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DHL WP work hard for sixth straight win

PUBLISHED: June 2, 2019


DHL Western Province had to come from behind to claim a hard-fought 37-33 win against Toyota Free State XV at Wolfson Stadium, to make it six straight SuperSport Rugby Challenge wins this season.

Despite being under significant pressure at times, DHL Western Province showed plenty of composure and fighting spirit to come back and win the game at the death.

The Free State side made a fast start to the game with two early tries as captain Jasper Wiese scored first before a breakaway try from wing Darren Adonis which made it 12-0.

DHL Western Province responded with a penalty from flyhalf Abner van Reenen following a powerful scrum and a try of their own as inside centre EW Viljoen dived over after some strong work by the forwards.

Toyota Free State XV had the final say in the first half as replacement prop Gunther Janse van Vuuren forced his way over from close range to take their lead out to 19-10 at half-time.

DHL Western Province made a determined start to the second half and hammered away at the defence until eventually lock Brandon Valentyn found a way through for a try, which made it a two-point game with 30 minutes left.

The Bloemfontein team hit back with two quick tries, as first outside centre Carel-Jan Coetzee capped a period of extended pressure on the tryline by bursting through, before Adonis got his second.

DHL Western Province refused to give in and were awarded a oenalty try from another big scrum, before replacement Tristan Leyds grabbed an intercept try to bring them within striking distance.

Two late penalties from Van Reenen were enough to seal what was a hard-fought win in the end to maintain their unbeaten record this season.

The scorers:

For DHL WP:
Tries:
Viljoen, Valentyn, penalty try, Leyds
Cons: Van Reenen 3
Pens: Van Reenen 3

For Toyota Free State XV:
Tries:
Wiese, Adonis 2, Janse van Vuuren, Coetzee
Cons: Dobela 4

DHL Western Province: 15 Craig Barry (captain), 14 Nico Leonard, 13 David Brits, 12 EW Viljoen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Abner van Reenen, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Chris Massyn, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 Jordan Sesink-Clee, 4 Brandon Valentyn, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Schalk Erasmus, 1 Kwenzo Blose.
Replacements: 16 Chadley Wenn, 17 Michael Kumbirai, 18 Curtly Thomas, 19 Brendon Esterhuizen, 20 Paul de Wet, 21 Tristan Leyds, 22 Cornel Smit.