WP makes massive statement against Free State
Western Province sent out a clear warning in their opening match of the 2025 Grant Khomo Week by walloping Free State 55-22 in the main game of the opening day at St Alban’s College in Pretoria.
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The defending champions exhibited ferocious intent to defend their title and were relentless in turning offensive defence into lethal attack. Pressurising the Free Staters into numerous unforced errors, the hooped jerseys showcased their willingness and ability to attack from anywhere on the field.
They showed a preference to launch attacks from broken play, and their speedy backs capitalised on any space given to them. This was evident as outside centre, Luca Orgill, beat his man twice for a well-deserved brace of tries, while their pocket-rocket at scrumhalf, Devon Booysen, also kept the Free Staters guessing with his snipping runs, catching them off guard a couple of times.
Upfront, lock, Corné Ferreira, set the tone through his early try. Besides scoring, Ferreira was a workhorse in the trenches, throwing his body around all over the park to lead the commanding defensive efforts, too.
Although a tough day at the office for the men from the Free State, they never stopped probing, with No. 8 and captain, Neil du Randt, in particular putting in a massive shift on both attack and especially defence. Du Randt was ultimately rewarded with a well-deserved five-pointer, although it was not enough to even slightly rattle what seems to be a very hungry WP outfit.
In the curtain-raiser, last year’s runners-up and hosts of this year’s tournament, the Blue Bulls, kicked off their campaign by comfortably seeing off Boland 32-13. Outside centre, Dandré Brink, led the charge and crossed the whitewash for two of his side’s four tries.
Brink was well supported by flyhalf Reuben Smith‘s deadly boot. The Blue Bulls’ general nailed three conversions and three penalty goals for a personal contribution of 15 points.
On the Baloyi Field, the Western Province XV scraped by the Pumas with 30-27, thanks to a 15-point contribution from their sharpshooter, Divan Meyer, who, like Reuben Smith, slotted three conversions and three penalties to contribute half of his side’s points.
Griquas gave the Iqhawe XV a proper welcome in the Jacaranda City, scoring 36 unanswered points in the second half to reign victorious by 50-14. Although getting a hiding in the second 30, the Iqhawe XV impressed during the first stanza, scoring the first two goals of the game to lead by 14-0 in no time.
Scorers:
Moshate Field:
Western Province 55 (24) – Tries: Luca Orgill (2), Ziyaad Jappie, Corné Ferreira, Lunika Marvite, James Sale, Joshua Kirby, Nahum Koen. Conversions: Jake Dave (6). Penalty: Dave. Free State 22 (10) – Tries: Niel du Randt, Lino Mtwebana, Dippies Dippenaar. Conversions: Zachary Walburgh (2). Penalty: Walburgh.
Blue Bulls 32 (15) – Tries: Dandré Brink (2), Ruan Fluks, Ronald Phiri. Conversions: Reuben Smith (3). Penalties: Smith (3). Boland 13 (3) – Try: Tristin Syster. Conversion: Brent-Leigh Exstraal. Penalty: Ruan Nortjé.
Baloyi Field:
Griquas 50 (14) – Tries: LJ Buys (2), Levaan Badenhorst, Hanco Klopper, Franklin Stevens, Schalk van Dyk, Thurswill Vers, Eaven Peterson. Conversions: Jay-Dee Isaacs (5). Iqhawe XV 14 (14) – Tries: Luthanda Marangxa, Kabelo Motlharo. Conversions: Marangxa (2).
Western Province XV 30 (17) – Tries: Janu Pretorius, Hadley Erasmus, Jean Olivier. Conversions: Divan Meyer (3). Penalties: Meyer (3). Pumas 27 (15) – Tries: Rhandzu Mkhabela, Fisokuhle Shabalala, Siphesihle Marule, Thubelihle Marule. Conversions: Kgontse Masilela (2). Penalty: Cornelius Erasmus.
