The Leopards U20 secured a thrilling 43–31 victory against the Toyota Cheetahs U20 on Saturday, 29 August 2026. This high-scoring encounter saw the Leopards claim fifth place on the log with 7 points, while the Cheetahs finished just behind them in sixth place with 2 points.
The Leopards got off to a flying start when Handre Maree crossed the whitewash in the second minute. Flyhalf Marno Greeff added the conversion. The Cheetahs hit back ten minutes later through an unconverted try by Duncan Basson to trail 7–5.
The Leopards quickly restored their cushion when Erich Potgieter powered over for a converted score. The momentum shifted drastically midway through the half when the Leopards lost both Wandisa Mthombeni and try-scorer Potgieter to injuries.
Capitalising on the disruption, the Cheetahs stormed back into the match. They scored through Mokgaotsi Mosiane and a second from Basson. Both were converted by Darius Erwee, handing the Bloemfontein side a 19–14 lead at halftime.
The hosts roared back into life early in the second half. Liebrecht Winterbach scored, allowing Greeff to kick them back into a slim lead. The Leopards bench then proved to be the major difference-maker.
Just one minute after being subbed onto the field, Hubert Winterbach scored a brilliant try. Greeff converted, and Maree then completed his brace shortly after to stretch the lead to 33–19.
The Leopards sealed the result in the 76th minute. Hubert Winterbach mirrored Maree by scoring his own second try of the afternoon. Greeff added his fifth successful conversion of the match.
The Cheetahs refused to lie down and fought hard to salvage bonus points. Tactical substitute H.G. Muller found a gap to score in the 78th minute, though Erwee's conversion attempt went wide.
Deep into injury time, Jason Rip crossed for the Cheetahs' fifth try. Erwee successfully converted to bring the final score to 43–31. The clinical second-half display from the Potchefstroom team secured the maximum points.
Scorers:
Toyota Cheetahs U20: Mokgaotsi Mosiane, Duncan Basson (2), HG Muller, Jason Rip. Conversions: Darius Erwee (3).
Leopards U20: Tries: Handre Maree (2), Erich Potgieter, Hubert Winterbach (2), Liebrecht Winterbach. Conversions: Marno Greeff (5).
Teams:
Leopards U20: 1 Kian Rademeyer, 2 Eli Pedro, 3 Wandisa Mthobeni, 4 Erich Potgieter, 5 Ruan Janse Van Rensburg, 6 Liebrecht Winterbach, 7 Raluano Ramano, 8 GJ Steenberg, 9 Marcwin Nero, 10 Marno Greeff, 11 David Ndala, 12 Eagan Roux, 13 Handre Maree, 14 Willem Van Der Berg, 15 Hanu Fourie. Replacements: 16 Hubert Winterbach, 17 Robert John-onsunkwo, 18 Botshelo Motsepe, 20 J-cop Van Engelen, 21 Dian Smith, 22 Christopher Dennis, 23 Lorenzo Kroutz.
Toyota Cheetahs U20: 1 Sibabalwe Booi, 2 Jan Coetzee, 3 Petrus Oberholzer, 4 Oyama Frans, 5 Renier Grobler, 6 Mokgaotsi Mosiane, 7 Bohlale Maphisa, 8 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 9 Ryan Smith, 10 Darius Erwee, 11 Damien Witbooi, 12 Duncan Basson, 13 Anrich Scheffer, 14 Fortune Sehlabane, 15 Jade Muller. Replacements: 16 Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen, 17 Werner Vrey, 18 Jandre Opperman, 19 Jason Rip, 20 Kgolagano Legodi, 21 HG Muller, 22 Siya Khambule, 23 Heinz Stockenstrom.