The Lions lived up to their “Golden” moniker at the 2026 Grant Khomo Week. After overcoming the Sharks and Western Province, they defeated the Blue Bulls 33-21 on Friday on Stott Field at Kearsney College in the event’s unofficial final.
Like almost all dominant outfits, this Lions boasted a brilliant general in the no. 10 jersey. While there was no award for the player of the tournament, flyhalf Cian Jonck was the complete package. His goal-kicking, tactical kicking, playmaking, and passing were all top-notch. On Friday, he scored a try and kicked four conversions.
Down by 7-21 at halftime, the Lions’ 26-point comeback was nothing short of magical. They were the only side to successfully out-maul the Bulls, and they didn’t concede an inch in the scrums. The Lions deserve all the praise that they’ll receive. They finished their first appearance in the unofficial final in 11 years on a perfect note.
Western Province flank Lian van Zijl was an engine with plenty of power and stamina and scored twice against the Sharks in his side’s 29-24 win.
Among the backs, right-wing Geshem Pietersen and fullback Zeke Finck exhibited extreme pace to provide a try apiece.
Sharks’ utility back Peyton Solomons crossed the whitewash twice, while right-wing Warona Modise, another speed demon, got himself on the scoresheet again.
The Sharks XV ended their campaign undefeated following an impressive 54-7 win over Boland. It was a spectator-pleasing game. The free-flowing manner in which it was played proved that Kwa-Zulu Natal has deep depths of talent in its rugby reserves.
No matter what the Western Cape outfit’s defence threw at them, the Sharks XV found space and put a runner into it.
Free State was somewhat unfortunate in their loss to the Bulls on Wednesday, but ended their time at Botha’s Hill with a fantastic 59-13 triumph over Border.
Hooker Leon Kruger dotted down twice. He revelled in his role at the wheel of the rolling maul, and he and his pack drove 30 metres before he crashed over for the game’s opening try.
Outside centre Jayden Els showed an admirable warrior’s spirit, tackling ferociously, and even scored a try while playing with an injured right leg.
Ryan Pheiffer was excellent as the Leopards flyhalf and goal-kicker, tallying three penalties and two conversions in their 28-12 win over the Pumas.
Scrumhalf Wihan Strydom reads the game superbly, and his tactical kicking was just as important to the Leopards’ success as Pheiffer’s goal-kicking. He exploited space and gained metre after metre of territory thanks to his excellent reading of space and skillful right boot.
Both players were crucial to their team’s undefeated campaign.
Scorers:
Golden Lions 33 (7) – Tries: Mohua Mkhize, Connor de Matteis, Mogau Malebana, Oratile Moyo, Cian Jonck. Conversions: Jonck (4). Blue Bulls 21 (21) – Tries: Morné Beukes, Kean Meyer, Taylor Nel. Conversions: Lian de Jager (2), Le Roux Badenhorst.
Western Province 29 (19) – Tries: Lian van Zijl (2), Geshem Pietersen, Zeke Finck, Zardus Coetzee. Conversions: Fabio van Wyk (2). Sharks 24 (7) – Tries: Peyton Solomons (2), Warona Modise, Lethuxolo Ntuli. Conversions: Benitez Mickson (2).
Free State 59 (28) – Tries: Leon Kruger (2), Jayden Els, Anton Piek, Bender Koot, Lohan de Beer, Theuns Fourie, Tatum Kers, Siya Mdunge. Conversions: Juan Erwee (7). Border 13 (5) – Tries: Hlombe Dlani, John Schmidt. Penalty: Uyinthando Goso.
Sharks XV 54 (26) – Tries: Henco van Loggerenberg, Lian Bezuidenhout, Lanner Reilly, Ulrich Marx, Sphe Buthelezi, Joshua Ntlou, Anthonie Linde, Junior Sambo. Conversions: Bezuidenhout (7). Boland 27 (7) – Tries: Junaid Wewers. Conversions: Caleb Balie.
Leopards 28 (25) – Tries: Stephan du Preez, Wihan Strydom, Nico Theron. Conversions: Ryan Pheiffer (2). Penalties: Pheiffer (3). Pumas 12 (0) – Tries: Blessing Sithole, Themba Makelane. Conversion: Michael Ronquest.
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