Full round of action as U23 Cup picks up pace

The inaugural SA Rugby U23 Cup competition enters its second round on Friday when two games will be staged, in Durban and Polokwane, with the Vodacom Bulls XV and DHL Stormers XXIII entering the fray for the first time, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks U23s will be determined to rebound from their opening round home loss to the Lions XV.

Following last weekend’s opening fixture in this new competition, which the Lions won 24-7 in Durban, the KwaZulu-Natalians have a second home game when they welcome the Stormers to the east coast.

This Friday afternoon clash, which will start 3.30pm at Hollywoodbets Stadium, is a curtain-raiser for the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Vodacom URC clash against Cardiff (7pm kick-off).

Then, at 6pm, the action moves to Limpopo, where the Vodacom Bulls XV will make their first appearance when they host the Lions XV in a Jukskei Derby at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Lions will be keen to build on their opening round victory in their second successive encounter on the road. They led 19-0 at the break in Durban and finished with a bonus-point win in Durban – where Keagan Smith scored a first-half hat-trick of tries – to start the competition on a high note.

For the Bulls, this match in Polokwane against their Joburg rivals gives them also the opportunity to broaden their franchise and brand footprint in Limpopo.

Apart from senior players who need game time or those on the fringe of Vodacom URC selection, the four squads also feature numerous current and former Junior Springboks.

Fixtures

Hollywoodbets Sharks U23 v DHL Stormers XXIII - Friday @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban (3.30pm)

Referee: Caleb Hibbert

Vodacom Bulls XV v Lions XV - Friday @ Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane (6pm)

Referee: Excellent Mnkomo