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Craven Week 2026 Day 2 Results
Craven Week 2026 Day Two Results: Border, Griquas, Western Province XV and Lions Secure Wins
Border overpower Valke after second-half surge
Day Two of Craven Week 2026 got underway with Border taking on Valke in an entertaining SA Schools rugby contest that swung dramatically after the break. chickenroadslot.lat
Valke controlled the opening 20 minutes, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and spending long periods camped inside Border’s 22. After sustained pressure, they were rewarded with the opening try from a driving maul.
Border refused to panic and gradually fought their way into the opposition half. A penalty and lineout just seven metres from the Valke try line created the perfect platform, with another powerful driving maul allowing the backs to attack. Caleb Smith eventually crossed to level the scores at 7-7 after 25 minutes.
Valke responded by once again dominating territory and possession, but they failed to capitalise. Fly-half Botha missed two kickable penalty attempts before half-time, leaving six valuable points behind as the teams headed into the break all square.
Border seized control after the restart, punishing Valke for their missed opportunities with the opening try of the second half to edge ahead. Although Valke responded in the 44th minute to reclaim a narrow two-point advantage despite fullback Van Rensburg serving time in the sin bin, it proved to be their final score of the match.
From there, Border completely took over. Their forwards laid the platform while the backs exploited the growing spaces, piling on 24 unanswered points during the final 20 minutes. Two further yellow cards compounded Valke’s problems as Border ran out convincing 36-14 winners in this Craven Week 2026 clash.
Griquas finish strongly to deny spirited Pumas
The second match of the day saw Griquas face a youthful Pumas side in another entertaining Craven Week 2026 encounter.
The game exploded into life almost immediately, with both teams crossing for tries inside the opening three minutes. Pumas struck first through Marule after just 30 seconds before Heinrich Swart responded for Griquas less than two minutes later.
The attacking tempo remained relentless throughout the opening half. Griquas crossed the line three more times, while the Pumas replied with four tries of their own in an impressive display of South African schoolboy rugby. However, three missed conversions prevented the Pumas from turning their dominance into a bigger advantage, and they held only a slender one-point lead at half-time.
Their task became even more difficult after finishing the opening period with two players in the sin bin, forcing them to begin the second half with just 13 men.
Griquas wasted little time making their numerical advantage count, moving into a four-point lead before steadily tightening their grip on the contest. While the Pumas continued to play with plenty of energy and ambition, Griquas managed the game superbly and had stretched their advantage to 11 points by the 60th minute.
The Pumas refused to surrender, with powerful prop Mathelela crashing over to reduce the deficit to 33-29 and set up a tense finish. Although Griquas were later reduced to 14 men after receiving a yellow card of their own, they maintained control of the contest.
Two late tries sealed an impressive 43-29 victory, capping off another entertaining Craven Week 2026 match and securing an important win for Griquas.
Western Province XV overpower Griffons after dominant second-half display
The third game of Craven Week 2026 had high expectations, with Western Province XV taking on the Griffons.
The Griffons were first to get on the scoreboard, building early pressure before slotting a smartly converted penalty after a short spell with ball in hand. Their game plan was clear from the outset, moving the ball into the wide channels to stretch the Western Province XV defence. After a dominant midfield scrum, the tactic paid off as the ball found Bastiaan, who crossed to extend the Griffons’ lead to 10-0. It took only two more minutes for the Griffons to score again, this time launching an attack from inside their own 22 to showcase their willingness to play expansive schoolboy rugby.
Against the run of play, Western Province XV manufactured an easy opportunity for Davids to score their opening try and finally get Province on the board. Two penalties from Solomons extended the Griffons’ advantage, but a late try from Valentyn ensured Western Province XV remained within touching distance as the teams headed into the break with the score at 23-14.
Western Province XV came out firing in the second half, marching deep into Griffons territory before Pheiffer crossed after a sustained period of pressure. From there, Western Province XV began to assert themselves, taking control of both possession and territory. The Griffons remained dangerous, however, with flanker Krige producing a determined run down the wing to keep his side firmly in the contest.
