The home side had a strong first half and were in control at the break, leading 19-3, thanks to four penalties by Fred Zeilinga, who also converted a try by Joseph Lewies.

The second half belonged to the Lions though, as they score twice in ten minutes to bring them within a try of winning the match. The KZN defence held out though, despite the despairing efforts from the visitors to secure their first win.

The Border Bulldogs came up short again after starting the competition with two wins. This time they lost 49-35 to the Toyota Free State in Bloemfontein, but managed to pick up a bonus point to keep their movement on the log alive.

The home side were 35-23 up at the break in an entertaining match where eleven tries were scored. Junior Boks ace Raymond Rhule scored three tries, while Pieter-Steyn de Wet converted all seven tries.

Lively scrumhalf Dillon Smit scored a brace for the Bulldogs, with his second securing the bonus point with no time left on the clock.

The DHL Western Province team had a fruitful visit to Potchefstroom on Saturday, as they secured a win and a bonus point over a gutsy Leopards outfit.

The home side still had a 8-7 lead at the break after tries by Edmar Marais and Beyers de Villiers respectively, but in the second half the visitors added four more on their way to a 31-20 win.

Devon Williams scored twice for Province, the second in the 74th minute to wrap up the match.