In a closely contested match, Western Province under the leadership of returning Springbok Jean de Villiers, managed to survive the 70th minute red-carding of Schalk Burger for a high tackle on Juan Smith, to beat the Free State Cheetahs by 35 points to 17. The Cheetahs enjoyed over 65% possession and territory in the encounter, but were unable to capitalize on their advantage due to a very hardworking Western Province defensive line. Jean de Villiers killed any hope of a come back for the men in gold as he intercepted a pass from inside his 22 to score under the posts in the 78th minute to earn his side a bonus point. Tries for the men in blue came from Enrico Januarie, Joe Pietersen, Andries Bekker, and Jean de Villiers. Replies in kind came from Wilton Pietersen and Fabien Juries.