But Western Province XV continued to build momentum and refused to settle for a narrow lead. Two quick tries from their centre, running hard lines onto flat passes, followed by another attacking opportunity shortly after the restart, stretched the advantage almost beyond the reach of the Griffons.
The Griffons refused to disappear, with Booyse producing a moment of individual brilliance to score their fourth try. The closing five minutes remained entertaining, with both teams continuing to attack, but Western Province XV had the final say, crossing for one last try to complete a convincing 52-33 victory.
Lions outgun Blue Bulls in Craven Week 2026 thriller
The fourth game of Craven Week 2026 saw the Blue Bulls take on the Lions in what turned out to be one of the most entertaining schoolboy rugby matches of the tournament. With both sides committed to attacking rugby, the game produced 12 tries, many of them coming from long-range breaks, as the Lions claimed an impressive 43-32 victory.
The Blue Bulls made the brighter start, opening the scoring through hooker Charl Els, who crashed over from a well-executed driving maul. The Blue Bulls continued to apply pressure and soon doubled their lead when flanker Stephan vd Vyfer powered his way over the line. The Lions refused to let the game slip away, responding through replacement prop Siya Nkomo, while the accurate boot of flyhalf Jaydon Viljoen kept the scoreboard ticking over. The remainder of the first half developed into an entertaining end-to-end contest, with both teams looking to counter from deep and several long-range attacks stretching the defensive line.
The second half began with the Lions finding another gear as lock Robert Hurne crossed to close the gap before fullback Ndzalama Mbhalati produced one of the tries of the tournament, beating several defenders on a brilliant solo run from distance. The momentum continued to swing in the Lions’ favour when the Blue Bulls were reduced to 14 men after Stephan vd Vyfer received a yellow card, giving the Johannesburg outfit more space to attack.
The Blue Bulls responded through outside centre Dandre Brink, keeping themselves within striking distance, but the Lions continued to punish them with their counter-attacking rugby. Mbhalati grabbed his second try of the afternoon before Ethan Lourens and Glodi Tshipamba added further scores to put the result beyond doubt.
Although the Blue Bulls battled until the final whistle, the Lions were simply too clinical when opportunities presented themselves. Their willingness to attack from anywhere on the field, combined with the reliable goal-kicking of Jaydon Viljoen, sealed an entertaining 43-32 win and capped off another outstanding Craven Week 2026 encounter.
To watch the Craven Week 2026 Day Two highlights, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SCHOOLOFSPORTS
The post Craven Week 2026 Day 2 Results appeared first on SA School Sports.
Big Jim goes Big on the Springboks
Scotland captain turned rugby podcaster Jim Hamilton insisted the world champion Springboks remain the bench mark in international rugby a year out from the 2027 World Cup.
Speaking on The Big Jim Show, Hamilton argued that the Springboks’ greatest strength is no longer simply their world-class starting XV, but the extraordinary depth that allows Erasmus to rotate players without compromising standards.
Jim Hamilton: The Springboks have changed Test rugby
Hamilton says the Bomb Squad has evolved from an idea many questioned into one that the rest of the rugby world is now desperately trying to replicate.
Rather than simply replacing tired forwards, South Africa have weaponised the bench, allowing them to raise their intensity when opponents begin to fade.
He believes that innovation, coupled with unmatched player depth, has fundamentally altered how elite Test rugby is coached.
The Boks dismantled England 45-21 at Ellis Park in the opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship.
The world rugby media view echoed Hamilton’s sentiments.
Rassie Erasmus’ biggest triumph
Hamilton argues that Erasmus’ greatest achievement isn’t winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups.
Instead, it is creating genuine competition across every position.
According to Hamilton, virtually every Springbok knows there is another Test-quality player waiting for an opportunity, ensuring standards never slip.
It has created a culture where performance, rather than reputation, determines selection.
Bigger than individual stars
Hamilton also praises the way Erasmus has built a system that is bigger than any one player.
