Funani.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 106 (52) – Tries: Hardus Otto (3), Heinrich Poolman (2), Siya Manglangu (2), Lourens Pieterse, Elardus Erasmus, Blessing Risbaba, Rico Pieterse, Joshua van der Mescht, Ian van der Merwe, Firtune Sehlabane, Mahlatse Moshela, Mphiri Gadebe. Conversions: Vincent Luckhoff (8), JD Boshoff (5). LSEN XV 7 (7) – Trui: Edwill Jantjies. Conversion: Jantjies.

Valke 53 (29) – Tries: Storm Labuschagne (3), Breyton Kruger, Hendrik Eybers, Ryan Smith, Themba Mbele,b Yani Mokiri, Damian Slabbert. Conversions: Ryan Smith (2), Jean-dre Claasen (2). Griquas 21 (9) – Tries: Syiaan van Loggerenberg, Themba Kella. Conversion: Abdul Fischer. Penalties: Fischer (2), Kihan Maarman.

Sharks 42 (20) – Tries: Josh Grant, Inathi Mkhencele, Jadewill Koopman, William Ridl, Indi Mlotshwa, Lizwe Mtetwa. Conversions: Jordan van Wyk (2). Penalty: Van Wyk (2). Griffons 17 (5) – Tries: Bokang Lesenyeho, Xander Wiltshire, Arnold Ras. Conversion: Adriaan Bothuis.

Border 39 (29) – Tries: Liam Hansen, Sbabablwe Magwebu, D’Angelo Snayer. Conversions; Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Fennel (6). Pumas 37 (6) – Tries: Roux Grobler (2), Janco Aucamp, CW Hanekom, Beast Nkgadima. Conversions: Alonzo Blackenberg (3). Penalty: Blackenberg (2).

Golden Lions XV 31 (0) – Tries: Sam Bruwer (3), Joshua Shannon. Conversions: Indi Gusha (4). Penalty: Gusha. Free State Cheetahs 30 (17) – Tries: Marinus Oosthuizen, Renier Grobler, Tristan Maree. Conversions: Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (3). Penalties: Van der Linden (3).

Blue Bulls 29 (22) – Tries: Stephan Pretorius (3), Zirk Meyer. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (3). Penalty: Groenewald. Western Province 28 (14) – Tries: Ely Williams, Nicolas Nel, Keagan Wood, Henry Rudder. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (4).

Golden Lions 46 (22) – Tries: Mbuso Methula (2), Gustav Grotius, Zaiden Krige, Motlatsi Moloi, Chinedu Amadi, Clinton Agu. Conversions: Recce Gerber (4). Penalty: Gerber. Eastern Province 22 (8) – Tries: Aidan Els (2), Denilo Jordaan. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (2). Penalty: Doyle.

The Golden Lions will be on the hunt for the title of unofficial champions of the Academy Week for a second year in succession on Friday, the final day of the event.

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The Johannesburg-based union has made it very clear that they are the team to beat at this year’s week, which is, once again, being hosted at Jeppe High School for Boys.

The hosts will face the unpredictable Eastern Province at 12:15 to decide which team will be regarded as 2024’s best.

The Golden Lions convincingly won their first two matches. They made themselves at home in their opener, cruising to 65-25 victory over the Free State Cheetahs in a battle of the big cats. Then, on Wednesday, they caged the Sharks, breaking open a game that they led 8-3 at the break with a second half spurt, which carried them to a comprehensive 35-3 victory.

Eastern Province had it tougher, but they showed great character in both of their outings, which secured them the nod for Friday’s big game.

In their opening match, they almost slipped up against the Sharks, drawing 38-38 in a thriller. Then, against a very good Western Province side, they showed their class and attacking prowess in a nail-biting 25-24 win, which they secured with a late try.

The battle of the backs will certainly be interesting. Both sides possess the ability to score from anywhere. The home side’s midfield will, without a doubt, challenge the EP side. Inside centre Jarred Coetzee and outside centre Ty Ax have been relentless in attack. Coetzee, especially, has impressed with his clever attacking lines and physical presence.

For the Eastern Cape side, Tyreses Brouers, a member of the LSEN XV side in 2023, has been instrumental. He possesses an intimidating frame and a massive work rate and will be eager to stamp his authority among the forwards.

The other unbeaten side, the Blue Bulls, might feel somewhat hard done by after missing out on the main match. They will, however, face Western Province in a traditional north-south derby, which has often been a showdown between South Africa’s best provincial teams.

