Craven Week: the Lions feed

While Johan Ackermann’s Lions are setting the standard for South African sides at Super Rugby level, things are clearly healthy at the bottom as well.

The union’s Under-18 vintage proved that by being crowned unofficial Craven Week champions for 2017 after they convincingly beat the Sharks 45-18 in the weekend’s main game.

It’s the first time they’ve done so since 2005.

Five tries and a personal haul of 20 points by impressive fullback Kennedy Mpeku (above) underlined the Lions’ superiority.

And, as a cherry on top, the union has contracted most members of this team.

“Prioritising the signing of top players from our local schools have been the main aim this year,” said Bart Schoeman, the Lions’ high-performance manager.

“Only after signing ‘homegrown’ players in key positions did we go out to fill the gaps with the next best players outside our union.”

It’s a strategy that will clearly put them in good stead.

Free State could feel particularly aggrieved at not perhaps being considered better opponents for the Lions.

Their 54-33 victory over Western Province saw them finish unbeaten.

In the process, they scored a record 198 points during the week.

Flyhalf Christopher Schreuder and centre Henk Cilliers emerged with enhanced reputations.

Interestingly, Griquas also ended the week unbeaten following a 57-34 win over Limpopo Blue Bulls.

Captain and No 8 Edrich Brand is a star in the making.