Craven Week: Shocks on Day 1 as Free State and Blue Bulls LOSE
The U18 Craven Week got off to an explosive start in Middelburg on Monday, with 37 tries scored across the four matches.
The WP XV put on an attacking show in the opening fixture, scoring eight tries and more than 50 points against the Griffons.
The Capetonians were in charge for much of the contest, limiting the Northern Free Staters to two penalty goals over the course of the game.
The next two fixtures were a lot tighter, with the Lions and SWD fighting back from significant half-time deficits to secure important victories.
Free State dominated the first half of their fixture against SWD, and went to the break with a 17-6 lead. Flyhalf Darius Erwee led the way for his side, contributing 12 points in all.
SWD lifted the tempo in the second stanza, scoring three tries in the final 10 minutes. While Free State added a converted try at the death, it wasn't enough to deny the Eagles a famous 35-34 win.
In the Jukskei Derby, the Lions rebounded after a slow start to trail by six points at half-time. Neither side managed to gain the upper in hand in the early stages of the the second stanza, with the lead changing hands several times.
With time running out, Bulls wing Thabiso Simelane launched an audacious counter-attack from within his own half, and then managed to regather his own chip kick for an important touchdown.
But the Lions worked their way upfield, before earning a penalty within Jeandre Uithaler's range. The flyhalf booted his side to a 36-35 victory, and finished the clash with a personal tally to 11 points.
In the fourth match of the day, the Pumas scored five tries in quick succession to take the contest away from the Limpopo Blue Bulls and begin their home tournament with an emphatic 44-22 win.
The U18 Craven Week will continue at Hoërskool Middelburg on Tuesday, with the Leopards taking on the Valke in the first match at 10:00.
Western Province, who finished unbeaten in last year's competition, will tackle Western Cape rivals Sanlam Boland at 14:30 in the final match of the day.
Western Province XV 52-6 Griffons
Free State 34-35 South Western Districts
Blue Bulls 35-36 Lions
Pumas 44-22 Limpopo Blue Bulls
Leopards v Valke – 10:00Border v Suzuki Griquas – 11:30Sharks v Eastern Province – 13:00
Western Province v Boland – 14:30
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Johan Ackermann returns home to lead the Vodacom Bulls
Benoni-born Johan Ackermann has been appointed as the new head coach of the Vodacom Bulls—an opportunity he described as a dream come true. The three-time South African coach of the year comes to Loftus Versfeld with elite-level experience, having coached both locally and overseas, most recently with the South African U20s. Ackermann, currently in Italy assisting the Junior Springboks ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship final, reacted to his appointment in a press statement issued by the Vodacom Blue Bulls. 'The moment I received the call, I got goosebumps! It still feels too good to be true. I'm like a Grade One going to school for the first time. I'm so excited. It's a privilege and an honour.' 'It's a great union with a wonderful tradition and incredible supporters. Eighty percent of my friends are Bulls supporters. The Vodacom Bulls have been successful for many years. I now face that challenge, and I must thank the Board for the opportunity. 'It's a bit different from my previous roles, where I had to help build teams up. The Bulls are already there—now I must help them grow and succeed even more,' said Ackermann. Journey Ackermann's journey through rugby is one of resilience, transformation, and quiet authority. Born in Benoni in 1970, he forged a robust playing career as a lock, earning 13 Test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007. Known for his relentless physicality and grit, he became a formidable presence—and when he made his Test debut at age 37, he became the oldest Springbok debutant in history. After retiring in 2008, Ackermann transitioned seamlessly into coaching, beginning with the Lions in Johannesburg. Initially appointed as forwards coach, he took over as head coach in 2013 and ushered in a bold new era. Under his stewardship, the Lions reached two consecutive Super Rugby finals. His teams played expansive, high-tempo rugby grounded in discipline and player empowerment. He cultivated a culture of respect and trust, transforming overlooked talent into Springboks and rekindling pride in the Lions jersey. Ackermann's tactical acumen and emotional intelligence earned him acclaim and international recognition. He led the SA 'A' side in 2016 and 2017 before joining Gloucester in England, where he guided the club to a Challenge Cup final and a Premiership semi-final. In Japan, he continued to leave his mark with the Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks, bringing cohesion and values-based leadership to diverse squads. Ackermann returned to South African rugby earlier this year as a coaching consultant for the SA U20s. Ackermann's influence extends far beyond the field. Steeped in faith and shaped by his time in the police force, he values character and resilience as deeply as tactics. Whether developing young talent or rebuilding team identity, he remains a coach committed to building both champions and men of character. New chapter for Bulls Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, affirmed, 'He's the right person at the right time.' 'He's a Carlton League legend, he played his first Test at Loftus, and he played for the Bulls. His blood is blue! This was always meant to be. His management of people and ability to drive culture are renowned.' Strauss's view is echoed by Edgar Rathbone, the chief executive of the Blue Bulls Company. 'Johan is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union. His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential, and delivering results at the highest level is well proven. 'The Vodacom Bulls are a club built on legacy and ambition, and with Johan at the helm, we are confident our future will be shaped by excellence, resilience, and unity. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bulls rugby, and we are thrilled to welcome him home.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