The Bulls battled to outlast a spirited Lions XV side in their first match, sneaking home by a 30-28 margin. On day two, they hit their straps, showing some great character to outclass Boland 55-31.

FRIDAY FIXTURES

Collard Field: 08:30 – Namibia vs Zimbabwe; 09:45 – Sharks vs Griffons; 11:00 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province; 12:15 – Golden Lions vs Eastern Province.

Jake White Field: 08:30 – Boland vs Leopards; 09:45 – Griquas vs Valke; 11:00 – Free State vs Golden Lions XV.

Top Right Field: 08:30 – South Western Districts vs Border Country Districts; 09:45 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs LSEN XV; 11:00 – Border vs Pumas.

The Leopards were buzzing after they got one over their old foes, the Valke, on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

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The side from the North West Province held on for a 41-37 victory over their rivals in the first match of a cold second day at the 2024 Academy Week.

Matters were especially heated among the forwards as both packs took it to their opposition.

Christoff Nel, the Leopards’ openside flank, revelled in the trenches. The lively loose forward wreaked havoc in the rucks and did a fine job of disrupting the Valke’s ball.

Apart from being a menace at the breakdowns, Nel was also an impact player on defence. He was at the forefront of most of the big hits which rocked the men from the East Rand’s attacking plans. He received great support from Lichtenburg stalwart and eighthman Abrie Coetzee, who relished the physical stuff.

The Valke’s no. 8, Storm Labuschagne, showed why Dr EG Jansen‘s brain trust, led by coach Rudi Dames, rates him so highly. He must have come close to picking up his second Player of the Match award of the week.

Much like the Springboks’ Kwagga Smith, Labuschagne isn’t the biggest in stature, but he made his presence felt through his explosive runs, which twice carried him across the whitewash. He didn’t shirk his defensive duties either, delivering some crunching hits.

His efforts, however, were in vain, as the Valke came up just short of the Leopards, who withstood wave after wave of attacks to eke out a narrow victory.

The Free State Cheetahs, after a big loss to the Golden Lions in their opener, picked up a win over their “little brother”, the Griquas. Scrumhalf Bernard Wessels bagged a double as the Free Staters rolled to a 17-point victory.

Apart from outsmarting the northern Capetonians on two occasions, his quick delivery from behind a pack which had the edge over their opposition helped the Cheetahs’ backs run in four of their side’s six tries.

Griquas played some good rugby and were full of running when they created space for their speedsters at the back, with fullback Jonaden Links, especially, impressing. Their forwards enjoyed some strong forays against the Free State defence, but they lacked finishing.

A Player of the Match performance by the Griffons‘ livewire scrumhalf, Leclue Nell, saw the Purple People Easters surprise South Western Districts. He bounded over for two tries as the northern Free Staters claimed a well-deserved 34-24 victory.

Clinical performances from the Griffons’ front rankers, Francois Maree (loosehead), and Arnold Ras (hooker), laid a solid foundation for Leclue and the rest of the Griffons’ backline, and both were rewarded with tries.

SWD battled hard and kept fighting to the final whistle. Liam Lightley, who was picked as utility forward for the week, produced a classy performance and kept the Griffons’ defenders under severe pressure. He and inside centre Christiaan Vorster, who featured prominently with very physical runs in the midfield, were the side’s standouts.

SCORERS

Leopards 41 (24) – Tries: Keenan Joseph, Christoff Nel, Abrie Coetzee, Dian Smith, Tyron Masango, Katleho Seimelo. Conversions: Eduard Dreyer (4). Penalty: Dreyer. Valke 37 (24) – Tries: Storm Labuschagne (2), Damian Slabbert, Breyton Kruger, Ettienne Smit. Conversions: Ryan Smith (3). Penalties: Smith, Jean-dre Claasen.

Free State Cheetahs 42 (29) – Tries: Bernard Wessels (2), Emile McGear, Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, Phiwe Mkunjana, Tristan Maree, SW van der Merwe. Conversions: Van der Linden (2). Penalty: Okuhle Dyani. Griquas 25 (6) – Tries: Jandries Potgieter, Jonaden Links, Dohan Dege. Conversions: Abdul Fischer (2). Penalties: Fischer (2).

Griffons 34 (26) – Tries: Leclue Nell (2), Francois Maree, Arnold Ras, Ashwon Mellen. Conversions: Ethan Smith (3). Penalty: Smith. South Western Districts 24 (12) – Tries: Ruan van Rensburg, Liam Lightley, Christiaan Vorster, Virgil Pockpas. Conversions: Charles Vosloo (2).

