Lions go top after Bulls, WP draw in U21 Cup

The Fidelity ADT Lions Under-21 side gained their second win of the SA Rugby U21 Cup competition to go top of the log when they defeated the Leopards U21 in Johannesburg last weekend.

In Durban, the Hollywoodbets Sharks were too strong for the Toyota Cheetahs and won their encounter by a comfortable 59-29 margin, outscoring their Free State visitors by nine tries to five after leading 33-24 at the halfway stage.

Former Junior Bok outside back Litelihle Bester was one of three players who scored two tries each for the Durban side, while flyhalf Frederick Marx contributed seven conversions.

In Pretoria, the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Western Province played out to an exciting 41-41 draw after the hosts trailed 17-12 at the break. The teams scored six tries each, with former Junior Boks Liam Koen (Bulls flyhalf, one conversion) and Joel Leotlela (WP right wing, a try) playing prominent roles.

With the draw in the North-South Derby, the Lions’ 31-22 win over the Leopards means they are the only team who have won all their games so far and that moved them to the top of the standings.

Exauce Tshiamala scored two tries for the Lions, while two other members of the 2024 Junior Bok side, Thurlon Williams (three conversions) and Michail Damons (one try), also contributed to the Johannesburg team’s points tally.

In the opening round, the Bulls edged the Leopards (36-34) in Potch, the Lions were too strong for the Cheetahs (40-14) in Bloem, and WP defeated the Sharks (43-31) in Cape Town.

After two rounds, the Fidelity ADT Lions lead the standings on 10 points from their two wins. Defending champions, DHL WP, are two points adrift in second place, with the Vodacom Bulls also sitting on eight points but in third place because of the Cape side’s better points’ difference.

The Hollywoodbets Sharks are fourth on six points, the Leopards have two points while sixth placed Toyota Cheetahs have a single point.

In this week’s round three action, WP face the Lions on Friday at 3.45pm in Cape Town; and on Saturday, the Leopards entertain the Cheetahs from 12pm at Olen Park in Potchefstroom before the Sharks welcome the Bulls to Durban for their 3pm clash.

Results

Fidelity ADT Lions 31, Leopards 22

Vodacom Bulls 41, DHL Western Province 41

Hollywoodbets Sharks 59, Toyota Cheetahs 29