Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 1 explodes into life with record wins and early upset

THE 2026 season of the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 1 roared into action on Saturday, delivering a century of points in East London, a statement away win in Alberton, and commanding performances in Cape Town and Wellington.

Defending champions, the Isuzu Bulls Daisie,s stole the headlines with a ruthless 100 to 0 demolition of the Border Ladies at Police Park. Meanwhile, the EP Queens announced themselves as genuine contenders with a clinical 32 to 12 victory over the Golden Lions Women in Alberton.

In the coastal clash, DHL Western Province powered past the Sharks Women 51 to 19, while the Sanlam Boland Dames opened their account with a convincing 36 to 5 triumph over Free State Women in Wellington.

Daisies hit three figures in East London

If there were any doubts about the Daisies’ title credentials, they were emphatically erased in East London.

It took nine minutes for debutant prop Asiza Mkiva to crash over for the first try, but once the Pretoria outfit found their rhythm, there was no stopping the flood. Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Jakkie Cilliers sparked the backline into action, while Xolelwa Diliza and Shaunique Alexander sliced through a shell-shocked defence.

Despite a yellow card to Vainah Ubisi, the visitors continued to dominate every facet. They led 60 to 0 at halftime and added another 40 points after the break, overwhelming their hosts with relentless pace, precision, and depth off the bench. Sixteen tries underlined a ruthless display that sent a clear message to the rest of the competition.

Queens stun Lions on the Highveld

The first upset of the campaign arrived in Alberton, where the Queens combined attacking ambition with clinical finishing to outplay the Lions.

Flyhalf Julene Haas opened the scoring and impressed before leaving with injury, while Siphenathi Yeko controlled proceedings off the tee. Wing Lukhanye Lolo struck from the restart to maintain momentum, and replacement Lee Jane Harris added her name to the scoresheet in the second half.

Although the Lions showed grit and physicality, handling errors proved costly. Joane Boesak’s late try sealed a deserved bonus point win for the visitors from Gqeberha, who looked sharp and adventurous in the wide channels.

Province set the tone in Cape Town

Western Province wasted no time asserting themselves in the coastal derby at City Park.

Two early tries by Alichia Arries and Logan Welman gave the home side a flying start. Arries added an intercept effort, Luchell Hanekom muscled over, and Voice Ndou sprinted half the length of the field as Province stormed to a commanding halftime lead.

The Sharks rallied after the breakthrough through Tayla Kinsey, Lindelwa Gwala, and Megan Comley, but Province’s depth proved decisive. Captain Sinazo Mcatshulwa crossed, and Ndou’s second try ensured the hosts brought up a half-century in a polished opening performance.

Boland impresses at home

In Wellington, Boland’s blend of power and enterprise proved too much for Free State.

Arthea King opened the scoring before debutants Tereska Kabuika and Chloe Adams extended the advantage. Although Sikholiwe Mdletshe responded for the visitors, Boland secured their bonus point before halftime through Felicia Jacobs.

A tighter second half followed, but a yellow card to lock Marlene Adams created space for Buhle Sonamzi to strike. Centre Rufaru Tagarira’s late try capped a composed and ultimately dominant display in front of an appreciative home crowd.

After one weekend, the league table already carries the imprint of statement wins and early ambition. If the opening round is any indication, the 2026 season promises drama, flair, and no shortage of points.