Border 55 (36) – Tries: Liam Hansen (2), Adam Schwedhelm, Siya Madzidzela, Sbabalwe Magwebu, Qiqa Qwesha, D’Angelo Snayers, Joshua Clote. Conversions: Page Fennel (6). Penalty: Fennel. LSEN XV 28 (14) – Tries: Ethin Malgas, Bentley Stoffels, Jonga Javu, Algernon Bruintjies. Conversions: Edwill Jantjies (4).

Limpopo Blue Bulls 28 (18) – Tries: Thabang Nkuna, Siya Mahlangu, Heinrich Poolman. Conversions: JD Boshoff (2). Penalty: Boshoff. Namibia 21 (8) – Tries: Ben Mostert, Jaco Bredenhann, Josh Solomon. Penalties: Waldré Kotze (2).

Pumas 45 (21) – Tries: Banele Ngwenya (2), Roux Grobler (2), CW Hanekom, Jacques Malan, Carel Jacobz. Conversions: Alonzo Blakenberg (5). Border Country Districts 23 (8) – Tries: Lunie Singqoto, Sikho Mapukata, Ondela Thamsanqa. Conversion: Azu Magqasa. Penalties: Magqasa.

A last-minute try by Julian Mapoore secured a sweet 25-24 victory for Eastern Province over Western Province on Wednesday at the Academy Week in Johannesburg.

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Western Province had been favoured, along with the Golden Lions, to reach the unofficial main match of the week. Eastern Province had other ideas, however, breaking Province’s hearts to claim a place in Friday’s main event.

The Golden Lions, as expected, made light work of the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks with a second-half blitzkrieg powering them to a comprehensive 35-3 win in the feature match on day two.

Eastern Province fought hard for a deserved victory after a see-saw battle during which the Cape sides exchanged the lead a number of times.

The EP midfield combination of inside centre Christaan van der Merwe and outside centre Cole Hilpert was outstanding, while flyhalf Marcus Williams slotted four penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking for his side.

Up front, lock Tyrese Brouers set an outstanding example with his exceptionally high work rate. His efforts on defence, in particular, caught the eye. He was also a physical presence on attack and that earned the second-rower the Player of the Match award.

His opposite number, Kody Neill, was equally impressive. Just like Brouers, he kept defenders busy with his barrelling runs, which set up the Province backline with good go-forward ball.

Despite the quality possession, the Western Province backs struggle somewhat with the massive pressure asserted by their opponents. Right wing Jordan Steenkamp broke through for two tries, though, which almost proved enough to see the blue and white stripes to victory.

James Kobrowisky, the Golden Lions’ lively flank, played a massive role in helping his side advance to the final for a second year in succession. He was all over the park and made life difficult for the Sharks at ruck time.

He’s not a big flank, but he showcased remarkable strength with the ball in hand. Twice he dived over for tries as the Lions crossed for five five-pointers in all. His performance also lit a fire under the rest of the Lions’ pack, who provided their backs with quick ball.

Flyhalf Recce Gerber, the Player of the Match in the Lions’ big win over the Free State on day one, enjoyed another stellar outing. His vision and feel for the game have gone from strength to strength as his confidence has increased. He kicked well, too, slotting two conversions and two long-range penalties.

A try-scoring fest on the Jake White Field went the way of the Blue Bulls. The side from north of the Jukskei River downed Boland 55-31, running in eight tries to five.

It was a day the Bulls’ and Affies’ hooker Stephan Pretorius will remember. Playing with tremendous energy, he was everywhere on the field and that effort brough him a remarkable four tries.

Boland’s fightback just after the break had the Bulls’ coaching box worried for a while. Irlo Liebenberg, the Capetonians’ left wing, ran in a brace, which ignited a spark among the rest of Boland’s elusive backs, but the Bulls had their measure, and they outlasted their opponents from down south.

The Golden Lions’ young guns, the Lions XV, continued to impress. They bagged a first victory after a narrow two-point loss to the Blue Bulls in their first outing, beating Zimbabwe 31-12.

They won’t, however, be too happy with their second-half performance. After leading 31-0 at the break, they took their foot off the pedal and allowed South Africa’s northern neighbours to score two tries without reply.

The focus next shifts to Friday, the last day of the Academy Week, which, apart from the unofficial final, features some interesting match-ups, including a north-south derby between the Blue Bulls and Western Province in the curtain raiser to the main match.

SCORERS

Eastern Province 25 (9) – Tries: Christiaan van der Merwe, Julian Mapoore. Penalties: Marcus Williams (4). Cameron Doyle. Western Province 24 (12) – Tries: Jordan Steenkamp (2), Keagan Wood, Henry Rudder. Conversions: Chandler Green (2).