Whether experienced World Cup winners or newcomers are selected, the Springboks continue to deliver the same physicality, discipline and tactical accuracy.
He points to the seamless integration of new talent as one of the defining features of the Erasmus era.
Physical dominance remains unmatched
Hamilton says every nation speaks about matching the Springboks physically but very few actually achieve it, not for an 80 minute sustained period.
His view is that South Africa’s ability to sustain relentless intensity across the full 80 minutes separates them from every other Test side.
That edge, he says, is amplified by the quality of the replacements entering the contest during the second half.
Damian Willemse’s importance
Hamilton singles out utility back Damian Willemse as one of the Springboks’ most valuable assets.
His versatility across the backline gives Erasmus enormous tactical flexibility and allows South Africa to configure their match-day squad in ways few international teams can match. Willemse, at 15, or at 12, ranks among the best in Test rugby.
The world is still chasing South Africa
Hamilton’s strongest statement is that the Springboks have avoided the complacency that often follows World Cup success.
Instead, they continue to evolve. From constant squad rotation and player development to tactical innovation and selection depth, Hamilton believes South Africa are setting the standard while the rest of the rugby world attempts to catch up.
Big Jim’s Key Takeaways
| Jim Hamilton’s View | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Springboks are rugby’s benchmark | World champions continue to set global standards |
| Bomb Squad changed Test rugby | Other nations are trying to copy South Africa’s blueprint |
| Squad depth is unmatched | Rotation no longer weakens the team |
| Rassie Erasmus’ greatest strength | Building two Test-quality teams |
| Physicality remains unrivalled | South Africa dominate collisions over 80 minutes |
| Damian Willemse is invaluable | His versatility gives Erasmus unique selection flexibility |
Coupe du monde 2026 : l’Argentine met fin aux espoirs de l’Égypte au terme d’un scénario renversant
Irréelle, tout simplement. Tenante du titre, l’Argentine a été menée de deux buts jusqu’à la 79e minute avant de renverser l’Égypte dans le temps additionnel (3-2), ce mardi, en huitièmes de finale de la Coupe du monde 2026. Lionel Messi, auteur d’une prestation XXL, et ses coéquipiers poursuivent ainsi leur aventure et affronteront la Colombie ou la Suisse au tour suivant.
Poussée jusqu’en prolongation par le Cap-Vert (3-2) au tour précédent, l’Albiceleste a timidement entamé cette rencontre, malgré la titularisation de Julian Alvarez aux côtés de Lionel Messi. Les Pharaons, eux, ont abordé le match sans le moindre complexe et ont rapidement été récompensés grâce à une superbe tête d’Ibrahim (0-1, 15e). La stupeur s’est emparée des supporters argentins avant qu’un penalty obtenu par Tagliafico ne fasse renaître l’espoir. Mais Messi a vu sa tentative repoussée par Shobeir.
Le gardien égyptien a ensuite multiplié les exploits en réalisant une parade devant Mac Allister à bout portant, puis une autre face à Alvarez. Il a également affiché un remarquable sang-froid en laissant volontairement un coup franc de Messi heurter le poteau. Après le choc du but encaissé, l’Argentine a retrouvé sa maîtrise du jeu, sans toutefois parvenir à faire sauter le verrou égyptien avant la pause.
Au retour des vestiaires, les septuples champions d’Afrique ont cru faire le break grâce à Ziko, au terme d’un contre éclair initié par Hassan. Mais, après intervention de la VAR, M. Letexier a annulé le but pour une légère faute au départ de l’action. Les Égyptiens n’ont cependant pas baissé les bras. Quelques minutes plus tard, Salah a servi Hassan, qui a trouvé Ziko pour inscrire le deuxième but face à Emiliano Martinez (0-2, 67e).
Dos au mur, les champions du monde ont intensifié leurs offensives. Éprouvés par les 120 minutes disputées contre le Cap-Vert, mais soutenus par leur capitaine, ils ont réduit l’écart grâce à une tête de Romero, parfaitement servi par Messi (1-2, 79e). Peu après, Lautaro Martinez a manqué l’occasion d’égaliser sur une nouvelle offrande de la star argentine.