17 hours ago
- eNCA
British and Irish Lions outmuscle Australia to win first Test 27-19
BRISBANE - A relentless British and Irish Lions were ferocious in attack and solid in defence to edge a dogged Australia and win a bruising first Test 27-19 in Brisbane on Saturday. The tourists repeatedly laid siege to the Wallabies line for a 17-5 lead at the break before soaking up second-half pressure to bank the win with both sides scoring three tries. A late Australia try meant the scoreline flattered a poor Wallabies side, with the Lions never looking in trouble after opening up a 24-5 lead shortly after half-time. Played in front of 52,229 fans at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, many wearing the Red of the Lions, the tourists proved too strong for a brave, but outgunned Australian outfit. With Scottish fly-half Finn Russell pulling the strings in the backs and outstanding loose forwards Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne dominating up front, the Lions showed why they went into the Test as firm favourites. But despite being behind for all of the match, the Wallabies didn't roll over and fears of a huge defeat never materialised. The Lions got away to an almost perfect start, Beirne winning a penalty off the kick-off and Russell slotting an easy three points. The Wallabies barely had the ball in the opening 10 minutes, the Lions dominating attacking possession to give the sea of red jerseys in the crowd plenty to cheer about. The home side were made to pay when inside centre Sione Tuipulotu ran on to a beautiful long pass from Russell to cross next to the posts and give the Lions a 10-0 lead in as many minutes. The Lions continued to dominate possession and territory over the opening 30 minutes and it was almost a surprise when the Wallabies hit back. Wing Max Jorgensen came away with the ball after a Jake Gordon kick inside the Lions 22 and beat Russell's despairing covering tackle to score in the corner. Tom Lynagh's conversion attempt went wide and the Lions led 10-5 eight minutes before the break. - Sheehan strikes - The Lions were straight back on the attack and their intentions were clear when captain Maro Itoje turned down two kickable penalties in a row, opting to go for a try. They missed out the first time but were rewarded moments later when Curry barged over, giving the Lions a 17-5 lead at half-time. The Wallabies needed to start the second half well, but instead it was the Lions who struck first, hooker Dan Sheehan finishing off a Hugo Keenan break and crossing in the corner. Russell's sideline conversion gave the visitors a commanding 24-5 lead. The Wallabies thought they had struck back after some sustained pressure when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii barged over next to the posts, but referee Ben O'Keeffe ruled he had not released the ball on the ground and the try was disallowed. With the match slipping away, replacement Wallaby flanker Carlo Tizzano burrowed over and Ben Donaldson's conversion made it 24-12 with 12 minutes remaining. A penalty from Lions replacement fly-half Marcus Smith right in front gave the Lions a safety net at 27-12. Wallabies reserve scrum-half Tate McDermott scored a consolation try just before the siren. But it was too little too late and the Lions now head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for next Saturday's second Test 1-0 up in the three-match series. acd/dh By Andrew Dent
TimesLIVE
20 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Farrell says Lions back row vindicated selection for Brisbane win
British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell said Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne had fully justified their selection after playing key roles as the tourists dominated Australia physically early in their first Test victory on Saturday. Farrell said he had noted the media commentary around the form of the two flankers when he included them in his team at the expense of Wales captain Jac Morgan and Irish loose forward Josh van der Flier. Curry scored one try and provided a pass for another, while Beirne was hard on the ball at the breakdown throughout the match at Lang Park, where the Lions earned a comfortable 27-19 victory. 'Immense, absolutely immense,' Farrell told reporters. 'Big game players, who were probably challenged by a good few. And I think it told the story. I think Tom Curry put in some really nice shots defensively. 'Tadhg got the turnover very early doors that set the tone really, and I don't think it stopped there. He carried on for the rest of the game. "(Number eight) Jack Conan's carrying was very much on the front foot, wasn't it? So those three guys, I'm sure they'd be delighted with how they responded to selection. 'They are men of their word and they delivered.'