Golden Lions 35 (8) – Tries: James Kobrowisky (2), Recce Gerber, Jeandre Uithaler, Ty Ax. Conversions: Gerber (2). Penalties: Gerber (2). Sharks 3 (3) – Penalty: Stefan Moolman.

Blue Bulls 55 (29) – Tries: Stephan Pretorius (4), Tshepiso Shikhibana, Thinus Oosthuizen, Petrus Rautenbach, Malcolm George. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (6). Boland 31 (12) – Tries: Irlo Liebenberg (2), Lungi Mothibe, Jacques de Klerk, Tertius Wantenaar. Conversions: Liebenberg (2). Stefan van der Merwe.

Golden Lions XV 28 (18) – Tries: Thoks Mallane, Sam Bruwer, CJ Felkers, Andy Maarman. Conversions: Andrew Jackson (4). Penalty: Jackson. Zimbabwe 12 (0).

FRIDAY FIXTURES

Collard Field: 08:30 – Namibia vs Zimbabwe; 09:45 – Sharks vs Griffons; 11:00 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province; 12:15 – Golden Lions vs Eastern Province.

Jake White Field: 08:30 – Boland vs Leopards; 09:45 – Griquas vs Valke; 11:00 – Free State vs Golden Lions XV.

Top Right Field: 08:30 – South Western Districts vs Border Country Districts; 09:45 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs LSEN XV; 11:00 – Border vs Pumas.

Scorers: 

Leopards 41 (24) – Tries: Keenan Joseph, Christoff Nel, Abrie Coetzee, Dian Smith, Tyron Masango, Katleho Seimelo. Conversions: Eduard Dreyer (4). Penalty: Dreyer. Valke 37 (24) – Tries: Storm Labuschagne (2), Damian Slabbert, Breyton Kruger, Ettienne Smit. Conversions: Ryan Smith (3). Penalties: Smith, Jean-dre Claasen.

Border 55 (36) – Tries: Liam Hansen (2), Adam Schwedhelm, Siya Madzidzela, Sbabalwe Magwebu, Qiqa Qwesha, D’Angelo Snayers, Joshua Clote. Conversions: Page Fennel (6). Penalty: Fennel. LSEN XV 28 (14) – Tries: Ethin Malgas, Bentley Stoffels, Jonga Javu, Algernon Bruintjies. Conversions: Edwill Jantjies (4).

Griffons 34 (26) – Tries: Leclue Nell (2), Francois Maree, Arnold Ras, Ashwon Mellen. Conversions: Ethan Smith (3). Penalty: Smith. South Western Districts 24 (12) – Tries: Ruan van Rensburg, Liam Lightley, Christiaan Vorster, Virgil Pockpas. Conversions: Charles Vosloo (2).

Pumas 45 (21) – Tries: Banele Ngwenya (2), Roux Grobler (2), CW Hanekom, Jacques Malan, Carel Jacobz. Conversions: Alonzo Blakenberg (5). Border Country Districts 23 (8) – Tries: Lunie Singqoto, Sikho Mapukata, Ondela Thamsanqa. Conversion: Azu Magqasa. Penalties: Magqasa.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 28 (18) – Tries: Thabang Nkuna, Siya Mahlangu, Heinrich Poolman. Conversions: JD Boshoff (2). Penalties: Boshoff (3). Namibia 21 (8) – Tries: Ben Mostert, Jaco Bredenhann, Josh Solomon. Penalties: Waldré Kotze (2).

Free State Cheetahs 42 (29) – Tries: Bernard Wessels (2), Emile McGear, Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, Phiwe Mkunjana, Tristan Maree, SW van der Merwe. Conversions: Van der Linden (2). Penalty: Okuhle Dyani. Griquas 25 (6) – Tries: Jandries Potgieter, Jonaden Links, Dohan Dege. Conversions: Abdul Fischer (2). Penalties: Fischer (2).

Golden Lions XV 28 (18) – Tries: Thoks Mallane, Sam Bruwer, CJ Felkers, Andy Maarman. Conversions: Andrew Jackson (4). Penalty: Jackson. Zimbabwe 12 (0).

Blue Bulls 55 (29) – Tries: Stephan Pretorius (4), Tshepiso Shikhibana, Thinus Oosthuizen, Petrus Rautenbach, Malcolm George. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (6). Boland 31 (12) – Tries: Irlo Liebenberg (2), Lungi Mothibe, Jacques de Klerk, Tertius Wantenaar. Conversions: Liebenberg (2). Stefan van der Merwe.

