The Grant Khomo Rugby Week kicked off with a BANG in Gqeberha on Monday! Hosts Eastern Province and DHL Western Province went toe-to-toe in a sensational opening day thriller!
WP emerged victorious 38-25, but EP put up a fight for the ages! Joandre van Jaarsveld’s men were full of heart, but WP’s clinical breakdown work and dangerous runners proved too much in the closing stages. EP were right there until the final whistle, even threatening a comeback at 31-25 before WP slammed the door shut with two decisive late tries. Center Erin Nelson was a BEAST for EP, scoring two tries and keeping WP on their toes all game.
The drama didn’t stop there! Earlier, the WP XV gave the Blue Bulls a serious scare! Wian Delport ROCKETED through the Bulls defense with a brilliant run to put WP XV ahead with just 9 minutes left! The Bulls clung on, nailing a late penalty to steal the win 26-24 after a valiant effort by the WP XV.
Elsewhere, Sanlam Boland and the Lions had a nail-biter! The Lions clawed their way back from a 15-3 deficit at halftime, but a final knock-on in their desperate search for a winning try sent the Boland supporters into raptures!
The Sharks also had a day to remember! Down 17-7 to the Free State at the break, they flipped the script with a RAGING comeback, scoring three unanswered tries and shutting out the Free State in the second half for a stunning 26-20 victory! What a way to start the week!
Grant Khomo Week Opening Day Results:
Picture: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images
