There were no surprises in the Currie Cup pre-season friendlies played on Friday July, 8, but the traditional powers were run close by some of their less-heralded opponents.

The Sharks XV defeated the South Western District Eagles 35-22 in George but they were made to work hard for their victory and went into the half-time break down 15-14.

The Men from Durban turned on the power in the second half and tries to fullback Gouws Prinsloo, flank Francois Kleinhans and a brace from loosehead prop Dale Chadwick sealed the win as the Sharks gave their youngsters an opportunity to impress.

The Emerging Cheetahs travelled to Port Elizabeth to take on the EP Kings and they did well to hold off the Eastern Cape side, eventually finishing 26-20 victors at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Tries from flyhalf Riaan Smit and wing Ryno Benjamin helped secure the victory for the Bloemfontein-based outfit, but they were kept in check by the accurate boot of Kings flyhalf Louis Strydom who slotted five penalties in the tense encounter.

Griquas had an easier time of it in their clash with the Border Bulldogs in East London and they cruised to a 51-10 victory thanks to tries from Davon Raubenheimer, Fabian Juries, Justin Downey and skipper Jonathan Mokuena.