The 2026 SA Rugby U21 Shield final will feature Griquas and Eastern Province after both teams secured hard-fought semi-final victories on the road on Saturday. The final is scheduled to take place on October 10 at the NMU B-field in Gqeberha, with kick-off at 14h00. In the semi-finals, Griquas overcame a spirited late fightback from the Griffons in Welkom, while Eastern Province survived a stirring second-half comeback from Boland in Wellington.
Griquas secured a 32-29 victory over the Griffons in Welkom. The Griffons made a fast start through tries from Aiden Holtzhausen and Mvelo Ndwalane. However, Griquas stayed in touch thanks to a five-pointer from Rovaun van Niekerk. A penalty goal by Blane Marais helped Griquas take a seven-point lead into the break. The second half remained fiercely contested, with tries from Kwanda Mhlongo and Thailyn Rose, plus a further penalty goal from Marais, appearing to have done enough for Griquas.
Despite a 20-minute red-card, Griquas held on for the win. The Griffons mounted a dramatic late surge with tries from Keanu van Wyk, Qhamani James, and Jumbo Kubheka, but ultimately fell three points short. In Wellington, Eastern Province dominated the opening period against Boland, crossing through Angelo Adams, Dewald Gerber, and Christiaan van der Merwe. Fullback Lyle Meintjies added three conversions and an early penalty goal to give Eastern Province a commanding 24-5 half-time lead.
Boland responded strongly after the interval, despite losing Rowen Jantjies to a yellow card shortly after the restart. A brace from Nathan Gous and tries by Craig van Rensburg and Ronaldo Koker brought the hosts back into contention. Enrique Jephta added three conversions for Boland. However, a crucial try from Damian le Roux and a late Meintjies penalty goal proved enough to see Eastern Province through by the narrowest of margins.
The two playoff matches delivered thrilling contests on Saturday, with both finalists forced to dig deep to secure hard-fought victories away from home. The Griffons and Boland showed resilience and determination, but ultimately fell short in their quest for a spot in the final. Griquas and Eastern Province will now face off in the 2026 SA Rugby U21 Shield final.
The scorers for the semi-finals were as follows: Harmony Griffons 29 (10), Griquas 32 (17); Griffons – Tries: Rovaun van Niekerk, Imaani Pemba, Keanu van Wyk, Qhamani James, Jumbo Kubheka. Conversions: Dean de Wee (2), Ronaldo Kiewiet. Griquas – Tries: Aiden Holtzhausen, Mvelo Ndwalane, Kwanda Mhlongo, Thailyn Rose. Conversions: Blane Marais (3). Penalty goals: Marais (2). Sanlam Boland 31 (5), Eastern Province 34 (24).
In related news, the SA Rugby U21 Shield is part of the broader SA Rugby U20 competition, which has seen intense action in recent weeks. Other teams, including the Bulls, have tightened their grip at the top of the standings as the race for the playoffs intensifies. The Springbok Women also recently secured a good win in trying conditions, while Bafana Bafana stunned Egypt in Cairo.
Key points
- Griquas and Eastern Province will contest the 2026 SA Rugby U21 Shield final on October 10 at the NMU B-field in Gqeberha.
- The semi-finals delivered thrilling contests, with both finalists forced to dig deep to secure hard-fought victories away from home.
- The SA Rugby U21 Shield is part of the broader SA Rugby U20 competition, which has seen intense action in recent weeks.
