The Leopards outlasted the Cell C Sharks in Potchefstroom, while both DHL Western Province and Toyota Free State returned empty handed from visits to Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively where they suffered defeats against the Vodacom Blue Bulls and Xerox Golden Lions.

No less than 30 tries were scored in the three matches, with 25 of those converted.

The Leopards caused the biggest upset of the round by beating the Cell C Sharks 30-29 in a comeback of sorts in Potchefstroom.

The Leopards Rugby Union agreed to terms with the local municipality to return to their traditional stomping ground, Olën Park, and the Under-21 side was the first to take to the field at their traditional ground.

And the Leopards' comeback was fitting in the match. Trailing 17-11 at the break, the impact from replacement-scrumhalf, Bernu Engelbrecht, was huge as he scored a brace and eased his team past the visitors with the narrowest of margins.

The Cell C Sharks only have themselves to blame for the defeat as they were shown three yellow cards during the match.

The Xerox Golden Lions showed their intent with a convincing 54-33 win over Toyota Free State at Wits Stadium in Johannesburg.

The home side started strongly and had the victory in the bag in the first half already, with a 33-7 lead.

Credit to the visitors, who 'won' the second half 26-21, but their dramatic comeback was not enough after the blistering first 40 by the Gauteng team.

Both defence coaches will have some work to do this week, with 13 tries scored in the match.

The Vodacom Blue Bulls got their campaign off to a strong start with a 55-27 win over DHL Western Province team at Loftus B on Friday.

The home side outscored the visitors sevens tries to three and never looked like losing the match.

No 8 Muller Uys scored a brace, but it was the two five-pointers provided by the twinkle toes of fullback Andrew Kota that had the tongues wagging. 

Scoring summaries:

Vodacom Blue Bulls 55 (28), DHL Western Province 27 (14)

Vodacom Blue Bulls - Tries: Werner Fourie, Hanru Sirgel, Muller Uys (2), Damian Bonaparte, Andrew Kota (2). Conversions: Theo Boshoff (7). Penalty Goals: Boshoff, Lionel April.

DHL Western Province - Tries: Prince Orderson, Sihle Njezula, Lyle Hendricks. Conversions: Abner van Reenen (2), Christopher Schreuder. Penalty Goals: Van Reenen (2).

Leopards 30 (11), Cell C Sharks 29 (17)

Leopards - Tries: Andre van der Berg, Reinhard Jordaan, Lincoln Daniels, Bernu Engelbrecht (2). Conversions: Van der Berg (2). Penalty Goals: Van der Berg (2).

Cell C Sharks - Tries: Le Roux Malan, Donald Falconer, Sicelo Tole. Conversions: Henry Chamberlain (2). Penalty Goal: Chamberlain.

Xerox Golden Lions 54 (33), Toyota Free State 33 (7)

Xerox Golden Lions - Tries: Nathan Mcbeth, Cohen Kiewit, Ruan Vermaak, Dian Schoonees, Kennedy Mpeku, Prince Nkabinde (2), Shaun-christian Baxter. Conversions: Jack Hart, Ulrich Maritz (6).

Toyota Free State - Tries: Keenan Murray, Marthinus Boshoff, Carl Wijburg, Gustav Meyer. Conversions: Charles Williams, Aya Oliphant (3).

Round Two fixtures (Saturday 29 June):

Cell C Sharks v Xerox Golden Lions

Kick-off: 13h00

Venue: Jonsson King Park 2, Durban

DHL Western Province v Leopards

Kick-off: 13h30

Venue: Bellville Rugby Club, Bellville South

Toyota Free State v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Kick-off: 13h00

Venue: Shimla Park, Bloemfontein