The Rhinos and Hogs clash provided the expected sparks as the two sides showed little respect for each other from the first whistle. Rhinos showed their intention of scoring the first try of the match through left wing, Mzwindile Monyamane in the second minute. He was unlucky as Hogs cleared the danger. Hogs were making nice passes in the middle of the park, but the forwards were easily losing possession of the ball. Hogs full back, Eddie Orsthuizen stopped Tshepong Rasekaba’s attack as he was pushing to go for a try. The game continued being physical leading to a penalty awarded to Rhinos. Left centre, Kaelo Mogotsi missed the target by a whisker.
Tempers continued to swell even from the benches of the two sides. Rhinos broke the stalemate through Rasekaba’s penalty in the 15th minute. Rhinos were now leading 3-0. The goal changed the complexion of the match as Hogs started piling pressure on their opponents pushing for a try. Orsthuizen failed to level matters from a long-range penalty in the 19th minute. A few minutes later, Rhinos were awarded a penalty a few inches from the 50-metre line. Mogotsi’s kick hit the cross bar, only for Rasekaba to make a follow up and score the first try of the match in the 24th minute. Mogotsi scored the conversion to extend Rhinos lead to 10-0. The going was tough for Hogs as they lost line-outs and scrums. Rhinos continued dominating the match as they scored in the 32nd minute to push the lead to 17-0. Orsthuizen was at it again as he hit the side bar from a penalty failing to get three points for Hogs a few minutes before half time. The second half started with Hogs on an upper level as they wanted to register a goal. Their hard work paid off as Orsthuizen scored a penalty in the 45th minute to make it 17-3. A few minutes later, the full back scored another penalty to take the score line to 17-6. Hogs were now back in the game. It was clear they believed that they could cause an upset. Unfortunately they were dealt a blow when their right centre, Sean King left the field on a stretcher after suffering a concoction. Speaking to Monitor Sport after the match, Hogs coach, Louis Fourie said his game plan was to make the ball do the work, get into the wings and score. He said it was unfortunate that the plan did not work out.
