Bulle, Rhinos charge into African Rainbow Community Gold Cup final

Defending champions Naka Bulle beat Helderberg on Saturday to secure home ground advantage for the African Rainbow Community Gold Cup final, while the Northam Rhinos outlasted College Rovers to book their place in the decider.

South Africa’s premier club tournament will come to a thrilling conclusion this Saturday when the defending champions host the Northam Rhinos at the Naka Bulle Rugby Club in Pretoria.

Naka Bulle scored 10 tries in their runaway 66-30 semifinal victory against Helderberg from Western Province, with Martin Austen (outside centre) claiming a hat-trick. The hosts were in control for much of the contest, although replacement Jaeden Daniels bagged a brace for the visitors from Cape Town.

Down in Durban, College Rovers hosted the Northam Rhinos in a replay of last year’s semifinal.

While Rovers led 18-17 at the break, the Rhinos lifted the tempo in the second half, finishing the game with five tries and a 36-28 victory. Fullback Jade Stoffels slotted four conversions and a penalty goal for the visitors.

The result marks the Rhinos’ fourth win of the tournament, following earlier victories against Bloemfontein Collegians (130-7), Pirates (55-19) and Groot-Brakrivier (60-12).

Naka Bulle had a bye in the second round of the tournament after their prospective opponents were disqualified for fielding ineligible players. Nevertheless, the Pretoria side has racked up some big numbers over the course of their campaign, beating Sishen (107-0) and Northam Wolves (65-10) before accounting for Helderberg in the semifinal.

STRONGEST SIDES CLASH IN FINAL

The tournament’s strongest attacking sides will go head-to-head in the final this weekend. Naka Bulle may fancy their chances of clinching a second-consecutive title, after hammering Rovers 56-29 in last year’s decider in Pretoria.

The rampant Rhinos may prove difficult to repel, given that they have two of the tournament’s leading try-scorers in tow. Wings Elzandro Fredericks (seven) and Warren Williams (six) will be aiming to extend their respective tallies in the championship decider.

The final is scheduled to kick off at 16h00 on Saturday afternoon, and will be streamed live on the SuperSport Schools app and website.

SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

College Rovers 28 Northam Rhinos 36

Naka Bulle 66 Helderberg 30

FINAL (Saturday, 19 October):

16h00: Naka Bulle v Northam Rhinos (Naka Bulle Rugby Club, Pretoria)