Thanks to some smooth passing down the hands, Sharks’ left-wing, Lisa Sijadu, sped through space for a brace on Monday’s opening day of the u18 Academy Week of 2026, which is being hosted at the Bergsig School in Kariega.
The day’s most anticipated contest on the A-Field ended 34-27 in favour of the KwaZulu-Natal outfit. Utility back Tanwill Onkers was crucial off the boot. His two penalties and two conversions ensured that the Sharks won the match despite being outscored by four tries to five.
On Wednesday’s penultimate match of the second day, Boland will have to be at their best if they want to upset this Sharks outfit.
Eighthman Henco van Geelen, inside centre Samuel Smith, and utility back Luyanda Mbadamana all scored braces for the Golden Lions in their 66-7 triumph over Eastern Province.
Staying true to the no. 8 jersey, Van Geelen made some big carries. In addition to making plenty of metres over the gain line, he was ferocious on defence as well. Smith and Mbadamana ran some sharp running lines to weave holes in the opposition defence.
Tighthead prop Lucas Wheeler bundled over the try line, and flyhalf Cole Hurter added the extras for the Elephants’ only points against some determined Johannesburg locals. The Blue Bulls will meet the Lions for a Jukskei derby on Wednesday’s final match of the day.
Pumas left-wing Kgotso Mathale Peta scored a hat-trick on the day’s opening fixture. His contributions helped his side to defeat Border 48-26. Flyhalf Gaston Brown collected 13 points off the boot via a penalty and five conversions.
Blue Bulls found excellence in their own flyhalf, Caleb Africa. The no. 10 tallied 17 points via a try, two penalties, and three conversions, which just so happened to be the final margin between the teams.
South Western Districts fought back hard after going down 7-25 at the break. Despite strong efforts from talented individuals like outside centre Gerrit Janse van Rensburg, who added a try and conversions, they still fell short, losing 22-39 to a well-rounded Pretoria outfit.
Griffons nearly staged a shocking comeback after trailing 21-0 at halftime against Free State, but ultimately lost 33-39. Scrumhalf Craydon Bibbey delivered two tries and kept the ball moving quickly for the Northern Cape side in the second half.
The backs were certainly on song for the Cheetahs. Apart from lock Jannes Krause scoring five points, all the other tries were shared by fullback Ayden Cloete, left-wing Kia Babu, inside centre Kungaye Matanzima, and utility back Matthew Valentine. They’ll hope to maintain the pace against Pumas on Wednesday.
Scorers:
Golden Lions 66 (21) – Tries: Samuel Smith (2), Luyanda Mbadamana (2), Henco van Geelen (2), Luxon Zwane, Juandré Ehlers, Ryno van der Westhuizen, Loghan Langeveldt. Conversions: Marangxa (4), Cameron Kourie (3), Allan Patu. Eastern Province 7 (7) – Try: Lucas Wheeler. Conversion: Cole Hurter.
Pumas 48 (29) – Tries: Kgotso Mathale Peta (3), Gebrand Davel, Christiaan Viljoen, Christiaan Jacques de Klerk, WP Human. Conversions: Gaston Brown (5). Penalty: Brown. Border 26 (14) – Tries: Edward Malinzi, Ntsika Boya, Lomelelo Fotoyi, Yimani Matiwane. Conversions: Bongulwethu Nyakaza (2), Mthokozisi Mbambo.
Free State 39 (21) – Tries: Jannes Krause, Kungaye Mantanzima, Kia Babu, Ayden Cloete, Matthew Valentine. Conversions: Christoff Crause (4). Penalties: Crous (2). Griffons 33 (0) – Tries: Craydon Bibbey (2), Caleb Butler, Alvinio Mintoor, penalty try. Conversions: Theuns van Rensburg (3).
Boland 45 (14) – Tries: Juwaydan van Niekerk (2), Nicolai Diedericks, Harold de Silva, Teagon Roberts, Ruan Nortje. Conversions: Nortje (5), Eldrin de Koker. Penalty: Nortje. Golden Lions XV 39 (17) – Tries: Sihle Mbambo (3), Ray-Nathin van Kolver (2). Conversions: Van Kolver (4). Penalties: Van Kolver, Connor Fourie.
Blue Bulls 39 (25) – Tries: Caleb Africa, Duran Pieterse, Regan Blignaut, Neo Ledwaba, Mashego Mabuto. Conversions: Africa (3), Michael Bhuda. Penalties: Africa (3). South Western Districts (SWD) 22 (7) – Tries: Gerrit Janse van Rensburg. Converions: Gerrit Janse van Rensburg, Aldo Gouws, Liam van den Berg, Jordan Shoeman.
Sharks 34 (14) – Tries: Lisa Sijadu (2), Kevin van Vollenstee, Matthew Wilson. Conversions: Sondelani Sheleni (2), Tanwill Onkers (2). Penalties: Onkers (2). Western Province 27 (12) – Tries: Alvin Machinja, Caleb Clark, Erchel Hanga, Kirwan November, Kelebogile Somhlalo-Nkwana. Conversion: Clark.
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