Eastern Province 25 (9) – Tries: Christiaan van der Merwe, Julian Mapoore. Penalties: Marcus Williams (4). Cameron Doyle. Western Province 24 (12) – Tries: Jordan Steenkamp (2), Keagan Wood, Henry Rudder. Conversions: Chandler Green (2).

Golden Lions 35 (8) – Tries: James Kobrowisky (2), Recce Gerber, Jeandre Uithaler, Ty Ax. Conversions: Gerber (2). Penalties: Gerber (2). Sharks 3 (3) – Penalty: Stefan Moolman.

Just like they did last year, the hosts, the Golden Lions, used the first day of the u18 Academy Week to fire some significant warning shots at their next two opponents.

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They started like a house on fire on Monday, as they ran away to a massive 65-25 victory over the Free State Cheetahs.

Inside centre, Noordheuwel’s Jarred Coetzee, scored the home side’s first try within a matter of seconds, capitalising on a mistake by the Free Staters from the kick-off.

From there, it appeared as if the men in the red and white jerseys played downhill for the entirety of the main match of day one.

Laying the platform up front, the Lions kept on bulldozing the visitors from the Free State backwards with impressive physicality and strong intimidating runs by their hungry pack.

This meant that the Lions’ backline, especially their speedy outside backs, enjoyed their first outing on Collard Field.

Jeppe’s Sanele Simelane, the younger brother of former Jeppe standout and current Western Province player, Wandile Simelane, made full use of the acres of space out wide. The Lions’ fullback revelled in joining the attacking line and was too good for the Cheetahs’ defenders on no less than three occasions as he trotted over for a well-deserved hat-trick of tries.

Simelane’s colleagues in the back three, Matthew Hunt (left wing) and Mbuso Methula (right wing) were equally impressive on the attack. Hunt rounded off twice for a double, while Methula seemed like he was gliding as he sped through for a five-pointer.

The fun day out for the backs wouldn’t have been possible without an exceptional performance by lock, Thomas Beling. He set up the phases time and time again with his strong ball carries, one of which resulted in a five-pointer of his own.

The talented Marais Viljoen flyhalf and one of the leaders for the Lions, Recce Gerber, stole the spotlight with his kicking boot. He converted seven tries and slotted two long-range penalties for a personal contribution of 20 points, which helped him bag the Man of the Match award.

In the curtain raiser, Boland nearly pulled off a spectacular comeback. After trailing 7-40, they made their old foes, Western Province sweat, clawing their way back to 45-47, with about 10 minutes to play.

In the first half, which belonged to the blue and white striped jerseys, it was Paarl Gimnasium’s openside flank, Johannes Koegelenberg, who shone. His clever attacking lines close to the try line resulted in a well-deserved hat-trick of tries.

Province’s game plan appeared simple: give the ball air and round off after play started opening up. Boland, however, started picking up on this, and in the second 35 minutes gave Province some of their own medicine. Both sides proved that it is extremely difficult to defend against a fast attacking and running game, hence the high-scoring affair.

Boalnd’s utility back, Lee Josop, especially, had the Province defenders guessing as he burst over for an entertaining brace of tries.

Unfortunately, for the Boland side and their supporters, Province had done enough in the first half, and they closed out the game with two converted tries to claim a thrilling 61-45 victory.

South Western Districts (SWD) fought hard to pick up a tough 22-19 victory over the Leopards on the Jake White Field.

Leading 12-0 at the break, SWD had to withstand a strong fightback from the team from the North West Province. In the end, a penalty by SWD’s utility back, Charles Vosloo, separated the sides.

In the final match on Jake White Field, Namibia’s Waldré Kotze, kicked South Africa’s neighbours to a 30-17 win over the Pumas.

Solid defence and relentless attacking from the Namibians had the side from Mpumalanga under severe pressure as they failed to score any points in the second half.

Scorers

Golden Lions 65 (45) – Tries: Sanele Simelane (3), Matthew Hunt (2), Thomas Beling, Ighnatius Jantjies, Jarred Coetzee, Mbuso Methula. Conversions: Recce Gerber (7). Penalties: Gerber (2). Free State 25 (6) – Tries: Tristan Maree, Agcobile Pati, SW van Heerden. Conversions: Jan-Hendrik van der Linde (2). Penalties: Van der Linde (2).

Western Province 61 (40) – Tries: Johannes Koegelenberg (3), Ismael Conrad, Collin-Paul Kemp, Matthew Kleyn, Luchen Meyer, Keenan Stoffels. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (7). Boland 45 (7) – Tries: Lee Josop (2), Lungi Mothibe, Lorenzo Kroutz, Ando Goosen, De Villiers Kotze, Wilfred Slingers. Conversions: Stefan van der Merwe (5).

