DHL Western Province U21 scored seven tries on their way to a 53-36 win against Fidelity ADT Lions U21 in Johannesburg on Saturday, to retain their SA Rugby U21 Cup title.

It was a breathless performance from the visitors, who showed their class in the second half to make it back-to-back national titles.

DHL WP U21 made a strong start, with wing Jared Africa going over for the opening try before the home side responded to level things up.

Flyhalf Kyle Smith was next to score, but the teams were back on level terms when the Fidelity ADT Lions scored from close range.

The hosts hit the front for the first time with a penalty, but it would be DHL WP U21 to take the lead into the half-time break as Joshua Boulle finished off an incredible counter-attack which saw some great touches from Africa and scrumhalf Imad Khan.

Fidelity ADT Lions were first to score in the second half, with a converted try putting them back in front before a penalty from Khan had the scores level once again at 24-24.

DHL WP U21 responded with tries from fullback JC Mars and prop Zach Porthen, before the Fidelity ADT Lions came roaring back with two tries of their own to leave the game deadlocked once again at 36-36 with 15 minutes left.

However, it was all DHL WP U21 in the final stages as Khan kicked a penalty and scored a try before replacement Gino Cupido put the seal on an impressive performance which saw his team make it back-to-back titles.

The scorers:

For DHL WP U21:
Tries: Africa, Smith, Boulle, Mars, Porthen, Khan, Cupido
Cons: Khan 6
Pens: Khan 2

DHL WP U21: 15 JC Mars, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Joshua Boulle, 12 Damian Markus , 11 Jared Africa, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Divan Fuller, 6 Paul de Villiers (captain), 5 Carel van der Merwe, 4 Andre Goedhals, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Joshua Eras, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16 Armand Combrinck, 17 Ethan Wasserfall, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Patric Kitete, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Max du Pisani, 22 Asad Moos, 23 Gino Cupido.