The KZN Under 18 Craven Week team, who have the Mr Price SPORT MAXED brand as their technical kit sponsor, were the standout performers on the opening day of the annual schoolboy tournament.
 
KZN produced an eye-catching display of running rugby on Monday to comprehensively defeat a star studded Free State side 48-24 to kick-off their 2012 campaign with a bang.
 
This year, the Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week unfolds from July 9-14 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, where some of the best schoolboy talent from around the country will be on display.
 
After their big win on Monday, KZN will now face the Lions on Wednesday and if they can repeat their form displayed against Free State, one would expect them to go on to contest the main game on Saturday – the unofficial “final” of the Craven Week tournament.
 
The Craven Week is an iconic tournament named after legendary Springbok Dr Danie Craven, with the competition having become a hunting ground for talent scouts trying to find the best players for their provinces, while many upcoming stars use the tournament as a stepping stone to further their careers.
 
Points scorers
KZN (36) 48 – Tries: Bruce Arnott (2), Cornelis Vermaak, Daniel du Preez, Jesse Kriel (2), Justin Moberly. Conversions: Robert Anderson (5). Penalty: Anderson
 
Free State (3) 24 – Tries: Othello Sebotsa, EW Viljoen, Edward Schmidt. Conversions: Pieter Jordaan (3). Penalty: Jordaan.