South Western Districts 22 (12) – Tries: Liam Lightey, Asthon Abels, Christian Vorster. Conversions: Sidey Lourence, Charles Vosloo. Penalty: Vosloo. Leopards 19 (0) – Tries: Kenan Joseph (2), Dewald Potgieter. Conversions: Eduard Dreyer (2).

Namibia 30 (7). Pumas 17 (17) – Tries: Janco Aucamp, Luhan Greeff. Conversions: Carel Jacobz (2). Penalty: Jacobz.

The fixtures for day two are: 

Collard field: 09:30 – Valke vs Leopards; 10:45 – Griffons vs South Western Districts; 12:00 – Griquas vs Free State; 13:15 – Western Province vs Eastern Province; 14:30 – Golden Lions vs Sharks.

Jake White field: 09:30 – Border vs LSEN XV; 10:45 – Pumas vs Border Country Districts; 12:00 – Namibia vs Limpopo Blue Bulls; 13:15 – Golden Lions XV vs Zimbabwe; 14:30 – Boland vs Bulls.

Jeppe High School for Boys’ Collard and Jake White Fields witnessed some nail-biting action on the first morning of the u18 Academy Week.

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There was nothing to choose between KwaZulu-Natal’s Sharks and Eastern Province on Monday as an extremely tightly contested second match of the day went down to the wire.

In the end, there was nothing to separate the sides, who had to settle for a 38-38 draw. It was a fair reflection of the 70 minutes of action.

Jade-Will Koopman stayed cool, calm and collected to slot a crucial conversion in the game’s dying moments to pull the Sharks level. His accurate boot kept the KZN team in the hunt throughout the contest as he slotted five conversions and a penalty, to contribute 13 points to his side’s total.

Sharks’ eighthman Wasi Vyambwera and their openside flank, Cyril Cherayi, caused headaches for the side from the Eastern Cape, keeping them on the defensive with powerful runs and smart attacking lines. Their industry was rewarded as both went over for tries

Denilo Jordaan, the Eastern Province replacement scrumhalf, who was given the starting assignment, made full use of his opportunity.

He showed no fear, especially when taking on the Shark’s big forwards, with dangerous sniping runs. Twice, he crossed the whitewash, which played a vital role in his side leading for the majority of the game. His efforts were also recognised when he was named the Player of the Match.

The Golden Lions XV nearly caused a big upset by pushing the Blue Bulls to the limit in their clash. The hosts’ team consists entirely of u17 players. Only a Ruben Groenewald penalty, with just a couple of minutes to spare, separated the Lions from victory.

Groenewald’s match-winning performance with the boot for the Blue Bulls included six penalties and one very important conversion, as the side from north of Gauteng scraped a hard-fought 30-28 victory.

The physical impact of the loose forwards, Aiden King and Marko Kok, played an integral role in the Bulls’ success. Both King and Kok took it to the younger Lions, launching intimidating runs down the field.

The Lions’ blindside flank, Sam Bruwer, who played openside in his side’s first outing, wasn’t fazed. His defence was impeccable, as he dropped his shoulder time and time again to put in massive hits.

A double by Griquas’ outside centre, Themba Kella, saw the side from the Northern Cape claim a well-deserved 39-30 victory over the Griffons. He expertly exploited the space on the outside and caused havoc in the northern Free Staters’ backline.

Griquas’ fullback Jonaden Links was equally impressive. He combined nicely with Kella on the attack and, more than once, put the speedy centre into space. Links’ performance was also rewarded with a visit behind the Griffon’s try line.

Scorers 

Sharks 38 (14) – Tries: Wasi Vyambwera, Cyril Cherayi, Lizwe Mtetwa, Rourke O’Sullivan, Aphiwe Buthelezi. Conversions: Jadewill Koopman (5). Penalty: Koopman. Eastern Province 38 (18) – Tries: Denilo Jordaan (2), Ayola Mali, Zandre van der Mescht. Conversions: Marcus Williams (3). Penalties: Williams (4).

Blue Bulls 30 (11) – Tries: Tapiwa Rwafa, Marko Kok. Conversion: Ruben Groenewald. Penalties: Groenewald (6). Golden Lions XV 28 (18) – Tries: Andrew Lambert, Andrew Jackson, Indi Gusha. Conversions: Gusha (2), Penalties: Gusha (3).

