Lions replacement scrumhalf Haashim Pead, winger Angelo Davids and hooker PJ Botha were all smiles at the Shark Tank in Durban on Saturday, where they secured a nail-biting URC over the Sharks, courtesy of Pead’s late try. Junior Springbok scrumhalf star Haashim Pead’s match-winning cameo for the Lions in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derby against the Sharks in Durban will only serve to fuel calls for more playing minutes for the World Junior Player of the Year. The 20-year-old showed off his great eye for the half-gap with a sniping run and try from close range after collecting the ball off the base of the ruck that gave the visitors a thrilling 23-22 victory in the Shark Tank after the final hooter.
But beyond the exhilaration of snatching a crucial derby victory with his first URC try, the big question for Lions fans now is simple: has Pead done enough to justify more opportunities, not just late‑game cameos? The standout player from the 2025 U20 World Championship – he lit up the tournament with his searing pace and sharp rugby brain as he scored some eye‑catching tries and gained serious running metres– came off the bench late in Saturday’s contest and needed only a few minutes to once again underline his attacking threat. Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen was effusive in his praise ofthe young star after the match.
“Hash is a special player. I’ve been working hard with him on quickness, in-game plan, and gave him some nice exposure touring with us, seeing the picture,” he said in his post-match media conference. “We’re as excited about him as everyone is and happy that he could make the difference today.” Pead had been included in the Lions’ matchday squad as backup to Springbok star Morné van den Berg.
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In all fairness, Nico Steyn, who made way for the Junior Bok star in the line-up, has hardly put a foot wrong when pressed into action for the Lions this season. This goes some way to explaining Pead’s limited opportunities at the Joburg franchise, with the coaching staff understandably preferring seasoned heads in tight contests. In that context, the match-winning performance could mark a turning point for Pead, his youthful flair bringing unpredictability and a direct attacking threat to the Lions.
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