Has Haashim Pead done enough to earn more Lions game time with match-winning cameo?

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 of  the 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. 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.

Among supporters and on social media platforms, debate has grown over how the Lions have used Pead to date. Some argue that he’s been under‑used in senior competition, especially given his performances and potential game‑breaking ability at junior level. Others warn that he needs time to develop his decision‑making ability under pressure at senior level.  

There’s no doubt Saturday’s cameo under immense pressure against a Bok-laden Sharks team will give the pro‑Pead argument a significant boost.

The Lions are firmly in the URC playoff picture in seventh place but there are some tricky fixtures on the horizon, including derbies against the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers, and Van Rooyen and Co will soon need to decide whether Pead’s role expands beyond super‑sub status. 

The victory over the Sharks – and Pead’s part in it – might just be the catalyst they’ve been waiting for. 

The Lions are next in action at home in the EPCR Challenge Cup against French visitors Lyon at Ellis Park on Saturday (5.15pm kickoff).