The Pick n Pay Gold Cup quarter-finals delivered a weekend of rugby drama that will be remembered for years to come, with 43 tries, heart-stopping finishes, and even a lightning storm adding to the spectacle. South Africa’s premier national club rugby competition once again proved why it’s often dubbed the “FA Cup” of local rugby, as Northam Rhinos, Naka Bulls, Villager RFC, and College Rovers emerged as the final four contenders after a series of electrifying clashes on October 11 and 12, 2025.
The action kicked off at Bushveld Park in Setaria, Limpopo, where the Northam Rhinos hosted Pretoria’s Harlequins in a match that saw everything from a blistering offensive display to an hour-long lightning delay. The Rhinos, last year’s runners-up, came into the game needing a 36-point victory margin to secure a home semi-final, and they wasted no time putting their stamp on the match. Racing to a 38–7 halftime lead, the Rhinos looked every bit the team on a mission, with tries from Jade Stoffels, Lindokuhle Welemu, and a hat-trick from Khwezi Mkhafu setting the tone early.
But the drama was just beginning. Scrumhalf Dillin Snel darted over just 34 seconds into the second half, and flyhalf Jaylen James added another try minutes later, seemingly putting the home advantage out of reach for any challengers. Then, as if scripted for maximum suspense, a lightning storm forced the teams off the field for nearly an hour. When play resumed, Elzandro Fredericks notched his second try, pushing the Rhinos’ lead to 55–7 and their points differential to a seemingly insurmountable 48.
However, the Harlequins, under the guidance of coaching consultant Nico Luus, weren’t ready to roll over. Replacement Kethu Twala and scrumhalf Eugene Hare each crossed the line, with Jaen-dre de Bruyn’s sideline conversion trimming the Rhinos’ lead to 34 points—just short of the target needed for home advantage. With the storm intensifying and officials considering calling off the match, the Rhinos mounted one final attack. The crowd erupted as Pule Molokomme broke through for a decisive try under the posts, converted by James, restoring a 41-point cushion before the match was officially ended with 17 minutes still on the clock.
Rhinos coach Flip de Kock, speaking during the weather delay, summed up his team’s attitude: “We wanted to make a statement.” His side certainly did, securing a blockbuster semi-final against defending champions Naka Bulls, who had earlier dispatched Northam Wolves 57–22. The Bulls, led by a hat-trick from Christoff Craill and tries from Onyekachi John-Osunkwo, Jack Hart, Adam Makhari, Ethan Williams, and JJ Motlhodi, proved their attacking prowess with Hansie Graaf adding six conversions and a penalty. For Northam Wolves, Keano Wildvogel and Marcel Human (twice) crossed the whitewash, with Billy Posthumus adding a conversion.
Down in Cape Town, Villager RFC—one of South Africa’s oldest clubs and 1980 Gold Cup champions—hosted Gardens in a match that swung wildly from dominance to desperation. Villager surged to a 21–7 halftime lead, thanks to tries from MC de Jongh (twice), Thomas Meyer, Adriaan Rabie, Reimerd Spreeth, and Andries Viljoen, with Devon Lailvaux converting five. Yet Gardens, powered by Ethan Vaaltyn’s two tries and further scores from Duwayne Nel, Lukhona Gans, and Adriano Martin (all converted by Luciandre Theodore), mounted a spirited second-half comeback that pushed Villager to the brink. Ultimately, Villager held on for a nail-biting 40–35 victory, earning the right to host College Rovers in the semi-finals.
The College Rovers, perennial powerhouses of KwaZulu-Natal club rugby, faced a stern test against Robertson Town in Boland. Leading 17–9 at halftime and having scored three unanswered tries through Fifty Zono, Sergio Torrens (twice), Marco Palvie, and Soso Xakalashe, Rovers seemed on track for a comfortable win. But Robertson, playing their second match in as many days, showed remarkable grit. Flanker Freginald Africa and No. 8 Marco Jones scored in the second half, with Adriaano Conradie converting both and slotting three penalties to bring Robertson within four points. The tension peaked when Rovers’ flanker Xakalashe was shown a yellow card, giving Robertson a scrum advantage deep in Rovers’ territory. However, his timely return helped the visitors withstand a final onslaught and secure a hard-fought 27–23 victory.
Reflecting on the weekend’s action, SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer praised the tournament’s drama and the quality of play: “I’ve said many times that knockout rugby is part of South African rugby players’ and fans’ DNA, and nothing illustrated this better than this past weekend’s Pick n Pay Gold Cup quarter-finals. What we saw from Limpopo to the Western Cape was pure sporting theatre of the highest quality. The performances of Robertson Town and Gardens in particular, who will finish the Pick n Pay Gold Cup in fifth and sixth positions respectively, against much more fancied opponents, shows that on the day, any team can play the role of David against Goliath.”
Oberholzer also highlighted the impact of the tournament’s sponsors: “The potential of the Gold Cup may have been stalled by the pandemic, but this past weekend’s matches have well and truly lit that flame again. It’s the Cup that every club player wants to win above any other, and together with our partners Pick n Pay and Northam Platinum, a new golden era for the community game is well and truly upon us.”
Indeed, the Pick n Pay Gold Cup’s resurgence is fueled by strong partnerships. Pick n Pay’s four-year agreement as title sponsor and Northam Platinum’s commitment to grassroots rugby have provided the foundation for a competition that not only showcases elite club talent but also offers a vital pathway for players from traditional heartlands like the Boland and Eastern Cape to shine on a national stage.
With the semi-finals now set—Northam Rhinos vs Naka Bulls at Bushveld Park in Setaria, Limpopo, and Villager RFC vs College Rovers at Brookside, Claremont, Cape Town—anticipation is at fever pitch. Both matches are scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, with the North section semi-final kicking off at 17:00 and the South section at 14:30. Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport platforms as the road to the 2025 Pick n Pay Gold Cup final continues.
As the dust settles on a weekend of unforgettable moments, one thing is clear: the spirit, passion, and unpredictability of club rugby are alive and well—setting the stage for another round of high-stakes drama as four teams chase the ultimate prize in South African community rugby.
