Free State and the Pumas remain undefeated after recording important victories on the fourth day of the U18 Stadio Craven Week at the Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp.
Free State and the Pumas – as well as Boland and Western Province – have recorded two wins in as many games and will look to gain some momentum in the final round of matches this Saturday.
The Pumas moved 60 points clear of the Limpopo Blue Bulls on Tuesday and were just as ruthless in Thursday’s clash with the Griffons, scoring nine tries in a 57-26 win.
Lock Franko Rossouw touched down twice, while flyhalf Matthew Abbey, the tournament’s top scorer, contributed 17 points.
After defeating the Griffons 57-36 in the first round, Free State had reason to be confident ahead of their showdown with the Bulls on Thursday afternoon.
The Central Union scored three tries in the first half, before the Bulls clawed their way back into the match.
However, late touchdowns from fullback Heinz Stockenstrom – who finished with a brace – and No. 8 Liam Santos secured a 34-27 victory for Free State.
Earlier in the day, Griquas and the Limpopo Blue Bulls showed their attacking intent in a high-scoring match that saw a total of 15 tries.
The Northerners led 18-12 at half-time before Griquas took their performance to the next level in the second stanza to claim a 53-37 victory.
The Golden Lions bounced back from a close loss to the Bulls to edge the WP XV 37-33 on Thursday.
They defeated the Cape side by six tries to five, with replacement defenders Cheswill Jooste and Michael Benzien scoring two each.
The final day of the tournament on Saturday starts at 8am with a match between the Leopards and Limpopo Blue Bulls.
WP plays the last match of the competition at 1:15 PM against Free State.
DAY 4 RESULTS
Griquas 53 (12), Limpopo Blue Bulls 37 (18)
Griffons 26 (7), against Pumas 57 (38)
Golden Lions 37 (20), WP XV 33 (12)
Blue Bulls 27 (8), Free State 34 (17)
TIMETABLE JUNE 29
8am: Leopards v Limpopo Blue Bulls, B field
9.15 am: WP XV vs Pumas, A Field
9.20 am: Valke against Griquas, B-field
10.35am: Lions v SWD, A Field
10.40am: Border vs Griffons, B-field
11:55 a.m.: Bulls vs. Sharks, one field
12.00: Boland against EP, B-field
1.15 pm: WP v Vrijstaat, A Field
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