Rugby Match Report for SA Schools vs SA Schools A team
The final curtain came down on schoolboy selections as SA U18 and SA ‘A’ U18 took to the field in what served as the last major outing before both squads turn their attention to incoming international opposition later this year. The clash, however, proved to be a one-sided affair with the top-tier SA U18 outfit delivering a statement 49–14 victory.
It didn’t take long for the Green and Gold to stamp their authority, crossing early and immediately putting SA ‘A’ on the back foot. But the moment that truly set the tone for the afternoon came midway through the half when Zekhetlo Siyaya produced a solo stunner slicing through defenders from the halfway touchline to dot down under the poles in a try that will no doubt be replayed in highlight reels.
SA were just getting started. A powerful rolling maul set up Altus Rabes first try in national colours, before Siyaya once again got over the chalk this time off the back of a dominant SA scrum. Flyhalf Nela added polish with the boot, slotting each conversion to give his side a commanding 28–0 lead at the break.
The second half brought a flurry of substitutions as both camps tested combinations ahead of the upcoming series, but it did little to slow the SA charge. Siyaya completed his hat-trick just ten minutes in, capping off a dream performance and showing exactly why he’s a name to watch in future South African setups. His ability to find space, beat defenders and finish with composure put him a cut above the rest.
From there, SA showed no signs of letting off the gas. Their forward pack continued to dominate collisions and breakdowns, starving the SA ‘A’ side of possession and field position. Ruben Grenewald took over kicking duties seamlessly, continuing where Nela left off, as the scoreboard kept ticking over.
SA ‘A’ finally managed to break the deadlock and get on the board with a well-worked team try that drew some cheers from the crowd. Their supporters would’ve hoped it might spark a late resurgence, but SA U18 answered back almost immediately with another textbook rolling maul try to reassert their dominance.
Soon after, they dotted down again as their support runners and offloading game continued to pick holes in a tiring defence. There was little the SA ‘A’ side could do to halt the momentum. A late try from Pieter Cilliers offered a small reprieve for the trailing side, but by then, the result was long sealed.
This clash showcased the best of the country’s rising talent and confirmed that the depth in South African schoolboy rugby remains as strong as ever. With the incoming international series on the horizon, many of these players will be hoping to build on this platform and carry their momentum into the next chapter of their young careers. If this performance is anything to go by, the future of South African rugby is in safe hands.
YouTube Highlights of the game
