The Vodacom Bulls U20 will host the 2026 SA Rugby Under-20 Cup final on Saturday at 13:15 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria against their rivals from south of the Jukskei River, the Fidelity ADT Lions U20, after the Gauteng neighbours won their semi-finals over the past weekend.
The Bulls, who finished top of the regular league season, recorded a convincing 45-12 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks GEN in Pretoria on Saturday, while the Lions booked their spot in the final after defeating the DHL Stormers Bolts 38-18 in Johannesburg on Friday.
At Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls’ resounding victory over the Sharks was mainly thanks to a superb first-half display. The Durban visitors struck first through fullback Divan Fourie, but the Bulls responded with four first-half tries to establish a commanding 26-7 halftime lead.
The Pretoria side’s powerful pack laid the platform, while flyhalf Viaan Mentoor orchestrated proceedings superbly, contributing a try and three conversions. Further tries by Junior Boks’ Luan van den Berg and Pieter van der Merwe, as well as a try by Brooklyn Newman, ensured the Bulls took control before the break.
Although the Sharks briefly threatened through SA U20 wing Khuthadzo Rasivhaga early in the second half, the Bulls’ superior physicality and depth off the bench proved decisive.
Tries from another Junior Bok, Kebotile Maake, substitute Chinedu Amadi, and Hendré Schoeman completed a seven-try victory that underlined why the Bulls topped the league standings and earned the right to host the final.
On Friday, the Fidelity ADT Lions U20 booked their place in the final with a deserved 38-18 win over the DHL Stormers U20 Bolts at the University of Johannesburg Stadium. The visitors from Cape Town made an excellent start, with No. 8 Quintin Potgieter crossing after just two minutes, but the hosts gradually wrestled control of the contest.
The Lions built pressure through their forwards and were rewarded with tries from Miguel Smith and Marko Kok, edging them into a 19-15 halftime lead.
After the break, the Gauteng side’s dominance continued. Tries by hooker Mahle Sithole and scrumhalf Elgernon Meyer stretched the advantage, while replacement Thapelo Mphela added a final try to seal a comprehensive victory. Flyhalf Matthew Abbey contributed three conversions in an influential display.
Scores:
Vodacom Bulls U20 45 (26), Hollywoodbets Sharks GEN 12 (7)
Bulls – Tries: Luan van der Berg, Pieter van der Merwe, Viaan Mentoor, Brooklyn Newman, Kebotile Maake, Chinedu Amadi, Hendré Schoeman. Conversions: Mentoor (3), Ruben Pienaar (2).
Sharks – Tries: Divan Fourie, Khuti Rasivhaga. Conversion: Stefan Moolman.
Fidelity ADT Lions U20 38 (19), DHL Stormers Bolts 18 (15)
Lions – Tries: Adriano Jackson, Miguel Smith, Marko Kok, Mahle Sithole, Elgernon Meyer, Thapelo Mphela. Conversions: Matthew Abbey (3), Rekkie Gerber.
Stormers – Tries: Quintin Potgieter, Jayden Brits. Conversion: Jayden Brits. Penalty goals: Brits (2).
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
