The flyhalf, Ernst Stapelberg, who will be bidding farewell to the Free State soon, scored a brace of tries as the Free State crossed the whitewash on 7 occasions, and on top of that, he slotted all 7 conversions in the very windy conditions to contribute with 24 points in the game.

While there were positives, the coach Izak van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that there are work-ons’ ahead of this week’s game against the SWD Eagles.

“I think that was a good game, but there are definitely a couple of elements that we will have to work on before next weekend.

“In the end, it was a good win and there are a couple of good things that we saw.

“We have to have a look at our decision making in terms what to do where on the field will need to be addressed. There are one or two times where should have perhaps mauled more and get the ball out quicker. That is all decision making, but it not a major thing.

“Handling at some points in the game always let us down a little so that will also need some work.

“On a positive note I think that the plan with the front rows worked well and we scrum very well. Out physicality form, the game against the Boland Cavaliers also improved.

On Friday evening the Pumas beat the Leopards 40-30, the Blue Bulls beat the Griffons 35-20 and on Saturday the Griquas thumped the Welwitschias 61-24 in Windhoek.

Scorers:

EP Elephants: Tries - Michael Botha, Michael Makase Conv. - Oliver Zono

Toyota FS XV: Tries - Jamba Ulengo, Ernst Stapelberg 2, Tapiwa Mafura, Jasper Wiese, Marlou van Niekerk, Marnus van der Merwe Conv. - Stapelberg 7

@MorganPiek OFM Sport