The Golden Lions continued their winning ways on Wednesday’s second day of the 2026 Academy Week at the Bergsig LSEN School in Kariega.
Right-wing Loghan Langeveldt opened the scoring for the Johannesburg locals in an early flurry that saw them go up 22-5 heading into the break versus the Blue Bulls. They continued to get front-foot ball in the second half and ultimately won the Jukskei derby 34-12.
The Lions will certainly be a formidable force when they battle the Sharks in Friday’s main match. After all, they’ve been unofficial champions for the last three years, and will hope to make it a fourth unbeaten run in succession on Friday.
Loose forward Kevin Vollenstee took his tally to two tries in two games for the Sharks, as the KwaZulu-Natal locals overcame Boland 35-10.
Flyhalf Tanwill Onkers and utility back Sondelani Sheleni were both efficient from the kicking tee. Ockers added two conversions, while Sheleni put one over and successfully slotted three penalty strikes.
Boland will aim to end on a strong note against Free State on day three.
Fullback Matthew Valentine again found himself on the scoresheet in the Cheetahs‘ 45-21 triumph over the Pumas. Flyhalf Christoff Crous was also influential, racking up 15 points via a try and five conversions.
Western Province star Aleit Stander has been one of the best ball carriers at outside centre at the Academy Week. On Wednesday, he broke the line on a few occasions and tallied two tries. Province bounded to a 62-19 victory over the Golden Lions XV, which some may view as redemption for Monday’s 27-34 loss to the Sharks.
Rondebosch Boys’ High eighthman, Kirwan November, had a busy day around the field and even earned himself five points for his efforts. SACS flyhalf Jake Dave also impressed with his running rugby. He contributed 17 points by slotting six conversions and scoring a try of his own.
The boys in blue and white clicked well, and they’ll aim for more of the same when they meet the Blue Bulls on Friday.
Hooker Luciano Solani was a brute up front for Eastern Province against the Leopards. He twice ploughed over the line to contribute a decisive 10 points in his side’s 22-19 win.
The never-say-die spirit offered by both teams made for an entertaining contest. There should be more of the same when the Elephants take it to the Pumas on Friday.
Scorers:
Golden Lions 34 (22) – Tries: Loghan Langeveldt, Tswaledi Phasha, Samuel Smith, Asa Mgwatyu, Luyanda Mbadamana. Conversions: Cameron Kourie (2), Luthando Marangxa. Penalty: Kourie. Blue Bulls 12 (5) – Tries: Regan Blignaut, Kwetsima Dlamini. Conversion: Michael Bhuda.
Sharks 35 (21) – Tries: Aidan du Plooy, Richaard Kriel, Ruan Mulder, Kevin van Vollenstee. Conversions: Tanwill Onkers (2), Sondelani Sheleni. Penalties: Sheleni (3). Boland 10 (5) – Tries: Harold de Silva (2).
Western Province 62 (38) – Tries: Aleit Stander (2), Tristan Armitage, Boitumelo Mabohlo, Dirk Hugo, Kelebogile Somhlalo-Nkwana, Louwrens Rademeyer, Daniel Arendse, Kirwan November, Jake Dave. Conversions: Dave (6). Golden Lions XV 19 (5) – Tries: Ruann Bester, Sihle Mbambo, Rico van der Westhuizen. Conversions: Ray-Nathin van Klover (2).
Free State 45 (12) – Tries: Matthew Valentine, WJ Dippenaar, Eugene Jansen, Johan Swart, Lino Mtwebana, Ofentse Theko, Christoff Crous. Conversions: Crous (5). Pumas 21 (18) – Tries: Katlego Baloyi, Dillan Botha. Conversion: Gaston Brown. Penalties: Brown (2).
Eastern Province 22 (17) – Tries: Luciano Solani (2), Logan van Vuuren, Kadin Kretzmann. Conversion: Cole Hurter. Leopards 19 (7) – Tries: Christopher Marthinus, Etha MacDonald, Micka Hendricks. Conversions: Aldin Baadjies (2).
