South Western Districts‘ eighthman Aldo Gouws crossed for a try in a second successive match on Wednesday, day two of the 2026 Academy Week at the Bergsig LSEN School in Kariega.
After a 22-39 defeat against the Blue Bulls in their opening match, he led from the front and was instrumental in his side’s 52-14 success against Griquas, delivering a relentless effort in both defence and attack.
He’ll be a key player in the Eagles’ final outing versus the Golden Lions XV on Friday.
Outside centre Frederick van Brederode dotted down both tries for the Northern Cape representatives. He positioned himself well and ran hard into space to break the SWD defensive line.
Border bounced back from Monday’s 22-point defeat against the Pumas with a nail-biting 26-24 win over the Valke.
Valke flyhalf Jan-Hendrick Espach scored a try and converted two tries, but another conversion would have levelled the scores, and two more would have won the game, which contained four tries apiece.
The Eastern Cape outfit largely relied on their muscle to get them over the try line. Prop Bunono Dyantyi, eighthman Bongalethu Mxoli, and openside flank Yimani Matiwane all exhibited their ball-carrying abilities as they tested the rigidity of the East Rand side’s defensive wall.
Another tough battle awaits them when they tackle the unbeaten Limpopo Blue Bulls on Friday, the final day of the event.
The Griffons fell to the Limpopo representatives on Wednesday, going down 11-21.
The Northern Free Stateers’ outside centre, Theuns van Rensburg, showed promise with his running rugby, but ultimately was limited to six points from two penalties. However, right-wing Jay-Daniel Bienas benefited from his inside man’s assistance when he collected his side’s sole try.
On Friday, the Griffons will face the Valke.
In a strong performance from the Limpopo Blue Bulls, openside flank Jac Gouws and outside centre Jayden Enslin caught the eye, and both made it onto the scoresheet for a second match in succession. This time out, Gouws scored twice, while Enslin dotted down once.
Namibia bagged four tries in their 36-28 win against a competitive LSEN XV line-up. Flyhalf Zaynodeen Bennie was once again a key player for the LSEN team, as he contributed a try, conversion, and two penalties.
Utility back Johan Jankowitz slotted over three penalties and a conversion to maintain the Namibian lead throughout the second half.
Zimbabwe enjoyed a more comfortable lead in their 28-5 success versus Border Country Districts (Border CD).
Scrumhalf Divine Hamilton kept the spark alive for the Zimbabweans. He distributed the ball with speed, and even bagged himself a try with a daring snipe from the base of the ruck.
Namibia and Zimbabwe will duel on Friday’s final day of action.
Scorers:
Border 26 (7) – Tries: Sopakama Zamile, Bongalethu Mxoli, Yimani Matiwane, Bunono Dyantyi. Conversions: Bongolwethu Nyakaza (3). Valke 24 (19) – Tries: Chester Maccamel, Matthew Robinson, Ruan Opperman, Jan-Hendrick Espach. Conversions: Espach (2).
South Western Districts (SWD) 52 (26) – Tries: Tinashe Mazeka, Aldo Gouws, Franco Pienaar, Jaydee Jansen, Jordan Schoeman, Ashley Abrahams, Quewin Pieterse, Zivan Grobbelaar. Conversions: Mark-Hein Fourie (6). Griquas 14 (7) – Tries: Frederick van Brederode (2). Conversions: Hanru Rademeyer, Cheslin Ruiter.
Limpopo Blue Bulls 21 (14) – Tries: Jac Gouws (2), Jayden Enslin. Conversions: Ryno Mienie (3). Griffons 11 (8) – Try: Jayden-Daniel Bienas. Penalties: Theuns van Rensburg (2).
Namibia 36 (15) – Tries: Operi Katjitundu, Armand Esterhuizen, Drikus Maartens, Ignatius Kandowa. Conversions: Johan Jankowitz, Janoc Esterhuizen. Penalties: Jankowitz (3), Esterhuizen. LSEN XV 28 (13) – Tries: Jean McEwan, Chandley Jacobs, Zaynodeen Bennie. Conversions: Bennie, Marais. Penalties: Bennie (2), Marais.
Zimbabwe 28 (21) – Tries: Tapiwanashe Majuru, Jacob Viki, Divine Hamilton, Marshall Hamandishe. Conversions: Rukudzo Mayida (3), Victor Watama. Border Country Districts (Border CD) 5 (0) – Try: Akhaukhanyo Tshaka.
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