Griquas 39 (13) – Tries: Themba Kella (2), Jonaden Links. Conversions: Caydon Daniels (2). Penalties: Daniels (3). Griffons 30 (11) – Tries: Jacques van der Merwe, Ayden Bezuidenhout, Ashwon Mellen. Conversions: Adriaan Bonthuys (3. Penalties: Ethan Smith (2), Bonthuys.

Other Results

Border Country Districts 40 (19) – Tries: Mbasa Mthethelwa, Chuma Mxamli, Sikho Mapukata, Avuyily Funani, Emie Mlandu, Azu Magqasa. Conversion: Magqaza. Penalties: Magqaza (2). LSEN XV 27 (6) – Tries: Edrigh Greyling, Edwill Jantjies, Jordan Derrocks. Conversions: Edwill Jantjies (2). Penalties: Jantjies (2).

Valke 49 (35) – Tries: Deveraux Weideman (3), Ettienne Smit (2), Sharon Nsenda, Tian Aucamp. Conversions: Ryan Smith (7). Border 33 (7) – Tries: Sbabalwe Magwebu (3), Adam Schwedhelm, Liam Hansen. Conversions: Page Fennel (4).

Zimbabwe 44 (9) – Tries: PK Manyakara, Kudzai Chenda, Obina Nwelke, Takudzwa Matsvindo. Conversions: Tinotenda Chinyadza (5). Penalties: Chinyadza (3). Limpopo Blue Bulls 40 (25) – Tries: Anvernio Adonis (2), Ruan Marcos, Ian van der Merwe. Conversions: Divan Brown (3). Penalties: Boshoff (3).

Scorers: 

Blue Bulls 30 (11) – Tries: Tapiwa Rwafa, Marko Kok. Conversion: Ruben Groenewald. Penalties: Groenewald (6). Golden Lions XV 28 (18) – Tries: Andrew Lambert, Andrew Jackson, Indi Gusha. Conversions: Gusha (2), Penalties: Gusha (3).

Border Country Districts 40 (19) – Tries: Mbasa Mthethelwa, Chuma Mxamli, Sikho Mapukata, Avuyily Funani, Emie Mlandu, Azu Magqasa. Conversion: Magqaza. Penalties: Magqaza (2). LSEN XV 27 (6) – Tries: Edrigh Greyling, Edwill Jantjies, Jordan Derrocks. Conversions: Edwill Jantjies (2). Penalties: Jantjies (2).

Sharks 38 (14) – Tries: Wasi Vyambwera, Cyril Cherayi, Lizwe Mtetwa, Rourke O’Sullivan, Aphiwe Buthelezi. Conversions: Jadewill Koopman (5). Penalty: Koopman. Eastern Province 38 (18) – Tries: Denilo Jordaan (2), Ayola Mali, Zandre van der Mescht. Conversions: Marcus Williams (3). Penalties: Williams (4).

Valke 49 (35) – Tries: Deveraux Weideman (3), Ettienne Smit (2), Sharon Nsenda, Tian Aucamp. Conversions: Ryan Smith (7). Border 33 (7) – Tries: Sbabalwe Magwebu (3), Adam Schwedhelm, Liam Hansen. Conversions: Page Fennel (4).

Griquas 39 (13) – Tries: Themba Kella (2), Jonaden Links. Conversions: Caydon Daniels (2). Penalties: Daniels (3). Griffons 30 (11) – Tries: Jacques van der Merwe, Ayden Bezuidenhout, Ashwon Mellen. Conversions: Adriaan Bonthuys (3. Penalties: Ethan Smith (2), Bonthuys.

Zimbabwe 44 (9) – Tries: PK Manyakara, Kudzai Chenda, Obina Nwelke, Takudzwa Matsvindo. Conversions: Tinotenda Chinyadza (5). Penalties: Chinyadza (3). Limpopo Blue Bulls 40 (25) – Tries: Anvernio Adonis (2), Ruan Marcos, Ian van der Merwe. Conversions: Divan Brown (3). Penalties: Boshoff (3).

Western Province 61 (40) – Tries: Johannes Koegelenberg (3), Ismael Conrad, Collin-Paul Kemp, Matthew Kleyn, Luchen Meyer, Keenan Stoffels. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (7). Boland 45 (7) – Tries: Lee Josop (2), Lungi Mothibe, Lorenzo Kroutz, Ando Goosen, De Villiers Kotze, Wilfred Slingers. Conversions: Stefan van der Merwe (5).

