Golden Lions hunting Academy Week double on home soil
The Golden Lions will be on the hunt for the title of unofficial champions of the Academy Week for a second year in succession on Friday, the final day of the event.
Catch all the action on SuperSport Schools
The Johannesburg-based union has made it very clear that they are the team to beat at this year’s week, which is, once again, being hosted at Jeppe High School for Boys.
The hosts will face the unpredictable Eastern Province at 12:15 to decide which team will be regarded as 2024’s best.
The Golden Lions convincingly won their first two matches. They made themselves at home in their opener, cruising to 65-25 victory over the Free State Cheetahs in a battle of the big cats. Then, on Wednesday, they caged the Sharks, breaking open a game that they led 8-3 at the break with a second half spurt, which carried them to a comprehensive 35-3 victory.
Eastern Province had it tougher, but they showed great character in both of their outings, which secured them the nod for Friday’s big game.
In their opening match, they almost slipped up against the Sharks, drawing 38-38 in a thriller. Then, against a very good Western Province side, they showed their class and attacking prowess in a nail-biting 25-24 win, which they secured with a late try.
The battle of the backs will certainly be interesting. Both sides possess the ability to score from anywhere. The home side’s midfield will, without a doubt, challenge the EP side. Inside centre Jarred Coetzee and outside centre Ty Ax have been relentless in attack. Coetzee, especially, has impressed with his clever attacking lines and physical presence.
For the Eastern Cape side, Tyreses Brouers, a member of the LSEN XV side in 2023, has been instrumental. He possesses an intimidating frame and a massive work rate and will be eager to stamp his authority among the forwards.
The other unbeaten side, the Blue Bulls, might feel somewhat hard done by after missing out on the main match. They will, however, face Western Province in a traditional north-south derby, which has often been a showdown between South Africa’s best provincial teams.
The Bulls battled to outlast a spirited Lions XV side in their first match, sneaking home by a 30-28 margin. On day two, they hit their straps, showing some great character to outclass Boland 55-31.
FRIDAY FIXTURES
Collard Field: 08:30 – Namibia vs Zimbabwe; 09:45 – Sharks vs Griffons; 11:00 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province; 12:15 – Golden Lions vs Eastern Province.
Jake White Field: 08:30 – Boland vs Leopards; 09:45 – Griquas vs Valke; 11:00 – Free State vs Golden Lions XV.
Top Right Field: 08:30 – South Western Districts vs Border Country Districts; 09:45 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs LSEN XV; 11:00 – Border vs Pumas.
