The Sharks XV began their Vodacom Cup campaign with a 72-6 thrashing of the Border Bulldogs, while the Free State XV beat the SWD Eagles 31-8.

In Durban, the hosts ran in 10 unanswered tries with flyhalf Fred Zeilinga scoring 32 points (two tries, two penalties and eight conversions).

In George, Tewis de Bruyn kicked Free State to victory with four penalties and two conversions. The visitors scored three tries through lock Neil Claassen and wings Eddie Fredericks and Ludwig Erasmus.

Sharks XV (72) – Tries: S'bura Sithole, Tyler Fisher (2), Fred Zeilinga (2), Sizo Maseko (2), Heimar Williams, Gouws Prinsloo, Jandre Marais. Conversions: Zeilinga (8). Penalties: Zeilinga (2).
Border Bulldogs (6) – Penalties: Karlo Aspelling (2).

SWD Eagles (31) – Try: Grant Kemp. Penalty: Elric van Vuuren.
Free State XV (8) – Tries: Neil Claassen, Eddie Fredericks, Ludwig Erasmus. Conversions: Tewis de Bruyn (2). Penalties: De Bruyn (4).

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images