Boland narrowly defeats Golden Lions in dramatic match.
Pumas dominate Griquas; Mahlangu scores twice.
Sharks stage comeback to beat Free State.
Blue Bulls and Western Province win thrilling contests.
The Grant Khomo Week at Grey High School in Gqeberha kicked off with a series of thrilling matches, showcasing the promising talent of U16 rugby players from across South Africa. The first day was marked by closely contested games and impressive individual performances, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
Boland vs. Golden Lions: A Nail-Biting Encounter
One of the most dramatic matches of the day saw Boland narrowly defeat the Golden Lions. Boland dominated the first half, scoring 15 points to the Lions’ 3. The Lions mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, but Boland’s flyhalf, Jano van Deventer, kept his cool under pressure. Van Deventer’s two late penalties sealed a 21-16 victory for Boland, leaving the Lions to rue their slow start.
High-Scoring Performances and Comebacks
Earlier, the Pumas made a strong statement with a 39-14 victory over Griquas. The Pumas’ center, Siboniso Mahlangu, was a standout player, scoring two of his team’s five tries. This match highlighted the attacking prowess of the Pumas, setting them up as a team to watch in the tournament.
Another close contest saw the Griffons edge out the Valke with a narrow 17-15 win. The match was a test of endurance and tactical play, with both teams demonstrating excellent defensive skills.
In a remarkable comeback, the Sharks overcame a 10-point deficit at halftime to defeat Free State 26-20. The Sharks’ resilience and tactical adjustments in the second half were key to their victory, showcasing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
North vs. South: Regional Rivalries in the Spotlight
The Blue Bulls faced off against the Western Province XV in a match that highlighted the fierce North vs. South rivalry. The Blue Bulls led 20-10 at halftime, but the Western Province XV fought back valiantly in the second half. Two crucial kicks by Blue Bulls’ flyhalf Vihan Pretorius ultimately secured a 26-24 win for his team.
Meanwhile, Western Province’s main team displayed their dominance with a 38-25 win over the hosts, Eastern Province. Scoring five tries, Western Province demonstrated their offensive strength and ability to control the game from start to finish.
Dominant Displays in the Final Matches
The day concluded with two dominant performances. The Leopards crushed the Limpopo Blue Bulls 40-7, scoring six tries and showcasing their superiority in both attack and defense. This result underscored the Leopards’ status as a formidable team in the tournament.
South Western Districts also secured a convincing 26-6 win over Namibia, reflecting their disciplined and strategic approach to the game.
Day One Results Recap
- Pumas 39, Griquas 14
- Free State XV 29, Border Country Districts 7
- Golden Lions 16, Boland 21
- Valke 15, Griffons 17
- Free State 20, Sharks 26
- Border 26, Zimbabwe 20
- Blue Bulls 26, Western Province XV 24
- South Western Districts 26, Namibia 6
- Western Province 38, Eastern Province 25
- Leopards 40, Limpopo Blue Bulls 7
Notable Performances
Boland’s Jano van Deventer scored two late penalties, securing a 21-16 victory over the Golden Lions.
Siboniso Mahlangu shone for the Pumas, scoring two tries in their dominant 39-14 win against Griquas.
The Blue Bulls, led by Vihan Pretorius’ crucial kicks, edged out Western Province XV with a 26-24 win.
