Free State finally burst Province’s bubble at Green Point

WESTERN PROVINCE….(10) 20 FREE STATE XV ………… .. (14) 26

WESTERN PROVINCE bowed out of the Rugby Challenge at the quarter-final stage after going down to the Free State XV at Green Point Track yesterday.

It was the first time that the defending champions, WP, had suffered defeat in the competition since it was launched last year.

But credit to Free State, who handled the wet and windy conditions a lot better than WP did and who were rewarded with four tries while only conceding two.

WP made a slow start and found themselves 14-0 down after letting in two tries, the second from a turnover.

The tries went the way of centre Carel Coetzee and No 8 Jasper Wiese, while Barend Janse van Rensburg converted both.

But WP started to get into the contest and, after fullback Grant Hermanus slotted a penalty, bagged a try through outside centre Dawid Brits. Hermanus added the conversion to make it a four-point ball game.

The second half saw the home side controlling play and it was no surprise when they collected their final try through flyhalf Tristan Leyds, who ran a good support line before receiving the pass and sliding his way over the line. Hermanus converted to make it 17-14.

Free State retook the lead again when their other centre Janse van Rensburg touched down, making it 19-17 in their favour.

WP responded with penalty to set up a tense final quarter. The game was anybody’s and in the end it was the visitors who had the final say with a fourth try, one Janse van Rensburg was able to convert.

The outgoing champions attacked Free State’s line and were inches away from scoring. Replacement forward Chris Massyn looked like he was over the line, but referee Ben Crous didn’t see it that way.

WP Tries: Dawid Brits, Tristan Leyds. Conversions: Grant Hermanus (2). Penalties: Hermanus (2). Free State Tries: Carel Coetzee (2), Barend Janse van Rensburg, Jasper Wiese. Conversions: Janse van Rensburg (3).