Messi a alors décidé de faire la différence lui-même. À la 83e minute, le génie de Rosario a déclenché une frappe surpuissante sous la barre transversale de Shobeir pour remettre les deux équipes à égalité (2-2). Et alors que le match semblait se diriger vers la prolongation, Fernandez a offert la victoire à l’Albiceleste d’un superbe coup de tête dans le temps additionnel (3-2, 90+2). Portée par un Lionel Messi exceptionnel, l’Argentine poursuit sa défense du titre au terme d’un renversement spectaculaire.
ALSENY BALDÉ
The post Coupe du monde 2026 : l’Argentine met fin aux espoirs de l’Égypte au terme d’un scénario renversant appeared first on AFRICASPORT.ORG.
Coupe du Monde 2026 : Brillant au PSG, invisible chez les Bleus, Zaïre-Emery paie la concurrence
Éblouissant avec le Paris Saint-Germain tout au long de la saison, Warren Zaïre-Emery espérait naturellement surfer sur cette dynamique en équipe de France. Pourtant, depuis le début de la Coupe du monde, le milieu parisien n’a toujours pas disputé la moindre minute sous le maillot des Bleus.
Il fait sans aucun doute partie des grands gagnants de la saison parisienne. Après un exercice 2024-2025 plus compliqué, Warren Zaïre-Emery a franchi un véritable cap sous les ordres de Luis Enrique.
Technique, intelligent dans ses déplacements, capable d’évoluer à plusieurs postes, le jeune milieu s’est imposé comme un titulaire presque incontournable. Profitant notamment de la blessure de Fabián Ruiz, il a enchaîné les performances de haut niveau et s’est installé durablement dans le onze parisien.
Une montée en puissance qui a largement contribué à la deuxième Ligue des champions consécutive remportée par le PSG, où Zaïre-Emery a confirmé qu’il appartenait désormais au très haut niveau européen.
Toujours aucune minute avec les Bleus
Mais cette réussite en club ne se traduit pas, pour l’instant, en sélection. Depuis le début de cette Coupe du monde, Warren Zaïre-Emery n’a toujours pas quitté le banc. Malgré le parcours convaincant de l’équipe de France, Didier Deschamps n’a pas encore offert la moindre minute de jeu au Parisien.
Une situation qui rappelle d’ailleurs le dernier Euro, où il était déjà resté spectateur du parcours des Bleus sans entrer une seule fois en jeu. Après la saison qu’il vient de réaliser avec le PSG, le milieu de terrain pouvait pourtant légitimement espérer voir son statut évoluer au sein de la sélection.
Une hiérarchie difficile à bousculer
Si Zaïre-Emery ne joue pas, ce n’est pas forcément en raison de ses performances, mais surtout parce que Didier Deschamps s’appuie sur une hiérarchie déjà bien installée.
Au milieu de terrain, Aurélien Tchouaméni et Adrien Rabiot occupent les deux places de titulaires, tandis que Manu Koné et N’Golo Kanté apparaissent également devant lui dans la rotation.
Sa polyvalence pourrait pourtant lui offrir une autre porte d’entrée. Capable d’évoluer au poste de latéral droit, le Parisien doit néanmoins composer avec la confiance accordée par Didier Deschamps à Malo Gusto, titularisé à trois reprises depuis le début du tournoi.
Dans ces conditions, il devient particulièrement difficile pour le jeune Français de se faire une place.
Une attente qui commence à peser
À seulement 20 ans, Warren Zaïre-Emery a encore tout l’avenir devant lui. Mais lorsqu’on réalise une saison de ce niveau avec le champion d’Europe, rester à zéro minute disputée en Coupe du monde a forcément de quoi frustrer.
D’autant que les matchs deviennent désormais de plus en plus importants. Sauf retournement de situation, Warren Zaïre-Emery devrait donc voir cette Coupe du monde s’achever sans avoir disputé la moindre minute sur le terrain…
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