A dramatic Pick n Pay Gold Cup quarter-final weekend saw 43 tries, lightning delays, and last-minute heroics as Northam Rhinos, Naka Bulls, Villager RFC, and College Rovers booked their semi-final places.
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The Pick n Pay Gold Cup, South Africa’s premier national club rugby competition, lived up to its “FA Cup” reputation this past weekend as 43 tries, lightning storms, and last-gasp heroics combined to produce one of the most dramatic rounds in the tournament’s history.
After an action-packed quarter-final weekend, the four semi-finalists have been confirmed: Northam Rhinos, Naka Bulls, Villager RFC, and College Rovers. Each secured their spot in the last four with displays of heart, skill, and resilience that thrilled rugby fans across the country.
At a packed Bushveld Park in Setaria, Limpopo, hosts Northam Rhinos overcame Pretoria’s Harlequins 62–21 in a lightning-interrupted clash that may go down as one of the most memorable matches in the competition’s history.
The 2024 runners-up stormed to a 38–7 halftime lead as they chased a 36-point differential needed to secure a home semi-final. Tries from Dillin Snel and Jaylen James early in the second half seemed to seal that goal before a lightning storm halted play for nearly an hour.
When the match resumed, Rhinos pushed their lead to 55–7, seemingly safe until Harlequins struck twice in quick succession to narrow the margin to 34 points, just shy of the Rhinos’ target. But with the storm intensifying and minutes left before the match was called off, Pule Molokomme broke through the defence to score a decisive final try under the posts, restoring a 41-point cushion and unforgettably sealing home advantage.
Rhinos coach Flip de Kock said during the weather delay that his side wanted to “make a statement,” and his team did exactly that, ensuring a blockbuster semi-final against defending champions Naka Bulls.
Earlier in the day, Naka Bulls had booked their own semi-final spot with a 57–22 victory over Northam Wolves, setting up a mouthwatering clash between the Pretoria powerhouse and their Limpopo rivals.
Both teams have proven prolific in attack, but the Rhinos’ home-ground advantage and hunger for redemption after last year’s near miss could make this a defining encounter of the 2025 tournament.
Down south, Cape Town’s Villager RFC had to dig deep to hold off a spirited second-half surge from Eastern Cape’s Gardens in a 40–35 thriller.
Villager, one of the country’s oldest clubs and 1980 Gold Cup champions under Morné du Plessis, led 21–7 at halftime but were pushed to the brink as Gardens clawed their way back with sheer determination and flair.
The Cape side’s victory means they will now host College Rovers of Durban in the semi-finals, a clash that promises to be another high-intensity spectacle.
Rovers, long-time dominators of KZN club rugby, were forced to dig deep in their 27–23 win over Robertson Town in Boland. Despite leading 17–9 at halftime and scoring three unanswered tries, the visitors had to withstand a furious late charge from the home side.
Robertson, playing their second match in as many days, nearly pulled off a historic upset after scoring twice in the second half through Freginald Africa and Marco Jones.
A late yellow card to Rovers flanker Soso Xakalashe gave the Bolanders a crucial scrum advantage, but his timely return from the sin bin helped the Durban outfit survive one last push and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on the weekend’s events, SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer hailed the tournament as “pure sporting theatre of the highest quality.”
“From Limpopo to the Western Cape, we witnessed the true spirit of community rugby,” said Oberholzer. “The performances of Robertson Town and Gardens showed that, on their day, any team can play the role of David against Goliath.”
He added that the resurgence of the Pick n Pay Gold Cup signals “a new golden era for the community game,” supported by key partners Pick n Pay and Northam Platinum, whose investment in grassroots rugby continues to strengthen the sport’s foundation nationwide.
With the semi-finals now set, Northam Rhinos vs Naka Bulls and Villager vs College Rovers—the stage is perfectly prepared for another weekend of passion, power, and pure club rugby magic as the road to the 2025 Pick n Pay Gold Cup final continues.
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