Free State and KwaZulu-Natal were the big winners on the third day of the Coca-Cola Craven Week in Nelspruit on Wednesday.
Free State beat the hosts, the Pumas, 21-10 in the final game of the day, while the Young Sharks were too strong for the Griffons, beating them 45-14 in an earlier game.
Free State’s win puts them in line for a spot in Saturday’s main game of the week and, by their latest showing, thoroughly deserve the honour. They have looked the most balanced side of the week so far.
Their forwards have dominated the proceeding, especially in the loose exchanges where their loose forwards have been outstanding, while they have a set of backs with the characteristic skills and pace that one has come to expect from Free State Schools and Grey College.
KwaZulu-Natal had the misfortune of meeting Free State in their first encounter and despite looking somewhat undercooked, they went down narrowly, 26-20.
However, in their second match, KwaZulu-Natal were a different proposition. They completely outplayed the Griffons, scoring eight tries in a 45-14 win.
Eastern Province beat Northwest 38-31 in an entertaining encounter earlier on, while Boland beat Namibia 40-19 in the opening game of the day. — Sapa