Western Province XV produced a remarkable second-half turnaround at Grey High School in Gqeberha on Thursday, overcoming a 14-0 deficit to beat the Golden Lions 43-33 and maintain their unbeaten record at the FNB U18 Craven Week.
The Lions controlled the opening exchanges and led by nine at the break, but WP XV hit back before half-time and pulled clear in the second stanza. Wing Thomas Saunders finished with a hat-trick while flyhalf Travis Pheiffer slotted five conversions in what proved a commanding final quarter.
The Griffons returned to winning ways with a 29-12 defeat of the Valke, crossing for five tries. Wings Shovee de Villiers and Qlin Booyse each scored twice.
The Pumas were similarly emphatic against Border, running out 54-14 winners with eight tries. No 8 Vian Louw dotted down twice and flyhalf Ewan van der Merwe contributed 15 points.
The Blue Bulls put Griquas to the sword 59-19, with fullback Drewyn Baron bagging a brace and flyhalf Ruan Fluks converting seven of nine tries.
All 16 teams conclude the tournament at Grey High on Saturday, with the standout fixture on the A-field a WP derby — WP hosting WP XV from 12h00 — while the Sharks face the Lions at 11h30 and Free State take on the Blue Bulls at 10h00.