South Western Districts 22 (12) – Tries: Liam Lightey, Asthon Abels, Christian Vorster. Conversions: Sidey Lourence, Charles Vosloo. Penalty: Vosloo. Leopards 19 (0) – Tries: Kenan Joseph (2), Dewald Potgieter. Conversions: Eduard Dreyer (2).

Namibia 30 (7). Pumas 17 (17) – Tries: Janco Aucamp, Luhan Greeff. Conversions: Carel Jacobz (2). Penalty: Jacobz.

Golden Lions 65 (45) – Tries: Sanele Simelane (3), Matthew Hunt (2), Thomas Beling, Ighnatius Jantjies, Jarred Coetzee, Mbuso Methula. Conversions: Recce Gerber (7). Penalties: Gerber (2). Free State 25 (6) – Tries: Tristan Maree, Agcobile Pati, SW van Heerden. Conversions: Jan-Hendrik van der Linde (2). Penalties: Van der Linde (2).

The u18 Academy Week returns to Johannesburg and Jeppe High School for Boys for a second year in succession, with the action beginning on Monday.

Catch all the games live on SuperSport Schools

Players from all corners of South Africa will be eager to make their marks, many of whom are likely to experience provincial schools’ rugby for a last time before they move on from the schoolboy ranks.

The event runs through until Friday, 28 June, with the teams battling it out for the honour of appearing in the unofficial main game on the final day.

There are, as always, a number of players who are appearing at the Academy Week who were surprise omissions from their Craven Week teams. The Academy Week gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent at a high-quality event.

SuperSport Schools Plus has identified five of those players to keep an eye on.

Keenan Stoffels – Western Province (Paul Roos Gimnasium)

Keenan Stoffels has been immensely impressive for the Maroon Machine from Stellenbosch in 2024 and has captured the imagination of rugby fans in the Western Cape. His quick feet, sheer pace and slight build have reminded many of players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. He’s been a key contributor to the Maroon Machine’s unbeaten season thus far, keeping defenders guessing with his magic-like ability to fit through the smallest of spaces. He will, unlike at Paul Roos, where he dons the no. 11 jersey, be in action at fullback for Western Province.

Marko Kok – Blue Bulls (Hoërskool Waterkloof)

Powerful runs and physical hits are what come to mind when the name Marko Kok comes up. The eighthman from Pretoria has been one of the cornerstones of Hoërskool Waterkloof’s successful season, which has included only one loss against Paul Roos Gimnasium. In the SDC Noordvaal Cup Competition, Kok has been one of the most prolific ball carriers, regularly breaking through defences to storm downfield. He’s not a one-trick pony, however. His defence is solid, and he has shown a willingness to roll up his sleeves to get involved in the physical aspects of the game, which, no doubt, will be on show when he runs out for the Blue Bulls this coming week.

Johannes Koegelenberg – Western Province (Paarl Gimnasium)

Hard-working, highly talented and never shy about getting stuck in when the going gets tough, Johannes Koegelenberg will bear watching at the Academy Week. The openside flank from Paarl Gimnasium has gone about his business this season quietly but extremely effectively. He has a high work rate and is a constant threat to turn over possession at ruck time, so Province’s opposition will have to be clinical in the loose or risk losing the ball. Koegelenberg is also a rugged defender, able to set the tone for the blue-and-white-striped jerseys.

Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein – Sharks (Maritzburg College) 

Maritzburg College’s Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein will pose a threat for the Sharks out on the left-wing. He possesses twinkle toes, has a wicked sidestep, is shifty, and has good hands, too. He’s enjoyed a good season for the College’s first XV. If given space, he will be a problem for opposing defences and, playing alongside some skilful and creative runners, he is likely to be a big weapon for the team from KwaZulu-Natal.

Brad Brown – Golden Lions (Noordheuwel)

His intimidating frame and deceptive pace make Noordheuwel’s “Big Bad” Brad Brown one of the most dangerous ball carriers at the Academy Week. The Golden Lions’ eighthman will surely capture the attention of rugby fans over the course of the defending champions’ three games. He will be used to get the hosts over the advantage line time and time again. Brown is a load, tough to stop, and adept at giving his team front-foot pool with which to play.

DAY ONE FIXTURES

A Field

09:00 – Blue Bulls vs Golden Lions XV
10:15 – Sharks vs Eastern Province
11:30 – Griffons vs Griquas
12:45 – Western Province vs Boland
14:30 – Golden Lions vs Free State

B Field

09:00 – SA LSEN XV vs Border Country Districts
10:15 – Valke vs Border
11:30 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs Zimbabwe
12:45 – South Western Districts vs Leopards
14:30 – Pumas vs Namibia